Readers Say Hi

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Comments

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,841

    Hello Loz

    Welcome to the Online Community from me. Unfortunately Osteoarthritis can and does affect young people in spite of the general perception that it affects older people only.

    I am attaching some information which you may already know about Osteoarthritis:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis/

    Many of our members are living with this condition and have had it a very long time. You have come to the right place for support and to hear others' experiences.

    Please do join in wherever you feel comfortable.

    Ellen

  • Louise26
    Louise26 Member Posts: 2
    Hello, just joined. I have osteoarthritis in all my joints and arthrosis in my lower back. Was diagnosed 3 years ago after mri and xrays.
  • Gardenia
    Gardenia Member Posts: 1
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/51677/readers-say-hi

    Hello

    I have beeen living with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis for over 30 years.

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,841

    Hello @Gardenia

    Lovely to meet you and welcome you to the online community. It sounds as though you have a lot of experience with Arthritis yourself and will have plenty of tips to share.

    Please do come along in and join in wherever you feel comfortable. We have all sorts of conversations going and you are sure of a warm welcome from our members.

    Best wishes

    Ellen

  • AliceJadeC
    AliceJadeC Member Posts: 1

    Hello everyone,

    My name is Alice and I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in my wrists and ankles at the age of 20. I'll never forget the moment when the doctor clumsily told me.

    It was during my Undergraduate degree, and my specialist area was Physical Theatre. I realised that my wrists and ankles were both swelling frequently. I went to the Doctor as I thought I might have sprained them from experience in the past as while I was growing up, I competed in Trampolining championships and would often have strains. The Doctor took the samples, went off and a few days later called me to say "Good news. It's not rheumatoid arthritis, it's just normal arthritis."

    I didn't receive support for my 'normal arthritis' and although life has changed considerably now and I am enjoying my career, I had to change my path which was pretty devastating.

    Last year, I was diagnosed with PTSD which is something I'm learning to manage. But the incidents were all linked together - my diagnosis came at a time when my confidence was low from other things and so I listened to people when they told me I was too young to have arthritis and really, ended up making the pain worse.

    I'm just grateful now that the world's views are slowly changing; for both my mental and physical conditions. There are still stigmas but forums such as these are such a great tool for knowing that I'm not alone in my battles.

    Thank you! 🙏

    Alice

  • Al
    Al Member Posts: 169

    Hi and welcome,

    It's great to meet you, you have come to the right place for information and conversation with others like you living one or more forms of arthritis

    There are many here more than happy to share their experience as you share yours.

    This link is for general information regarding any type of arthritis

    stack1test11.png

    About arthritis

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis

    Find out more about the different conditions, treatments and how to manage your symptoms.


    if you have a specific question please post in the Living with Arthritis discussion or for general chat in the Chit Chat discussion. Just join in wherever you feel comfortable

    please bear in mind you are never alone.

    Al

  • Michelle_Amy
    Michelle_Amy Member Posts: 1
    Hello everyone :smiley:
    My name is Michelle, I'm new to this forum. My rheumatologist pointed me in the direction of Versus Arthritis and I thought it would be good to connect with others.
    I'm turning 30 this year. I started treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis in early 2015. I was sero-negative, which meant that it was initially difficult for me to get access to treatment but I got there with a lot of persistence.
    After trialling several different medications without much change, I started Adalimumab in conjunction with other meds in 2016. I had such a great response!
    Today, I am on Adalimumab and Methotrexate with only occasional flares.
    I remember the frustration from early on very well. I know there are a lot of you on this forum who haven't found a treatment that works. I know how lucky I am and I am very grateful for this.
    I hope that everyone is safe at the moment and looking after their mental health as much as possible :smile:
    Michelle
  • chrisb
    chrisb Moderator Posts: 757

    Hi Michelle and welcome to the Versus Arthritis forum.

    Whilst I’m sorry to hear that you suffer from RA it’s really positive that your prescribed medications are working so well.

    You are no doubt aware that our website has a vast amount of information which may be of further use to you at some point https://www.versusarthritis.org/

    You can also call our free Helpline on 0800 5200 520, or email helpline@versusarthritis.org (Mon - Fri 9:00am – 8:00pm) if you ever feel they could help.

