Osteoarthritis in fingers and knee replacement needed

Posted by Mombo83 @mombo83, Sep 14, 2011

Due to recommendation by Mayo physician I increased fish oil from 2000 mg to 3000 mg per day. We are amazed at the results. No joint pain nor stiffness in hands or knee. Incredible results from this simple remedy.

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That's awesome. Does this mean you're not having the knee replacement?

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@ks

That's awesome. Does this mean you're not having the knee replacement?

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Correct. The constant swelling with walking / (activity), and associated pain has subsided 95%. I have the osteoarthritis in my fingers (age 60), while my husband (age 64) has the knee problem. Doctors have told my husband to put off knee replacement surgery until pain is intolerable, as it is a very complex surgery and is constantly evolving for greater success rate. Now that the inflammation is under control he will keep his own knee until something changes. So far since we increased our dose to 3,000 mg I had improvement in 3 weeks, while it took about 3 months for it to 'kick in' for my husband, however I am half the weight of my husband, although I do not know if that would matter. Hope this helps.

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@ks

That's awesome. Does this mean you're not having the knee replacement?

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Yes, thank you. I'm going to try it. My hip has become painful. And just an opinion for your husband's knee...I have 2 total knee replacements which have been very successful. One is 21 years old and still prfect. The other only 5 years old. I've had degenerative arthritis since I was a teenager. First replacement at 39 yrs old to replace badly deformed joint. It's very painful surgery and rehab but worth it for pain free living. Now my hips are going. I'm going to try the fish oil. Thanks again.

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@ks

That's awesome. Does this mean you're not having the knee replacement?

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I wanted to add that while researching fish oil I learned that the fish oil produced by the smallest species of fish is best, the fish oil made from sardines and anchovies. Kirkland (Costco brand) is rated 'right up' there as the best of the best of them. Good luck with the hip replacement. My step son had his hip replaced 2 yrs ago at age 36, he is a medical sales professional. He learned from the doctors he calls on that hip replacement is a simple procedure compared to knee replacement. He came through it with 'flying colors' he no longer limps and is pain free. Hope the fish oil will give you some relief as it did us and another tidbit, since we retired 3 years ago, we began living in Arizona for the 'six months' of winter. What a difference the dry climate makes, not to mention 335 days of sunshine a year, with all that Vitamin D from the sun, really does a body good!

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@ks

That's awesome. Does this mean you're not having the knee replacement?

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Hi: Thanks, I actually know that cause I love sardines. I also love Costco and I did buy their brand. We're on the same page. Been to Arizona twice and think it's beautiful. What bugs me about the hip replacement is that I already have 2 knees and the idea of 1 or 2 more articial joints is bothering me emotionally. On the other hand I don't like limping around. It makes me look and feel old. Have a good winter!! And thanks for responding.

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Hi everyone, just finished a visit in urgent care today, confirmed what I already knew, which is osteoarthritis in my knees. Next step is ortho dept. I'm 50 so I don't want a replacement yet but they talked about that today. Not sure which route to go I agree Mombo83 about waiting for evolving changes in knee replacement surgery, well we'll see what the ortho dept has to say. thanks for all the info you all post.

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@mk

Hi everyone, just finished a visit in urgent care today, confirmed what I already knew, which is osteoarthritis in my knees. Next step is ortho dept. I'm 50 so I don't want a replacement yet but they talked about that today. Not sure which route to go I agree Mombo83 about waiting for evolving changes in knee replacement surgery, well we'll see what the ortho dept has to say. thanks for all the info you all post.

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Please remember that surgeons are trained to see surgery as the main means to an end. If you visit a surgeon, surgery will most likely be recommended. There are other avenues for you to pursue. Number one would be to see a non surgical physician such as a muscular skeletal specialist (Dr. Todd Holmes in St. Louis Park, MN). There are many options of which all should be thoroughly exhausted before resorting to surgery. Osteoarthritis is a very common condition, don't let the diagnosis overwhelm your good sense for Mother Nature to 'treat' you. Increase your Fish Oil intake to 3,000 mg per day, as well as increase your physical activity. Take an hour long walk everyday, do 20 minutes of stretching, swim laps 3 x a week, etc. Take up a hobby you enjoy, photography or volunteering within your community. Take time to read the classics or whatever you find enjoyment in learning about. Mind over matter is a powerful aid. Remember that - "Woman are like tea bags, you never know how strong they are until they are in hot water" -Eleanor Roosevelt.

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@ks

That's awesome. Does this mean you're not having the knee replacement?

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Everyone gets old at the same rate only at at different times! Don't let the thought of artificial joints bother you emotionally. Just continue to do all you can to prolong the replacements. Everyone has scars, physically as well as emotionally. You are not alone. Be grateful that you are not one of our returning soldiers living without their limbs. There is always something to be thankful for if we ponder other's trials and tribulations long and hard enough. Keep the faith.

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@ks

That's awesome. Does this mean you're not having the knee replacement?

Jump to this post

I sure like your philosophy concerning being thankful. I feel the very same way about my life. Just wanted to add a little info in regard to the fish oil. Recently my Doctor had me take a vitamin D 25 Hydroxy Test to measure the level of Vitamin D3 in my blood. The test read somewhat low and he wanted to prescribe 50,000 iu of vitamin D3 (one tab a week for 8 weeks). Then he would retest. That seemed to me like a very high dose. Being a naturalist and not taking any medications, I opted out of this particular prescription, did some on-line research, and found that taking "cod liver oil" will help to raise the Vitamin D3 level. So I began taking 2000 mg per day of the cod liver oil. And as an extra benefit I have found it is wonderful for "arthritis". My joints do not give me near as much trouble as they did before I began taking it. I prefer supplements and other alternative medicines to prescriptions if at all possible. This certainly has worked for me. AND, another extra benefit is that fish oil will lower cholesterol levels.

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