Osteoarthritis newly diagnosed.

Rioja

Hello, I am new to using forums so hope I’m doing it right! 😄 I wanted to reach out for any advice following diagnosis of osteoarthritis at the age of 44.

• thoracic spine with t10/t11 now naturally fused with stress changes above and below.
• Early disc degeneration in cervical spine and mild joint degeneration with straightening of neck.
• Disc budge in lumbar l5/s1 level.
• scelerosis and osteophytes in both hip joints.
• ankle and mid foot.

in a lot of pain daily, sleep is minimal as can’t get comfortable. Any advice would be really appreciated as all I have been told is to exercise (realistically not sure how the way I feel) and take painkillers!

Thank you😊

noddingtonpete

Hello @Rioja and welcome to our friendly and supportive Community.

Our website has a lot of information you might find useful so have a look at it - I've put a couple of useful links in below to start you off.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

and

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/february/top-tips-for-good-sleep/

You are doing posting all right so keep on now you are here and maybe join in some others' discussions. You can try searching for a topic using the magnifying glass symbol at the top of the page.

Best wishes

Peter

janiebin

Hi @Rioja

Exercise does seem contrary advice doesn't it! It does help though, I have RA and had a hip replacement before which I had a lot of pain. I have exercised almost everyday since I recovered from the op and I'm sure it has helped with my mobility and pain. Of course some days I overdo it and then it is painful the next day but I have followed the stretching videos and found them really useful.

Why not give it a go https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/full-body-stretching/

Janiebin

Rioja

Thank you Janiebin, that’s really helpful to hear your experience. I am definitely going to try just bought some Thera bands to try but the link also is great. Thanks again.