    I hope you will contribute further to the various forum topics as your story can help others who are still in search of a treatment that works.

    Best Wishes

    ChrisB (Moderator)

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Yorkshire1
    Yorkshire1 Member Posts: 2
    Hi, I'm Dan.
    Just starting to use this forum. I've osteoarthritis in my hips and knees. I'm 47. The pain is getting quite bad and so am looking for help and tips. My dr says take more paracetamol. I want to exercise more but when I walk a couple of miles I'm bad with pain the next day. Look forward to chatting.
  • chrisb
    chrisb Moderator Posts: 757

    Hi Dan and welcome to the Versus Arthritis forum.

    Sorry to hear that you’ve got osteoarthritis and that the pain is getting worse.

    I experience similar issues myself with loving exercise but then paying the price the next day.

    Our website has a huge amount of information on OA as well as exercise and pain management. You could start here https://www.versusarthritis.org/search?query=OA+hips+and+knees and https://www.versusarthritis.org/search?query=OA+exercise

    You can also call our free Helpline on 0800 5200 520, or email helpline@versusarthritis.org (Mon - Fri 9:00am – 8:00pm) if you ever feel they could help.

    I’m sure that other forum members will be able to share the benefit of their experiences and offer you some advice.

    Best Wishes

    ChrisB (Moderator)

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • LindaK
    LindaK Member Posts: 11

    Hi everyone, my name is Linda, I'm new to the forum/chat ...I'm long awaiting hip surgery, anyone the same out there ?

  • Vikki_W
    Vikki_W Member Posts: 15

    Hi @LindaK

    Welcome to our online community!

    I'm not personally waiting for any kind of surgery but I believe several of our members are who I'm sure you will get a chance to talk to. In the mean time, if you need any information on hip surgery, please head over to our versus arthritis website: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/hip-replacement-surgery/ . There are lots of different sections on hip surgery from preparation to recovery so you may find this page useful.

    I expect it is frustrating having to wait so long for the surgery. Our living with arthritis page has lots of useful advice on different tasks that can be difficult to carry out https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/

    I hope you will continue to post in our forum and that you are able to meet people who have similar circumstances to yourself.

    Best wishes,

    Vikki

  • Tenderspore
    Tenderspore Member Posts: 3

    Hello,

    I registered on the site yesterday and am saying hello. My doctor suggested this site a year ago but haven't used it. Just lately the arthritis seems to have taken over and I know now I have to take it seriously. Really appreciate the help and advise available here. I will say, I am not much of a talker.

    Kind regards,

    Elaine

  • Al
    Al Member Posts: 169

    Hi and welcome Elaine

    It's great to meet you, you have come to the right place for information and conversation with others like you living one or more forms of arthritis

    There are many here more than happy to share their experience as you share yours.

    This link is for general information regarding any type of arthritis

    stack1test11.png

    About arthritis

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis

    Find out more about the different conditions, treatments and how to manage your symptoms.


    if you have a specific question please post in the Living with Arthritis discussion or for general chat in the Chit Chat discussion. Just join in wherever you feel comfortable

    Al

  • Tenderspore
    Tenderspore Member Posts: 3

    Thank you. 😀

  • Pammi4
    Pammi4 Member Posts: 6
    edited 21. Jun 2020, 16:09
    Hi everyone
    My name is Pam I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in February this year in right knee but also not so severe In left knee because of Covid my treatment plan has been put on hold I have a very physical job in a school kitchen I’m worried about the future with work as this type of work is all I’ve know but the level of pain I experience everyday after work is so hard to bear just worried about my future I suppose
    Thankyou for letting me say hi
  • ladydoxxie
    ladydoxxie Member Posts: 1
    Hi all!
    I'm 24 going on 25 and been living with RA for about 10 years now. Been getting on some new meds lately and have really been feeling the need to discuss with someone that's not a healthcare professional.
    It then struck me that I've never had a friend in a similar situation so if you are around my age and you feel that, then know that we are in the same boat and I'd love to talk
    xx L
  • MoWW
    MoWW Member Posts: 75

    Hello and welcome to Versus Arthritis online community @ladydoxxie

    you have come to the right place for information and conversation with others like you living with rheumatoid arthritis

    I am sure you will find that there are many people here more than happy to share their experience as you share yours.

