ostoarthritis

only49

hi just wondering can anyone answer my question please ?

does oa get worse from the point of view of finding things harder to do ?

does it always stay the same or is a progressive thing, and does it mean i am going to struggle the worse it gets, guess i just what to know what might be ahead of me.

sylvia

elnafinn

Hi Sylvia

Not quite sure what you mean but I have oa and my knees got worse so could do less and my thumbs have gotten worse but can still use them ok but they hurt at times. Anti inflams keeps the inflammation at bay. My shoulder and lower back aches but again anti inflams work for me so I can carry on my life ok. I have had 2 new knees in the last 2 years and have had numerous steroid and other injections over the years in various joints, back etc. I have an exercise regime that takes up about 45 minutes of my day plus 10 minutes on the exercise bike. I am sure this has kept me more mobile over the years. I am basically a very determined, active and positive person with a super husband and family - and I think all that has helped me too.

Not sure if this has been any help at all.

Luv
Elna x

hileena111

Hi Sylvia, I was diagnosed with OA 7 years ago and a my first THR about 10 weeks ago.....so yes it did get worse.....but you will find you adapt as things happen.....if you cant do things the way you used to you will find a different way....Is a matter of What I CAN do...not what I CANT do.....Love Hileena

09angel11

Hi Sylvia

I have OA of the neck and spine, i do things when i can, if i have agood day fine, if i do not feel as good i rest, you learn and get to know when you can and cannot do things, i have had OA for quite a few years, also fibromyalgia which brings you down, so yes it can be quite difficult at times, but you do learn to live with it, you dont have much choice, just try not to let it take over, although at times thats easier said than done.

Take care

Monica

speedalong

Hi Sylvia,

hi just wondering can anyone answer my question please ?

does oa get worse from the point of view of finding things harder to do ?

In total honesty - yes.

does it always stay the same or is a progressive thing,

It is progressive - but the rate of this varies in person to person. Antiflammatories really help. Exercising without over doing it helps keep you as mobile as possible.

and does it mean i am going to struggle the worse it gets, guess i just what to know what might be ahead of me.

Because it is a gradual process you will make a lot of adaptions in life without even realising you are doing it. If it gets unbearable - that is when most peeps have surgery .. but that would be a long, long way down the line.

The most important thing to remember is each person is different, their arther is unique and although I understand you wanting the bigger picture - you are best making the best of the here and now and dealing with future challenges as they arise.

Have you looked at the publications on this website - they are very helpful


Speedalong

valval

i to was very bad last year thought would have to give up work but got through it and with the help od good meds live nearly normal life just have to plan more and use energy wisely leave some jobs till another day and do not worry about it good luck keep swimming and walking and enjoy life something to look foward to is important it hits you mentally so stay positive val

maria09

Hi Ive had OA & yes it does get progressively worse im now at a point where i can only manage to work 2 days a wk there are things i cant do any more but you find you adapt to your limitations. There are good & bad days you learn to enjoy your good days & try manage your bad days the best you can. It does get me down & I do have why me days but i think most of us do. All I can say is thank god for this site everyone is so kind & supportive hope this has helped & not made you feel worse. Best wishes Maria x

only49

to be honest i do really feel this forum is a huge lifeline to me and no doubt a lot of others, you know what i would really miss logging on to this forum everyday if i could not, i bet we all would, the one thing we all know very well what we have to live with and what its like.

woodbine

Hello,

I'd say that the answer to this is yes and no!

I have OA all over the place (I'm 41), and find that, though it's generally slowly getting worse, each joint has flare-ups, after which it setles down for a while, and things improve. I also have some very good days when I'm not in very much pain at all most of the time, so long as I don't overdo things. My GP has told me that some forms of OA (including mine - hereditary OA) are at their most painful when they first attack a given joint, but that eventually the worst should pass and things, though never perfect or painless, will improve somewhat.

I think it probably depends in the cause of your OA, - if it's caused by injury or excessive use I suppose it's unlikely to get better, but it doesn't necessarily get worse at great sped either, or stay bad constantly

Hope that helps,

Naomi

bubbles

Hi Sylvia, yes, it does progress and used to be an "old person's" disease, due to wear and tear. But, it affects people of far younger age, I have had OA for some years now and it has progressed in leaps and bounds. Mind you, they are now testing for RA as well. It affects each person differently and gentle excercise is often recommended to stop the joints siezing up, swimming is a good thing, as it supports your body at the same time. Physio can help, to improve your posture and core muscle strength.

Take care XX Bubbles

woodbon

HI,
I am still waiting for the results of all the tests, but it looks as if I have OA. Mine is in several different places and I find that although the original place, spine and hip, have stayed the same, I now have it in more joints. I think we are all different and I know that I have good days and bad. I try to pace myself, but find I still go over the top sometimes, on a good day and then suffer!

It is progressive, but some people stop and just have stiffness. If you phone the helpline their are booklets that they can send you which explain much better than me and they will also be able to help you over the phone.
Good Luck Sue

dreamdaisy

Let's put it this way: it doesn't get better. Everyone's degeneration levels are different, it affects people differently. Dreamdaisy.