I was diagnosed with OA of the ACJ in my shoulder last year. I had put up with it cracking and snapping for over a year until the pain started waking me up, and off to the Dr I went. I also have a knee cap which likes to displace at times. My mother suffered with bad knees for decades but refused to have them replaced, so it is hereditary. At only 48 at the time of diagnosis and confirmation of my fears, I’ve felt so down, I wasn’t ready and on top of my depression I already have, I actually hate taking any meds I am prescribed. But if I don’t during a bad flare up I get very little sleep. I have started taking COD liver oil tablets and invested in a tens machine which seems to help. I wear a walking belt now with my dogs, but if I have to reel them closer then it irritates it, so the joy of taking my dogs out is now marred. At moment it doesn’t interfere with work, but after a medical they have now put a watch notice on file. (I am a school crossing Patrol Officer). Anyway hello and any tips you can give me, are most welcome.
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I was sorry to read that you had been diagnose with OA, you didn't say in your post whether you had been referred to a specialist or not! If not then perhaps that might be a starting point to help with the pain. Or has your GP offered any pain relief?
Being tired and in pain can cause depression and you said that you dislike taking meds, there maybe an alternative for you, there are a lot of forum members who will help and support you giving you suggestions etc. At least you are being proactive and positive which is a huge help with depression. You will find that many of the forum members have been in the same position as you are right now and I feel quite confident that they will be in touch with you thorough our pages.
I did find this link which maybe of help
www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis.../osteoarthritis.../self-help-and-daily-living
Do keep in touch on the forums and let us know how you are getting on and I do hope you can manage to keep exercising your dogs.
Warmest wishes
Denise x
I don't know what the ACJ is but I do know, from far too much experience
It is a fact that depression can often go hand in hand with arthritis and no wonder. Pain can isolate us both physically and emotionally.
I'm sorry your Mum never had her knees replaced as you might view the experience more positively if she had. I've had both knees and hips replaced (I've had RA>OA since I was 15) and each one has been a very positive, life-enhancing experience.
I understand the not wanting to take meds thing. With the RA I have no choice but I keep pain relief for my OA to a minimum and, whenever I have to increase it, I ensure it's only temporary.
ARUK conducted a survey of complementary therapies and I think cod liver oil and turmeric came out as the best so they might help a bit. https://tinyurl.com/y7g6yv73
I know at least one person who takes her dog out using her disability scooter. You might not feel ready for such transport but it's something to bear in mind as a possibility. We have to look for alternative means of doing many things and they can work really well
There really is life - and good life - after diagnosis and i hope we can help you to find out how to make yours better t115006
When my OA was first diagnosed in 2011 I plunged into depression because I naively thought one could have only one kind. My GP was relieved that I at last asked for anti-depressants and my rheumatologist said I should stay on them because being stronger mentally would help me cope better with life. They do and it does.
Over the years I have learned to live with the pain and not to let it frighten me (with forty affected joints it's my constant companion) because it does have a role to play: if I am overdoing things the rise in level lets me know it's time to stop. I have changed how I do things to help me cope better (we even moved house so stairs were no longer an issue) and I recently began working with a personal trainer to help me regain muscle strength and stamina. I will never be able to fully ditch the walking aids but that is not a problem because they enable me to go further, do more and enjoy life. I think they have also protected my hips from excess damage, although they are affected they still have a very good range of movement which is important.
I am in bed with a very sore throat so I shall say goodbye for now as there are others to talk to. I hope we hear from you again. DD
Only became a member of the forum a few months ago after being diagnosed with an autoimmune arthritis in autumn year. it's had great place for advice and support.
Hobble x
And a warm welcome from me, so glad you have joined us..with all the may types of arthritis on here there is usually someone that can help, but also we have the search button at the top of the forum ..it is rotten when you cant do the things you love, but we do learn to live with it and adapt, it really will help you to talk about things..hopefully we will see you around the forum..
Barbara