New to Forum: Any other over 60 aching females ?

I know extra pounds are not good for any part of my aching body, thus my presence here. 50 lbs less on my tall frame will make a huge difference. Walking and standing for any length of time is a challenge. Back, knees, legs, neck, hands...all hurt at one time or another. I tire easily. Naps are my friend. I have arthritis as did my mother and grandmother. I go up and down stairs very slowly. I was slim, even skinny, until my 40s. I was very active. I swam laps until a year or two ago when my shoulder gave out. I will shortly be able to resume my Arthritis Aquatics classes each week thanks to a change in my schedule. I love them, yet, they tire me out and I get little accomplished the remainder of the day.

Extra strength Tylenol recommended by my geriatric physician helps, but does not eliminate the pain. I have tried the glucosamine/condroitin combo from several different suppliers to no avail. I am presently trying a 3 pills under the tongue every 4 hours homeopathic remedy in concert with the Tylenol. I also now follow a newspaper doctor's suggestion re pectin mixed in grape juice. I water down the grape juice and add a heaping tsp of pectin @ am and pm. If any of this is working it is keeping the pain level down to managable levels, not eliminating it.

Two, possibly three years ago I succeeded in staying on the Atkins diet for about 3 months. My recollection is that I did not experience pain during that time. Sugar in a restaurant meat sauce ruined my resolve and I have never had the strength of character to get back on the regimine. It seems like a no brainer. Yet, I haven't done it.

I'm open to hearing from any one who has had success in dealing with any of the above issues.

Thank you!

S