Arthritis

My knees have been hurting me like crazy for the last few weeks so I bit the bullet and went to the doctor. After moving my knees around and me wanting to kick him because it hurt he said he thought it was arthritis. Great.....NOT!!! That's why I chose to go swimming yesterday instead of the usual treadmill and bike. Well I think that was the worst thing I could have done because I woke up in the night last night with them just throbbing with pain. I'm supposed to take Glucosmine for 2 months and if it doesn't get any better I'm to call him back and he will refer me to an orthopedist for possible cortisone shots in my knees. He didn't feel comfortable doing it so he said he wanted them to do it. Well they hurt so bad today that I dont' think I can even think about exercising just walking from the car to my parents house about sent me over the edge. So girls do you think I should call my doc back and see what he says? I took one of my mom's pain pills so will be crawling off to bed here in few minutes and hopefully taking a nap. Jan

Jan, I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I have such bad knees. What really helps me is synvisc shots. Cortisone works, but, only temporarily. Synvisc lasts 6 months. Ask about them. I take glucosomine and have for a very long time, it may be helping, but, I still need the shots. I get 1 shot in each knee, once a week for 3 weeks, then I'm good for six months. It replaces the synovial fluid in your knee so that you have cushioning again. I just had shot #1 on Monday for this round. Feeling so much better all ready! Good luck! Lori

I will have to ask about this. I did make a call to the doctor and his nurse called me back and got down all the info and is going to talk to my doctor. I am hoping something can be done because I took one of my mom's darvocet and it didn't help. Jan

Sorry Jan, that you are in pain. I take the chondroiten/glucosomine daily too for arthritis. I go to the pool frequently to ease the joints overall. When my knees are flaring up I only do the deep water exercises. Even water walking can jar me too much when the knees are acting up. But the deep water is {no impact } so is gentle and easy on the ol' bod. Hope you feel better soon. Calling the doc may be wise. Don't be afraid to bother him. He may prescribe something that will help. Sometimes I take ultram and flexeril. When the joint is irritated often the surrounding tissues also sympathetically absorb inflammation which makes it hurt all the worse. Our pool has a great hot tub. Do you have access to one? That might also relax the aching knees. God bless you. I'll say a little prayer for you . Mary

Jan, I typed a long message to you and Internet Explorer crapped out on me. Argh! I hope you are feeling better. If you are in that much pain, please call your doctor. Glucosamine can really help. I hate to use a dog analogy but our dog is 18 years old with arthritis in one hip and the glucosamine has helped tremendously. It did take a good 2 months to see the difference. Another suggestion is something called Coromega which is fish oil. Fish oil was recommended by my back surgeon since it is a natural anti-inflammatory. We cannot take NSAIDS so fish oil can help. Coromega is the brand (Vitamin Shoppe has it but the best price I have found online is from vitacost.com) and it is an emulsified fish oil meaning that it isn't in an oily base. We malabsorb fats so things in oil bases - I'm not sure that we absorb well. The stuff is orange flavored and it comes in little foil pouches (2 per day would probably be good). I haven't gotten it into my routine but I have heard from others that use it that it is good. Take care, Kathy