talkarthritis

I’m 50 and I think I’ve got the onset of arthritis. I get pains in my knees mainly, usually when I get up in the mornings. I’ve started to take Ibuprofen when it’s really uncomfortable because I find it eases the discomfort. But I am concerned about taking pain killers regularly. I did mention this to my doctor who said I could take paracetamol every day but this feels a bit extreme for me. 

If I go for long walks I sometimes wear knee supports which really do help – there are plenty to choose from. Both my mother and grandmother suffered with arthritis in their knees and I think it must be hereditary. I feel that with more practical information available today, it might be easier to find the right combination of treatment to ease the pain. Sites like talkarthritis are really helpful and I do check back regularly to see if there are new articles and information. 

Oct 15 - I have been on naproxen for over 10 years daily. I worry about what harm these drugs are doing to me. I also take tramadol and antitripteline every day. I need both my knees done and can't have surgery due to my weight. I need help with this problem to help me get out of the knee pain. 

Feb 16 - Well there have been a few changes since I last posted my story on the arthritis hub. I am still waiting on my knee surgery.

I am not in any worse condition than I was last year, this I feel is due to lots of different alternative therapies. I will list them for you. 

1. Deep tissue massage, every week.
2. Accupuncture, twice per month.
3. Ebsom salts baths, twice per week.
4. I make my own rub for my knees using coconut oil, black pepper oil, frankincense oil, lavender oil and camphor oil. I would put 10 drops of each oil into  a small jar of coconut oil and rub in night and morning.
5. Twice per day I take 700mg Turmeric, 20mg Black pepper, 800mg Boswellia, Ginger, 800mg white willow bark. All the items I have mentioned in 4 and 5 have antinflammatory qualities.
6. I get lots of rest and sleep.
7. I do light exercise with weights while sitting.
8. Only on days that I have to go out do I take the medicines the doctor has perscribed for me as I need the extra pain relief backup.
9. Everyday I put 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of raw organic honey, 1 teaspoon cinnamon into a pint of warm water and drink.
10. I try to stick with the Paleo diet and I have lost 2 stone this past year. 

I have learned how to cope with my pain on good days and bad. The most important thing in life for me at this time is to protect my body from any futher damage, which we all know goes hand in hand with arthritis drugs. 

My doctor has nothing extra to offer me in the way of pain relief , I have been to clinic's in the hospital and all they can do is offer patches or injections into the knees. 

This is not for me at this moment in time. I am in pain but I never let it get me down. I always try to keep in a light hearted mood, see the funny side of things. Be happy. A year ago I was in a bad place, after taking my health into my own hands and searching for other forms of help for this problem I feel a great deal better and am able to cope.

My aim is to prepare my body for the operations that are in the future . These 10 points have helped me greatly, they are not for everyone, they work for me. I hope they work for you also.