Reactive Arthritis

JohnMN · 20. Sep 2011, 08:34

Just found this site after sifting through loads of web pages trying to find some information.

I suppose the best way is to just tell my story. If anybody had any comments it they would be very welcomed.

About 5 years ago I started to get very serious pains in my right hip, to the extent that I had to take a few weeks here and there off work. My doctor refered me to a physo and over a few months, through exercise and stretching alone the symptoms all but disappeared. At this stage I was diagnosed with a hip impingement.....

Then about 3 years ago I had avery bad bout of food poisioning whilst on holiday in Switerland. I recovered in a few days ok, or so I thought.
Then my knee and elbow swelled to the point that I could not walk or bent those joints at all. I had to go and get joints drained of fluid, these were the most painful experences of my life and would genuinely not wish them on my worst enemy.
Afer about 6 -10 months the joint swelling, pain etc moved from my knee and elbow to the joint in my neck and index finger. The knuckle on that finger has slightly deformed.

So for about this past year and a half my neck has been very sore.
I am on 60mg Arcoxia which I detest having to take, but could not function without.

Some days are great and I have little pain or stiffness.... you start to think that maybye its getting better and then you wake up in tears at the pain at right back where you don't want to be.

SO......... i'm a 32 year outdoor education instructer......
Climbing and using ropes has become a lot harder.. I can only do it now in my free time when i'm feeling up for it.

As a surfer and kayacker though, I have found that a few hours surfing or kayaking gives me massive pain relef... I don't know why though... I think it might be the stretching that is involved, I have also started to make my own seaweed baths which have also helped with the pain.

stickywicket · 20. Sep 2011, 08:47

Hi JohnMN & welcome. This is a good place for info and support so I'm glad you found us. You sound to have had a long arthritic journey and not a very good one. Also, the job must be tough, being so physical.

I'm afraid that's the pattern for so many of us - the things lulls you into a false sense of security then comes back to bite you on the bum. I guess we all hate taking the meds but, in the end, it's a whole lot better then not taking them.

I do remember one of our forum members loves sailing. I can't remember his name. maybe someone else will see this and remember. It's good when something you enjoy actually helps. Long may it continue.

I've never heard of seaweed baths. No harm in trying but I'm a bit of a sceptic myself on such things. I stick with the meds, exercise and pacing myself. Good luck, though.

P.S. AC do a fact sheet on Reactive Arthritis - top right of the page, Publications and Resources.

traluvie · 20. Sep 2011, 08:52

Hi John,

Welcome to the forum..
Glad that you found us, there are many of us on here with various forms of arthritis and i am sure someone will be along to offer you some advise on reactive arthritis..I have inflammatory arthritis and am 32 and am still learning myself.
I am not familiar with the tablets you are taking, do you take any other meds and have you had any xrays or bloods done to confirm arthritis?

What you say about one day your ok and the next your not seems to be what arthrur does best,comes and attcks us then hides away for a while..
I posted a thread only last week asking why i can walk one day the next i can't lol.. very bizzare and crazy condition and too be honest i never really knew or understood what arthritis was untill i had experienced it..
One day at a time is the best way to go, don't stress too much about the future either as noone can be sure what can happen, some people can lead fairly normal lives with the right meds others can't everyones different and everyones arthritis affects people differently..

Any questions you'd like to ask fire away,it can be a scary ride on your own and the forum can understand these emotions and help where possible...

dreamdaisy · 20. Sep 2011, 09:07

Hi John, it's nice to meet you though I am sorry you have had to find us. I don't know much about RcTA, I am not sure if I am right in thinking it's a slightly different beast to the the more usual RA, PA and OA but presume it is immune system connected/influenced. I am sure that Arthritis Care will have information about it, I know there are others on her who have it and I hope they see your post. I wish you well. DD

JohnMN · 20. Sep 2011, 09:33

WOW, thanks for the speedy replies guys

flowersmad · 20. Sep 2011, 09:51

Hi John,

Sorry to hear how you're struggling. I read a health article in the newspaper some time ago recommending a Collagen hysdrolysate supplement, after researching it I found a product called Collagen Plus which also also has added glucosamine and chondroitin. It has been a real help to me, it improved the flexibility of my knees and although I still experience pain, it has certainly eased over time. In hope you find something which will help you to carry on to do the active activities you enjoy!

JohnMN · 22. Sep 2011, 18:28

I will give that a go and let you know how it works for me.
Thanks very much for the info

tjt6768 · 22. Sep 2011, 19:09

Hi John. Just wanted to welcome you to the forum. It's the only place you'll need for all your arthur info etc
We are a friendly bunch, with all different types of the beastie known as Arthur. My personal acquisitions are sero negative and osteo... Such fun.. Lol

Anyway, hope that you may continue to enjoy your outdoor pursuits for many yrs to come yet Rkid, I'm deeply envious.. In a good way of course.

Catch you soon..

Be well

Reactive Arthritis

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