Who Are We Roll Call - Part 2

eckstardeluxe

Hello Alex!! I saw Ninewells and assumed it was someone from Dundee. Well, I'm Alex and I'm from Dundee too! Just wanted to say hi. Hi everyone else too!

greyheron

Jeannie wrote:

Hi all,

I am starting a new Thread on the roll call, as the old thread is now too full, and is causing technical problems to access.

Seasons greetings,

Jeannie (forum Supervisor)

Hi everyone !

I've been posting on the site for a while but only just got round to visiting this thread.

I'm 64 and have OA in my knees. My left knee was never 'right' (no pun intended) after a fall when I was a teenager, and my right knee comes out in sympathy from time to time. Also I'm overweight which doesn't help.

I work as a freelance researcher and live on my own with a black and white (ex-Battersea Dogs Home) cat called Pippa. My hobbies are sketching and painting (I especially like pastels), and singing in a choir.

I discovered this site not long before I had a total replacement of my left knee - and quite honestly it's been a lifeline. I've had fantastic advice, support, encouragement throughout every stage of the process and I don't know what I'd have done without it.

My new knee is fab and I'm well on the road to full recovery.

Now I hope I can help other people on this forum as they have helped me.

Lots of luck to all

Wendy

joanlawson

I'm new to this site. I discovered it by accident and wish I'd known about it ages ago!

I'm Joan and I'm 65 years young. I've got OA in my knees and ankle and now I'm getting pain in my shoulder and thumbs too so I think it is spreading. Had arthroscopy last Dec but it didn't work, and in some ways I am worse off because I've developed Bursitis in my hip through limping. Now been told that I need a knee replacement but have opted not to rush into it. Need more time to think about it.

I'm a retired primary school teacher, but don't let that put you off! I've been married for 43 years, and have twins aged 37(one of each sex) We adopted them when they were 8 weeks old, but only made contact with their mother two years ago. We are now good friends. My daughter has 3 little girls,who are the lights of my life, so I am very lucky.

My interests are art and painting, reading, visiting NT and other beautiful places and theatre going. My guilty secret is that I'm an Eastenders fan, much to my husband's disgust :!: I live in the East Midlands. I am a cat-fanatic and Tommy,my tabby cat, moved in with me 5 years ago. We don't know where he came from, but he just got his paws under the table and stayed.
Joan

joanlawson

greyheron wrote:

Jeannie wrote:

Hi all,

I am starting a new Thread on the roll call, as the old thread is now too full, and is causing technical problems to access.

Seasons greetings,

Jeannie (forum Supervisor)

Hi everyone !

I've been posting on the site for a while but only just got round to visiting this thread.

I'm 64 and have OA in my knees. My left knee was never 'right' (no pun intended) after a fall when I was a teenager, and my right knee comes out in sympathy from time to time. Also I'm overweight which doesn't help.

I work as a freelance researcher and live on my own with a black and white (ex-Battersea Dogs Home) cat called Pippa. My hobbies are sketching and painting (I especially like pastels), and singing in a choir.

I discovered this site not long before I had a total replacement of my left knee - and quite honestly it's been a lifeline. I've had fantastic advice, support, encouragement throughout every stage of the process and I don't know what I'd have done without it.

My new knee is fab and I'm well on the road to full recovery.

Now I hope I can help other people on this forum as they have helped me.

Lots of luck to all

Wendy

Hi Wendy
Just wanted to let you know how much I value your contributions to the site. We have things in common eg OA in knees,same age roughly,enjoy painting and sketching, and owners of unwanted cat.
Joan
PS Also overweight :oops: :roll:

greyheron

Hi Wendy
Just wanted to let you know how much I value your contributions to the site. We have things in common eg OA in knees,same age roughly,enjoy painting and sketching, and owners of unwanted cat.
Joan
PS Also overweight :oops: :roll:[/quote]


Hi Joan

The feeling is mutual - I nearly put a very similar post on the 'zimmer' thread when you mentioned your age and the age of your closest friend - very similar to me in both respects. And now more 'connections' have come to light!

Looking forward to an ongoing electronic friendship!

Wendy

denzie

hi

im denzie. So nice to read all the positive posts, tips and advise on this very informative site.

Im not diagnosed with RA or OA at present but am suffering with painful and at times swollen joints. My gp is monitoring me at present and i have had blood tests which have showed high ESR but neg RF factor.

many thanks for reading my post.

Denzie

dodgyhips

Hi

I'm Steph, 29 nearly 30 :shock: and just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips. Initially I had no support and was told to go away and get on with it but after changing GP practices I am now having physio.

