Osteoarthritis: Let's connect and support each other

I'm shocked it took me this long to wake up.Basically my major physical difficulties are from osteoarthritis. 77 yrs ago when I was born the doctor used forceps twisting my body to birth me. Unknown until my left hip replacement using computer aided surgery in 2006 the surgeon told me that my pelvis was deformed osteoarthritis destroyed my hip ball and my femur was a half inch shorter than the right. So I had stopped stumbling was able to move freely and started losing weight. Eating healthier but also taking 14 different medications. Knee replacement and revision and four foot surgeries later and 200 lb later I had a revelation. The right side of my pelvis has hurt for more than fourteen.years. I had disability retirement from continuous trauma to my hands and wrists. Injuries to both shoulders etc etc. Even fibro is connected.everything is connected. I'm down to only two meds for breathing and BiPap for thirty yrs. My big push now is to use food to lower my pain. My food allergies are eggs and dairy which gave me a head start. Turmeric ginger and cayenne pepper make power treatment for inflammation. Curcumin is in turmeric. There are many herbs and spices that have antiseptic as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Rather than bore you further I have a long list of beneficial herbs and spices that have highly beneficial properties. Also have been using recipes to incorporate these in my diet. Not vegan I eat salmon and chicken lots of chickpeas and whole grains. I want to spend my money on healthy foods not OTC bottles and jars that imitate the properties of real food. There is a place for meds for intense pain. I use extra strength Tylenol occasionally at night to sleep.
Hope this gains some interest.Lolaemma

@lolaemma
Hi,
Oh boy did you speak to me! I have been saying for years, and posted many times in different groups on this forum , about the relation of food to good health in general I have given people examples of anti inflammatory “diets” to several people that have asked me why I have no pain or joint stiffness at my age (79) or take any medications other than vitamins.

I try to eat a lot of plant based foods, fish and chicken...little red meat , no processed foods (maybe organic bacon in a blue moon) and hardly any gluten. I watch the sugar because of my sweet tooth. I have told people to give their white bread and crackers to the birds. I don’t deprive myself at all and if I want a pizza I will have one. Exercise is a part of my life too.

You are what you eat and if you don’t put the right fuel into your body then your body will rebel. Then you get used to feeling the way you do. Adopting the right way to eat requires reading and research about what foods do what to your body. Everything from your eyelashes down to your toenails, and every organ in your body is affected by what you eat. It is not a lazy person’s approach to food and needs refining and rethinking as you age. Just doing the basics (which are easy enough to goggle) will result in a drop in the obesity epidemic in this country which leads to diabetes, high blood pressure and a host of other illnesses and diseases. I personally know of some success stories of people who literally transformed themselves and rid themselves of some debilitating medical problems and diseases because they listened and read and started to change.

There is no one “diet” .You can eat healthy while still following any dietary restrictions and still take supplements. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. You will feel better, more energetic, be less sedentary and, if necessary lose weight and get off of some pain meds . But you have to do the research first.
These are not fads or the most popular diets at the moment. This food approach is the way we should be eating and have eaten in our evolutionary past but we have gone astray and I blame the food industry and the pharmaceutical Industry for a lot of the problems.

I am thrilled to have someone like you who posted your wake up call and is on the right path. BTW , turmeric circumin and ginger are really potent anti oxidants as you pointed out. If people choose to get their benefits as a supplement then they should research the best supplements . All vitamins and supplements are not created equal.

This is one of my favorite topics and I hope you post some “blow by blow” results so others can read of your success and be inspired.

Regards from FL Mary

Hello, I am participating in occupation therapy and physical therapy at Revive Rehab . It has helped my hip. Myofascial release has been helpful.

I also have osteoarthritis in every joint including neck and jaw issues plus tendinitis of both shoulders. My feet are the most painful. After multiple injuries and surgeries I'm also hobbling. Currently under control enough to not take medication. However I have fibro and my long muscles in right thigh and both upper arms. Doctors tell me that duh I don't know what to do. QiGong healing form had been wonderful to relieve tightened muscles. However I have no transportation and the senior bus and Center are not operating. Ayurvedic medicine is helpful but it's difficult to put power spices ginger turmeric and cayenne in foods everyday. When I do my fingers are warm and less painful.Frankly no lotion or cream doesn't do anything but warm the painful areas. Recently I looked up the OTC preparations mentioned and the prices. Too much for too little. As mentioned earlier I also learned how to do the hand flowing motion and it helps. Living alone with a shelter pup she's a therapy dog and makes me walk outside every day. Right now I'm limping with a sprained ankle and ligament previously injured. I do have a question. What is there that works for fibro?

@lolaemma I also have O.A. all through me plus fibromyalgia since the 90,s What I have found that helps me is doing isometric exercises first then light exercise . I learned this at a fibro clinic when I first got it . Since then Epsom salts do wonders , a hot shower when you hurt all over, Emu oil ointment , Amish Arthritis cream is also good . I have Tramadol when I just cant stand the pain. Aleve helps otherwise. Ice for O.A. Hope some of this helps you Its just a number of tools you have to find which helps you . I found on youtube a lot of Qigong and Tai Chi which is what I do . Hope you find what will work for you. Good luck

Thank you it didn't occur to me to look online for QiGong. I can't do Tai Chi again yet need to gently get stretches going.

@lolaemma Your welcome I do mine on U tube both chair exercises and hand exercises as well as Tai Chi If it's on your hands try them they really help me

Hello, just coming into this conversation and was wondering if Tai Chi can be done if you have very bad balance? Thank you so much and take care, Sunny flower

Hi sunny flower TaiChi and Qi Gong can both be done sitting until you feel comfortable standing. It took me a long time to be comfortable (safe) standing.

I am in the wrong thread-I am currently being medically investigated for PMR with a mix of RA.Can someone help me find the right place for autoimmune diseases affecting bones and joints.Thank you