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Original poster

So I've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. I'm 35.

31 replies

AllOverIt · 04/05/2013 14:16

Just that really.

Had hip issues all my life, but progressively worse in the last 5 years. Finally got bullied into seeing the GP, who referred me to a consultant. Having looked at my MRI and CT scans, I have osteoarthritis in both hips. Early stages, but quite a bit of cartilage damage there already.

I'm quite active and the consultant has advised me to give up running and high impact activity. Apart from swimming and Pilates, what else is good.

Is there any other advice people can give? I'm looking into memory foam mattresses as sleeping is quite uncomfortable.

It's not too much of a shock as both my parents have arthritis, they're gradually being rebuilt year on year Grin

I just feel so young still Sad

OP posts:
chocoluvva · 04/05/2013 15:59

Avoid too much sugar in your diet. Try to eat really healthily - take a krill-supplement and have two portions of oily fish a week. Also have a supplement of glucosamine sulphate and make sure you get plenty of vitamin c as it is helpful for building/repairing cartilage.

It might be worth getting fitted for trainers at a specialist shop even though you're not running now - just to make sure you aren't putting undue stress on any joints.

Original poster
AllOverIt · 04/05/2013 20:50

Thanks Choco. I have specialist trainers that have been fitted. They need a go through the washing machine though. No more muddy running for me!

I've also got some glucosamine in the cupboard, I bought with all good intentions of taking. Will start taking them again. Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
AllOverIt · 06/05/2013 06:18

Bump

OP posts:
grimbletart · 06/05/2013 14:44

Hi AllOver: I don't have hip arthritis (I think) but have it in my knees, wrists, elbows and hands. I'm a lot older than you though. I have an exercise bike that I use on low tension every day - recommended by my doctor and it does seem to keep the joints mobile - especially as I have had ops on both knees to remove torn cartilage. Doc said the movement under low tension is good for joint problems and doesn't give you the impact factor that is so bad for arthritis.

Original poster
AllOverIt · 06/05/2013 19:14

Thanks Grimble DH and I were just talking about buying decent bikes and cycling instead of my usual running. