Introduction

Nic69
Nic69 Member Posts: 2
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:04 in Living with arthritis
Hello, I would like to thank you for accepting me here. I was advised by Ann on an arthritis forum to check you out. I am 50 years old and have had OA for a few years now. I'm only on naproxen and cocodamol for pain relief. I'm having a flare up in my elbows and I have pain in my ribs too. I struggle to sleep at night and I am going back to the Dr's today.

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 3,635
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello and welcome Nic69 to Versus Arthritis Community Forum

    Ann was right to point you in our direction. Osteoarthritis is very common among the many forms of arthritis. The forum is very active with users who have similar experiences as yourself I'm sure they will be along to offer you some good advice and support.

    I have found a link that may be of help to you:-

    https://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/system/search-results.aspx?keywords=Osteoarthritis

    Please also feel free to phone our Versus Arthritis Helpline 0800 520 0520

    Enjoy the forum

    John
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, I have OA in my ankles, knees, hips, wrists and shoulders, I take is 30/500 cocodamol and exercise in a rather stately fashion to keep my muscles as strong and flexible as possible to better support my joints. I have it as a result of my other arthritis and the meds I take for that do nothing for the OA. I began my first arthritis in 1997 when I was 37 and the OA was diagnosed in 2011 when I was 49. I am now 60.

    There is not much to be done for OA, like all forms of arthritis it is progressive and degenerative. GPs can offer pain relief and anti-inflammatories plus a referral to physio but the exercises they teach must be done regularly, they won't stop the pain or the progression of the disease but they may slow it. Some people are 'lucky' in that the OA remains in one or two joints but others, like me, find it spreading. What is rarely mentioned is that with any kind of arthritis one just has to grit one's teeth and grind on, if surgery becomes an option then that can make a huge difference but for many the wait for that point to be reached is very hard. We all get it because we all have it, please keep in touch so we can encourage and support. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hey Nic89, there's no need to thank us. We're all in the same creaky, arthritic boat and, if we can't help each other, who is going to help us?

    The elbow might well be called 'the funny bone' but it's no fun at all when arthritis strikes. How did you get on with the doc? Has (s)he been able to offer anything?
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • vickyp
    vickyp Member Posts: 27
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Nic69,
    I just wanted to say a quick hello and welcome. Not in my elbows but otherwise I am pretty similar to you with the OA. Will look out to see how you got on at the doctors later. Is it a GP appointment or specialist?
    Warm wishes
    Vicky