Arthritis sufferers?

Soccerdawg71

Hi folks, I'm 44 and have severe psoriatic arthritis, and it gets in the way of my progress. I'm looking for friends who may face similar challenges.

I've always been active, and until about a year ago I was a soccer referee, which helped keep my weight down. My knees began giving me trouble, and the doctor said I have osteoarthritis in them and it won't get better until I have them replaced. I'm not ready for anything that extreme yet.

Over the past year, I've been trying different medications to get back to normal, and I'm almost there.

For the past three months, I have battled insurance companies to get meds and was off biologics. I was so bad, I could barely walk, which meant no exercise. Now I can move again and am working toward my goals.

If you have a similar path, lets talk about it.

Thanks,
Lisa

RoseTears143

Hi Lisa! I just got a Dx of PsA this month after struggling for about 4 years with pain that would come and go and not knowing what's going on. This past year has been the worst which is what got me back into a doctor office fighting for answers. Several appts and med combos later I think we are finally onto something hopefully. We can still do this!

AliceA2013

I re-joined mfp recently and only just found your post.

Been there done that! but with rheumatoid arthritis. At one point I was dragging my legs with stiffness but I am now infinitely better on biologics.

Great to hear from a fellow exercise enthusiast with similar obstacles in our daily path. I suffer from periodic flare-ups for various reasons and when I am down with fatigue and pain (multiple joints) I don't do much. Bowing to the inevitable with enforced rest, I suppose, but I never let it go for more than a few weeks. There comes a point when inactivity breeds more symptoms.

Just coming out of a bad patch and beginning to take daily half hour level walks with short sessions of progressive strength training (so important to prevent osteoporosis and for general wellbeing) four times a week. I usually start with 1/2kg weights and progress slowly to let my joints (more than my muscles) adapt. I usually build up to 5-6kg before I have another flare-up. Last year, hillwalking progressed to a glorious 7hour strenuous walk in one of my favourite peaks. It's worth it every time!

ryanflebbe

I have problems with my knees and left ankle because of autoimmune arthritis (Reiter's or Reactive arthritis). It popped up in June 2005 and was mostly gone by mid-late 2006. I never took an immune modulator or biologic, just time and dest. I would have flare ups a few times a year, for a week or two, usually around the changing of the season. I would get tired and my knees would get a little swollen and stiff. My ankle would hurt. This went on for years and I was basically in remission, but with some permanent joint damage that didn't really affect things, but was definitely there. Lately(last 4-5 months) I have been having a lot of problems with stiffness or loss of range of motion in my knees, and substantial pain in my ankle and foot. I don't know if it is immune related, or if the joint disfunction from the past is turning into degeneration/osteoarthritis. I really need to see a rheumatologist or orthopedist. I lift weights very intensely, and it seems like there is no pattern to what my knees and ankle will do, but they are getting worse overall and usually have some low level of swelling and pain. For months, I've been wrapping my ankle(underwrap and athletic tape) when I work legs. I've used sleeves and elastic/cotton wraps on my knees since I started working legs again after the initial attack of arthritis subsided. I used them preventatively in the past, but now, even on a relatively good day, I need the compression and stability or I can't lift heavy and have a very limited range of motion. For cardio, I sometimes walk, or ride an exercise bike. Lately I can't do either without discomfort and joint problems. I like to do boxing training for cardio, but that is hit or miss too. Sometimes I can wrap my ankle and knees and do ok, sometimes there's no way. Feel free to ask me anything. I doubt I can offer much help though.

ryanflebbe

I have a question. Do you guys(or gals), do you humans(haha) usually have severe fatigue, redness, or warmth in the joints or abnormal blood tests, when the arthritis is bad? I had all of these when I initially developed arthritis, but my problems lately aren't really accompanied by extreme fatigue or big, noticeable external changes to the joints, except for a little swelling sometimes. I haven't had specific tests for a couple years, but during a flare up and poor liver and kidney values, I had tests for CCP, Rh factor, c-reactive protein, and sed rate, and they were within normal. I was positive for HLA-B27. I usually have a slight deficiency in one of the types of white blood cells, nothing big.

