Osteoarthritis Connect Group

Hello all,
I am new to this group and welcome any suggested therapies that you have found helpful. I have arthritis in both knees- moderate, both hips (recently had my right hip replaced), and in my wrists and fingers. I have had carpal tunnel surgery in my right hand 5 years ago. My right fingers get very swollen and curled. I am losing strength in both hands, but more sever in my dominant right hand. I have tried many medications for pain, but they all seem minimal and temporary. I exercise daily and usually use hand and knee compression sleeves. Sometimes CBD cream helps.
The humidity, cold, and barometric pressure changes seem to worsen pain. I live in Michigan and I am looking for a winter travel reprieve. I am not crazy about Fla., the Phoenix area, or Nevada, but i may have to bite the bullet.  Any  climate recommendations that people have found helpful? Or therapies? I do get some massages, and find saunas and hottubs helpful.  I am going to try red light therapy. 
Thanks!
Sheila

Hi there!

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my CMC joints last year.  I always thought that arthritis would come on with time, but this pain started all at once and is severe.  I lost my job last spring due to this condition and I'm not able to take care of my home properly so I'm extremely depressed.  I also have osteo/degenerative disc disease in my spine which causes a lot of pain. 

NSAIDs don't touch this CMC pain.  Tiger balm helps for a short period, no other topicals that I've found.  Injections have not been successful at relieving any pain either.

I am 42 years old and now only have use of one hand.  The hand surgeon told me he doesn't like to do surgery for this for anyone under about age 60.  

What else can I do?  Do I need to prepare myself for severe hand pain from here on out?  It's been this way for approximately 18 months.  I'm in so much pain between that and my spine that I feel worthless, like I can't do anything.  The pain is sometimes overwhelming.  Any advice would be treasured.  Thank you.  ❤️

Ryanne

Hello,

Is there a Connect Group in San Diego?

Thanks.

Hi Everyone!

I’m Deb, one of the facilitators for this group, I want to extend a warm welcome to each of you! Thank you all for joining our 

Live Yes! Connect Group for Osteoarthritis. 

We’re so glad you’re here and we look forward to getting to know all of you better

All of the Arthritis Foundations Live Yes! Connect Groups are designed to provide support for adults  and caregivers with all types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases, as well as for parents and caregivers of children who are navigating the challenges of arthritis. Together, we create a community where we can share experiences, gain strength from one another, empower and learn more about managing our health.

Throughout the year we’ll be hosting a variety of fun and educational events tailored to your interests and needs. To participate in an event, simply click on the title of the event you're interested in, make sure you RSVP, and you’ll receive a link to join the virtual session, along with a follow-up link for any resources discussed.

Wishing you all a pain-free day, and I hope to see many of you at our upcoming events!

Warm regards,

Deb 

I just recently joined, There are no groups

  Hello,

I just joined this group looking for support.  I was diagnosed with mild OA of both knees 5 years ago.  Recently about 3 weeks ago it got worse to the point that i have difficulty getting up and sitting down.  When I get up my left knee clicks and is tight.  The left knee is worse than the right.  I have been using a trekking pole to get up from a sitting position.  My PCP wants me to do PT and take ES Tylenol upto 2 MG per day. I was also suggested to take Curcumin supplement.  I did some research and found that the curcumin dosage is weight dependent.  Any suggestions on the curcumin dosage and brand will be appreciated.  Does it work?  

Thanks,
Sangita   

We have an informal group that is rescheduled from yesterday starting at 12pm today ET , hope to see you there 

Bring your lunch and or favorite beverage.

Hope to see you all there 07/02/2024 12 pm ET 

Sorry for any inconvenience 

Deb Andio

Hi everyone sorry for the technical issues today, I saw all of you but could not hear any of you 

I checked my mic/headset/ etc and others said they could hear me, but they could not unmute even when it said they were unmuted

and its hard to have a discussion with just me talking

so I am sorry for any issues this caused. 

I will send you those that attended a email of what topics i was going to bring up to discuss.

And some extra info also 

I appreciate you all very much and I will post a new day and time very soon 

Thank You 

Deb Andio

I just went to the Doctor and was diagnosed with O and she said to take Tylenol 500mg X2 X2 a day and it had no effect on my hand, finger and wrist pain. Any suggestions?

Who do others see for pain treatment for OA?  My ortho can only do so much. And I do NOT like pain clinics. 

Hi, can anyone here provide feedback on the effectiveness of using natural balneotherapy, or Sulfurous baths to alleviate osteoarthritis pain? If yes, are there any in the NY area?

