Anyone on this Forum with very painful Osteoarthritis?

[Retire2013]

1 year and 1/2 ago, I experienced severe pain and swelling in the left knee, and suddenly could not bend or straigthen the knee, had to use crutches. I was seen by an orthepedic surgeon who took Xrays of my knee, and examined me and diagnosed me of osteoarthritis. Prescribed an anitinflammatory called Diclofenac (taken twice daily). I took the meds for a month, swelling did not subside, still could not walk. Went back to Orthopedist, he used a large needle and drew out the fluid that caused the swelling in my left knee. After that draining, I was fine. Able to walk, was pain free.

A week ago, the pain return, the swelling and stiffness returned. Had the draining again w/ a large needle (this is painful) but now the swelling is still there, and it is so painful to stand or walk or even turn from side to side when lying in bed. I am going back to the Orthepedist this Tuesday.

I write to ask if there are any fellow Forum members who experience similar severe knee pain from osteoarthritis and what did you find to be most helpful to you? Please share your experiences. I am a bit frightened by how painful and debilitating this condition is. I am NOT overweight. I teach yoga parttime and am very flexible. To suddenly find that I cannot stand up straight or bend down enough to sit on the toilet is most disconcerting. I am 51 years old, FYI.

Please share any information you may have on this topic. I understand that illness and pain are not fun and exciting topics nor do they even relate to ER. But I would be most grateful to hear from anyone on this Forum with similar experiences and how you have coped with it.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

Retire 2014

 

[Nodak]

I had the same problem for 13 years. Osteo Biflex pills helped for a while and I would have long periods of time when it felt pretty good but the pain would return. I finally had the knee replaced and wish I had done it years ago. Mine started when I was 50 years old.

 

[Mulligan]

I think you will get more clarity come tuesday. At 51, you are way too young to suffer with this. Draining the knee is really only treating the symptom, not the cause as you know. Maybe you have some debris caught up in the joint that is inflaming the situation. This has happened to some professional athletes I know where they couldn't put any weight on leg at all. After they got it scoped out and a little rehab, they were fine. Have you been officially diagnosed with osteo, or is this just the GP saying this? I have the " bad knees" syndrome. But I have largely avoided problems with them by increased stretching, weight lifting, walking, and no running. This would have no benefit to what you are dealing with.

 

[bbbamI]

I am so sorry to hear about your condition.

I don't have Osteoarthritis in my knee, but I do have it in my spine. Thankfully the pain is manageable. I don't require special meds at this time.

My suggestion is if you're in a lot of pain, you may want to see a Pain Management Specialist as I did years ago. Perhaps you can get some relief until your problem can be fixed.

 

[Mulligan]

Ooops, I see you have seen specialist. My dementia is hitting me , as my friend just recently went to reg. doc to get his drained. I know that there are other options besides need replacement. I know a person who has got injections every so often that is a lubricant for the joint. Whether this will long term he doesn't know. I recently read that over 20% of all people above the age of 50 have had some type of joint replacement. It is definitely more prevalent now. Good luck Tuesday, and let us know. I am interested in this as down the road, I may staring at this problem.

 

[Nemo2]

What you speak of is what I fear.......I have no cartilage in either knee, (bone-on-bone in both), and in 1998, (aged 56 at the time), this was confirmed after undergoing arthroscopy.

I've been told, by at least two orthopedic surgeons, that "Sooner or later" I'll require knee replacements, but, although my running days ended in 1998 and I'm always 'aware' of my knees, I appear to be one of the 'lucky' ones that (thus far) have avoided the extreme pain..........I recall, when we lived in Ottawa, encountering a young guy, (mid 30s perhaps), hobbling along wearing tensor bandages on both knees due to the same problem.....so, while increased age may be a factor, it's apparently not the only factor.

 

[JOHNNIE36]

I have the same problem with bad knees. Had my right knee replaced about 5 years ago and it feels good. The only problem I have with the right knee is total flexibility but that is my fault for not doing any exercises. It doesn't hurt. Now my left knee is acting the same and will probably have a total replacement within the next six months. I've just got to get back to my orthopedic surgeon after he recovers from breaking his wrist a couple weeks ago.

 

[Retire2013]

Dear All: I will keep you all posted and please continue to share all your experiences on this thread. It not only helps me; it may help many others with similar knee and/or osteoarthritis problems.

For now, based on my research, I am very interested in being eligible for the gel injection in to the knee area. But the doctor won't always give it to their patients so I am not sure if mine will administer it. They want patients to take meds for a very long time before moving on to more "serious" treatments.

I will post tomorrow after my checkup with the orthopedist. Have a great day ALL!

 

[2soon2tell]

Retire,

I don't know about knees but I suffered with severe osteoarthritis in my right shoulder for years. My orthopedic surgeon said the only solution was total shoulder replacement as I had bone rubbing on bone.

