another arthritis question - Pain Management Message Board

sammyo1 · 04-11-2008, 06:03 AM

Fred, I have been having pain in my left hip, it is like a really bad ache. I know the bone scan showed arthritis in that hip. All of this is new to me. So please bear with my ignorance here. But can that be the arthritis, I can't think of anything else it would be. Can athritis pain like in the hip radiate down the leg or slightly up the back? Kind of cause discomfort in surrounding area's? I have taken note that thus far some of the areas that the arthritis was found do indeed ache. The hip can really bother me. As does the shoulder still, but I am still recovering from surgery with that.

How can they tell what kind of arthritis it is?
I know some show in blood work. I am not sure it they can tell what type from the bone scan. I don't like to just wonder you know?
Also what kind of weather is the worst for you to have to deal with?
Hope all is going well with you, how is your son?
How is this bit of rainy weather effecting you?
Hope to hear from you, Sammy

Arthr Itis · 04-11-2008, 07:43 AM

Hi Sammy. Thanks for asking about my son. He is doing alright , I guess. He is now stationed in Iraq at a base North of Bagdad.
The blood tests and physical exam are the ways of telling what kind of arthritis you have. They are far from perfect, look at me, they still don't know what I have.
Any change in weather hurts me. If we keep this rainy,cold weather my body will adjust to it. Weather change is what gets me. When this rainy crap goes to nice it will hurt. In fact the nice weather is more of a problem for me. When the sun comes out I go out and do stupid stuff. You would think I would learn but no it happens all the time.
The arthritis in your hip can certainly cause pain to radiate down your leg. Because it's going up into your back too is there something going on with your lower back? Just a possibility.
I just wish I would have taken better care of myself in the younger days. Nobody told me I would live this darn long.[lol]
Oh one more thing. Exercise! You need to exercise to keep the arthritis from getting worse. At least that's what my GP told me.
Good luck
Fred

trowftd3 · 04-12-2008, 04:02 AM

I don't mean to hijack your post Sammy but I wanted tell Fred:

What you said about taking it easier when you were younger...I read an article about retired NFL players who can't get health care and one in particular who died penniless on the streets because of his cp. I realize that professional athletes 'get what they pay for'(don't bite me Izzy...ruff...ruff) but I still don't think anyone told them how bad cp really is. And don't get me started on the veterans! One good thing that can come out of this war is more attention paid to cp because of more soldiers surviving their injuries. May your son stay safe and continued good luck in your daily fight with arthritis.~Mush

cmpgirl · 04-12-2008, 09:35 AM

Sorry to jump in too, Sammy, but I had a quick question for Fred as well.

Arthritic "spurs" keep showing up in different areas on my annual MRI's. But, nobody told me whether I have any form of arthritis. I know you said that you've really never been given a proper diagnosis, but what diagnosis is on your medical records, for prescribing purposes? (if you don't mind my asking) Thanks, cmpgirl

sammyo1 · 04-12-2008, 09:56 AM

Thank you Fred, that is helpful. I honestly believe that is what is bothering my hip.
Your GP is correct my sister has the RA & was told that it is imperaitive to stay active (exercise).
Well I am young yet & I wish I would have realized my limits along time ago.
Sooner or later all this arthritis stuff will have to be looked into, right know I am a mess & the pt has discovered that a couple of the ribs (thus far) are really messed up, they are doing alittle jig of their own, decided to leave the rest of the family, very painful, lots of chest pain. So I am heading towards being barred from any activity if this does not improve. I will go crazy Fred.
You are needed here my friend, god has a plan for us all. You have inspired my to not forget that.
My neighbor is on leave from Iraq, young sweetheart. I worry about him, he will being heading back soon. I will keep your son in my prayers, bless them both.
Hang in there Fred, I am the same get excited & over due when it is nice, been lectured like a two yr. old, & I deserve it I guess.
Ask away guys, I have no problem sharing a thread. We are all here to help each other. Sammy