I've been recently diagnosed with osteo arthritis. My doc is sending me for x rays of my hands, feet, elbows and spine. My hands and feet are the most significant problem. I have nodes or bumps at the joint of my thumb and middle finger.........my feet hurt very bad at times. It takes a couple hrs or more for it to wear off after getting up in the morning. Sitting for long periods is tough too---or should I say trying to get up after sitting!! ;)

She has me on naprosin w/prevacid.

I'm 46 and also I've noticed my fingers "changing shape"....My pointer turns inward and have enlarged joints.

Anyone w/osteo experiencing these issues? I tested negative for the RA factor.

Thanks,

Mary

Hi MaryG1959,

I have osteo arthritis too. Are you seeing a rheumatologist? I am. I go about every 3 - 4 months. I did not have any x-rays. She diagnosed me by talking to me and feeling my body and moving my parts. Probably also from notes from my family dr., who referred me.

I do not have the nodes or bumps that you have on your fingers or the bending of the fingers either. But I have all the other symptoms you have. It used to be my knees and neck and back and shoulders that hurt the most. Now it is my hands and feet.

I have swelling of the fingers and hands like you too. Ice packs (frozen peas) and rice socks (heated in the micro), help some. It does take longer for us to get going in the morning. We just have to wake up earlier if we are going somewhere. A good hot shower feels really good and loosens you up. And the part about getting up from a sitting position (after you have been sitting for a while), that is so true!

I also tested negative for RA, but people on this board have said you can still have RA and be negative. I guess from your symptoms, over time, the doctor can eventually tell?!

Have you tried getting up from sitting on the floor for a while? It is really hard. My doctor put me on Tramadol (ultram - light pain med.) and Skelaxin (muscle relaxer). I can also take up to 4 tylenol a day. I cannot take most of the other meds, because I have bad stomach problems.

How long have you been diagnosed. Just lately? Let us hear how your x-rays come out and about your next dr. visit. Be sure and tell the dr. all that hurts and be truthful with them. They respond better to that and will more likely give you more/better meds!

Hope you feel better. Wannabe

Actually I was just officially diagnosed the other day. My dog said my joints are large and my fingers are actually becoming deformed. Sometimes I feel sorry for my husband. I'm 46 and have had other "temporary" health problems too.....I'm sorry he has to put up with all of it.

You are right, I get up at 4 am :yawn: and have animals to feed etc before I go to work. My typing isn't as accurate as it used to be (or as fast!)

I'm taking naprosin w/the prevacid. I'm going to cut my dose in 1/2 today to see if I can stand it.

I need to lose 20 or 30 lbs :nono: and start exercising :bouncing: , it would improve things TREMENDOUSLY! It's tough though.

I just had my x rays last night. So we'll see!

Thanks for the support it is nice to talk w/someone else in my condition.