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Just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis at 40 years old

Posted , 6 users are following.

emma26546
emma26546

Hi there all have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and it's in my hands spine knees feet ankles etc. I have family history so not surprised tbh. Also osteoporosis in the family so now worried about that also.

Was wanting any advice on how I can help myself and get drs to be more interested in getting me bone scans and either x rays or other scans. Any help would be appreciated. Ty x

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga emma26546

    Posted

    I was first diagnosed at 40. I think I'd already had OA in feet at least long before. I have been taking glucosamine most of the time since, and not taking any painkillers as many of them actually interfere with cartilage regeneration. I take aspirin for example for headache, but nothing for OA. I do simple yoga to maintain flexibility. I'm a healthy weight, not heavy. I do not have any real problems, the worst is the spine and I have physio exercises to strengthen muscles which support the spine.

    I suggest that physiotherapy would be more useful to you than lots of diagnostic tests.

  • wknight
    wknight emma26546

    Posted

    I have OE in my fingers. My surgeon simply did X-rays to see the damage and once an MRI to see the extent of the damage. I have tried most things and nothing seems to stop the joint being damaged. I have had two fingers joints replaced which means I am pain free. I am currently waiting for my 3rd joint to need replacing. At the moment my surgeon has me using kinsiology tape to support the joint as half of it has already gone. I can't wait to get the third joint replaced and be pain free. But keeping it moving really helps it which seems strange

  • maddyG77
    maddyG77 emma26546

    Posted

    Hello this is my first time on any forum. 

    I too have just been diagnosed with OA and i just turned 40 a month ago sad 

     Its also in my family, and ive probably had a touch of it my whole life. However its progressed quickly in the last 2 years after getting a virus from Mexico. 

    I dont know how to handle my pain, and have a super sensitive stomach and allergies so very scared to take prescription pain meds just yet... 

    Just wanted to introduce myself wink

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga maddyG77

      Posted

      Maddy, you should write a new post as this will only be seen by people who followed the original post.  A new post will be seen by everyone who reads the notifications list.  There are only five people following this post, one of them will be you, a second me, so not many potential answers!

      One thing I learned was that taking NSAIDS, including aspirin, every day for OA pain can be counterproductive as they interfere with cartilage regeneration.  You  may be able to get good advice from a physiotherapist who can help you maintain range of motion and strengthen supporting muscles.  

  • Charwim
    Charwim emma26546

    Posted

    I'm now 44 years old I was first diagnosed with all 3 types of arthritis when I was just 28. Over time I felt my hands and feet worsen. Now im at a point where my fingers have become deformed really fast, within 2 weeks my pinky and my middle finger twisted, and I can no longer straighten the pinky. I saw my RA doctor just last week in hopes to get good news about having surgery well I left in tears because of my young age they won't do the surgery, due to bone fushion I will lose access to those 2 fingers. While there I showed him my first finger on my writing hand it looks like a sausage in just 2 weeks its so swollen and now turning also, my doctor said its at a rapid stage for me and yes I'm one of the youngest patients he's seen 44 years old with 80 year old hands, bad thing is we own a business and with that business comes lifting and using my fingers, I'm not sure what will happen once I lose the strength in all of them and it hurts to even carry a Wal-Mart sack, I have pictures if anyone would like to see especially since this is happening so fast it can help prepare you for what's to come. I do use a special ointment 4 times a day and 4g per usage but it only takes the edge off other than that there is no cure, no meds that really help, so it is what it is and I will continue working and doing what my body allows until I can't go anymore! Good luck to all of you who've been recently diagnosed and to all of you who are going thru this now.

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga Charwim

      Posted

      I can't understand why you have not been given medication for your rheumatoid arthritis.  There should be medicine you can take to stop the deformation of your joints.    Are you seeing a proper specialist?  Have you looked for a second opinion? And, what I said to Maddy, please write a new post.  I only saw this because I happened to follow the original post first made seven months ago.  There will be people on the forum who will know a lot more about the condition you describe and able to offer useful advice, but they may never see your comment here. 

      I do hope you find a doctor who will treat you properly soon.

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