Osteoarthritis: Let's connect and support each other

Hi, I have had fibro since I was 29yrs old ( ('m 66 now). I then started with osteoarthritis in every joint in my hands/wrists in my 40's. In my 50's my spine started to affected so got a referal to the local pain clinic. About 3 yrs ago my hip and groin became so paifnul I could hardly lift my leg to walk or put weight on my other leg that was staking my weight,to get in my SUV I had to physically lift my 1st leg to get in. Anyways it turned out there are muscles that go from low back through the hip into the groin called 'Psoas' in my case it is short probably through sitting too much now I'm retired. The Dr at the pain clinic suggested 'Ablation' and hey presto I feel so much better,not perfect but no more pain in hip and groin. The nerves do grow back so the 1st one lasted a whole yr then the 2nd lasted 16mths.I just had my 3rd one and although the nerve is still a bit irritated and it can take up to 6 weeks but still I can walk now. Good luck

I have had surgery the same as you on both thumbs the 1st (left) went well it was the 1st one I had done and the surgeon was suprised that that one went 1st as I'm right handed.The right one I had done 8 yrs ago and I'm still suffering.I have been back to the surgeon a coupe of times,had xray he says everything is in place so I wonder if it's scar tissue.He doesn't have an answer for me and being right handed and having osteoarthritis everywhere it's a nightmare.Anyone have the same ? anyone have any suggestions I would appreciate it Thanks

@anniebrook O you poor thing. When I lived in Seattle I had fibro, but since I have moved back to Iowa I don't have it. I just have osteoarthritis. I had degeneration of my spine of the caused a scoliosis and I had stenosis in L4 and 5 (very bad) but you can't tell until a surgeon goes into the spine. I tried Ablations and it didn't work for me, because I was so bad, So I ended up with a 9 hour back fusion surgery from T-10 to my pelvis. I'm recovering now, but have to be very careful because my bones are soft. I wear a brace and can't bend, or twist, or lift over 7 pounds. I do Tymlos, which is an injection I put in my tummy every day. It's a very small needle so it doesn't hurt, but I have to do it for 2 years and then go on another one, but I think that one will be every 6 months.
I'm sorry I talked all about myself. I am so glad the ablation worked for you.Where do you live? The climate in Seattle was very moist and I think that's what caused my fibro. But I really miss Seattle. I loved it there. We also lived in San Diego for 5 years, no fibro We were on the west coast for 20 years now been back home to Iowa. I have to walk and my knees hurt. I can't take my anti-inflammatory till the 19th of this month, because of the surgery, it thins the blood and I had a low hymaglobin (SP) in the hospital and had to have a red blood cell infusion.
Best to you my dear. Sorry I talked so much about myself. I had my surgery at Mayo at Rochester, MN. Sounds like you could have a MRI on your back, that could be causing all of your problems. I'm not a doctor. Are you have sciatica down that leg? If you do you do have a back problem. If you are close to a Mayo I would go there. I would never had my big surgery anywhere else. My surgeon had 4 qualifications, plus one was a PHD in Orthopedic and spinal surgery. Let me know Jeanie lilypaws

I have osteo in my hands, rt hip and both knees. In the morning my fingers are stiff, painful and swollen. While in bed I exercise my fingers doing various curls, finger to tumb, rolling my fingers in a circle motion one by one and a few other exercise. I am moving my feet as I exercise my fingers. Then, I hobble into the shower, the warm water beats down on my hands and gets them moving. I take meloxicam and use creams [any] just to keep the blood flowing from the rubbing.

@deborahfrick123 Hi That's what I do and I also posted in the o.a.group I now use a cream I like better then EMU cream After the warm water does it's thing I use Amish O.A. cream Besides taking Meloxicam

I'm so happy to find this thread. I've been suffering with increasing arthritis for several years. It has come as a shock to me because I consider 63 to be young! My parents lived to 88 and 90, respectively and did not have serious arthritis.

About 10 years ago I began having lumbar back steroid injections at L4, L5, S1. Also a couple of ablations. I'm now on pretty regular schedule of these therapies, so flare ups aren't as frequent.

I had a total right knee replacement 2 years ago. The surgeon botched the job and the prosthesis failed. It took forever to find this truth! I had to have a complete revision of the R knee, done by a brilliant surgeon in Boston a year later. The right knee is still sore from time to time - painful on stairs and I can feel the L knee beginning to go.

Then there's the shoulder surgery I'm having on the 22nd of this month!

Needless to say I'm in chronic pain and my merciful PCP prescribes Oxycodone for me - without it I couldn't function. My persistent question is: is this the beginning of the end or just a blip from which I'll recover and get my active life back?

Wow that was, as my mother in law used to say, "a tale of woe." Thanks for letting me vent!

Vent anytime, @babette. You sure have been through a lot. I hope what you are going through is just a blip, but of course only your doctors can really answer that question.

Is the shoulder surgery a replacement or something less serious? Whichever it is I hope it goes well.
JK

@anniebrook You sound like me with my o.a. I've tried to make appointment with pain Dr but he isn't in but I'm going to ask him about ablation as my pain area in groin is worse now Glad to hear you found some relieve

@migizii I have OA in multiple areas but presently my hands are problematic along with my left hip, while my left foot is healing from fusion surgery. Anyway, my rheumatologist suggested tryin IMAK arthritis compression gloves for sleeping as they might have less swelling in the morning....this will be the latest idea for pain relief without resorting to another cortisol shot.

I recently joined a few weeks ago. I am 61(disabled since 2003 after 6 yr. battle). I have OA in my feet, ankles, knees, hips, neck elbows, entire spine/neck and hands. The add in fibromyalgia. I do have other health issues but this is the worst. I have been doing everything I can to delay spine surgery. Anyway, I finally got a Dr. referral to an Ortho-Spine clinic. No appt. yet. I have been in BAD shape for a long time and can barely walk any distance at all without sitting down. Call me "Hobbling old lady". I have no idea what is in store for me at this new place. I am sure they will push therapy on me which I have done off and on since the 80's. IT NEVER HAS HELPED.