Hello, for years I had experienced a locking in my left hip area when walking and bike riding.  A few years ago I was told it was a torn labrum and received a PRP shot and felt right back to normal for 2 years.  Now the locking has returned more frequently and I was recently diagnosed with mild osteoarthritis in both hips, but the left is much worse  It has been recommended and scheduled for me to get a hip arthroscopy surgery to fix bone spurs, clean up the ostephytes and attempt to apply BMAC to damaged cartilage.  Is this the right course of action?  I would really like to hear about the experience of others.  Thank you!

Hello,  I would be interested to hear about total ankle replacement surgery.  It has been recommended for me.

Looking for anyone who has had CMC osteoarthritis surgery; specifically trapeziectormy with ligament reconstruction (LRTI). I would like to speak with anyone who's had this done, to ask about your experience, recovery, and if you would recommend it. In between cortisone shots at the moment and am seriously consindering having this done. Thanks in advance.

Hello,

I am new to the group.  I am interested in connecting with others who are struggling with osteoarthritis.  I was in a very bad car accident about thirty five years ago in my mid 20s.  As a consequence, I underwent a subtalor triple fusion.  I have been advised that I need a total ankle replacement.  I have been working on getting more fit by doing strength training and walking.  I love to walk and I can walk up to three miles, but I am hobbled up afterward.  The orthopedist said that this is to be expected and that physical therapy will not help, so I guess I'll go back to doing chair exercise.  Has anyone undergone a total ankle replacement?  I would be interested in hearing about the experience.  It sounds terrible, but if it meant that I could have more mobility and pain (after the pain of the surgery and recovery), it might be worth it?  Thank you in advance.

Are there any women in this group from CT who were runners and now can't run or do high impact exercise due to hip osteoarthritis?

Has anyone tried SoftWave therapy for knee arthritis and if so, what were your results?

I am getting an arthritis node on the left side of my noe end i am wondering if any one has that? Is it arthritis? I want to stop it from getting bigger.        

Hello everyone!

I posted a few weeks ago about continuing pain after a cortisone shot. Turns out it wasn't my arthritius but a partially torn meniscus that finshed tearing. I've since had surgery and am now in PT to get mobility back. However, I do have arthritis which is why I assumed the pain was due to arthritis and not anything else. I really should have pushed for more answers when I realized the pain was not the same and was even in a different part of my knee. I've got to learn to speak up for myself.

Hello everyone!

I posted a few weeks ago about continuing pain after a cortisone shot. Turns out it wasn't my arthritius but a partially torn meniscus that finshed tearing. I've since had surgery and am now in PT to get mobility back. However, I do have arthritis which is why I assumed the pain was due to arthritis and not anything else. I really should have pushed for more answers when I realized the pain was not the same and was even in a different part of my knee. I've got to learn to speak up for myself.

Hello,

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of my left knee in 2022. I have received 2 rounds of cortisone injections which have helped during my flareups. i am on daily regimen of tylenol arthritis pills and ibuprofen (never taken together to take the pain down especially on bad days) to manage the pain and inflammation. I also drink low suger tart cherry juice every day to fight inflammation..

First, the pain is chronic physically tiring and can be very frustrating. on a everyday basis.Second, I do gentle yoga, yin yoga, chair yoga, and basic yoga as my main form of exercise (they help me to stretch which has decreased the pain).

Another frustrating part of this diagnosis is that I feel limited to what forms of exersise that I can do that will not aggravate my osteoarthritis. There are good days and bad days with my knee. Because I am being treated successfully for other chronic conditions like high blood pressure, anxiety, asthma, allergies, and prediabetes  where exercise would benefit me, it is extra frustrating.

Hi! I've just joined this group. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis two years ago when I started experiencing pain in my right knee. My doctor first thought it was a torn meniscus but after x-rays and an MRI decided it was arthritis. Received a shot in my knee for pain which lasted two years. Went back last week for another shot as the pain was back but it was worse. I'm not having the best results with this second shot. For two day after receiving it my knee was swollen and I couldn't walk. After that it was fine for about 4 days before getting bad again. I am back to being unable to put weight on my knee which makes walking difficult. I have missed three days of work because of the pain and may end up missing one more as I am considering calling out for tomorrow. Has anyone experienced this before? 

