I feel your frustration and I feel like I'm reading my thoughts. I get so mad when I can't do things with my kids without paying the price. I'm so exhausted and hurt so bad I feel like giving up. I'm sorry for your frustrations and I hope things get better. You're not alone.

We all suffer from those types of frustrations. Just gotta remember, your value is from within. Don't ever downgrade yourself because of this @&$&@& illness. Do what you can and enjoy it. Don't ever give up or give in!

Kel

I always over do it and pay the price about every 3rd day. So I take a day to do nothing when I get really bad. I have been doing a lot of walking even though it hurts but when I do walk, it gets rid of my depression. It's like being between a rock and a hard place! What I did buy is a trampoline to help get my heart rate up and get the exercise I need to help prevent my depression without causing a lot of stress on my bones. Have you thought about trying a trampoline? I so wish I could use a pool!! Hugs GB

I can definitely emphasize with your feelings of frustration. It is definitely tough when our illness impedes to much with our daily living. Hang in there even when it feels all you can do is minute by minute. I wish I could make all this go away. Gentle hugs to you.

I have severe OA in both knees and one hip. I'd like to suggest that you see a board certified podiatrist that does a lot of sports related medicine. A good pair of orthotics may help a lot. I've been able to put off surgery largely due to orthotics and maintaining a healthy weight. Even losing 10 pounds can make a big difference.

This going to sound crazy but taking rose hip supplements help a lot too. Scandinavians use rose hips for OA. I use rose hips every day and take an extra dose if my knees are particularly achy.I don't know why rose hips work but they do.

Arnica gel and tablets help a lot too. My knees swell with too much activity. Getting fluid off of them allows the joint to function more smoothly.

Your doctor can also inject a lubricant to help the knee function. I don't qualify because of where my cartilage loss has occurred. Most people have pretty good luck with this procedure.

Coffee is rely not the answer to fatigue. You crash even harder once the caffeine wears off. Protein will better stabilize your blood sugar.

I get frustrated too. I feel like the Tin Woodsman when he needs oil. As you know, respecting your limits and pacing are really important. Try not to be too hard on yourself. It is difficult to stay positive in the face of a new health issue. My motto is "if you are going through bell, keep going." (Winston Churchill) I hope that my comments are helpful to you. Take care.

Thanks you guys! I did go to a movie and was uncomfortable and squirmy but it was energizing mentally. So that worked!

Thanks for the support. I know I can count on you and that is soooo comforting.

Sorry I didn't chime in sooner. In a brain drain myself righ tnow. So I am dozing, drowsing and watching pretty leaves fall!

Yes, caffeine is just not the best fix. Alas. I like leafy greens and high-protein grains like quinoa in those "crash modes". (I'm living on nothing else right now!)....

Hope you're recovering physically:-)

Sorry you are going through a hard time right now. I have been in your place before... I think we all have / are. Just take one day at a time. Yes the pool on the weekends sounds like a good idea. I remember when light and sounds were jarring every day for me. I started taking topamax and eventually after getting the right dosage it really helped. On the days you feel stuck at home, try doing something enjoyable or that will lift your spirits that doesn't take too much energy, like do you play an instrument, do arts and crafts, read, puzzles, journal, watch comedy, play with a pet, skype with a loved one, or yoga?

For my self I started taking 400 mg CoQ10 every morning and after a couple of months I started feeling more energy and had a clearer mind. And recently I started doing a daily Bible devotional where I read the given chapters and then pick out a Bible verse to journal about. It's very encouraging for me. Otherwise I think I'd have way too much anxiety and get depressed. I'm not the most positive person, but I think I'd be worse off with out it.

Anyway, I hope you find things that work for you and help you slowly get some of your life back. Hugs!

Thank you for your uplifting comments.

I bought a used exercise bike yesterday and it's great. I can build up muscles around my knee while I watch foreign TV shows (that's my hobby--learning more French & Spanish). It's even aerobic.

Being a science-medical person, I looked up rosehips in the OARSI Guidelines for for non-surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis and they said rose hips seemed to show benefit but studies needed to be better/larger. Still, I'll give it a try.

Again, thanks.