I was diagnosed

[Pony]

With Osteoarthritis on Wensday...

I knew I had it for a long time, but never got on it.

I started looking at some symptoms of it and found out that they were all about right. I got my mother to take me to town and to the doctor.

We got some x-rays and some other tests done, and well, that is what he concluded on.

I always wondered why it hurt after scratching Gracey, typing, just everyday tasks.

*sigh* I hate taking meds, so I told the doc I do not want them. Was that a good idea?

It isn't that bad, but still hurts. I can live with it though, Gracey needs to be scratched, hair needs brushing... She needs a good lovin. I will live with it.


Gotta sleep now.
Pony

[rebanna]

awwwwwwwwww pony big hug i would take the meds there their for a resion but give your self some time it must be a lot to come to turms with.

[dannyboy]

Pony, thats not so good I think it was Duckles that told me that they are currently researching (or have got) a cure for arthritis in humans, so hopefully there will be something they will be able to do for you. I love the pics of your pony and who could resist to scatch her

[jane]

Hi Pony

oh bless, I know how you feel I am wracked with it too. I had to have my hips replaced (nearly fve years ago) but it was the best thing I could have done for riding... you'd never know. now when you see me.

I find glucosamine, MSM and omega 3 from Healthspan.co.uk is excellent, good value and top quality.

Are your legs effected? - sometimes a pillow between the knees when you sleep at night really helps. Don't ever be too proud to use a walking stick either, used in the hand opposite the worst leg (you can swap when you need to) will really help your posture and save your legs... you move the stick at the same time as the bad leg.

Good waterproof and warm gloves are a must, I also like socks that go over the knees in the winter, or long john/leggings under jods are brilliant.

I was 30 when my OA really took a hold and I was 37 when my hips were replaced, I made sure I got modern hips for younger people which wouldn't restrict my movements at all, they are Birmingham Hip Resurfacing devices. I do know some people much younger than me who have also had this procedure and they too are living life to the full.

I really believe that having Rockefeller back then and now Debbie, helps me to get on with it... it gives you such a purpose and takes your mind off it. Anytime you want a chat I would love to talk to you.

Best Wishes
jane

[duckles]

I am really sorry to hear this Pony- as DB says they have discovered a cure but its still at the clinical trails stage. Medication is obviously your own choice and if you are being offered steroids, I can understand you being a bit hesitant but I do think that maybe you could have another talk with your doctor or see a specialist in the area about the advantages (or not) or medications.
Jane's tips sound really good. And I am sure Gracie will be a great incentive to you during this time.
I really feel for you - you poor thing. Fingers crossed for you.
Jane - you are an example of courage and perseverance. I hadn't realised that you did all great trails with osteoarthris - you really make me ashamed.

[jane]

Oh Duckles. thank you but I just do what I do. I am partially sighted so cannot drive so my horses have always meant that I can go out by myself without having to rely on someone else, I think because it is my true bit of independence that it just drives me on... and I love it of course!!!!!!!

[Pony]

Thanks for the tips. It's all in my hands though. So petting her for long periods of times *sigh* I love that.
She falls asleep in my arms as I slowley kinda pet her cheek, or down her neck a bit. I guess I am going to have to tell her today..

Poor Gracey..

Well The last time I took meds, it was anti depressents(Paxil).... That did not turn out very well. Parents think it's all good. Me, no. Not when you get the feeling where, well You have no feelings.

It has been two years April 2010 since I took them, well since I started. I stopped because of the feeling of no feelings, top it off I was addicted to them so it was hard to stop taking them, I resorted to them once, but I could not take the puking no more, sweating, not sleeping.
Never again. Now I just stay away from meds. Even tylenol, or Advil...

Gotta stop typing now For a few.



Pony

[jane]

Hi Pony,

the glucosamine, MSM and omega 3, I recommended are not meds but merely supplements so they do not have any potential side effects like those you have experienced before but can help to relieve symptoms of the OA.

I have the OA in my hands pretty bad too, I try to keep them warm but am a bit naughty as I don't actually like wearing gloves. Keeping you hands moving is also important, by not doing enough they will get worse much quicker. So it is important to keep petting the lovely Gracey.

[ptarmigan1]

So sorry to hear hat pony

Lots and lots of hugs!! xxxxxx

[florence]

I've got osteo and rheumatoid but never had it in my hands until a few weeks ago when it started in my left hand. It was so painful. The knuckes were swollen and I couldn't bend or straighten them fully.

Jane's amazing, so follow her advice and give the herbal remedies she suggests a try. Make sure you don't stop doing things, though, as it will take over. Exercise you hands as mush as possible.

[racaille]

Sorry to hear this, Pony.

You need to join a support group and meet other teenagers with your condition - I'm pretty sure there is one in your town - and get their input, advice and encouragement. If you find your meds are making you dozy, talk to your doctor and get him to change them, but I don't think there is any reason to suffer unnecessarily by not taking anything.

[Pony]

Moving you hand is better than not?

Works for me.

Like I said I don't like to take anything because of what happend when I did, Feeling pain is better than nothing. Right?

Just worrie too much. Everything works around Gracey, really because of what she has done to and for me. So, I don't want to have to go through that again.


Pony

[Blonde Donkey]

I know from experience that anti depressants can mess you up more than working with you and have been very close to doing some very daft things when on them. Now i am off them i can see the difference in myself and i am more hyper (good hyper ). The main thing tho was being able to sit on my pony's big broad back and cuddle her.
All the best and remember the best thing to cure a bad day is a big cuddle from a fluffy friend

[Pony]

Anti Depressents are the worst drug I can think of. I mean, It helps, only because it kinda ruins all your feelings. Just feeling nothing.
when I was not one them, Looking at Gracey, my heart would melt, When on them it did nothing. Even after I still had not felt it. But few months later I feel better, and my heart melts again. This is why I will not take meds. Besides I really do not care about it. I've delt with it for a while and I belive I can deal with it more. Maybe one day I will change my mind, For now. I will not take meds. Of any kind.


Pony

[fleabitten]

Pony what about taking some herbal remedies for your arthritis? I have heard that cod liver oil is good for it, even though it sounds yuck! Go along to the health shop and see what they can offer you?

[Blonde Donkey]

Cod liver oil and cider vinegar are really good for arthritis and won't do you any harm