Just joining in. Talking to my primary care team about pain is a challenge for me. When you are in chronic pain, how do you rank your pain? My usual response is 'no worse than usual'. Looking through these posts, I think I am missing out on some pain management strategies. Two years ago, my PCP recommended not taking NSAIDS because of reduced kidney function. Since then, I have relied in exercise for pain management.

How to start an in person group?

Looking forward to seeing you later today Wednesday September 6th 2023 at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT / 6 pm MT / 5 pm PT 

Osteoarthritis Connect Group - Joint Health Matters: Tips to Protect, Strengthen and Reduce Pain in Hands, Hips, Knees, and Feet

Zoom link: https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIscu6prjovHdUv6XnRRk4Wtg2arn9fHcmt#/registration

HI EVERYONE!

SINCE FRIDAY, I HAD VERY SEVERE FLARE UP IN MY RIGHT KNEE. SORRY, I WRITE IN CAPITAL LETTER. I HAVE VISION PROBLEMS.

I WENT TO E.R. ONLY GAVE ME FOR PAIN.  YESTERDAY, I WENT TO THE FAMILY DOCTOR AND APPLIED Kenalog 40 mg/mL INJECTION.

TODAY, I STILL HAVE INFLAMMATION.  HOWEVER, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF SOMEONE HAD THIS PROBLEM.   IN THE PAST, I HAD SOME FLARE UP IN MY KNEE BUT BY 3RD DAY IS BETTER. KNOW, ALMOST A WEEK AND STILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM.

Hi, my name is Richard. I'm a 75-year old male. I retired from a 40-year career in IT in 2015. I've been an avid runner & cyclist since my late 20s. Over the last 10 years, I began suffering more frequently from back, neck, & hip pain. It's unfortunately getting less and less manageable. I take a 200mg Celebrex in the morning and a couple of 650mg Tylenol at bedtime. In addition to the pain meds, I've been taking a turmeric supplement for a couple of years. I've kind of given up on running, but now even cycling and walking are causing me pain. For walking, my hips and lower-back start protesting after about 20 minutes. I try to get 2-3 miles of walking in most days, but lately it's been challenging. Cycling doesn't cause too much pain while I'm doing it, but both walking & cycling cause lots of pain afterwards, especially the next day. The orthopedic doctor tells me that I have "advanced degenerative changes" of my neck vertebrae, with "reversal of the cervical lordosis". As far as my lower back is concerned, I have "moderate to severe disc degeneration at L4-L5 and L5-S1" with "advanced lower lumbar facet arthropathy".

Besides the medications, the orthopedic doctor at my most recent visit of a week ago recommended physical therapy (which I've tried with no improvement) and possibly injections. He also mentioned lumbar medial branch blocks in the future for my facet joint pain.

This is a great forum. I'm looking forward to hearing about what has worked for other folks dealing with arthritis.

Good evening! My name is Christine and I too have OA with bone on bone for both knees, cervical and lumbar spine with sciatica and sacrum pain. Riding in a car or sitting is so painful. Fortunately, I work at home, however, as a social worker answering calls at a desk all day it is not the best for my physical health. Lately, I have been thinking of disability as I am concerned that sitting most of the day is compounding my pain and adding to my ddd. I too must lose weigh for any knee replacement and have been pushed for bariatric surgery to accomplish this. Knowing that support helps with so many issues. I have been trying to find a group that could help me emotionally as I find myself more isolated each day, unable to bear riding in the car any distance, walking with a cane and walker depending on pain level and feeling my world shrinking. I can no longer garden, do carpentry, stand to cook, so much more.

I love swimming and that is the only time I am painfree outside of laying down. My greatest fear is I will not be able to get to the pool or not be able to get in or out. I have been active all my life. This is so not me! I hope to hear from others, how they are coping, derive strength from their experiences and adjust or heal from this new experience!

Hello,

My name is MELINDA and i'm new to this group.

I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my left knee, left shoulder with very little range of motion. Also, my right hip and lower right back all bone on bone. My left knee and shoulder are receiving Synvisc injections that ease the pain very little but better than nothing. My right hip and back are not quite as painful. Walking is extremely painful and at times I've reverted to a walker. I have minimal OA in my other joints are are starting to click and grind. I'm considering knee surgery on my left knee and possibly surgery on my left shoulder. I have a slew of other medical issues and also suffer from anxiety and depression which are heightened by the pain.

My primary suggested joining a support group so here I am. I'm looking forward to hearing from the group and also to hopefully help and support others. Thanks for accepting me.