daizirose

I get random pain, mostly in my hip or hips, back, wrist, knee, ankle or should I say foot because it's in a weird location. I actual ended up quitting my last job because I couldn't stand for 8 hours the pain got too bad. I pretty much have ached my whole life. Now I'm 45, found out my vitamin D levels were very low. I take that daily. My legs don't ache as much but overall I still have various pain. My exercise level is low, I'm always tired or low nervy. I look fine so I tend to think people view me as lazy or just don't want to work. I'm fairly active with house cleaning and job hunting but I'm always worrying about if I will be able to keep my next job or if I will be completely miserable. I have been a self employed hairstylist for many years and have been trying to get out of it. It has not been easy because I really cannot work full time but the part-time jobs make no money either. It is frustrating when you look healthy but feel like crap. I've had crappy intern doctors too and by the time I get to my appointment, (can take months) the pain is usually gone. My Gyno actually pointed out my D level because the so called Doctor I ended up with is incompetent. Rambling...:)

ryanflebbe

Daizirose, I can understand the feeling crappy, looking ok, thing. I feel guilty and like people are judging me even though I know who and what I am and what I can and can't do. I know I shouldn't give a *kitten*, because no one can walk a mile in another person's shoes and truly know what they are going through, but I have pride, and a desire to push forward and do more. I also have OCD and it makesvme feel the exact same way.

ryanflebbe

What happened to this thread? Did I kill it? Despite my health problems, I still destroy myself in the gym, including legs, which takes a heavy toll, to try and look the best I can. It's one of the few things I feel like I truly have control over, so I give lifting everything I have, even if it may not always be much.

turbonutah

Soccerdawg71 wrote: »

Hi folks, I'm 44 and have severe psoriatic arthritis, and it gets in the way of my progress. I'm looking for friends who may face similar challenges.

I've always been active, and until about a year ago I was a soccer referee, which helped keep my weight down. My knees began giving me trouble, and the doctor said I have osteoarthritis in them and it won't get better until I have them replaced. I'm not ready for anything that extreme yet.

Over the past year, I've been trying different medications to get back to normal, and I'm almost there.

For the past three months, I have battled insurance companies to get meds and was off biologics. I was so bad, I could barely walk, which meant no exercise. Now I can move again and am working toward my goals.

If you have a similar path, lets talk about it.

Thanks,
Lisa

Hi Lisa. I too have osteoarthritis. I'm 46 yrs old. I drive a bus for a living, which doesn't give me much exercise.

I get cortisone injections every 4 months since June 2012. I'm told I need a double knee replacement. They won't even concider it for another 9yrs. My only chance is to get my weight off.

I get my motivation from my mom who I lost September 28th, 2015.

I got my jump start from a consult from True Results. With the information I received and MFP I've lost 17 pounds since Dec 16th, 2015. I bought an eliptacle/stationary bike. When I started my goal was to do 5-15 minute workouts a week. After the first 10 days I was burning 500calories a day. I've been on my bike for about 3 1/2 weeks. Now I'm burning 800+ calories a day. Some days I squeeze in extra time. It has helped in more ways than one. I'm toning, improving my range of motion, and I'm getting the weight off.

Although, I've decided against bariatric surgery, the diet information I received has helped me learn what to eat. Healthier choices are not always easy. You have to be determined. It's funny because my dad and my daughter are constantly asking, "Can you eat this!" They still eat anything and everything. I'm learning what to eat and for once learning just how many calories I need. And on days when I eat 3 square meals and still fall under 1000 calories, it's okay. I substitute meals periodically with a protein shake. If I can't eat because I'm driving I can throw in a shake and be good.

Soccerdawg71

Hi guys! For the longest, nobody responded to this and suddenly I have all these awesome responses!
Let me clarify: I've had psoriatic arthritis since I was 25. The osteo just got added last year (great, thanks, body).

You know, whenever I'm having a flare-up and I'm limping, people at work say, "What did you do to yourself?" And I just say, "Oh, it's just arthritis." Then ... the dreaded phrase: "What? You're too young for arthritis!" Gaaa! I want to punch everyone who says that. Kids get arthritis, OK?

I just posted this blog, too.

It's kind of a rant, but I was getting really tired of people telling me if I just ate a vegan diet, all my problems would be solved!

One of the many reasons I want to lose weight is to make it easier on my joints. More weight = more stress on them. But some days, It's so hard to get moving.

I just started taking Otezla a few weeks ago, and so far, I'm not seeing very good results. But I'm holding out hope. One of the side effects is supposed to be weight loss - if only!

