arthritis

[OakLeaf]

Good thoughts coming your way from here, too.

Remember that X-ray signs of joint degeneration correlate very poorly with symptoms. It could just be an incidental finding. Hopefully the doctors will explain it better to you, sort out what's going on and be able to help you fix it.

[indysteel]

That's good to know, Oak. I'm trying to keep my thoughts in check since I do know so little at this point. From his exam of me, the PT didn't think it was arthritis. I hope hid assessment is correct.

Deep breath....I just wish the doc would call gosh darnit. I left a message this morning!

[Catrin]

Oh my, I just saw this, I hope you hear from the doc soon so you can get more information...

[KnottedYet]

Just about anyone over the age of 30 has arthritis in at least one joint.

It may or may not be symptomatic.

(Oak has it pegged in her reply.)

There is the kind where your body is attacking its own joint tissues, and there's the kind where your body is creating an "overgrowth" of bone to relieve some stress to the periosteum or cartilage. (since the overgrowth has a function, it is not a pathology)

Neither is a death sentence. Neither means you must give up any activity.

Pictures are ALWAYS more frightening than functional assessments. I'd go with the PT: of course you have arthritis just like everyone, but it may not be the cause of your problem. It may turn out to be your body's way of dealing with the problem!

I hang out with a lot of DI folks, and lemme tell ya', NOBODY has a "normal" diagnostic image. (We all look like train wrecks under the skin.)

[indysteel]

Thanks for offering some perspective, Knotted. I think I'm somewhat freaked because my pain is consistent (esp. the groin pain) with hip arthritis. Plus, the pain is fairly constant these days. While some days are worse than others, I always have some pain and limited ROM. But I do need to wait for what the doc and PT say. I realize it's not a death sentence, but it's still worrisome. I'd also note that autoimmune issues run in my family, so anytime an issue comes up that could potentially fall under that category, I freak a little.

[kermit]

I am 42 and recently went to my doctor for shoulder pain, yup arthritis. He gave me some shots and some stretching exercises. He told me pretty much everyone has some type or arthritis somewhere. I have broken a lot of bones from riding horses. I swear by joint supplements. I feel your pain but you are not alone, feel better.

[SheFly]

Thanks for offering some perspective, Knotted. I think I'm somewhat freaked because my pain is consistent (esp. the groin pain) with hip arthritis. Plus, the pain is fairly constant these days. While some days are worse than others, I always have some pain and limited ROM. But I do need to wait for what the doc and PT say. I realize it's not a death sentence, but it's still worrisome. I'd also note that autoimmune issues run in my family, so anytime an issue comes up that could potentially fall under that category, I freak a little.

Indy - FWIW, my DH was diagnosed with symptomatic and systemic arthritis probably about 3 years ago (and yes, it is autoimmune related). He is an Elite level Master's bike racer. Take comfort in knowing that the arthritis is all under control (via meds and some PT), and that he is still out there competing every weekend, and winning some along the way.

Just wanted to point out that there isn't a reason to "freak". It's all manageable.

SheFly

[nscrbug]

I too, was just diagnosed with arthritis...in my toes/feet. My new podiatrist gave me the good news...along with a script for Celebrex. I'm only on day 2 of taking the Celebrex, and not feeling much of a difference yet. Hope it kicks in soon. Based on my family history, I'll bet that I have arthritis in a whole host of other places, too...like my knees, and lower back.