Hello everyone! I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis today…at 37. I never knew this was something that happened this young. Mine is very far progressed, I have no tissues left in my feet or ankles, and 50% left of my knees. My rheumatologist told me my option was pain management for the “massive” (his words) bone spurs on my heels. He recommended pain medication, and bariatric surgery to rapidly reduce my weight so that it relieves pressure on my spurs. 

He told me if I don’t do this, my spurs with triple in size in a year…with triple the pain. I am NOT a fan of stomach bypass, and I’m very scared of doing it. I need to lose about 100 pounds)

Has anyone done this? Do you recommend it? I wasn’t given any other options, and he warned me in 12 months I won’t have any cartilage left in my knees. Any advice or experience would be appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

jess

I am newly diagnosed with OA in my lower back.  I also have arthritis in my toes and fingers.  I want to not only participate in events online, but I want to find out if there are support groups in the Fort Myers area.  Any information would be appreciated.  Thanks!

I have recentlyn been diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis and stenosis.  I am 75 and have never experienced such chronic pain.  The last 5 monthd I have barely

been mobile but now I am going to a physical therapist and on a diet to lose about 40 pounds.  This is all so bewildering and discouraging and I look forward to

your support.  What are the events I see links for?

here is the link for this evening's event; Thursday June 1st, 2023

Start Time: 7:30 pm ET / 6:30 pm CT / 5:30 pm MT / 4:30 pm PT

Osteoarthritis Connect Group -- What You Need To Know About Nutrition And Healthy Eating

https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/j/86122764149?pwd=TmVDdVRzalRXZkVadGdGS2VsSjI0QT09

I am new to this group.   Have been athletically active for most of my life.   Used to hike in forest preserves and rode mountain bike until entering my early 70's.    I've been treated with Synvic shots for my left knee hoping to avoid knee replacement and so far it's worked for the last 5 years.    My right hip is becoming a problem for just walking.   Everyone tells me exercise will help.   Not so far.   I have  Rheumtologist for my knee and hoping there is more to be done for the hip joint.    Tylenol softens the pain, but it begins with every step.   Exrays show mile to moderate Osteorthritis, but some how it seems a little more than that.    Haven't seen Orthopedic surgeon yet....

Hi,

I have severe osteoarthritis in at least 6 joints (both knees, both shoulders, both hands) and repeated problems with my feet.  The feet haven't been diagnosed as arthritis but I suspect that every joint in my body is on the way to deterioation.  I have had my left knee joint and my right thumb joint replaced.  Right thumb is doing great but now the arthritis has moved to the finger joints. The left knee got better after replacement (1 year ago) but is now hurting again.  I have an orthopedist and a general practioner doctor - each thinks the other is dealing with my arthritis and pain.  No one will refer me to a rheumatologist because I don't have ra and there are only 3 rheumatologist in the whole county.  So I am out here in constant pain and gee I thought maybe a support group might help.  

Hi,

I am newly diagnosed with arthritis on the facets of my lumbar vertebra. I knew, eventually this would occur, after dealing with spinal herniations for many years.   It's a pleasure to reach out to you. I hope to talk with you soon.

Hello! 

I am new to support groups. I am hoping for information and to connect with people that understand the frustration and pain of arthritis. I have a long complex medical history and the journey isn't over yet. After 10 years, I finally have an official diagnosis of Osteoarthritis. I'm hoping that the new medication will decrease my chronic inflammation. 

Does anyone have any suggestions or tips on reducing chronic inflammation? 

I also wanted to know if there was an actual Arthritis Support Group in my area (Bloomfield-Hartford, CT).  I am really at my wit's end with not being able to use my hands/fingers like I want to.  Making dinners, chopping, cutting, etc. has become very hard.  Any thoughts would be helpful.  Thank you.

I am new to this group.  I have degenerative disc disease in my spine and lower lumbar, but mostly now, I am suffering greatly with erosive osteoarthritis in my fingers and knuckles.  I go to the Rheumatologist, have seen a hand specialist, gone to Occupational Therapy and nothing relieves this incredible pain.  My husband passed away 1-1/2 years ago and I am still in a grieving mode.  I wonder if that has exacerbated this incredible inflammation and pain.  I don't sleep well.    Thanks.  

jbl1947

Hi everyone!!

My name is Teresa! I am new to this group!

I have osteoarthritis of my cervical and lumbar spine, and of my left knee.

I am excited to talk with other people who are also dealing with osteoarthritis.

