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One of the biggest problems in all this is our antiquated medical system, in which you have to have money to get medical care. In your case, you might be able to get some help from Medicare even at age 55 if you qualify because of Disability. I qualified at age 60 because of a spinal cord injury I'd suffered at age 46. As a university professor, I found it possible to teach from my wheelchair for another decade, before pain and other conditions forced me to go on Disability. You should look into all this with the help of a specialist in Disability Law. That will cost, but it might be an excellent investment.
Good luck, fellow arthritis-caused pain victim!View Thread

http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/default.htm.View Thread

If you are disabled but under 65, you can still apply for Social Security Disability payments and get into Medicare early; I got a Medicare card when I was only 60!
I almost forgot to tell you that my preferred analgesic is Percocet, which takes the edge off--though it is extremely constipating.
Good luck. For what it's worth, know that you're not alone. There may even be a support group where you live. Ask at your local Senior Center, if there is one.View Thread

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