Soccerdawg71

ryanflebbe wrote: »

I have a question. Do you guys(or gals), do you humans(haha) usually have severe fatigue, redness, or warmth in the joints or abnormal blood tests, when the arthritis is bad? I had all of these when I initially developed arthritis, but my problems lately aren't really accompanied by extreme fatigue or big, noticeable external changes to the joints, except for a little swelling sometimes. I haven't had specific tests for a couple years, but during a flare up and poor liver and kidney values, I had tests for CCP, Rh factor, c-reactive protein, and sed rate, and they were within normal. I was positive for HLA-B27. I usually have a slight deficiency in one of the types of white blood cells, nothing big.

I used to have severe fatigue, but that was when I wasn't on biologics. When my joints swell up, sometimes they get red and warm. I've never had bad blood tests. For many years I was on Methotrexate and I had to get my liver tested regularly with (luckily) no problems.

chulipa

I have osteoarthritis in my back, knees, and left foot and ankle pain meds dont work but i am seeing a pain management doctor and they have started giving me shots in my back if the last of 3 works it can last up to 18 months and i get cortisone shots in my knees but they may try a different kind that is better in the veterans affair will aprove it and my foot and ankle has had 4 surgeries and another one coming in june. So i understand pain. I will send you a friends request.

fiddletime

I've read these posts and have learned a lot. I have mild joint problems and a bunion that makes walking uncomfortable. No treatment for that so I stopped my treadmill and bought a stationary bike. I have to take it easy with workout DVDs. The bunion flared up suddenly about 5 months ago and I now wear orthotics to try to help with the pain and slow the progression. I'm 61 and thought I'd be able to do pretty much whatever I wanted to do till I was 80. Ain't life a * itch. I'm glad I can bike though. Thanks for posting guys.

Qskim

@Soccerdawg71

Enjoyed blog. Not that my family hassle me but I have commented recently that I feel like a (female) mutant in my family as I come from a long line of women who have never relied on drugs! Not because they're anti-drugs and pro alternatives but because they're Amazonian in health. I drew the short straw. Mind you I haven't had a flare this long term in 20 years, currently on a DMARD and noticing some improvement. The NSAID I was on for something else seemed to trigger it. Severely ticked that it has interfered with my life to put it nicely.

tryasimighty

There are a lot of anti-imflammatory foods you can include or increase in your diet-salmon, whole grains, garlic, cherries, kale. Fatty red meat, aubergine, potatoes, peppers and tomatoes can increase inflammation in many people, as can sugar. Hope that helps! Good luck.

Soccerdawg71

_SKIM_ wrote: »

@Soccerdawg71

Enjoyed blog. Not that my family hassle me but I have commented recently that I feel like a (female) mutant in my family as I come from a long line of women who have never relied on drugs! Not because they're anti-drugs and pro alternatives but because they're Amazonian in health. I drew the short straw. Mind you I haven't had a flare this long term in 20 years, currently on a DMARD and noticing some improvement. The NSAID I was on for something else seemed to trigger it. Severely ticked that it has interfered with my life to put it nicely.

Ha! I feel ya! I was adopted at birth, and my entire adopted family has/had arthritis (but mine is apparently the worst of all). But I recently found my birth family and can't find anyone in the family with serious arthritis (bio-mom has mild osteo in her hands). You know, genetics are weird!

TGMotorcycle

I have lived in pain since 1996 Dr wanted me on permanent disability but was turned down by SSI now I have been in constant pain for over a year and my current Dr once again said I will never be able to work. I have several health issues and was even told that they will kill me but I am determined to lose weight and live a long life. I know I will need a lung transplant eventually and the RA will get worse. I also know that I will end up in a wheelchair for the problems I have in my back and legs but determined to stay positive and live for today.

Soccerdawg71

Get a disability lawyer. SSI will continue to turn you down until a lawyer steps in. A friend of mine has MS and was homeless for two years. Finally, he hired a lawyer and got it. Then they payed him back pay, too. It's worth it.

Glad you're staying positive, though.

ereilly311

Wow I've always been looking for a post like this on here! I have been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis since I was 19, in 2002. I was a two sport athlete in college and my life has changed dramatically since I haven't been able to do as much. I've gained a ton of weight between the different medications, rounds of steroids, not as much exercise and depression over the years.

