Hello

Alimcd1

My name is Alison. I have osteoarthritis and Reynauds. I am 56 years old. Although diagnosed 6 years ago I suspect I gave had mild symptoms all my life.

I work two jobs as a cleaner and also as a front of house team member at our local theatre.

I recently signed up for the March knitting challenge as I am a keen knitter.

Anna

Hello @Alimcd1 and welcome to the online community,

Well hats off to you for working two jobs as a cleaner, and a FOH team member at your local theatre as well as living with osteoarthritis and Reynaud's - I am in awe of you! I am sure you will enjoy all the different forums in the community as every one is very friendly, and I hope you feel you can contribute to any conversations you feel comfortable with.

There has been quite a lot of interest in the March knitting challenge, and if you want to post how you're getting on, you can do so on this thread:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/56404/march-knitting-challenge

It's often the case that we live with the symptoms of our conditions for some while before being diagnosed. If you want to read a bit more about osteoarthritis, including treatments and self help suggestions, the Versus Arthritis page is a good start:

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

You might also like to read the page on Raynaud's:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/raynauds-phenomenon/

Looking forward to reading your posts,

Anna (Mod)

wazz42

Hi @Alimcd1

I have Raynauds too, I've had it for as long as I can remember. I manage it by wearing lots of layers and having thick gloves, socks and such. My latest cunning plan is my favourite - I have got rid of the washing line and use a tumble dryer!

I have OA too, I had a TKR a few years ago.

I really enjoy looking around the discussions and dropping in to offer support elsewhere, we can all do that, even it members don't have my condition, I know what pain is and can just be there. Whenever I'm down I feel so much better after I've posted about it just getting it out there and I feel so wonderful when someone says I know what you mean, look after yourself, try this or it's OK to be sad.

Try it

x