Teresa

I am new to the group. I have had Osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia for 15 years and it has gotten have to continue working. I use vacation days just to shorten my week of work now and I am in so much pain and turned I am unable to do anything outside of work. I want to take some time off and hope to be able to receive short term disability but it is scary and from I heard is difficult to do. Just wondering if others have had the same issue.

Hello Everyone!

I have had osteoarthritis for over 50 years.  I believe I may also have fibromyalgia and have an appointment with the doctor this week

I am happy to learn all I can about pain management and look forward to enlightening discussions.

I am very happy to be a part of this group

Looking forward to seeing you this evening 

Osteoarthritis Connect Group - Encore Meet and Greet

Thursday March 23rd 2023

7:30 - 830 PM Eastern time

Zoom link: https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkde-qqzMtGNyDP6p4BxxAJtp171pndien

Hello Everyone, Im Lizzy. I live in New York City.

I have just been diagnosed with early onset osteoarthritis of the Knees and Right Hip for Now. I am overweight and I am 49 years old. Iam saddened and excited to be here. 

Thank You for having me.

Hi, Everyone.  My name is Kathy.  I have Osteoarthritis in many joints.  I'm from San antonio, Texas.  I paint and draw.  Its good therapy for me.  Looking forward to meeting you all here.☺

Hi everyone! I just joined, my name is Sasha and have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my shoulder (its bone to bone and got shoulder surgery last year). My doctor doesnt want me to get shoulder replacement surgery until I'm older). I'm having a very hard time adjusting (especially since I've always been active and want to continue. Does anyone have any advice on how to approach exercise without giving it up completely? Sometimes the pain from training becomes so unmanageable. 

Hello OA group! My name is Tracy and I have OA.  Two partial knee replacements later, it has worked its way up to my SC joint (the joint at the front base of you neck near collarbone).  Im having a hard time finding an OA specialist that will try to address the SC joint (it's uncommon and a sensitive area).  Thought I'd post to see if anyone has any recommendations for the Chicagoland area?  At this point, I'm also willing to travel.  Thanks for any reco's you may have!

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of my left knee when I couldn't walk on it. I have had a cortisone shot which has helped! The doctors have told me to exercise and eat antiflammatory fruit and vegetables! They recommended Omega 3, too. I am nervous about going back to work so I don 't do further damage.

Does anyone have any additional advice or support which has helped them? I truly appreciate anyone's input! Thank you!

HI everyone,
 

I hope this note finds you well.  If you are new to the group Welcome!

Wanted to share that there is a webinar tonight if you are available to attend.

Thank you for taking a moment to learn what's happening,

• Webinar: Arthritis Resolutions: Simple Changes, Big Results– Thursday, January 26th, 7PM Eastern - In this webinar, a rheumatologist, life coach, and habit expert will offer solutions to help you to reset your health with arthritis. Register here
• Volunteers and Connect Group members are invited to the Pathways Conference 2023 -March 9-11, 2023 at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront - We’ll celebrate amazing volunteers like you — and the ongoing impact we’re all making together for arthritis patients, caregivers and the whole arthritis community. Learn more here and  Register for the Conference today!   

Reach out if have questions and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming event!

Haydee

Haydee Sedlmeier (she/her)

Live Yes! Connect Group Facilitator West Los Angeles, CA
M: (310) 210-6326 [email protected]

Arthritis Foundation Help Line 800-283-7800

Susan Mitchell

Live Yes! Connect Groupd OA Facilitator

Good morning - you can also support your local connect groups by looking up your state and nearest city at Find a local Group near you

or if link doesnt work go to  https://connectgroups.arthritis.org/ and search by state etc..

I see that our first event is at 5:30 am pacific time, so needless to say I won't be there. I hope there will be some later in the day! It'll be great to meet you all.

Hi, I have osteoarthritis. I'm looking for an online support group that meets weekly. Can anyone help?

thanks

Hello, everyone.  Just joined the group.  I have osteoarthritis.

I just joined this support group. Do you meet online or in person?  

I have chronic pain due to OA.  I cannot sleep at night.  I cannot take aspirin or NSAIDS.  Tylenol does not help much.  I do not want to get addicted to opioids or Tylenol PM.  Any suggestions?

Barbara

Hello and Welcome Everyone !

Hi - I am a 75 yo female who has had OA/fibromyalgia for a number of years.  However, over the last year I have not been able to put up with the pain and immobility.  Last week my doctor finally said I was ready for replacement of both knees.  He also said that 1 out of 5 replacements don't help.  I am really concerned about doing the operations but feel I must take the chance.  What do you folks think?