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.

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Arcticfox3 08/23/2012

I just received the official diagnosis of having osteoarthritis yesterday based on my blood tests. I have already started taking Voltaren but it is way too early to know if it's going to help. I work in a convenience store and hopefully my boss will still be there when I arrive today so I can discuss my options and to see if I can be accommodated in any way. I go through immense pain in my hips, shoulders back and knees and with having bunions on top of all that is not of much help when my position requires me to be on my feet most of the time. I also suffer depression so everything seems to be piling up on me. At this point I am unsure of what I can really do and any kind of help or support would be most appreciated. I was told yrs ago I had arthritis but just recieved the official diagnosis yesterday.

naturegirl65 08/23/2012

OA is tough when it is in so many joints. I have it in many joints too.

It is not easy to hear the diagnosis I am sure even though you suspected you had arthritis and it is understandable that it is depressing news for you.
I hope you will be able to work something out at your work so you are not on your feet all day.
There are things to consider that may help, exercise. I know that it is not the favorite thing to hear but it is important to keep moving somehow. Exercise bike is a good tool and if you are able to get to a pool. Water exercise is beneficial for Arthritis.
Diet. It is good to increase the right fats. Omega 3's, fish oil
Cut back on the sugars and processed food.

For pain I use either heat or ice. You can get heating pads which are great. Electric or microwaveable ones.

I am not familiar with Voltaren you mentioned. I hope it helps you.

Arcticfox3 08/24/2012

Thank-you for replying, Exercise is not one of my favorable things as I only want to sleep when the pain gets worse. My fiance is looking for some ideal weights for me. His mother had OA really bad so he is very helpful at home, so is my daughter. I am lucky to have them both. There are times that the fiance will massage my joints at night til I fall asleep. I am skeptical on Voltaren as so far no other NSAID has helped me. I never thought of diet. That may be hard for me to find one as I have allergies to shellfish, and citrus fruits but worth looking into.

cadoggiemom 08/29/2012

Hey Fox,
I have pretty advanced arthritis in the knees and spine and have taken Voltaren for years. The only way I knew it was working was when I had to be off of it for two weeks. I was in much greater pain than when I'm on it. Just a note, Diclofenac is a generic, less expensive form of Voltaren.
Have you explored the possibility of going on long-term disability?
Juanita

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