19th November 2005
Hi JimmyHonda,
I have ostea-arthritis. But my rheumatologist keeps doing sed rate tests and RA tests, just to make sure that it does not become/change to Rheumatoid Arthritis. I also have other blood tests too. I have been diagnosed for about 1 yr. I take Skelaxin, Tramadol (Ultram), Glocosamine/Chondroiten, and just this week she added Relafen. I have also had a couple of shots, which you can only have about 4 per yr. They only help with the pain and especially swelling (in my hands and wrists) for a few weeks.
It does take months for the Glucosamine/Chondroiten to help. It is not a cure and only helps me a little. I take triple strength, 2 x day. I am also able to take up to 4 tylenol a day. I have bad stomach problems, so cannot take some of the things that others might take! Also, heating pad (for back), rice sock (for shoulders, arms and hands), nice hot long shower helps all parts. I hurt in my hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, back, neck, knees and legs and fee/ankles. Just about everywhere, but not all at the same time, sometimes just a couple together. I guess the worse hurt, shouts the most?!
I do hope you find the right doctor and a good combination of therapy and drugs. Do stretching exercises, they way to walk (I do not yet), and massage and swimming. All I do is the stretching exercises but under the advice of my dr., intend to start yoga in January (at home).
Take care.
Wannabe
I have ostea-arthritis. But my rheumatologist keeps doing sed rate tests and RA tests, just to make sure that it does not become/change to Rheumatoid Arthritis. I also have other blood tests too. I have been diagnosed for about 1 yr. I take Skelaxin, Tramadol (Ultram), Glocosamine/Chondroiten, and just this week she added Relafen. I have also had a couple of shots, which you can only have about 4 per yr. They only help with the pain and especially swelling (in my hands and wrists) for a few weeks.
It does take months for the Glucosamine/Chondroiten to help. It is not a cure and only helps me a little. I take triple strength, 2 x day. I am also able to take up to 4 tylenol a day. I have bad stomach problems, so cannot take some of the things that others might take! Also, heating pad (for back), rice sock (for shoulders, arms and hands), nice hot long shower helps all parts. I hurt in my hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, back, neck, knees and legs and fee/ankles. Just about everywhere, but not all at the same time, sometimes just a couple together. I guess the worse hurt, shouts the most?!
I do hope you find the right doctor and a good combination of therapy and drugs. Do stretching exercises, they way to walk (I do not yet), and massage and swimming. All I do is the stretching exercises but under the advice of my dr., intend to start yoga in January (at home).
Take care.
Wannabe