degenerating joint spaces

Hi
I have been dealing with degenerating joints for about the same amount of time since my roux-en y surgery, 5 years post-op.   I have had my right big thumb joint done-  Arthrodesis. My left big toe, MTP fusion.  Now my right big toe has to be fused because the joint space is gone.  I have been having symptoms in my left thumb also.  Has anyone had these problems and if so what seems to be the cause.  The doctors tell me osteoarthritis..  I am only 53 and this has been going on for about 5 years. 

Thanks for any input.
Linda

 I recently had an episode of severe arthritis-like symptoms for about 6 weeks.....I am now getting better, thanks to some meds (prednisone) and painkillers....  one thing i have done is give up artificial sweenteners....'google' the topic of artificial sweeteners and arthritis.....just might be something to it.... good luck!

BellaNell thanks for your post.  I am going to search the artificial sweetners.  What do you use for sweetening say coffee or tea?

 I have changed my sweetener of choice to stevia-types...there are several on the market and the price seems to be coming down.  They are plant based, but have no (or few) calories.  When I bake I do use sugar--I am over two years out.  I do not bake often and, when I do, it's usually for a gathering.  BTW, when I googled 'splenda sickness,'  I found some interesting reading.

Thanks again!  Merry Christmas to you and yours 

I feel you! I have the same problem in my Lumbar spine! My doctor keeps telling me SURGERY, but I am not up for that. I am only 27. So I am not ready to have people cutting at my back yet! (Mine is due to a car accident though), I have been dealing with mine for almost 3 years now.

After one hip resurfacing and the other one needing done in the next 1-2 years, I decided on doing the lapband.  My knees are degenerating as well.  I have a lot of problems with dryness of my eyes.  My eye doctor says it is the same disease process as with my joints.  Do you have that problem as well?