Help, I'm new to message boards!

I have severe osteoarthritis and most of the literature is on Rhematoid arthritis.  Are there people out there with my problem?

Beverly,

First welcome to CreakyJoints!  Yes most of the content is surrounding RA on this forum though there are a lot of us that suffer from both diseases. Or have Osteoarthritis along with Fibromyalgia. 

I have osteoarthritis in my Cervical Spine C 3 thru C6, which have on top of it herniated compressing my spinal column and nerves on the left hand side. 

Where are you looking that you are finding only literature on RA verus anything on OA?  Maybe I can assist. 

Please let us know any or all of us would be willing to discuss your disease, just let us know what you would like us to know and assist with.

Once again welcome and hope to see more postings from you.

Tess

I have all the "symtoms" of RA, but I went to a specialist and they did all the test and said I don't have it.  Right now, the worst of the arthritis is in my thumb and base of thumb.  I cannot not hold a glass.  I think the reason I keeping ending up at RA sites, is because when a put in a symtom, it leads me to RA.  I think I may have to go back to the doctor.

Hi Beverly!

It's definitely not unusual to test negative for RA but have all the symptoms. Some of us here are being treated for RA even though the bloodwork shows normal. Don't stop badgering your doctor for proper treatment to avoid further joint damage. Are you seeing a rheumatologist? If not, ask for a referral. [[hug]]

I went to a rheumatologist, but I'm thinking of a second opinion.  I am so miserable, it's hard for me to make it through each day.  I don't like to whine, but I'm so damn frustrated.  Thanks for your advice.

One more thing, one of my worst pains of arthritis is my thumb and I finally searched long enough that tonite I found out it is thumb trapeziometacarpal.  Has anyone ever had it? 

FWIW, my mother was/is a seamstress for all her life and ended up with osteoarthritis in the base joint of her thumbs, and also carpal tunnel for which she had successful surgery. I hope you find relief soon! It's miserable not to be able to use your hand - I had a bone spur on one finger last year and it was frustrating to deal with until I had it removed.

Previously Beverly wrote:

I have severe osteoarthritis and most of the literature is on Rhematoid arthritis.  Are there people out there with my problem?

I am a new member to Creaky Joints and have osteoarthriris and am leaning to live with it i whould like to know how to deal with the pain that comes with it because i am a very active person and have a life but now i either have to slow down or not do that activery that day .

Lawanda,

Welcome to Creaky it is a pleasure to have you on the board.

YES RA is not OA..though RA has the end results that OA does which is the destruction of the bones in the joints...  So the treatment for the pain is very similar if not the same.

How a lot of us deal with pain is, ice packs, Voltaren Gel (prescription) if you can't get your doc to write a script for it try Trumeel which can be found on the internet.(cream or pill). MAKE SURE YOU ASK YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU USE IT!!!..  

We take cold or warm showers for the stiffness and Pain also.  Even with OA you have joint swelling so you will want to talk to your doctor about an NSAID (Non Steroidal anti inflammatory drug) or analgesics (pain med).

A lot of folks do not realize the bimonthly Arthritis Today is a great source of information for OA!! if you donate 20.00 to the Arthritis Foundation you receive the Magazine for your donation for the entire year.  You can also get the 20xx drug guide (can't remember if it is extra or not).  Here is the address:  www.arthritis.org  their website has lost of info on OA also and they have a weekly news letter you can sign up for if you join their website also.  

They have exercise programs on their website for  OA and RA right on the website that I find helpful even above a normal workout routine (when i was still able to have one). 

CreakyJoints (Seth and Dr. Laurie) seem to work very closely with them. 

Good luck and welcome to Creaky we are here all the time if you need anything we look forward to seeing more posts from yuo..

Tess