Have been dx with osteoarthritis by two doctor friends. Any suggestions?

[duchesse]

It's in the ball of my thumbs- started about 6-7 years ago in my right thumb, currently the left one is flared up and hurting. I suspect I also have it in my big right toe, right elbow and have had dodgy problems with shoulders and knees at times. I'm only bloody 42 for flip's sake!

GP friend was of the opinion that there is nothing that can be done. A&E doctor friend concurred.

Does anybody out there have any suggestions- diet- things I should/shouldn't eat? Vitamins?? Exercise routines? Prognosis? Will I look like a bent old lady by the time I'm 50? Am I looking at ending up utterly crippled?

Oh, and wrists are SERIOUSLY dodgy as well.

Have you seen your own GP? If not I would do this, as 42 seems young to suffer from osteoarthritis, and you should get a formal diagnosis.

If you don't get referred for physio from your GP, I would be inclined to visit a private physio if you can afford to. He/she will advise you on exercises to strengthen the muscles round the affected joints. People I know with osteoarthritis swear by exercise to "loosen up" and the physio could advise on this too.

I think cod liver oil is supposed to help a little, and possibly glucosamine.

I have a friend who advises taking dandelion tea, and also cider vinegar? Old remedies but I think they might offer some relief. I don't know of many Dr's who would advise herbal remedies, but IMO anything is worth a shot xxx

That's rotten luck. I read an actual real medical person once saying that stamping hard on the floor and creating impact for your bones is as good as any ol' anti-arthritis drug.

No but seriously they were suggesting regular stamping and jumping up and down to prevent worsening of the condition.

Good luck, I hope you find loads of alternative remedies. There will be lots of "a bit wooer" websites that have suggestions but I reckon if you've been given up by your GP you might as well try a few.

Sorry to hear that duchesse. It's crap to be diagnosed this young, I know. My DP has a different type of arthritis and was diagnosed at 30.

Arthritis Care have a fair bit of information and there are other good websites out there.

Have you been given any meds to help with pain/manage the symptoms?

Unfortunately my own GP is not very engaging and seems very dismissive of women and their health problems. I want to change GP (was put with this one because didn't know any better at the time) but it's a bit of a minefield and I usually cop out by asking to see a woman GP.