Scan Results Reveal ...

[Smerdon74]

Had an ultra sound scan today to look for changes now that I am stable on meds. Was a bit shocked to be told that on top of the RA a number of joints show osteo arthritic changes too 😔 bit fed up now about how my future is going to look as I'm only 42 now.

[helixhelix]

Did they say how far changes had gone? As many people start to show changes even from 20's and 30's but only small signs.

Anyway, now you know it gives you a chance to manage it better. How are you getting on with weight loss? As that and exercise are the main things to help with osteoarthritis - sorry!

One of my knees started to go in my 40's as I'd injured it several times as a young person. I had a couple of running repairs on it, but 20 years later it's still useable. Losing 3 stone and daily exercise have made the main difference.

[Barrister]

I was told in my late 20's that I had the spine of an 80 year old! Wasn't happy! Clemmie

[Gnarli]

During an exam by the lovely rheumy nurse I said the top joints of my fingers were sore. Oh, she said, that's osteo. Don'cha just love the casual way they tell you this stuff? I reckon that if you go using it, whatever it is, there will be signs of wear and tear in time. It's a pity they didn't say what level of changes and it may be worth asking at your next appointment just to put your mind at rest. Hugs

Jan

[nomoreheels]

I know it's a shock when it's you that's being told & particularly if you've not had any symptoms but with women it's not unheard of being diagnosed in your 20's or 30's even usually from things like RSA (typist's fingers are more at risk for instance, I'm proof of that!) or if joints have been previously injured. Otherwise we can have it without noticeable symptoms from our 40's, usually mid 40's but (sorry to remind you) you're only 3 years off that common age for women receiving a diagnosis of OA. Also if we haven't had a calcium-rich diet or lacking in Vitamin D for a lengthy period the incidence of earlier diagnosis increases.

Rheumy's & nurses from experience tend to be dismissive of OA, I was referred back to my GP for her to manage mine so don't be surprised if they seem disinterested in relation. I'm sure if they could experience the pain they'd show a little empathy. Ok it's not RD but it can still be blinkin painful.

The good news is supplementing can help, it has me (daily AdCal-D3 & including dairy in my diet, plus Omega 3 Fish oil) as can a good balanced diet & exercise to but we can also ensure we're a healthy weight, the less strain on the joints the better we'll control progression especially if we're to protect our back & lower joints, the hips, knees. It might be worth asking your GP to check your Vitamin D level too. If you find it necessary you can ask to be referred to Occupational Health, they can also refer you on to Physiotherapy.

Unfortunately there's no cure for OA but unlike RD the meds available for OA are limited. NSAIDs to control inflammation & pain, appropriate pain relief plus steroid injections into troublesome joints are really all there is. This is why anything can do to help ourselves is so important. I was diagnosed the same time I had my RD diagnosis at 48 so just 6 years older but I have a friend who was diagnosed at 32. It was also found I had osteopenia/borderline osteoporosis but with good management & biennial DEXA scans fortunately it's not gone as far as osteoporosis, in fact despite not taking bisphosphonates (side effects from 2) my bone density is slightly improved each scan. I mention osteopenia & osteoporosis because they're frequent partners of OA & it's sometimes difficult to determine which is causing pain particularly where the back's concerned. So don't think it's not worth mentioning if specific joints become troublesome, your GP may order imaging to determine if you have the beginnings of osteoporosis.

I hope some of this helps & it's not muddied the waters!

[Ouchyjenna]

I'm 32 with RA osteopenia/borderline osteoporosis and hereditary high bp. I take so many tablets just to exist.Some days I feel so low dealing with all this. Wondering what kind of future I will have. I spoke to my RA nurse, (well, cried rather than spoke) and she was so helpful. She suggested mindfulness as a technique to dealing with the stress of it all. Maybe it worth doing a course. I also have decided to grab all the help I can take with both hands. My MIL and husband help more with my daughter. I applied for pip to ease the financial burden of reducing my hours in work. And I'm going to speak to the council to see if they can help with better accessibility in my home. This disease is horrible but I'm not going to let it bring me down so hopefully you won't either!

[nomoreheels in reply to Ouchyjenna]

Sorry to hear you're struggling Jenna. Just thinking, unless you live in council housing & why you're thinking of speaking to the council have you considered being referred to Occupational Therapy? I recently had my first appointment & once we'd gone through my immediate needs she did ask if I needed anything 'fixed' for my home, did I have any steps into the property where I would find hand rails helpful, would I find another handrail for the stairs helpful, grab rails or wall-fixed seat in the shower, things like that. I was surprised OT offers such adaptions so wondered if you knew that they did too.

Keep strong. x

[followingstarz]

Oh god hon...same thing just happened to me and it really shook me! Moderate OA joint effusions in knees, and my lower back sacral area is basically disintegrating and there's nothing that can be done except pain management and some nerve "burning" surgery! I'm sorry. I know how you are feeling and it is a scary feeling. I just keep picturing myself not able to do anything by 52. I'm trying to stay positive but it's hard...at times. It just feels like the future looks so bleak in terms of being able to keep working and move and travel! Big hugs to you!

[Radiogirl]

So sorry. I'm in the same boat with the OA in my knees. I abused them in my earlier years of dancing and gymnastics. In the '70s through 80's I had a total of 5 knee surgeries to prop them up so I could keep dancing. I had a dance scholarship to college and couldn't dream of quitting what I loved doing so much. Today, I see my youngest son beating himself up with skateboarding injuries and I keep telling him he will pay for it later in life. Naturally, he doesn't listen!!

My knees are so bad that I really should be considering replacement surgery while we have good medical insurance. My husband is 9 years older than I am and will turn 65 in January, so once he moves over to Medicare we'll have to find something else for the family's insurance. I realize that with RA my knees will only get worse in time, but I just don't want to do it. I'm so scared of the recovery pain.

RA really puts a kink into what we all were expecting for our golden years.

Sorry for the digressive rant. Hugs and prayers for many, many years for you to enjoy without pain, or at least little pain with both vicious diseases.