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In response to your question concerning the progression of arthritis, it varies. There's really no predicting its course but managing it by keeping weight down & exercise should help us sufferers.
Best of luck to you.
georgiaView Thread

I wanted to both laugh & cry while reading the last line of your post. Knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, even ankles can be replaced but the spine is a whole other animal.
My lumbar is also in pretty bad shape with arthritis & stenosis. I'm slender & have always been very active so it's tough. I do daily water exercises & that helps but I still have lots of pain. I'm 56.
How mobile are you? Do you require a walking aid?
It helps to learn of others situations.
Thank you,
georgiaView Thread

I find I go through a variety of emotions while watching the Olympics. Prior to the onset of Fibromyalgia soon followed by the painful symptoms of Osteoarthritis, I was a daily jogger/power walker. I've always been active & although it's much harder to be these days, I continue to go for daily swims & move around as much as possible.
Of course we all see the Olympian's bodies powered up like machines however, I am truly inspired by the mental process responsible for those machines moving as they do. The mind is a powerful thing & we are in full control of our minds.
True inspiration was felt when watching the Australian runner (name escapes me) who had prosthetic lower legs. WOW!
georgiaView Thread

I do not care for medications as I believe most of them only add symptoms to a list which doesn't need to get any longer. I keep my weight down & eat well. I supplement my diet with a variety of vitamins, minerals, etc (C,D,E, Calcium.......). Due to an allergic reaction to the shellfish in Glucosamine Chondroitin, I switched to a product that uses NEM (natural eggshell membrane).
The therapy that works best for me is warm water. Over a year ago I joined a gym with a heated pool (89 degrees) & visit it every morning. It helps to keep me more flexible throughout the day.
Is it feasible for you to try this pool therapy?
I recently added SAM-e to my list of supplements as I read where it has been proven to help ease pain in those who suffer from OA.
I realize none of these are cures but I do my best in helping to manage the condition. I can live with pain, I just don't want to lose my mobility.
I'm relatively young (56) for the degree of my condition. I believe I inherited some bad genes.
Do you mind my asking your age? I hope you will soon find something that will ease your discomfort.
georgiaView Thread

Unfortunately, I can't give advice on riding your motorcycle but have to believe that someone in the medical field can. The doctors, therapists, nurses, etc. are very well versed on joint replacements as it's such a common procedure. Ask around. It's always best to receive such advice from a medical person.
I want to thank you for sharing your positive experience with us. It seems more often than not, we hear from those with negative experiences. I'll be 57 in a few months & I'm overdue for a hip replacement. Your encouraging words are an inspiration.
I wish you continued success with your recovery & hope that you can soon be back on your bike with your new hip.
georgiaView Thread

Acceptance is everything. Often at the end of the day, I think of all that I did & comment to myself that it all got done, OA & all. I can't say that this will always be the case, but no one can be certain of their future.
georgiaView Thread

OA will never take away my pain & stiffness
.georgiaView Thread

Please keep us posted. You have been an inspiration to me as I think I will soon be making plans to proceed with mine as well.
Good luck to us both!View Thread

I, too, am in need of a new hip as my left hip has been bone-on-bone for some time now. I have what is known as fibrous dysplasia of my left femur & this has indirectly caused the Osteoarthritis in the left hip. I can relate to the pain being throughout the leg.
Because of my complication, I have seen a few surgeons & one of them simply can't understand how I've been dealing with the pain. I haven't yet resorted to a cane. I visit a warm pool every morning where I spend about an hour of swimming & walking. I am slim yet I still remain in pain.
Last year I scheduled surgery but cancelled it due to my fears. I did visit a specialist at the Cleveland Clinic who is experienced with fibrous dysplasia & he told me to hold off surgery until I can't walk a block. I believe he has my age in mind - I am 56, relatively young for such replacement. Because of my complication, I will need a cemented implant & that can be more problematic down the road.
I completely understand your fears however, you must get some reassurance from your former experience of successful surgeries. With regard to your UC, I must believe that there are medical precautions taken to avoid such accidents. Did you discuss this with your doctor?
Do not worry about embarrassments - the medical staff have seen it all & it just doesn't matter to them.
There are risks involved with any surgery. Most such risks are uncommon & very often the benefits of joint replacement far outweigh the possibility of these risks. Did you experience these same reservations before undergoing your other surgeries? Are you experiencing any negative gut feelings about surgery?
It sounds as though your pain is considerably reducing your quality of life. The fact that your over-all health is good is real plus for undergoing the surgery.
I hope this was helpful. I look forward to more correspondence.
georgiaView Thread

As always, thank you for your insightful input!
I think I'm going to experiment with a different brand & my first test will be with your recommendation, Osteo Bi Flex.
I'll keep you posted with the results.
Thanks again,
georgiaView Thread
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