It's been great finding this site as, like many of you, I've been told I'm too young for hip replacement and there is nothing that can be done for me. The physio has given me more options and I look forward to reading the info on here so I can educate myself about where everyone else is up to

sgrange

hi all
I'm Shani new to the site. I am 51yrs old have aggressive inflammatory arthritis, schrogrens, neuropathy and liver disease. Have good husband 2 kids and a dog. On various drugs inc steroids. Diagnosed with the arthritis just over a yr ago. Isn't it frustrating not to be so flexible and lacking in stamina.
Used to be so active, ballroom & salsa dancing, yoga etc.

Oh well I'm a lot better than some must be grateful for that I suppose eh :roll:
Nice talking to you x

alicea

Hello everyone I am Alicea, I have been reading all your posts for a couple of weeks , I have OA, I had a hip replaced coming up 3 years ago and a knee replacement last year i thought i would be feeling better but it just seems to be going into all my other joints. The hip replacement left me an inch shorter on my left leg and that has also made things worse it caused me to develop a mortons nerneuroma in my foot which has given me a lot of pain. I have OA in my back on my neck which seems to make my hands numb and then i get pins and needles. ~ it is also in my hands and shoulders I hope that is it . The surgeon said he thinks i will have to have the other knee replaced but to be honest i cant face it so it had better not get any worse. well that is me I seem to have moaned a lot, I have felt a lot better reading everyones posts it makes you feel you are'nt alone. I think we will all feel better when the weather improves........... all the best to you all and thanks for a great forum .

alicea

I should have said that I live near Preston, I am 59 going on 90 at the moment bye to you all keep your chins up ..........Alicea

jemima

I'm Jemima, I'm 61 and live in Lancs. I have had OA for 10+ years and diabetes.

I live with my Mum (she's 87 and also has OA and diabetes - who said all this doesn't run in families?). She has a granny flat attached to my house and it's just the two of us now since my husband died.

Mum has OA in different places to me so fortunately we're able to help each other. She's got OA in her hands and I've got OA in shoulders, knees, ankles and one hip. She can't open jars but I can. I can't walk or stand but she can. We manage the best we can together with what joints we've got available to use!

I have had lots of treatment - steroid joint injections (too many to count!), manipulations under anaesthetic, arthroscopies, physio and even acupuncture. Can't have joint replacement(s) because that would mean walking aids and my shoulders are too painful for those.

Mum has hand splints to try to straighten her fingers a bit at night.

No good being miserable I guess although sometmes it does all get us down, we still have a good laugh from time to time to cheer ourselves up.

lorraines

Hi everyone my name is Lorraine as you can tell from my not so original sign in name I am 49 going on 39 depending on how much I feel like lying about my age and from the North East I am very happily married with 3 grown up children only 1 left at home and a very proud Gran of 2 beautiful grandsons ,I also own 2 mad cats and a very spoiled chiuhuahua (4th child ).
I have PA and have had it a long time but only finally diagnosed about a year ago (one doctor said it was my posture!!!!!) anyway I take 20mls of methx by weekly injection ,steriod injections as often as allowed and the usual pain killers i try not to let it get me down always go to work full face of make up and hair done even though it's been agony to style the hair and took 2 hours standards have to be kept up

semipreciousmum

I am Kath, 36yrs old with two boys 9 and 3 years old. I haven't been diagnosed with anything other than underactive thyroid.

My problems started after I had my first child. I got psychosis which I beleive was down to my thyroid. I'd had symptoms of overactive thyroid since my teens and then after my first was born, I got very ill, manic and then burnt out.

During this HORRIBLE time I started to get joint pain, It seems to be left shoulder, right hip, right knee and left ankle. I had DSP during pregnancy and have bouts of sciatica.

Since my late teens I noticed flu like illness with aching hands and feet. It seemed I was always about to get flu then It would go away again.

These days I am utterly exhausted and have pain In most places. I have all the symptoms of fibromyalgia and possibly chronic fatigue. I seem to notice I need more thyroxine months and months before If shows up, then If I get an increase the benefits ore short lived. I am on 125mg thyroxine now.

I can't do a lot around the house. Let's face It taking a shower make me need a long sit down and washing my hair Is a tricky job, I can't seem to be able to keep my arm up over my head for long.

I am so fed up with not being taken seriously. I feel I have to hide the awful truth from everyone, pretend I am normal when really my partner Is having to do pretty much ALL the work. I feel guilty and ashamed.

My doctor tells me my blood test don't show 'anything going on'. He wants to blame depression as I have a long history of it and also had the psychosis so I am done for!

Thanks for reading.

em1952

Hiya everyone,

Been lurking for a few weeks,but thought it time I said hello to you all.

I'm Emily, 56 yrs, 1 hubby, 2 daughters, 1 step-daughter, 1 grandson, 1 grandaughter, 1 budgie.

