arthritis

[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.

[indysteel]

Again, I appreciate the perspective, Shefly, and it is encouraging. That said, I'm still freaked. I understand most things, including this, are manageable. I just really don't want another thing to manage right now. I feel like that's all I'm doing these days. Sorry for the pity party, but this isn't the only thing on my plate. I feel overwhelmed.

And, yes, I'm already in therapy. . This will pass; I'm just having a bad week. Or year....

[redrhodie]

(((indy))) I hope things get better soon. I know you do yoga, is that helping? Do you take epsom salt baths? I find that not only do they help with aches and pains, but I swear they help my mood. I use them several times a week.

[Lemongrass]

Indysteel:

I've also got arthritis - the inflammatory kind. Two months ago my soccer-loving 13yo daughter was also diagnosed with arthritis. You can guess how that made me feel, given there's a genetic link!

But - our rheumatologist says that we both have to keep up our exercise no matter what, and that cycling, being non-weight bearing, is an excellent way to maintain our fitness. Strong muscles help protect joints. So while we get miserable sometimes, an hour's exercise helps put everything into perspective and helps the arthritis.

So hang in there, and I'm sending you good wishes across the Pacific!

[sundial]

Indy, I hope you are having a better day today.

There are some options your physician may consider to reach a definitive diagnosis. If your doctor suspects that it is something other than osteoarthritis, he or she may want to order a series of blood tests to rule out any type of auto immune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Also, an MRI might be indicated to determine what arthritic changes have occurred in your hip.

Patients who have arthritis are encouraged to continue their exercise as tolerated, get plenty of rest and take frequent breaks from the activity, stretch, and take an anti-inflammatory as prescribed by the doctor. I found that soaking in the tub helps me alot on my not so good days. Also, a good massage therapist can help alleviate some of the pain as does a good PT.

The most important thing is to listen to your body. If it doesn't feel like riding that day, don't. If you need an extra nap, indulge. Curl up on the couch with your favorite blanket and let the kitties snuggle in and sooth you with their purring.

[indysteel]

I apologize for the pity party I was having when I first posted about this. Part of the problem is that the doctor was not communicating very well--or at all--about this. He still hasn't, so I'll likely check in with my GP instead. I was POed to say the least. I'm also having some issues with my vision that have me depressed, as well as seasonal (and by seasonal, I mean all 12 months of the year) allergies that are just out of control. Add in migraines and my braces, which hurt like heck every couple of weeks, and I sort of flipped out. None of the issues are that bad, but taken together, I felt overwhelmed. I'm better now. PT seems to be helping quite a bit. I'm hopeful that so long as I keep at my exercises and regaining some strength, I should be okay, at least for the time being. Working with the PT has been a much-needed wakeup call as to what I need to add into my exercise routine.

The kitties help, too. It's hard to be sad when you have a four-month old kitten to entertain you!