I've still always remained active, playing in adult coed sports leagues, and coaching at the high school I work at. Lately I've been having a really bad flare again, it's so frustrating! Can't figure out why or what. Now I'm on to another round of prednisone and hope it helps.

Glad to find other people going through the same issues!

tryasimighty

Also candida in the gut can cause/ aggravate flare ups- perhaps a candida diet for a few weeks may help?

Becky1244

Hi, I was diagnosed with RA last summer. Luckily it is in the very early stages, I was mostly having pain in my hands, and overall soreness and fatigue. I want to lose weight and be stronger to make it easier for my body to handle whatever is coming down the road.

Soccerdawg71

This week has been horrid! I've had a mild cold virus that turned into a severe arthritis flare-up. I had to have my boyfriend help me get dressed in the morning. My hands and knees were the worst. Just gripping the blanket to try to pull the covers over me was severely painful. Yesterday, my doc put me on Prednisone, and I woke up this morning feeling human again! I may even be able to exercise this weekend. WHAT? crazy. Welcome to those who have joined us.

Qskim

@Soccerdawg71

I hope you continue to feel better and managed to get exercise happening. I could have written that post myself a couple of weeks ago (actually I did write something similar on newsfeed). The vulnerability is frustrating. How unpredictable it is is frustrating. Then you constantly weigh up the fallout of any activity.

Qskim

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/940-chronic-pain-weight-loss

Found this group. I think I'd feel more comfortable posting in there.

Soccerdawg71

Well, I spoke too soon. Friday I felt great, but Saturday was back to terrible. Then Sunday was somewhere in between. Doc says I've not been on my new meds long enough to know of it's going to work, but I'm not so sure. Can't be like this forever. Ugh.

grshaadi

Hello everyone.. Sorry to hear about your pain as I am also in pain most of the time due to Arthritis. Mine got so bad that I had to take sick leave from my job. Since I have been on leave I have been researching different options. Being from the Indian background, I looked into Ayurveda which is a 5000 science which has given Yoga to the world. I have learnt that Ayurveda has cures for many diseases. Only in India, a manual was written 5000 years ago on how to live a disease free life. Western medicine only can control diseases but not cure them. You might have heard of Deepak Chopra. He talks about Ayurveda. The west has taken a lot from Ayurveda but not given the credit to Ayurveda or to India. People are learning about turmeric and how it can heal. People of India have used turmeric for centuries. Turmeric is the main ingredient in curry powder. In my desperation I have turned to Ayurveda and am very confidant that I will be able to wipe Arthritis out of my system. I am 63 years old and before now did not take care of my health. I have mentioned some of this in a other post. Eating right and trying to loose weight is important and all of us here on MFP are doing this. I feel for all of you. If any of you guys are interested in learning with me more about Ayurveda please send me a friend request. Yoga has exercises that cure Arthritis.

Qskim

I made it to gym today. I could curl which is significant because it was an action I have been unable to do for four months or so. Less weight (half) but that's a beginning (again),

Soccerdawg71

_SKIM_ wrote: »

I made it to gym today. I could curl which is significant because it was an action I have been unable to do for four months or so. Less weight (half) but that's a beginning (again),

Good for you!

Soccerdawg71

I'm still very frustrated. My doctor hasn't called me back and I'm self-medicating with Percocet just to get through the day. I'm getting really tired of it. I'm having to take my pills an hour before I get up just so that I can dress myself in the morning.
On top of that, I found out my rheumatologist is not in my insurance network. Only two rheumatologists in the entire city are, and they're booked for the year. Grrrr.

Forever_Country09

Hey I know how you feel! I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was 1 and a half. Dealing with all the pain and the fatigue that comes with is a huge challenge. I've always been an active person. I am also very stubborn. When someone says I can't do something or if my body is sore or in a flare up I get really determined to not let it beat me down.
I have mine mostly under control with A higher dose of Naproxen, fish oils and glucosamine supplements. I have the odd flare up here and there where I feel so sore and have no energy. But I find if I don't move around or exercise it makes it worse. I've also noticed a huge difference when I am regularly active that it bothers me less. Keeps the joints mobile!
Have you tried fish oils and glucosamine? I find they really do make a difference.
Any ways, best of luck to you! It is just another challenge to overcome!

Sweepypie

I have rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and fingers, osteoarthritis in most joints! I also suffer from a few more conditions. Take anti-inflammatory tablets and Tramadol for the pain. Four of my medication causes weight gain as side effects!