Recent Posts

Brazilnut2
on 12/31/11 4:34 am - TN
Topic: RE: Having my knee replaced
Good luck with your knee replacement.

Almost two weeks ago, I had partial knee replacement--less intrusive and faster recovery. Yeah, it's painful, so be sure to take those pain meds as needed and don't try to "out-brave" the pain. I'm doing in-home PT and it's going really well.
jdruski
on 12/29/11 11:09 am - Philadelphia, PA
Topic: RE: Having my knee replaced
Thanks so much for the information.  I fully plan on working very hard in PT.  I am going to do in-house rehab for two weeks and then outpatient 3X per week.  Both of my knees are bone on bone and I realized I started to gain back too much weight because of the vicious cycle I was in.  It was time after 15 years of pain to do something.  I really appreciate you taking the time to fill me in.

I wish you much luck in your RNY.  I had mine in 06.  I had open.  I weighed over 500 lbs. and lost 200 in the first 3 months.  I then lost about 60 more and that is the weight that is creeping back.  I went through 2 plastic surgeries to remove excess skin so this is the only thing that is stopping me from continuing my journey.

Good luck again.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Happy New Year to you and thanks so much.


Jeanne
50andready
on 12/29/11 1:20 am - concord, mi
Topic: RE: RA??
My rheumatologist is wonderful and I trust her alot.  She started me on the methotrexate with plaquenil right away.  When my SED rate was still high, she added Embral injections.  It works!!  I have not had any flares in 2 years.  My SED rate is normal, and my doctor says that means my RA is under control, and that means, there is NO more damage occurring!!!

I still have the fatigue, and achiness, but I am so much better than I was before.  The side effects are scary, but so is the ruination of your body if you RA is left untreated.  I continue to get blood work taken every 6 weeks to check my liver, kidney, SED rate etc.  So far, I have been uneffected.  All the lititure out there agree that Plaquenil, Methothrexate, and Embrel (or another variation ie: Humira, Rhemicaid) is the best treatment for RA.  I wish you luck, and try to keep moving!
50andready
on 12/29/11 1:09 am - concord, mi
Topic: RE: Having my knee replaced
I had my right knee replaced on October 1st 2010.  I weighed 240 at the time.  I won't kid you, its painful!!  The most important thing you can do for yourself is to do the exercises they give you.  When I first went into physical theraphy I could barely move.  The things they made me do hurt,  alot...BUT each time I went home and feeling like I was gonna die,,,the next day I felt a little better, and could do a little more.  I found that the more pain I went through in PT, the BETTER I felt the day after!  It's amazing!  PT really really works, and you feel stronger every day.  Once the pain of the initial surgery goes away, you will notice that your JOINT doesn't hurt anymore!!!  I think it was like week eight that I really started feeling like "wow, this is great," 

I cannot express enough how important it is to do the physical therapy.  I am over a year out, and yes, there is still some stiffness (i have rheumatoid arthritis along with sever osteoarthritis) but I do not have pain in that knee joint.  I am scheduled for my RNY surgery on Feb. 14th of this year, so I am hoping the weight loss will help when I have to have my other knee done.  Just remember, yes its painful,,big time,, but tolerable,, don't be afraid to ask for enough pain meds.  I would always take a pain pill before rehab,  they even suggested I do that.  It does get better,, and you will LOVE your new knee.  I hope this helps!  Good Luck!!
lleslie51
on 12/28/11 8:00 am
Topic: RE: Celebrex- I miss it!

I had R-N-Y surgery in 1998 and was told that I could never take arthritis type medicines ever.  After a severe fall and total knee replacement as well as arthritis I contacted the original clinic and asked what could I do about the pain.  They told me to take Prevacid SOLUTAB and Celebrex... I have been taking that combo for almost 6 years without complication.  Now my insurance will not cover PPI type meds, they say most are OTC now...but the SOLUTAB is not...I am trying to get an exception to their new rule but if I don't get it---what can I take?????  The SOLUTAB is perfect for me but I cannot afford it without insurance... HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy P.
on 12/28/11 12:01 am - Liberty Lake, WA
Topic: RE: 41 yo and needing a new hip????
Well...I tried the synvisc injection last month and didn't make a difference at all. I had a follow up with the ortho about two weeks ago and he said that I just need to get it replaced and stop messing around with it.  He said he does an anterior approach and the surgery is only about 90 minutes and I would be up, around and released from his care within 2 months. Now I just need to be able to schedule it around work!  Thanks again for the encouragement.
                                HT 5'3"~HW 218~SW 208~GW 125

     
    
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Amy P.
on 12/27/11 8:24 am - Liberty Lake, WA
Topic: Is Sjogren's considered a comorbidity?
We have BCBS Insurance. Is Sjogren's considered a comorbidity if BMI is between 35-39?
                                HT 5'3"~HW 218~SW 208~GW 125

     
    
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(deactivated member)
on 12/17/11 1:42 pm - Toronto, Canada
Topic: RE: hot tub
 I don't have any suggestions re: how to get a hot tub covered by insurance, but I sure hope you can get one somehow.  The condition you have with the boils sounds pretty awful and I imagine that it would be really nice to soak in your own private hot tub.  
Keep researching and don't give up!  Good luck.
BeachVol
on 12/17/11 11:50 am - FL
Topic: RE: Exercise Videos?
Dr. Paul Lam has developed a form of Tai Chi for arthritis. His DVDs can be ordered online but I don't recall the website. I'm sure you could find it with a Google search.

The videos show how the movements can be adapted to a seated workout. I attended a workshop with Dr. Lam when he was in the U.S. and several people were modifying to the seated moves. For me, Tai Chi has been the only form of exercise that really improves how I feel. I do other stuff such as cycling for weight loss, but the Tai Chi for arthritis actually feels good. It keeps me walking and upright and that's a good thing!

Check with your local arthritis foundation as many of them are now endorsing Dr. Lam's program. He is a physician who developed early onset arthritis, and as a Tai Chi master, he developed this program for fellow sufferers. He is a remarkable and wonderful person -- truly an inspiration.

Another program that has developed excellent exercise programs for both seniors and those of us with debilitating conditions is Body Recall. They are located in Berea, Kentucky and I know they have an exercise program that features seated moves. I do not know if they offer the program on video. It's worth looking them up online though, as there may be something similar in your area.

DD

        

HW 227

SW 220

GW 150

CW 145

kenpeace
on 12/17/11 9:58 am
Topic: RE: My effin back!
I also have back pain when trying to sleep due to arthritis of the spine.
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