Hi

libs

I've been around for a while but not said hello as yet. But today I thought that I should . I developed Osteoarthritis in my knees following a knee injury 5 years ago. Had a couple of operations at the time that seem to have made matters worse. For some reason that I dont understand I now have OA in my ankles and today I found out that I have OA in my hands and mild carpel tunnel. I am struggling to understand this really and to come to terms with the ongoing pain that somehow has sneaked up on me and become part of my life. Saw the GP today and he has prescribed a new anti inflammatory Vimovo . Never heard of that one before. I dont know what to expect and am wondering how this is going to effect me and working in the long term . My gp is not one who is good at answering questions or someone that I can ask. I know that diet and excersise will help in the future but am not sure what to prioritise. So very confused at the moment. But I guess it will get better. Thanks for listening.

Ankyspond

Hi,

Nice to meet you sorry it's for tHis reason.

Firstly you need to be referred to Rhumatology although GPs are great they are not specific to Arhritis. Now it comes in all different shapes and sizes, different types and different severities and getting used to it is no easy feat. Talk to your family and friends and get a support network in place, if you need help take it and try heat on your joints. This disease effects us all in different ways some people manage without medication while others don't, I am one of the latter. I am 43 and was diagnosed four years ago and it is hard to come to terms with (not sure you never do really), but please try to stay positive. You will have seen the support people get on here and the wealth of advice offered and I know there wiLl be others after me posting on here. Often with this disease it's about getting medication right and thats why you need to get to a rheumy. As for the long term future nobody knows how it will be for each individual it's different but I have teenage children, still go to concerts, socialise and teach three days a week (not without pain) but I do ok and lots of others on here would say the same about themselves.

You are right diet and exercise are important but remember there is always the helpmline on this site youncan either email them or phone them (I have emaIled them once before and they were brill).

I hope you feel better soon and get sorted out and that some of what i said makes sense, take care and keep in touch. Xx

dreamdaisy

Hello libs, it's nice to meet you though I am sorry you have had to find us. I too have OA (it's affected my knees and now my ankles) in addition to the immune-system based one (PA, psoriatic arthritis) so I have both kinds.

The drugs that my rheumatologist prescribes do nothing for the OA and they won't as the OA has a very different cause - to be frank my consultant is not interested in the OA as that is not her area, she only 'does' the immune-system based versions of arthritis. My GP is dealing with the OA (that is usually their remit), but oddly enough she hasn't had to do anything yet as I was already on the pain dullers for the PA so she isn't having to work too hard! You are right to carry on with exercise etc, that will help to keep your muscles strong and support your joints better. Your OA started as a result of an injury, I think mine has resulted due to the joint damage caused by the PA.

Arthritis can, and does, spread. Why I don't know, but it does. Everyone's arthritis is different, the rate of progress and the kind of joint damage and the reactions to the meds vary from person to person. Don't be afraid to use a stick (on the opposite side to the affected knee) because that can make a tremendous difference to the strain involved in walking. Ask your GP about pain relief, and I hope you begin to feel a little better about it all soon. I wish you well. DD

frogmorton

Hi Libs

welcome to the forum from me.

Sorry the OA seems to be attacking lots of bits of you now :sad: but am pleased you've taken the plunge to join in here.

This forum is fantastic for support and advice as well as a good distraction from your pain.

Is vimovo the new anti-inflamatory with a stomach protector built in?? Naproxen and something LIKE omeprazole???

Do let us know how you get on with it as you are the first person who has mentioned being on it to me.

Love

Toni xx