Hello Fello Arthritis Sufferers,
I thought I would ask on here to see how many of you are still able to work with this dreadfull ailment. I am a 43 year old Breast Cancer Survivor and was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia last Monday after months of not knowing exactly what was wrong.
I have not worked since September 2000. Left a job of 14 years. Am now in second phase of appealing SSD. I am just curious to see how some of you folks are able to either work or are unable to do so. I was told through my bone scan that all joints are affected with the Osteo, especially my knees, feet, ankles and shoulders. Any one out there walking around in a 60 year old body?
I take Celebrex and am waiting for signs of improvment. Another ? do any of you have a great deal of problems with swelling in your hands, feet and leggs (most noticeable Locations).
Sorry so long winded.
Life, Health and Happiness,


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Becky

[This message has been edited by RBarker (edited 05-06-2001).]

Hi. Good to know I'm not alone. 49 year old female. No breast cancer, thank God. But just diagnosed with Osteo-arthritis and Fibromyalgia: neck, hands, back, possibly knees. Celebrex is great. Hope you can take it. I cannot = allergic reaction.
Pretty much stuck with muscle relaxors and pain killers and good old BenGay or FlexAll or hot baths or whatever works!
Just started an exercise program. Hope it helps. Have you tried that?
Yes- no -- I am working when I can, but have applied for disability through the government. I also have Chronic Fatigue. I am really dreading it if they come back after all the months it took me to get this together (no less than five) and said it has been disapproved. But, like you, I will appeal. I cannot continue to work a regular job in this condition.
I really think that stress has alot to do with it...any ideas on that?
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MollyB

[This message has been edited by MollyB (edited 05-06-2001).]

Hi Becky & Molly,
A 60 yr. old body? My mother is 88 and she can do more things physically with her body than I can. (Unless her heart problem acts up.) I was just recently dx with osteoarthritis, on top of a previous dx of Rheumatoid Arthritis and a bunch of other stuff too. I tried the Vioxx and with a whole pill it made me dizzy, half pill wasn't enough. I've been on the Celebrex for about four days and that seems to do about as much as the 1/2 Vioxx. My understanding is that they're supposed to work right away if they're going to help. I'm also taking plaquenil, but haven't been on it enough months to tell if it's going to do anything. I don't know if they prescribe that for osteo or just RA. I have a lot of swelling in the knees, calves, ankles, feet, and hands. I think that's what's causing more pain than the joints. I just don't know which disease to blame it on. Stress does trigger flares with the autoimmune diseases and FM is one of those. I find that hormone changes do to............I'm on a crusade about that factor, or maybe I should call it an obsession!
I just quit working a week ago. I'm still hoping to get this under control and go back in a few months. How else can you afford all these awful medications, along with getting my last baby through 2 more yrs. of college.
Nice to have people to share with. Take care, Ann

Becky,

I wanted to tell you my daughter has fibromylagia and received a social security disability.She has not worked in 2 years. She has extreme swelling in her feet,ankles and hands,and is taking Celebrex.I wonder if this is a side affect of this medication?

Originally posted by PattyAnn:
Becky,
She has extreme swelling in her feet,ankles and hands,and is taking Celebrex.I wonder if this is a side affect of this medication?

Hi, I've never taken Celebrex but did take Clinorol for about six weeks. I thought it was a miracle because it helped the pain so much but then I started swelling (really bad) and especially my legs, ankles and feet but really all over retaining fluid. The Doctor took me off the Clinorol and it seems I cannot take any kind of Anti-inflamatory drugs. I take Tylonol/Codiene and muscle relaxers now and then. I also use Glucosimine/Chrondoitin. They tell me the only thing available for the pain in my hip is total hip replacement surgery because all of the cartilage is gone. I have Osteoarthritis.

Blessings,
Wanda

I am a 46 year old male who has been diagnosed with arthritis in my hips and knees. I have tried. Vioxx, Celebrex, Advil, Tylenol, you name it ive tried it . Any suggestions on what i can do. The pain is almost constant.

Hi Everyone: This is to Molly B. but to everyone who can answer. I saw Molly B's post saying she was on an exercise program. Can you give us some info on the types of exercise you do and have they seemed to help you. I do hope they have.

Thanks to all who answer.

BLM

This worked for me, so if it can benefit anyone else I'm sharing the information. A torn meniscus led to arthritis of the knees. I refused to take drugs but could barely walk when I decided to try out a theory which I read on other sites. It consisted of an elimination diet to rid the body of any allergens which might be causing the arthritis. In March I eliminated all dairy, wheat, meat, sugar, hydrogenated fats and processed foods. Almost immediately the knee inflammation was reduced. Shortly thereafter, I started physical therapy to strengthen the leg muscles which had been reduced from inactivity. I felt so good on that elimination diet that I have continued it to this day. Now working out on my own at the gym I feel 99% better. Sounds simple, but it worked for me!! (Rosalee)

Just given Vioxx. OMG, what a relief. I don't dread getting out of bed in the morning,and I can walk down the stairs right away! But dizziness and ankle swelling are a pesky side effect. Best wishes to all. Waiting for the next big thing!

Best wishes to you all!
Just tried Vioxx, what a blessing to get up in the morning without dread. I can walk down the stairs in one uninterrupted endeavour. The pesky dizziness and swollen ankles are tolerable while I wait for the next big thing in medication. Best of luck...