Rose, I'd have to say it's not age since I'm 34 and my osteoarthritis is getting worse too! Early onset arthritis runs in my family. Before surgery (since my mid-20s) I had some problems with my hands and knees, but since the surgery my hands have gotten worse and one of my feet got so bad my doctor was testing me for gout. My foot and calf swelled so badly I had to wear a foot brace for 2 weeks because my shoe didn't fit! My PCP prescribed tylenol with codeine, but it only took the edge off and she has forbidden me to wear heels anymore (I'm only 5'2") She tells me I'm too young to go on something daily for the pain in my hands (and sometimes knees, back and feet), but with the cold weather coming, I may have to push her on it. Here's wishing us all some luck! Carolyn 232/222/144/130

Hi there, I have inflammatory arthritis and prior to WLS I was confined to a wheel chair. I never need the chair anymore, but I still have joint pain. Exercise has been key to my weight loss and I truly believe it has helped my arthritis too. My gym has a warm water therapy pool where they reach range of motion exercise especially for arthritis and MS patients. I also attend water aerobics classes. In the beginning, I went to classes just for arthritis patients, but now I can keep up with everyone else in the more high paced classes. Right after surgery when I weighed about 450 lbs, i started ou****er walking. This was very easy on the joints. I also used a "sitting" stair climber at my gym, I was lucky that my community had a hospital based gym that had well qualified trainers who could modify exercises for me so that they actually improved my arthritis. Call your local arthritis foundation, they can recommend good fitness facilities for someone who has your other health issues, good luck, Kelly

Thanks for answering. I will be trying the chiro (again). I will be heading back to the my back surgeon about this.

Yesterday, I got in my car to drive to Baltimore Maryland. The drive should take about 60 - 75 minutes. I got there. I spent the day driving around, walking is out of the question. I go out of the car to use the facilities and have lunch. I was having difficulty with my r leg because of sciatic situations. I would get out & stretch & walk around my car very often. By 2 pm, the pain was unreal. I started my drive back. I could not get comfortable. the pain in my r leg and especially my thigh brought me to tears. If there is nothing wrong with my back and sciatic that can be helped, what is going on?! I made it home. I could not get out of my car. I tried to get out of my car. I stood up! I walked around my car. I could see the front door of my house. I could not walk!! TEARS!!!The pain in my legs especially my r was an ache, not stabbing, that was on fire. I tried to rub and move the leg. No luck. I could see my front door. I could not move. I fell to the ground. I was going to crawl to the door. Two of my neighbors saw me go down. I crawled on my car to stand. They moved me into the house & sat me down. UGH!! pain in my legs especially my right leg was unreal. If there is nothing wrong with my back! had 2 shots in r sciatic - what is this?! I don't know which doctor to re-visit. I got to get this weight off. I do not know what to do, think or which way to turn.

Hi Lavon, I have joined the gym too. I am starting water aerobics first and then the weights. I also am starting back to my bowling. I bowl on Tues and Thurs nights. My knees are bad also. I am going to talk to the doctor today. I am only 4 weeks post op and I am still on Vicodin for pain, which I am using now for joint pain and neurontin for neuropathy. I am probably going to get some hormone therapy, I had a hysterectomy in 1998 and have not taken any but the first year and I am sure I have osteoarthritis. Hopefully the weight loss will accomplish the pain in the joints. Hope you do well, it sounds like you have the right idea, I am heading in that same direction!!! Dru