Hi everyone,
I am 51 and have had pain in my hands/wrists, right hip, neck, lower back, and right knee for several years.
I had an xray a few years ago because they found something "strange" in my bone density test. They said I had arthritis in my spine.
I haven't seen a doctor about any of this for a very long time.
My fingers are changing shape rapidly and very painful. The hard part is that in December I fell on ice and broke my left leg right at my knee(the good knee:) Now I am in therapy for the injury, however the therapy is killing my knee with arthritis in it, along with my back etc. I guess I have put off going to the doctor because I didn't feel like he/she could fix anything. But now I am really wondering if I should get into someone to find out what is going on. After all of this talk, I am just wondering if most of you go to an arthritis doctor, an orthopedic doctor?? I also have osteoporosis. Thanks for any advice.

Hi, were you told what kind of arthritis you had? THere are many, many, different types and so there are different possible treatments. You should probably see a Rheumatologist, which is an arthritis specialist. You mentioned that your fingers are changing shape rapidly, that makes me think of rheumatoid arthritis, but I certainly cannot say that is what you have as there are many possibilities. I don't know if you have insurance...if you do, some plans make you see a GP first and the GP would have to give you a referral to a Rheumatologist. If you have a PPO plan, then you can probably go to any doctor you want. If you do not have any insurance, it is best to call first to find out what an office visit costs as they can be quite expensive. I know regular cost at mine rheum is $350!!!! But then again, he has 3 specialties. Or you can just try to stay with a GP and see if they can help you. Oh, and whomever you do go to, make sure to also mention that you have osteoporosis! B/C there are some drugs that one probably should not take if you have that.

Baybreeze, thanks so much for your reply. I am very fortunate to have insurance, so going to a specialist wouldn't be a problem. I guess I better get into one soon and find out whats going on. Thanks again:)

You're welcome!