I am a nurse and although I've had diabetes for awhile, it didn't stop me from working, putting my husband and children through school and caring for our home. I always had a little stiffness, soreness from time to time but nothing a couple of Excedrin wouldn't cure. Then suddenly three months ago, I woke up with excruciating pain in both knees. It got diagnosed as osteo but Im still awaiting a diagnosis of something else as my inflammatory markers are up. Hoping to get a little support and insight from this group. I am not used to being unable to function, but I guess, who is?
Funny how you always think stuff happens to everybody else, but never you. Seeing what I see every day and the level of dependence people have scares the hell out of me. I can't go there, I just can't.
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment6 Comments
Glad the fingers and feet seem to be improving -- any amount of progress is welcome, I know. Good luck when your rheumatologist appointment comes around (sorry you have to wait a month -- argh!); maybe your knees will show some improvement by then too.
Good luck to you. I'll be cutting back on wheat and dairy myself.
June 8, 2009 - 8:08amThis Comment
Thanks for all the links and information. My appt. with the rheumatologist isn't for a month, so for now, nothing is happening. I did recently have a repeat sed rate and my sed rate went down 10 points. Interesting, since I stopped all NSAIDS about two weeks ago, you would think it would go up, but I've cut back on wheat products, which I suspect are contributing to the problem. My knees feel worse, but my fingers and feet feel better. Im beginning to think I have two separate issues. Anyway, I'll get to the bottom of this eventually, hope you do, too.
June 5, 2009 - 9:48amThis Comment
Lisa,
I love your attitude! Many people with your aches and pains would give in to the "I can't do anything anymore" feeling, and instead you're determined to find ways to keep up with your busy and happy life. Good for you.
I had a question from another EmpowHer reader just recently about inflammation, and it was very interesting to me because I've also had some swelling and pain in my joints lately. She was interested in learning about natural supplements and foods. I'll link to that conversation in case it's any help to you, also:
https://www.empowher.com/community/ask/what-hand-pain
What sort of things are they testing for, regarding your inflammation markers? Can we find you information on that?
Here is the Cleveland Clinic's page on inflammation:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/symptoms/Inflammation/hic_Inflammation_What_You_Need_To_Know.aspx
June 5, 2009 - 9:18amThis Comment
Hi, Lisa:
It sounds to me like you're a fighter, but have been beaten up in the ring so many times, that you're starting to question whether or not you can face one more round.
Sure, you can. You have the advantage of your experience, what you're exposed to on a regular basis and knowing what faces you if you do not take care of yourself.
I'm a 50-something lupus patient with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and scoliosis, and I'm a marathoner. I know what it's like to wake up in pain, or to end a distance event with a session in the med tent. But, I run to keep my joints healthy and, surprisingly enough, my level of activity makes facing another day without (much) pain a reality.
Sometimes, though, you just get tired of fighting the battle and need a break. Do you ever give yourself one?
June 3, 2009 - 6:47pmThis Comment
No. Because I know I'm the type of person, if I sit down, I will never get up. Taking breaks is lethal for me, it leads to lethargy and depression and takes forever to emerge from it.
I don't need a break. I just need to know that I'm not going to end up bedridden, demanding my next dose of dilaudid before its due. Your example is encouraging. I just want to be able to keep working and enjoying life. Right now, work is a bummer. Ten hours on my feet with barely a ten minute break makes for extremely sore knees and feet by the end of the day.
I'm wondering about knee braces for work. I've been looking into natural antiinflammatories and diet modification. As far as exercise, Im waiting a bit for my knees to stabilize. Walking is about all I can do at the moment.
June 3, 2009 - 8:47pmThis Comment
During my second year of training, I wore a brace to help support my weak knee. After a few months, I started running, short distances at a time, without it, until I could go a half marathon without it. Then, I did a full marathon without it. I had to do the same thing with a back brace. It took months, but it was worth the effort.
My tai chi instructor suggested glucosamine chondroitin, and I take it pretty faithfully in liquid form. My physician is okay with my turning to OTC supplements. It works for me and, if you're not allergic to shell fish, you might consult your doctor about it.
You sound like a fighter. Perhaps walking with a knee brace will help temporarily. But, I caution against becoming so dependent upon it that your muscles weaken around your joints.
Have you considered yoga for flexibility, as well?
June 8, 2009 - 4:43pmThis Comment