Hey fellow veterans. Look what I found. Although in research stages and only hiring investigators currently. Might be moving into accepting patients from outside Philadelphia/ Atlanta regions. Check it out!: https://www.research.va.gov/programs/create/veterans.cfmhttps
I have been on Plaquenil for two years and my Osteoarthritis is increasing. My rheumatologist recommended that I switch to Methotrexate.
After reading the side effects – my main question is how prevalent is hair loss?
I don’t won’t to appear vain, but my hair is thin. I would just like to know if anyone in this discussion group has experienced hair loss.
Also, any opinions on whether Methotrexate has significantly slowed down their osteoarthritis.
I greatly appreciate your help. Thank you
Hi Jeanette,
It's been awhile. Sorry, I have been slightly busy. I'm so sorry to hear about my your hair loss. I have minor hair loss from my psoarsis condition. I am currently not on any medication except for Diclofenac for my osteoarthritis/ arthritis pain. I am trying to maintain with exercise, diet, and other forms of pain management (bregg, physical therapy, and therapy pool (water exercises). Hopefully, I can get back into the pool soon. I am currently finishing up physical therapy. Mostly physicians just say don't stop moving and loose weight.
Make sure to join us tonight at 6:30 pm CT/7:30 pm ET for Yoga with Arthritis!
https://connectgroups.arthritis.org/events/event-detail?eventid=231233
I'm looking for some assistance in fighting the VA regarding my claim for severe oestero arthritis caused by bodily trama. The well know trama induced arthritis is from something like a broken bone (acute trama)/ I have also seen than there is a category of chronic trama (long tern exposure to joint damage). My contention is that my regularly carrying 125-160 pounds on my back for months while on active duty was the causing factor in my arthhritis and, therefore, service connected. Anybody out there have any information, thoughts, or ideas?
Hi Dan, I'm not sure where you are at in your claims process. However, if you have not yet, your best plan would be to consult with your CVSO (County Veterans Service Officer). They have a vast knowledge of how the VA classifies different injuries and can help you navigate the claims process.
Donna Olsen, Connect Group Facilitator
Join us on Thursday, May 22nd at 6:30 pm CT for a *free* Yoga for Arthritis session. Cindy Senk, certified Accessible Yoga Instructor will lead a 30-45 minute yoga session designed for all interests and abilities. Come and experience the amazing benefits of yoga including: reduction in stress and anxiety, improved sleep, help with chronic pain, and increased resilience. We hope to see you there!
Was wondering if anyone has received a VA disability rating for arthritis yet?
Hi Pamela, I have asked myself that same question and I do not have an answer yet. I will be looking for answers to that question by talking with a CVSO (County Veterans Service Officer). They have a vast knowledge of how the VA classifies different injuries and can help you navigate the claims process. Each case will be different according to what type of arthritis you have and the degree to which it affects you is my guess, but this is a great question!!
Here is the Zoom link for this evening's Connect Group (Nov 9th) at 7:30pm Eastern Time, 6:30pm Central Time, 5:30pm Mountain Time, 4:30pm Pacific Time.
https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdOivpzsvHdzFmLdY1AQePOLq8gsIVf7r
See You Soon!!
Hello Again!!
I don't want to create any confusion. My earlier email gave the wrong topic for tonight's event. Tongihts's event topic is: Emotional Coping Strategies with Arthritis.
Pain Management Strategies will be the topic for our Oct. 11th event.
The link to join tonight's event, however, is correct: https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfu-gqD4jGdxR5ud1WTMFgaGoLnuoMZhD
Hello Everyone!!
I hope this note finds you well. If you are new to the group Welcome!
Thank you for taking a moment to learn what's happening,
** Webinar: Arthritis Resolutions: Simple Changes, Big Results– Thursday, January 26th, 7PM Eastern, 6pm Central, 4pm Pacific, 5pm Mountain - In this webinar, a rheumatologist, life coach, and habit expert will offer solutions to help you to reset your health with arthritis. Register here
** Join us for our next Military & Vets Virtual Connect Group event -Benefits of Yoga on Thursday, Mar 16 at 7:30-9pm Eastern, 6:30-8pm Central, 4:30-6pm Pacific, 5:30-7pm Mountain. Visit the Group's event page today and RSVP.
Please feel free to reach out if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming event!!
Donna Olsen (she/her)
Military & Vets Connect Group Facilitator
Phone: 612-404-9853
Email: iammunchkin@msn.com
Arthritis Foundation Help Line 800-283-7800
The link posted here is for the Zoom Meeting on March 15, 2023 at 7:30 PM: https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcof-yrrT4tE9x-x4TDczzb8p0VkoED4NmH
On behalf of Donna and I we hope to see you there.
Al Silberstein, Co-Facilitator
Donna Olsen, Co-Facilitator
Donna, I replied directly to you but I don't think it went through so I'm going to try again here.
I was signed up and did my RSVP for the group starting today at 4:30 PST but I need to cancel as I cannot attend today. I apologize to you and the group.
sincerely, Sheryl B
Hello Everyone,
We are looking forward to seeing those who have RSVP'd for the event this evening (Nov 9th) at 7:30pm Eastern Time, 6:30pm Central Time, 5:30pm Mountain Time, 4:30pm Pacific Time. Here is the Zoom link for the event: https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpfuqopzIrHNCzrlOCxHAwfMKJZdaZ0wEp
See You Soon!!
Hello Everyone!!
Please reply to this message with topics you would like to cover in our meetings. We want your input so we can choose content that will be important to you.
Thanks!!
Donna
I'm a retired USAF MSgt. Have OA lumbar region being treated in community pain specialist. Just started asking VA for MOVE program and trying to get Whole Health to help pull together a team approach to treating pain.
Hello Mardi,
Thanks for joining the group!! I, too, have OA, in all my joints. I am glad you are being proactive in trying to put a team together. I went through the MOVE program several years ago at the Minneapolis VA. I learned a lot and am still using many of the ideas they gave me.
Donna Olsen
Thank you for letting me join, I look forward to learning from you all.
Can someone please send me the flyer for the CG on 8/17? I have several military rheumatologists that would like to promote to their patients. Thank you!
Check out this blog about Veterans living with Arthritis http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/virtual-veterans-live-yes-connect-group/
HI Everybody! Sorry, it's been a while! It is nice to meet everyone!