    This link is for information regarding rheumatoid arthritis, also info on our helpline and other forms of help.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/
    https://www.versusarthritis.org/get-help/

    While the Co-vid 19 lockdown has meant our local services have had to change, there is still some services being offered virtually in many areas. If you wish to find out what is happening in your area check this link https://www.versusarthritis.org/in-your-area/

    If you have a specific question please post in the Living with Arthritis discussion or for general chat in the Chit Chat discussion. Just join in wherever you feel comfortable, please bear in mind you are never alone.

    Mo

  • Daisychain79
    Daisychain79 Member Posts: 4

    Good Afternoon, I'm Kerri from sunny Norfolk. I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis since the birth of my first child 21 years ago and am on Biologics to control it. So far I've had a friendly welcome, so Hello everyone 😊

  • BobbyC101st
    BobbyC101st Member Posts: 1
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/51677/readers-say-hi

    Hi, I am Bob and I have had auto-immune system problems and rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years this month. I have great trouble getting to my feet out of bed or a chair and walking is very painful. I really wanted to share my story of 4 am when I got up out of bed without pain or effort and walked to the bathroom without pain or limping. I analised what I did different last night and here it is:- I made a curry with Turmeric and ginger of course and watched TV while eating 6 flat peaches. I awoke at 0930 with small amount of pain and started my breakfast with 2 peaches. I intend to eat two peaches every meal and adjust accordinh to my pain level. I have been on methorexate 25mg self inject weekly for ten years andnot much improvement until today. :)

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,841

    Hi @BobbyC101st - Bob lovely to meet you and welcome you to the Versus Arthritis online Community.

    What a very interesting story! 10 years of RA and not much improvement until today. Very interesting. So you plan to experiment with your diet and see whether or not it continues?

    I very much hope it does and that you will let us know what happens.

    Just in case you are interested this is some information about Diet and Arthritis:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/february/can-your-diet-help-arthritis/

    Bob thank you so much for your post I hope to see more of your posts in future.

    Best wishes

    Ellen

  • StabbedBadger
    StabbedBadger Member Posts: 3

    Hi All,

    New to the forum but surviving RA for the last 10 years.

    Absolute pleasure to meet you all and look forward to chatting with you.

    Steve

  • Aj_x
    Aj_x Member Posts: 206

    Hi StabbedBadger (Steve)

    I have left a message on your last post in discussion regarding employment.

    Take Care

    AJ_x

  • MarieSouthAfrica
    MarieSouthAfrica Member Posts: 2

    Hi everyone,

    greetings from the Limpopo Mountains. I am a 49 yo Brazilian artist currently living in South Africa. I am privileged to spend these crazy times in an incredible landscape with amazing non-human animals! If anyone needs a "burst of fresh air" I can send some pictures!

    I've been suffering from Chronic and joint pain for at least 10 years, but only this year after severe flare up that made me loose movement in my hands have found a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with RA and urged me to start treatment (and was very blunt when I told her I've gotten used to live with pain... "but now your age won't let you"! ) . Previously I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, stress, PTST... and tried some drug treatments but mostly relied on exercise, diet and alternative therapies. I have been on Sulfasalazine and Methotrexate for a month now and coincidence or not flare up is gone and serious decrease of pain. On the other had I am suffering with nausea, lack of appetite and really bad stomach pain. Also lotsa of pimples! :(

    Looking for tips and ideas on dealing with it! Good day to all!

  • YvonneH
    YvonneH Member Posts: 1,075

    Hi @MarieSouthAfrica

    Welcome to the forum - it's great to have a member from South Africa, we have other European members and some from Australia too!

    Now you are on Sulfasalazine and Methotrexate your RA is controlled but you are feeling sick and have stomach ache and no apetite and some spots.

    They do sound like side effects of Meth and Sulfa - I'm going to include links to those meds, but the best thing to do is get back onto your rheumatologist and explain, there are remedies - taking folic acid or moving to meth injections perhaps.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/methotrexate/
    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/sulfasalazine/

    I'm sure these will help you check the side effects you are having, do let us know how you get on your appointment - I shall be looking out for it!

    Take care

    Yvonne x

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