Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.
I never knew arthritis could hurt like H*LL! I always thought arthritis felt like an aching pain, just a bit nagging.
In the last few months, both my knees have caused me EXCRUCIATING pain, like knives or needles or walking on broken glass. Today I had a routine doctor appt (not for arthritis). My knees have been hurting terribly all this week. After my appt. I went to grocery store for a few necessary items, and could hardly walk at all. I looked like a broken person hobbling. (I was embarassed!) Every step was shooting, sharp pain. It feels to me like I have torn something inside but dr. says it's just plain arthritis. I cannot walk, I cannot sleep, it hurts 24/7. I was afraid I would not make it out of the store. I collapsed in the car in a world of hurt. I have used ice packs, heating pad, rubbing ointments, aspirin, ibupropen.
I feel like I can't make any plans in my life....even a trip to the grocery store. My arthritis is making me afraid to plan for anything at all. Going to a meeting at church, taking my grandson to the circus coming up, going camping for a week-end. I feel like an absolute prisoner. All I want to know from you guys is, does your arthritis feel like this too???
In the last few months, both my knees have caused me EXCRUCIATING pain, like knives or needles or walking on broken glass. Today I had a routine doctor appt (not for arthritis). My knees have been hurting terribly all this week. After my appt. I went to grocery store for a few necessary items, and could hardly walk at all. I looked like a broken person hobbling. (I was embarassed!) Every step was shooting, sharp pain. It feels to me like I have torn something inside but dr. says it's just plain arthritis. I cannot walk, I cannot sleep, it hurts 24/7. I was afraid I would not make it out of the store. I collapsed in the car in a world of hurt. I have used ice packs, heating pad, rubbing ointments, aspirin, ibupropen.
I feel like I can't make any plans in my life....even a trip to the grocery store. My arthritis is making me afraid to plan for anything at all. Going to a meeting at church, taking my grandson to the circus coming up, going camping for a week-end. I feel like an absolute prisoner. All I want to know from you guys is, does your arthritis feel like this too???
I am sad to say but YES arthritis is hell. My knees got to that stage that every step was extremely painful. I can relate to the collapsing in the car. I was years like that. It just got worse and worse.
X rays revealed I had bone on bone. No cartilage left.
I have been seeing rheumatologists for years. Eventually I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon and i got knee replacements.
I hope you find the help you need. I truly do. You do need a rheumatologist. They specialize in joint and muscle diseases. Ask your family doctor to refer you to one. Family doc can only do so much and then it's time to see a specialist. They know better how to treat you and the condition. And it doesn't matter how old you are.
I understand how difficult and limiting life can become and not able to do the things you want.
Since having my knees done it has improved the quality of my life. I can walk so much better now.
I wish you the best.
I thank God everyday for setting me free from pain and restoring my joints to health.
Today, I am totally pain free and doing zumba exercise , eat a very healthy mineral+ calcium rich diet. A healthy diet is very important for bone health restoration. Get lots of sunshine for vitamin D.
My heart goes out to all of you who are in pain. Our body is made to heal itself. We can restore our body back to health. I am one walking living proof. Arthiritis can be cured with the right diet and exercise. Joints can be healed and restored. There is hope.
Maxi
Don't stress on taking pain meds....believe me, they really help.
Yes it's like that for us as well. I have AO throughout my body from my toes to my ears including everything in-between. There are times you will be so crippled you will be stuck in bed and can't move. There will be times when you feel better. I am 63 years old and have been ill since the age of about 36. It is a progressive illness and just part of my medical history.
It's different for different people it's not one size fits all. There are many things to treat yourself so you will need to do research. One thing I know is that if people are lucky enough to age they will get AO at some time in their life. So to get ready for it people should make sure their children become knowledgeable and start to treat themselves early on in life with proper diet and supplements of sorts.