And this is why you should wait and talk to your Dr!!!

Yes, you can get osteoarthritis in your 30s. You can get it in your 20s. You can get it from being overweight, from an injury, or from genetic factors outside of your control. People live with arthritis and thrive, so can you. Worst case scenario, you have to make some adjustments in what you do, but there's no reason you can't continue living an active, health life.

Your cholesterol is elevated as well. I imagine your doctor will have something to say about that. Mine was barely elevated and he wanted to put me on a statin drug. After researching statins, I said no--there are too many awful side effects and I would try to get my chol. levels down by more exercise and better diet. I know--I'm a bad patient--but it's my body and he will have to respect that or I'll have to change doctors.

I've heard of people your age having osteoporosis. You will be able to deal with it with a bit more attention to things like getting more calcium, more weight-bearing exercise, etc.

I was diagnosed with OA at 8 so I guess it can happen at anytime.

Suggest you look into dietary changes to reduce inflammation - less dairy, sugar, flour products. Plenty of reading available on this. Good luck.

I was told I had osteoarthritis when I was 34. "But I'm only 34!" I am now in my late 50's, and as active as ever. I am often stiff in the mornings, after sitting for long periods, etc but once I get up and get moving it diminishes. Staying active has been the key. I work in a very physical occupation for a few months each year, and the rest of the year is a mostly sedentary job so I make sure to exercise. Water aerobics and swimming are wonderful (no gravity!) but cardio and strength training are invaluable. I'm about 20 years older than you, diagnosed earlier than you and still going strong. Yes there are some days of aches and pains but your only choice is to learn to live with it. It does not stop me from doing anything. Losing weight and eating a healthier diet is helping tremendously, and keeping a positive attitude! You can do it!

This actually happened to me last week! Based on some medical results and additional medical info that I hadn't shared with my new doctor yet, I got REALLY nervous about my health and what I might have done to impact it. Just like you, I kept reminding myself that I'd lost my weight in a really healthy way, but I couldn't help googling and finding horror stories and then beating myself up that maybe I caused problems for myself.

I emailed my doctor, and he's awesome--responds right away. He told me not to worry, and we set up an appointment for the following week--but a weekend is a lot of googling time!!! So what I did was cut myself off from internet (other than my work) because it was too tempting to look up medical stuff. I told my MFPals that I wouldn't be active, other than logging, because I was freaking myself out.

I had an additional test and a follow up appointment last week, and all turned out well--actually better than well. I'm actually thrilled with the outcome of everything.

So I recommend doing like I did. Cut yourself off from the internet. Try to stay busy/distracted, keep reminding yourself of how healthy you are., and wait to the talk to the doc.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: senior RN but not expert on osteo arthritis. Wait until you talk to your doctor but you may have two things occurring. Degenerative changes to your knee joints expected at your age and having a history of carrying extra weight as per your X-rays. Plus an additional inflammatory process occurring hence to raised ESR and CRP which can be treated with medication. If tests for rheumatoid arthritis are negative you may be panicking yourself into thinking you have a chronic disease which isn't there.

Short answer stop trying to self diagnose off the Internet, it only creates unnecessary anxiety

I have OA in one knee, from an injury that happened around 12 years ago. I've been able to get it to a point that I feel completely stable and never feel it, even after running for hours, through a progressive strength training program. Depending on where your OA is, there may be something that you can do to strengthen and stabilize the area.

I have OA as well. When I was 16, my doctor told me I had the knee of a 65 year old. I imagine at 32 years old now and with more injuries that followed over the years as well as weight gain, it's way worse. Don't stress yourself over it. Keep seeing your doctor. I just watch the knee and try not to over do it and always check in with my doctor.

Thank you for all the input! The resounding response is basically...ITS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD and quit freaking out until I speak with my Dr.!!!!! LOL

I just cant imagine what my labs would have looked like before I started MFP and started going to a trainer back in Sept of 2013! I am trying to look at the bright side! I was just really shocked that there is actually stuff wrong with me and that I alone probably caused all of it because I have been overweight for the majority of my life. It is a decision and I MADE IT.

Don't beat yourself up over this--a great deal is hereditary, and you can't do a thing about that. What you can do is better your health and do your best to better your situation. As you get older, you'll feel this more, so you need a plan. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get moving--literally.

OA in my left ankle from a sports injury, had surgery on it when I was 23 where they removed all the cartiledge completely. At that time, my choice was remove the cartiledge (a bone fragment had been floating in my joints since I was 15) or fuse the ankle and walk with a limp. They the Dr.s TOLD me I couldn't walk without a brace any more and this stupid brace went all the way to my knee! They put me on Celebrex and sent me on my way.

Fast forward I am now 37, I really only have pain I can't stand in it about 8-12 days per year. I walk without the stupid brace and I threw the meds away. Advil and heat help when it hurts. I do jumping jacks and walk for miles without the stupid brace. Can you tell how I feel about the brace?

This is a little off the OA, but I had a hyst when I was 30. The Dr. told me never to lift over 25 lbs. I regularly lift 40 lb bags and have for years, and just so you know, I get a check up at least once a year and everything is fine.

This is my take away.. what the Dr.'s say to you can seem devastating at the time. You get in your head you are now limited and that can be a real downer. Just remember, it's your life, your body, listen to it and you will be fine. If you overdo it, remember that and next time make an adjustment. (*because of my ankle, I can't run anymore, but I can do elipticals, bikes, rowing machines, swim and many other things. The options are endless and you will find what works for you). Good luck!

Also, my husband is 38, has had high cholesterol almost his whole life and under 10% body fat. Exercise is the only thing that helps him if he is not on meds. So his choice is a very active day job, or the meds. His whole family has it and they are all either in a healthy range or under weight for their height.

I have an autoimmune disease as well as my daughter. We both stopped eating gluten, her problems diminished completely, mine, so much better than they were.

Try it... completely 100% gluten free. It's not as hard as it sounds. There are so many GF options out there these days.

Good luck, keep us posted.