The surgery was presented as a quality of life solution. When I could no longer stand the pain and loss of function then it was time for the joint replacement. I hope this helps. Incidentally I did have a couple of cortisone injections before the replacement and they helped for a few weeks but then the pain returned.

 

[JBmadera]

sorry to hear about your condition. I've got it also (both knees and shoulders, lower back, left hip and left wrist). here are somethings which worked, to varying degrees:

-left wrist complete fusion - reduced pain by 75%, downside is can't use the wrist...lol
-right shoulder, left hip surgeries, minimal improvement, will wait as long as possible before shoulder and knee replacements.
-added numerous supplements which do seem to help: MSM, Salmon oil, krill
-dropped 40lbs, and added 250-350 miles per week of cycling, other than the low back cycling is virtually pain free, from an osteo standpoint
-eliminated virtually all sugar, for whatever reason consuming high sugar content products always seemed to make the osteo feel worse
-FINALLY got a hot tub, boy that thing sure makes a huge difference in the winter. I'd get in that sucked 2-3x per day
-the never ending search for pain meds that work on the osteo but have minimal/no side effects.....not going so well here.

best of luck!!!

oh, one last thing - don't do weights any longer but I do use straps for upper body exercise, they seem to help some too.

 

[Retire2013]

sorry to hear about your condition. I've got it also (both knees and shoulders, lower back, left hip and left wrist). here are somethings which worked, to varying degrees:

-left wrist complete fusion - reduced pain by 75%, downside is can't use the wrist...lol
-right shoulder, left hip surgeries, minimal improvement, will wait as long as possible before shoulder and knee replacements.
-added numerous supplements which do seem to help: MSM, Salmon oil, krill
-dropped 40lbs, and added 250-350 miles per week of cycling, other than the low back cycling is virtually pain free, from an osteo standpoint
-eliminated virtually all sugar, for whatever reason consuming high sugar content products always seemed to make the osteo feel worse
-FINALLY got a hot tub, boy that thing sure makes a huge difference in the winter. I'd get in that sucked 2-3x per day
-the never ending search for pain meds that work on the osteo but have minimal/no side effects.....not going so well here.

best of luck!!!

oh, one last thing - don't do weights any longer but I do use straps for upper body exercise, they seem to help some too.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Is it a recumbent bike that you used or an upright "normal" bike? Is it an exercise bike? Or do you bike outside? What is MSM? And if you don't mind, at what age did the osteoarthritic pain come on at various parts of your body? Did they all happen at once?

Thank you for telling me about the sugar. I have tried to cut down nearly completely on all sweets. How about wheat and dairy? I've heard that wheat and dairy exacerbate osteoarthritis pain as well. If you're in a lot of pain please try to cut out wheat and/or dairy as an experiment and please post again to tell me and others here what effects if any.

Did your doctor suggest icing the afflicted area? Mine told me to use ice packs over the knee to reduce the inflammation.

Thanks again, please post your reply when you have the time.

 

[Retire2013]

Retire,

I don't know about knees but I suffered with severe osteoarthritis in my right shoulder for years. My orthopedic surgeon said the only solution was total shoulder replacement as I had bone rubbing on bone.

The surgery was presented as a quality of life solution. When I could no longer stand the pain and loss of function then it was time for the joint replacement. I hope this helps. Incidentally I did have a couple of cortisone injections before the replacement and they helped for a few weeks but then the pain returned.

Thank you, 2Soon2Tell! My wishes to a pain-free future for you

 

[rockymountainhigh]

In my early forties I was diagnosed with osteoarthritisin my hip. It was not painful but I could not walk very far without having to squat and stretch my lower back because my right leg would start to ache and go numb down to my foot. I tried a lot of things and came accross
S-adenosylmethionine or SAM-e. It stopped the inflamation and as long as I take it, 12 years now, I am okay but if I go off it the problem returns.

 

[Retire2013]

In my early forties I was diagnosed with osteoarthritisin my hip. It was not painful but I could not walk very far without having to squat and stretch my lower back because my right leg would start to ache and go numb down to my foot. I tried a lot of things and came accross
S-adenosylmethionine or SAM-e. It stopped the inflamation and as long as I take it, 12 years now, I am okay but if I go off it the problem returns.

Thank you for this information. Is it prescription drugs? Or dietary supplement? How do I go about purchasing SAM-e? How many tablets do you take per day? I am happy to learn that you are helped by it. Thanks again.

 

[rockymountainhigh]

Thank you for this information. Is it prescription drugs? Or dietary supplement? How do I go about purchasing SAM-e? How many tablets do you take per day? I am happy to learn that you are helped by it. Thanks again.

