Keeping moving is essential.  TRUE.   It is definitely not a cure or even a treatment for OA.  You move to somehow prevent stiffness.   Moving does not repair damage to joints.  If you walk a lot and you have bone on bone knees,  you will not be doing yourself any good at all.  I know  from  personal experience.     i have been on anti inflammatories so long I cannot remember not taking them   Lately the generic form of Voltaren has given the best relief or the non generic arthrotec.  Much better than IBUPROFEN.   SYNVISC did not do much.  Steroids help but it is short lasting.  Replacement is realloy the only solution. 

I'd choose sleeve so you can still use NSAIDs.

No offense, but I am siding with MsBatt.  I came to this Forum mainly to find relief from my severe pain.  I have to get off NSAID's (I am pre-surgical), I do not want to use narcotics, and steroids are another area I would like to avoid.

I have so much pain with one leg, I did not realize ****il films of both) how bad they both are.  I had been very active up until seven years ago, so with the added weight, the pain, I have actually cried a couple of times before heading out to exercise.  I push myself to swim & walk, only to feel so debilitated after, I can barely take the pain just sitting.

Instinctively I know I have to keep moving, but I disagree it gives 100% results - just the opposite.

Brenda  : )~

Hi guys!  I don't have RA but I have been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis.  I have suffered with psoriasis since the age of 4.  Last April 2009 I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis.  I started using Enbrel with no success and then went on to Humira + methylprednisolone + Naproxen for the PA.  My medication totaled over 6,000.00 a month.  My other medical conditions included psoriasis, sleep apnea, sciatica, cppd,  osteoarthritis, gastritis along with a few others.  The meds were getting to me and I decided to have gastric bypass in hopes of getting off my medications.  When I went to visit my nutritionist in April for the 1st time she told me diet was impeccable but with liquids we're killing me.  My culprit was sweet tea and orange juice.  I vowed to discontinue any and all sugars, added milk back into my diet and viola I lost 30 pounds in 5 weeks on my own prior to my surgery.  My friends could not understand why I would continue with such a surgery after having those types of results.  My decision was based on getting rid of my medications.  Prior to my surgery I weighed 330 pounds and stood 6 ft tall.  Deducting the 30 pounds prior I basically started on my surgery date at approx 300 pounds.   As of today I'm down to 255 pounds - eating what I'm supposed to, walking 4 miles a day and totally free of meds with the exception of my throid meds and the usual vitamins, calcium and iron after surgery.  I'm inflammation free and currently pain free.   The only drawback I experienced after sugery is that I'm totally allergic to aspertame products - which I consider a blessing!

I have compassion for everyone that experiences RA or any form of arthritis.  I also understand that my inflammation and pain may return over a period of time.  I have opted to combat it proactively and join a gym with a heated pool and save up money to hire a personal trainer. 

The journey I went on prior to me finding my perfect surgeon was a grueling experience and an emotional roller coaster.  I was scheduled for my surgery last Sept and my doctor moved away two days prior to it taking place.  The I got enough nerve up to go through everything again and a local surgeon told me it would be done in June.  To my surprise they wanted me to wait until August 2010 for the surgery.  I was blessed finding my doctor in Ocala, FL...Dr. Kevin Hoddinot.  His staff is awesome and his sense of humor is greatly welcomed!

I hope we all gain support and strength from each other!!!

Take care,

Laura
Florida

Has anyone out there had recent WLS at Bayshore Hospital in Pasadena, Texas?  I HAVE to go to an "HCA" affiliated facility and am having problems finding a surgeon who is highly reccommended.  Help!!!