RA and Osteo

[Elmo333]

Hi folks. I have seropositive RA and osteoartitis in my spine and knee. I think there is almost a bit of illness snobbery about arthritis and we get annoyed when people with osteo think they understand what it’s like to have RA. I understand why and when I have a bad flare up, it is really really horrible. However, with the osteo, it is just pain every single day and I find it much more debilitating. I’m lucky as my RA is fairly under control at the moment but I’m 38 and my life is so limited due to the knee and back. Aside from losing weight (I’m well aware of that!), do any of you have any tips for osteo? I’m so depressed by the constant pain. Thank you x

[Neonkittie17]

My hip and knee osteo improves when I can do hydrotherapy as I am able to build muscle and get a lot of movement from those aqua sessions to help me when the osteo is playing up. Is there a hydro pool you can use or ask your rheumy to refer you via the hospital physio?

[Elmo333 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Great idea-thank you!

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Elmo333]

You’ll benefit from the cardio aspect of it too if you can do some jogging on the spot as I always used to do (my pool is closed for refurb at the mo 😑) Hope you can find a warm pool closeby.

[nomoreheels]

I was diagnosed with secondary OA when I received my RD diagnosis & I take more meds for my than I do RD. My GP at the time was very proactive, & as my Rheumy concentrated on my RD she helped me keep a lid on my OA as there's little other than pain relief, anti inflammatories & muscle relaxants med-wise that is helpful. I used to have regular reviews with her where they would be tweaked as necessary. As NK says exercise is important, especially supportive water-based hydrotherapy, the warmth of the water is soothing as well. Well worth investigating if there's a hydrotherapy pool near you. My local one is at a Physio centre if that helps.

[Elmo333]

Thank you, I will definitely investigate this x

[Bagpuss2021]

I hear you. I have osteoarthritis in my back and its constant pain every day. I have to take pain relief, shower before I can move properly. I have been told by my consultant I need to go back to psyio for strengthening exercises, which I have been doing, but some days like yesterday, I just couldn't do it. Hope you find a way that helps, and keep on to the doctors and consultants for more help. Good luck.

[Elmo333 in reply to Bagpuss2021]

Thank you. Exhausting isn’t it! X

[oldtimer]

I don't think people (including the rheumatology team) understand the relentless nature of the daily pain. They say airily that it's 'just' the OA. Well it is still very painful, although in a different grumbly way compared with the explosive nature of a flare. For me, exercise and distraction are the main keys. Neither work in bed, so pain relief overnight is necessary.