SAM-e is a supplement and the brand I use and is the least expensive is from Nature Made and the least expensive stores I have found to get it at is either Costco or Sam's, 400mg 60 count box. I take one 400mg tablet daily, when you first start it takes a few weeks to build up in your system. If it is going to help you there should be improvement of your pain after a month. With your condition you might try it for two months. My wife started taking it for her hip bursitis and has noticed an improvement but she didn't realize the improvement until she went off it. I think she thought some therapy she was going to was helping it instead.

Also as a side note Nature Made promotes it as a "Mood Enhancer" their box is labeled "SAM-e Complete", when I started using it joint comfort was primary.

If you find the SAM-e works and are using the Nature Made brand make sure you create an account on their web site so you can get credit for purchases and receive coupons, 190 points for the 60 count SAM-e. You get a $7 coupon after 500 points. Also Costco has SAM-e on sale every so often.
I hope it helps you the way it helped me.

 

[Bluemoon]

SAM-e is a supplement and the brand I use and is the least expensive is from Nature Made and the least expensive stores I have found to get it at is either Costco or Sam's, 400mg 60 count box. I take one 400mg tablet daily, when you first start it takes a few weeks to build up in your system. If it is going to help you there should be improvement of your pain after a month. With your condition you might try it for two months. My wife started taking it for her hip bursitis and has noticed an improvement but she didn't realize the improvement until she went off it. I think she thought some therapy she was going to was helping it instead.

Also as a side note Nature Made promotes it as a "Mood Enhancer" their box is labeled "SAM-e Complete", when I started using it joint comfort was primary.

If you find the SAM-e works and are using the Nature Made brand make sure you create an account on their web site so you can get credit for purchases and receive coupons, 190 points for the 60 count SAM-e. You get a $7 coupon after 500 points. Also Costco has SAM-e on sale every so often.
I hope it helps you the way it helped me.

I have had arthritis & bursitis for about 45 years so the SAM-e interest me/. I Googles it and found this:
SAMe is a chemical that is found naturally in the body. It can also be made in the laboratory.

SAMe has been available as a dietary supplement in the US since 1999, but it has been used as a prescription drug in Italy since 1979, in Spain since 1985, and in Germany since 1989. Researchers discovered the potential usefulness of SAMe for treating osteoarthritis by accident. They were studying SAMe’s effect on depression when the patients they were following reported an unexpected improvement in their osteoarthritis symptoms.

SAMe is used for depression, anxiety, heart disease, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, chronic lower back pain, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, slowing the aging process, chronic fatigue syndrome (***), improving intellectual performance, liver disease, and Parkinson's disease. It is also used for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, seizures, migraineheadache, and lead poisoning.

Some women use SAMe for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and a more severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).


How does it work?

The body uses SAMe to make certain chemicals in the body that play a role in pain, depression, liver disease, and other conditions. People who don’t make enough SAMe naturally may be helped by taking SAMe as a supplement.





SAMe Side Effects & Safety


SAMe is LIKELY SAFE for most people. It can sometimes cause gas, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, mild insomnia, anorexia, sweating, dizziness, and nervousness, especially at higher doses. It can make some people with depression feel anxious. Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the safety of using SAMe during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bipolar disorder: Use of SAMe can cause people with bipolar disorder to convert from depression to mania.

Parkinson’s disease: SAMe might make Parkinson’s symptoms worse.

Surgery: SAMe might affect the central nervous system. This could interfere with surgery. Stop taking SAMe at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.



You can go to this web site for more info:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-786-SAMe.aspx?activeIngredientId=786&activeIngredientName=SAMe

 

[ohyes]

Here's to hoping you find relief soon; i know it hurts.

When i was first diagnosed with osteoarthritis, i was STUNNED. Just knew the pain was due to years of aerobics/Jazzercise. The orthopedic dr. had me stand in front of a mirror while he pointed out how my knees were "sunken in"--due to the arthritis, something about cartilage. I was scared of any kind of surgery, he put me on Mobic but promised i would be back in 1-3 years.

The Mobic helped tremendously, but a side effect is stomach ulcers and that happened. ugh. It was my GP who convinced me to look into knee replacement, saying something like, When you can't enjoy life, it is time for the surgery. And, i was not enjoying life that much when standing and/or walking.

I was 53 when i got the TKR on right knee. The surgeon told DH that the knee had "honeycombed"---whatever that is, but it made me feel extra-tough, lol.

Anyway, it has been a Godsend. I am on no meds, this was my first surgery since tonsils out when i was 7yo, blah blah blah.

I got my life back.
Let us know what you find that helps and good luck!