I have cervical spondylosis (degenerative arthritis) of the spine, I had a decompression op 16 months ago, still recovering, or maybe this is as good as it's going to get

Anyway, looking forward to having a chat to you all and a bit of a laugh

Take Care

Emxx

mistywillow

Hi I'm Gill. Never used a forum before but good to find one where people understand what it is like being in constant pain! Have had RA for a decade as well as having had lots of major spinal surgery. On methotrexate, prednisilone, tramadol,and lyrica. Was a physiotherapist so now i really understand what some of my patients were going through! can't work as one now. Live on a farm with lots of animals, oh yes and a great hubby too. My daughters are grown up. One due to get married next year the other back home after uni. They are great and we have lots of laughs together. Manage to stay upbeat most of the time but being able to do so little of the things i used to do does make me sad and grumpy sometimes! Am 54 feel about 94! Have a huge bernese mountain dog who is great company for me as i don't go out much. She also has arthritis!!!!

fossillady

Hi, I'm Marie, I am 37 and I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 19 years and Fibromyalgia for 13 years. I have a wonderful husband (but don't have children as we couldn't conceive without coming off my medication), and a lovely cocker spaniel who keeps me company every day. They keep me sane, make me smile and encourage me to get out in the fresh air.
I have had my ups ands downs with the disease, medication, treatments and health professionals but I try to stay positive and take each day at a time (sometimes easier said than done as I'm sure you will agree )
I walk with a crutch, use a shopping trolley when out and about, wear splints, rattle with the meds, use a scooter /wheelchair for long distances, and ask for help when I need it. These are things I struggled to accept to begin with but now anything that makes life easier gets my vote

sharmaine

Hello
I'm Sharmaine and I was diagnosed with OA in my knees in January 2007. My previous GP told me I had sciatica which was wrong. It appears that I may have had OA since 1996. Left knee is very bad and right knee, fingers and right shoulder are now also affected. I'm hoping that my GP will refer me to a specialist soon as I'm finding with each passing day I get less mobile and have more pain.
I've been told that at 53 I'm too young for an operation. I also have high blood pressure. OA restricts me doing a great many things, however, when I have a 'good' day (you all know what I mean) it lifts my heart and soul.

I have one son, aged 25 and a very amusing husband who keeps me sane.

I enjoy gardening (but can't do much), cooking and reading. I gave up work last May because I couldn't physically cope with the drive to work and my job (a Librarian). I miss it all but realise what I did was for the best.

This site is a great and I should visit more often. For my 53rd birthday I was given money by my family and bought a computer. I'm hoping it may tempt me to write. I have no excuses now. A problem shared is a problem halved.

Thanks for all the recent tips folks. I've applied for a blue badge and will let you know if I get one.

Sharmaine

Jeannie wrote:

Hi all,

I am starting a new Thread on the roll call, as the old thread is now too full, and is causing technical problems to access.

Seasons greetings,

Jeannie (forum Supervisor)

mrsmopp

Hi All

New to this forum. Im so glad i found it have spend some really informative hours readying through everybodys experiences. Im 43 years old. Iv got Rheumatoid Arthritis, which was diagnosed 6 years ago. Iv just had a knee replacement 4 months ago. Im on prednisolene and penicillamine. Not getting much relief with the penicillamine, waiting for aptmt to see consultant.

anaabh

Hi, I'm a single mum with 2 little boys and in the space of 6 weeks have visited my GP with increasingly excruiating knee pain, been xrayed, diagnosed with severe OA, seen a consultant who says I have bone to bone contact (what's that?) and I am having a knee arthroscopy in a few weeks although the consultant has cheerfully told me it's unlikely to do much good but it's worth a try before having a TKR. Feeling a bit shell shocked really

I'm only 39 and would love to chat to others of a similar age in particular, as most of my friends view arthritis as something only seniors have.

So pleased to have found you all !

mags56

Hello all, Im Maggie, I'm 52 and have OA in knees and spine. and a mild Stills. I have a son 30 and a daughter 28, and two brilliant grandsons rhys 9 and Kain7 I am virtually immobile, using crutches and wheelchair ( which I hate) but as my brilliant hubby says needs must and I guess I have to accept that. Probably this is not the best time to write this but then again why not? I am having a 'feel sorry for myself session' I know, I know we all have them and we get over them and this is mine and I am going to go on and on about it so there!!!! Thats better, see I feel better now, thats whats good about a good forum, you are amongst friends who understand and will not 'knock ' us for feeling sorry for ourselves sometimes, just lift our spirits and let us know we are not alone !!!!!!!
Oh dear have I gone over the top? :oops: sorry will speak again soon bye for now xx

elnafinn

anaabh wrote:

Hi, I'm a single mum with 2 little boys and in the space of 6 weeks have visited my GP with increasingly excruiating knee pain, been xrayed, diagnosed with severe OA, seen a consultant who says I have bone to bone contact (what's that?) and I am having a knee arthroscopy in a few weeks although the consultant has cheerfully told me it's unlikely to do much good but it's worth a try before having a TKR. Feeling a bit shell shocked really

I'm only 39 and would love to chat to others of a similar age in particular, as most of my friends view arthritis as something only seniors have.

