Welcome to the
Osteoarthritis Connect Group
Osteoarthritis
279 Members
This online group serves the members of our arthritis community who are living with Osteoarthritis from across the country. We invite those who are looking for support, education, robust programming, expert speakers, and connection to join us and meet others who understand.
Live Yes! Connect Groups offer connections, education, and empowerment. Adults living with arthritis from across the country come together online for professional- and volunteer-led sessions on topics, as well as fun group activities.
We offer a place of understanding and encouragement for both people living with arthritis and their loved ones. Group participants become self-advocates, develop self-management skills, and learn how to not just survive life with arthritis
Upcoming Events
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Wednesday December 6th 20238:00 PM ET1h 30m
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Virtual Event
- 31 people attending
Join us on Wednesday December 6, 2023 at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT / 6 pm MT / 5 pm PT for our next 90 minute event. During this session we will explore strategies for thriving during the holidays! We will provide practical tips, hacks and practices. By the end of this session, you will have a toolbox of coping strategies to help you embrace the holiday season and say goodbye to holiday overwhelm and hello to a more peaceful and fulfilling experience. After our presentation, there will be time to connect with others. Come prepared to share your favorite tips and hacks too! Friends, Family, and Care Partners are always welcome to join meetings. We respect privacy and confidentiality and do not record our online meetings. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to participate via video or phone. Being on video is not required nor having a Zoom account. A confirmation email will be sent upon registration. The Zoom link will be sent the day of the event to those who RSVP. If you do not receive the link, please check your spam folder. If you need additional login information, please visit the group’s discussion tab the day of the event. Please plan to log in a few minutes early. We look forward to seeing you soon!
- Event List
-
Wednesday December 6th 20238:00 PM ET1h 30m
-
Virtual Event
- 31 people attending
Join us on Wednesday December 6, 2023 at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT / 6 pm MT / 5 pm PT for our next 90 minute event. During this session we will explore strategies for thriving during the holidays! We will provide practical tips, hacks and practices. By the end of this session, you will have a toolbox of coping strategies to help you embrace the holiday season and say goodbye to holiday overwhelm and hello to a more peaceful and fulfilling experience. After our presentation, there will be time to connect with others. Come prepared to share your favorite tips and hacks too! Friends, Family, and Care Partners are always welcome to join meetings. We respect privacy and confidentiality and do not record our online meetings. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to participate via video or phone. Being on video is not required nor having a Zoom account. A confirmation email will be sent upon registration. The Zoom link will be sent the day of the event to those who RSVP. If you do not receive the link, please check your spam folder. If you need additional login information, please visit the group’s discussion tab the day of the event. Please plan to log in a few minutes early. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Facilitators [2]
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Connect Group - National - Osteoarthritis
Comment
Comments [36]
How to start an in person group?
Thank you for your interest in starting an in-person group!
Please visit our volunteer portal and complete the facilitator application if you are new to volunteering with the Arthritis Foundation.
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.
Lucy - I just sent you an email. you may want o post on the Online Community Forums -https://liveyes.arthritis.org/#/Posts/12
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.
📌 Wanna chat with others Living with Ostoearthritis? Head over to the Online Community Forums and log in with your Connect Group credentials -https://liveyes.arthritis.org/#/Posts/12
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!
📌 Wanna chat with others Living with Ostoearthritis? Head over to the Online Community Forums and log in with your Connect Group credentials -https://liveyes.arthritis.org/#/Posts/12
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 Lynn,
I'm new to the group as well. I have zero cartilage in either knee and some days the pain and stiffness severly limit my activities. I take Tramadol when the pain is very bad (and a bad day I may take 2 or 3 over 24 hours). It doesn't do much, but I don't want anything stronger. Tylenol helps some, and my heating pad might as well be my significant other seeing as it's always resting across my knees. Shots haven't helped. I'm too heavy for knee replacement, so losing weight is a primary focus. Has the rheumatologist helped you with pain management?
Kathy
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 Carol,
I'm hoping this support group will help me as well. I have zero cartilage in both knees and my thumbs ache on very bad weather days. I struggle with how limiting the pain is. I was using curbside before Covid made it popular. Maybe we can help each other.