 

[psweath]

I had severe knee swelling/pain and via an MRI was diagnosed with advanced degenerative arthritis and told that partial or full knee replacement was in the cards. I am now pain-free. Here is what I did:
- went to a physical therapist and learned the correct way to strength train
- I lift weights no more than twice a week now (2 full body workouts a week) and am very careful with my lower body - lighter weights.
- on advice of the physical therapist, started taking Cosamin DS every day. This is a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement and the particular brand is the one cited most in clinical studies. It isn't cheap, but I really think it has worked. Costco runs sales on it regularly.
- I still run, but now only 2X a week maximum, and never are those consecutive days.
- I also bike and swim 2X a week, and am able to participate in shorter distance triathlons at age 57 which is exciting and keeps me motivated.
- I am also looking at a supplement called Astaxanthin. There are many great (mostly anecdotal) testimonials to it's joint-healing properties. Would be interested in anyone's experience with this supplement.

So, that's what I've done. No more painful draining of the knee, and I have no plans for surgery. Praying that you find healing for your pain.

Pete

 

[Retire2013]

SAM-e is a supplement and the brand I use and is the least expensive is from Nature Made and the least expensive stores I have found to get it at is either Costco or Sam's, 400mg 60 count box. I take one 400mg tablet daily, when you first start it takes a few weeks to build up in your system. If it is going to help you there should be improvement of your pain after a month. With your condition you might try it for two months. My wife started taking it for her hip bursitis and has noticed an improvement but she didn't realize the improvement until she went off it. I think she thought some therapy she was going to was helping it instead.

Also as a side note Nature Made promotes it as a "Mood Enhancer" their box is labeled "SAM-e Complete", when I started using it joint comfort was primary.

If you find the SAM-e works and are using the Nature Made brand make sure you create an account on their web site so you can get credit for purchases and receive coupons, 190 points for the 60 count SAM-e. You get a $7 coupon after 500 points. Also Costco has SAM-e on sale every so often.
I hope it helps you the way it helped me.

Thank you, Rocky, I found a coupon from Costco for Sam-E. $8 off I am going to take it and I am hoping for the best. Thank you for all the information.
Retire2014

 

[Retire2013]

I had severe knee swelling/pain and via an MRI was diagnosed with advanced degenerative arthritis and told that partial or full knee replacement was in the cards. I am now pain-free. Here is what I did:
- went to a physical therapist and learned the correct way to strength train
- I lift weights no more than twice a week now (2 full body workouts a week) and am very careful with my lower body - lighter weights.
- on advice of the physical therapist, started taking Cosamin DS every day. This is a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement and the particular brand is the one cited most in clinical studies. It isn't cheap, but I really think it has worked. Costco runs sales on it regularly.
- I still run, but now only 2X a week maximum, and never are those consecutive days.
- I also bike and swim 2X a week, and am able to participate in shorter distance triathlons at age 57 which is exciting and keeps me motivated.
- I am also looking at a supplement called Astaxanthin. There are many great (mostly anecdotal) testimonials to it's joint-healing properties. Would be interested in anyone's experience with this supplement.

So, that's what I've done. No more painful draining of the knee, and I have no plans for surgery. Praying that you find healing for your pain.

Pete

Thank you, Pete, for sharing what had worked for you. I am so happy that you have been pain-free. I started taking Glucosamine Chondroitin 2 weeks ago when my severe pain started. They may have helped but I am not sure since I also had my knee drained and a cortisone shot as well so I don't know to which to attribute the improvement. But taking Glucosamine is definitely more convenient and painless compared to the knee draining. Thank you.

Retire 2014

Retire 2014

 

[kz]

About a yr ago I started having some pain and lots of stiffness in both knees/legs in the evening. (I had been walking 4 miles per day/6 days a week for yrs) I kept the walking going because I was quite addicted to it. Seriously. Then in Feb. I started to have alot of pain all the time and could barely walk up and down the stairs. Scrubbing floors was almost impossible. I finally caved and went to see my doc. He recommended I get chiropractic treatment on my knees. Now I've been to the chiro for things before, sometimes it helped (hip) other times not so much (low back). But this was unbelievable!! It took only 4 sessions and I've gone from a pain level of 7 to practically nothing! I have not resumed my walking routine although once the weather cools off I'm going to be at it again. And somehow in the last 5 months I've dropped 12+ lbs without dieting. I'm sure that's helping with the knees also.

 

[rockymountainhigh]

Thank you, Rocky, I found a coupon from Costco for Sam-E. $8 off I am going to take it and I am hoping for the best. Thank you for all the information.
Retire2014

You are welcome Retire2014! Concerning side effects, the only thing I had a problem with was insomnia when I tried taking it at bed time so now I only take it in the morning. Nature Made actually mentions that side effect on their we site.

 

[psweath]

My pleasure Retire2014. That's the beauty of this forum. You share things about your life, and maybe, just maybe there's something in there that helps another person. It's happened to me time and time again - someone else's experience helping me. On the sharing end, it makes you feel worthwhile; on the receiving end - total gratitude.

Best of luck Retire2014!
Pete