So pleased to have found you all !

Hi ana

I have answered your question re "bone on bone" on your other posting. I am sure you are feeling a little shocked. It has all happened a little quickly for you hasn't it? :roll: Are you going private because you appear to be getting A1 service!

Look after yourself,

Elna

terryd

Hi all,
I’ am Terry from north Manchester, I am 56 years old.
I have a long suffering wife Lynn of 35 years.
Shelley is our 31 year old daughter,
We have a granddaughter Lainey aged 5 and a grandson Dean 3 today they are great fun and keep us young at heart.
Our Son Stephen died in 2000 aged 19 years something you never get over.

I have OA in both knees, had a half knee on the right that did not go to plan and is still very painful.
Due for arthrosopy on 21 April.

I was a road runner for 20 years which I do miss.
I played golf for about 4 years but gave up due to the cost of replacing the golf balls.
Guitar has been a hobby for about 30 years and so far the OA has stayed away from my hands so I can still play.

I can still work and drive and feel for all of you who have to give up due to their
illness.

As always keep going and best wishes to all.

Terry.

mrsmopp

elnafinn wrote:

anaabh wrote:

Hi, I'm a single mum with 2 little boys and in the space of 6 weeks have visited my GP with increasingly excruiating knee pain, been xrayed, diagnosed with severe OA, seen a consultant who says I have bone to bone contact (what's that?) and I am having a knee arthroscopy in a few weeks although the consultant has cheerfully told me it's unlikely to do much good but it's worth a try before having a TKR. Feeling a bit shell shocked really

I'm only 39 and would love to chat to others of a similar age in particular, as most of my friends view arthritis as something only seniors have.

So pleased to have found you all ![/quote

Hi ana.

Im 43 and had a knee replacement 4 months ago. I had the same bone to bone contact,and pain. I also had a arthroscopy, which just confirmed that i did need knee replacement. It has made a huge difference, walking about unaided by my friends, the crutches, virtually pain free which has made a big difference. Iv been back to my work now for 6 weeks and managing fine, although i still get tired. Im lucky i have a very supportive husband and son, who is 23 and still lives at home, he knows where he is best off. Hope everything goes well for you.

Hi ana

I have answered your question re "bone on bone" on your other posting. I am sure you are feeling a little shocked. It has all happened a little quickly for you hasn't it? :roll: Are you going private because you appear to be getting A1 service!

Look after yourself,

Elna

julesp600

Hi All,

I am 35 and have had RA since I was about 14. I have a little girl who is almost 5 and long suffering husband of 14 years.

The RA was only in feet however and whilst it was awful at the start for about 4/5 years has only had the odd flare up and no further degradation for the rest of the years. However a couple of years ago things started to change as I kept getting tendonitis flare ups in my achilies.

About 6 weeks ago I stareted with carpal tunnel syndrome, it got so bad I saw the GP who just refered me to physio, saw them yesterday and the girl there was astonished at the stiffness of my wrists. I was asked about familia history of inflammation, I explained the RA in my feet and got a "ah". It would appear the carpal tunnel is caused by RA in wrists and hands....

Seeing the occupational therapist and physio on 6th April for splints and to see how to get the full movement back in my wirists and hands.

However, the physio said she would like some blood tests just to confiirm. Apparently she telephoned them yesterday so I made an appointment and trotted along there this morning. GP said there are no blood tests to confirm/deny RA, said there no real doubt, prescribed me some naproxen and sent me on my way.

I am devestated.

I was laid off work a month ago and am struggling to find another job. I was hoping that the carpal tunnel would settle so I could go back to IT or at least something with computer work but it doesn't look like that is a real option, does it?

What can I expect to happen now and why didn't my GP refer me to a rheumatologist? I was a bit too shell shocked to question it when I was there....

Sorry for the long speel!

elnafinn

Hi Jules

I am very sorry to hear your story so far. Welcome to the forum. You will get lots of support here.

I will say that perhaps you should copy and paste your posting onto the Living with Arthritis Forum as a new thread as that is where you will get lots of replies/help/sympathy. Peeps may not see your thread so easily where you have put it.

You have every right to ask your gp to refer you to a rheumy. You should be seeing one.

Chin up and cyber hugs,

Luv
Elna x