Kathy
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.
Welcome to the group, we are glad you have joined us.
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 Judith,
I'm sorry for your loss. Grief can do so many things to us, so I'm sure your arthritis is in high gear. Seems like kicking someone when they're already down--unfair. I'm new to this group, and I'm hoping I can make connections with at least a few folks for camaraderie and support. Someone who will understand the pain and limitations caused by arthritis. Sometimes my pain and fear can take over, and I can't see the forest for the trees. I have osteoarthritis in both knees and thumbs.
I don't know if you will see this message, but I would love to hear from you. I hope you are feeling a little relief since April.
Kathy
Hello all, I am new to the group. I am 66 and have been suffering from erosive/inflammatory osteoarthritis of my fingers and lumbar spine for 13 years (since menapause). I've had six surgeries to fuse or repair joints in my fingers; fusions worked to stop pain, but repairs of my basal thumb joints did not. I've also had two spinal laminectomies for stenosis, and fusions of L2/L3 and L3/L4. My fingers are very limited.and my thumb joints hurt nonstop inspite of taking many supplements and diclofenac. Please share medications and supplements that you have found effective. Thanks so much.
Hate that we are all suffering, but glad that we can connect and commiserate.
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
Hi Rebecca,
I'm new to this group. Reading yor response to Teresa felt like reading my own story. Sometimes the pain in my knees makes me cry and I don't know what to do. It's a domino effect because then my stress builds on the pain and so on and so forth. I'm hoping by joining this group that I will find a support group. my orthopedic doctor prescribes Tramadol as needed, but I don't take it daily. On a bad day, I may take 2 over a 24-hour period, but it doesn't do much. It might help you. It's non-addictive.
I've dealt with OA for at least 8 years. I have zero cartilage in either knee and this past few years my thumbs have also gotten somewhat stiff and painful. Thankfully I live in a warmer climate and don't have many cold days, but rainy weather makes my joints ache and we do get quite a bit of rain. I don't care what the experts say about weather not really affecting joints because my bones tell me when weather changes are coming.
Sadly, I am that grandma who can't walk very well. It's a truth I must deal with. But I still try to do as much as possible. Yes, I have flare-ups, but I'd like to learn more about how to head them off.
Kathy
Hi Teresa! Nice to meet you. I just joined this group today and, like you, am looking forward to talking with others dealing with OA. I have OA in both knees, severe (Stage 4) in the right and moderate (Stage 3) in the left. I was a distance runner since junior high, and had to quit in 2014.
I'm reaching out because I have days, weeks even, where the pain is very manageable. Then I have days like today, where I can barely walk, I'm close to tears, and contemplating going to the ER! I've noticed that when the pain is this severe I feel extra stressed and even a little depressed because I feel like I cannot deal with the pain. I am not a grandparent yet, but I am worried about being the grandma who can't walk. It's just one thing on top of another.
How are you managing your symptoms? Do you experience good days, then have flare-ups? The concept of a flare-up was so new to me. How long have you been diagnosed with OA?
Rebecca
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.
Teresa, how much turmeric and glucosamine do you take?
I understand to some extent of what you're going through. In 2021, I was also unable to do much of anything else other than work and left work at the end of my shifts crying in pain all of the way home. It was a very depressing year for me. I am not familiar with fibromyalgia and am uncertain what treatments you have done or what areas of your body your osteoarthritis affects. For me, I found medrol packs and epidural injections gave me the most relief during that year until one of my doctors told me I needed to be taking Turmeric and glucosamine. Several weeks after I began taking those 2 medications I began noticing I had more days between my pain flare ups. I am not suggesting you take any of these medications but reach out to your doctor daily if you have to. I would suggest keeping a journal of your symptoms looking for any common causes, take these with you and a list of any questions you have, including short term disability. I wound up seeing at least 10 different specialists. In 2022 almost every day I wasn't at work I had an appointment with a doctor, testing, and/or physical therapy. I suggest keeping in contact with this group, any other support groups you're in, and seeing a therapist. I found that it was very difficult to deal with this type of pain on your own and for me it was more than my spouse could handle. I draw pictures and write journals. Look for happiness and joy wherever you can find it. I have a wellness journal called you're doing so well that helps me to create little goals each week and stay on track. Keep me updated.
