Beauty

[violann]

I have osteoarthritis in my fingers, devastating for a musician. Motion is actually a major help, even when it hurts like blazes to move the joint. I soak my hands in warm water and squeeze my hands tight, then release. Sometimes I start the day with an Aleve, my pain reliever of choice, sometimes not. My knees were getting worse before I cleaned up my diet and lost 75 pounds. Now they don't hurt at all, ever. Maybe my fibro, which hurts everywhere when it's bad, keeps me from thinking about joint pain, maybe my cantankerous personality just keeps me from giving in. I do know that I feel MUCH better when I'm doing something I love, even when it's painful when I start (playing flute or piano).

[CraZLadE]

I have suffered with arthritis for years as it runs in my family. I am blessed with wonderful sons and hubby who are always on the lookout for things to make me feel better, and my oldest found an omega supplement called "OmegaXL" from New Zealand. The bottle reads "Omega XL contains the patented all natural green lipped mussel oil extract, PCSO-524. Sourced from the pure waters of New Zealand, Omega XL contains 30 free fatty acids including EPA, DHA, ETA, and OTA. In clinical studies the active ingredient has been shown to support joint mobility, respiratory, and heart health. It's free of shellfish protein, artificial ingredients, milk, yeast, corn and gluten. I know, maybe TMI here, but I know that since I started taking 2 a day, my joints aren't nearly as painful and stiff, I have much better mobility, an generally feel better. This is the only new thing I've used, so I attribute less pain, etc. to these. They aren't cheap ($60/bottle of 60), but to me it's SO worth it as anything else I've tried doesn't cut it. I also take pain meds but found that I can drastically cut my dosage down. I also exercise, eat healthy and try to think and do things that make me happy, but all I can say is my arthritis is much more bearable than before I started taking these! No, I don't work for this co., I'm just giving info!!!! My best to all who suffer with this and hopefully you can find some relief!!!

[Retiredpsych]

DemoDame....I am so sorry you are suffering with painful arthritis. You didn't say which kind of arthritis you have. I have osteo arthritis in my hands; and my fingers are now curved and bent with enlarged knuckles. I do not have rheumatoid arthritis. I have been to two rheumatoid doctors. The first one was the devil himself (I am convinced) and for two years I had excruciating cortisone injections in my knuckles (I tried to scream but the pain was so intense nothing came out of my mouth!). Do NOT do that if you can avoid it. Then I went to doc #2 who told me that he would never do the injections, that the studies now show that they may actually inflame arthritis!!! He put me on meloxicam. It is an old time medication for arthritis. Been around for a long long time. I take 1/2 a tab in the morning (half the dosage) and I will tell you it works. It does not stop the progression of osteo arthritis in my hands (nothing can stop it) but it DOES take the edge off the pain and I am not aware of the discomfort all day long. A God send in my opinion. When I want to take a break from the Meloxicam, I have also used the Arthritis Pain Medication that is sold at Costco and it actually does take the pain away! It is sold in the aisle where they sell Tylenol. It is actually 650 mg. of Tylenol, and you take two at a time, twice a day. I hope you can find the relief you are searching for. It is an awful disease.

[JENLOVESTOSHOP]

I, personally, don't have arthitis, but a very good friend of mine has RA and treats it naturally with Boswellia and Turmeric.

[gazelle77]

I have had OA since my thirties. Hips, knees, back, wrists, fingers. I had both knees replaced last June. What a godsend! My pain is so much less and I got my life back! Next I will have my hips replaced. I try to do natural things for pain and inflammation. Diet plays a HUGE part in keeping inflammation down. Many supplements also help.

[Katcat1]

Your doctor should give you pain meds for the really bad days. If not, find a new doctor. You should also be seen by a Rheumatologist.

[Tinkrbl44]

I would like to recommend Aspercreme as another option ... in addition to the meds of course.

I originally purchased it because it seemed to be the only topical cream that was fragrance free, but I find it can reduce pain by about 30% ..... which makes it a regular in my bag of tricks.

[Irishrose136]

DemoDame, please let us know how things turn out. I hope it helps to know that you are NOT ALONE. There are people who care about you and your situation!

[Irishrose136]

On 3/27/2014 ednapsych said:

DemoDame....I am so sorry you are suffering with painful arthritis. You didn't say which kind of arthritis you have. I have osteo arthritis in my hands; and my fingers are now curved and bent with enlarged knuckles. I do not have rheumatoid arthritis. I have been to two rheumatoid doctors. The first one was the devil himself (I am convinced) and for two years I had excruciating cortisone injections in my knuckles (I tried to scream but the pain was so intense nothing came out of my mouth!). Do NOT do that if you can avoid it. Then I went to doc #2 who told me that he would never do the injections, that the studies now show that they may actually inflame arthritis!!! He put me on meloxicam. It is an old time medication for arthritis. Been around for a long long time. I take 1/2 a tab in the morning (half the dosage) and I will tell you it works. It does not stop the progression of osteo arthritis in my hands (nothing can stop it) but it DOES take the edge off the pain and I am not aware of the discomfort all day long. A God send in my opinion. When I want to take a break from the Meloxicam, I have also used the Arthritis Pain Medication that is sold at Costco and it actually does take the pain away! It is sold in the aisle where they sell Tylenol. It is actually 650 mg. of Tylenol, and you take two at a time, twice a day. I hope you can find the relief you are searching for. It is an awful disease.

Meloxicam is the generic name for Mobic. I also had a very positive response to it.

[Retiredpsych]

On 3/27/2014 Irishrose136 said:

On 3/27/2014 ednapsych said:

DemoDame....I am so sorry you are suffering with painful arthritis. You didn't say which kind of arthritis you have. I have osteo arthritis in my hands; and my fingers are now curved and bent with enlarged knuckles. I do not have rheumatoid arthritis. I have been to two rheumatoid doctors. The first one was the devil himself (I am convinced) and for two years I had excruciating cortisone injections in my knuckles (I tried to scream but the pain was so intense nothing came out of my mouth!). Do NOT do that if you can avoid it. Then I went to doc #2 who told me that he would never do the injections, that the studies now show that they may actually inflame arthritis!!! He put me on <em>meloxicam</em>. It is an old time medication for arthritis. Been around for a long long time. I take 1/2 a tab in the morning (half the dosage) and I will tell you it works. It does not stop the progression of osteo arthritis in my hands (nothing can stop it) but it DOES take the edge off the pain and I am not aware of the discomfort all day long. A God send in my opinion. When I want to take a break from the Meloxicam, I have also used the <em>Arthritis Pain Medication</em> that is sold at Costco and it actually does take the pain away! It is sold in the aisle where they sell Tylenol. It is actually 650 mg. of Tylenol, and you take two at a time, twice a day. I hope you can find the relief you are searching for. It is an awful disease.

Meloxicam is the generic name for Mobic. I also had a very positive response to it.

Wow IrishRose....I did not know that! Good to know...