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
Hi Annette, it's nice to meet you. My name is Teresa. I have been dealing with osteoarthritis for at least 10 years.
Everyone's pain is different and probably everyone will have their own treatment plan that works for them.
My granddaughter has cerebral palsy and there was a treatment team (neurologist and orthopedic doctor) that came to her physical therapy location once a week to see patients there. I don't know about all of you but there is no one on my treatment team that knows me better than my physical therapist. For some reason when I began going to see pain management I expected it to be like my granddaughter's team. It was not like that. But if there was one thing I could do differently it would be to change the way osteoarthritis of the spine is treated and the treatment team would have their own clini, preferably at the physical therapy location, where the neurologists, orthopedic doctors, pain management, and chiropractors all assess the patient and collaborate on the course of action.
Sorry I digressed. Keep me posted on how you are doing!
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
When is the next one?
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 Lizzy!
I'm Rebecca and I live in San Antonio, Texas. I am also 49! I feel "too young" to be dealing with OA of my knees, but I guess OA doesn't care about age. I am also weighing in more than I should, and last week I started going to a gym to use their pool and sauna to get stress free exercise and pain relief. I had been feeling very good for about a month, then a flare-up started yesterday, and now my world is turned upside down again. I am happy to meet you and look forward to sharing with you.
Rebecca
Hi Elizabeth,
Nice to meet you.
I am also 49.
Good luck on your journey. Keep me posted!
Teresa
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 Kathy, i love to paint as well. hopefully we can share our art with each other.
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.
Thats good to know, i do my exercises in bed like my doctor suggested and i find that the pain subsides during sleep.
I think thats a question that most of us have, we want to know that we can still be active, even with having this thing. Nice meeting you Sasha
I find that walking and swimming really helps with my joint pain. Just start slowly.
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 am looking forward to the information you get!! i think we are gonna be alright
HI Tracy.
Thank you for sharing your story. You may get more traction with this question in our online community., in the osteoarthritis discussion or by reaching out to Arthritis Foundation Help Line 800.283.7800. I have sent you a DM.
Do you want to connect with others between meetings?
Visit the Online Community at https://liveyes.arthritis.org and find the Osteoarthritis Discussion
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 Marcia - I've had two partial knee replacements thanks for OA, but had tried pretty much everything before making the decision the get those done. Sounds like you're doing what's needed, but strengthening your knee is important. If you can go to a physical therapist, they can work with you n the right exercises. Otherwise, there's plenty of recommendations online for that as well. And just remember, when it gets inflamed, ice is your friend!!
HI Marcia... thanks for posting on our group's bulletin board. I will send you a message. I hope you can join us for our upcoming event and woulld suggest that your visit our osteoarthritis hub which is jam packed with larticles and resources. at https://www.arthritis.org/osteoarthritis-patient-education.
this article may be of interest: https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/slowing-osteoarthritis-progression
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,
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.
Oops maybe it's PM? In which case I will try to attend!
Hi, I have osteoarthritis. I'm looking for an online support group that meets weekly. Can anyone help?
thanks
HI Lori T and welcome. This is a new group and details are in the works.
I am not sure what state you are in but we also have local connect groups that are virtual and some are in person.
Live Yes Connect Groups
You would search by state and area or you can always jump into one of mine
I am in Ohio - Mahoning Valley and I also have one for Orlando East Florida
Feel free to message me and I can try to help ya find a few.
Have a great day
Deb Andio
Hello, everyone. Just joined the group. I have osteoarthritis.
Welcome Kathryn, and thank you for joining our Live Yes! Connect Group.
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
Hi Barbara
welcome
we meet virtually.
here is some information on OA , I had pain relief from PRP injections but talk to your doctor, as it depends on stage of OA progression.
May I ask what state you are in? Because there are also local connect groups and you can always join mine as well
https://connectgroups.arthritis.org/groups/mahoning-valley
https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis
we will discuss a variety of things here.
Deb
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?
Welcome Chris, and thank you for joining our Live Yes! Connect Group. On behalf of our community, we want to welcome you to the group. We look forward to meeting you.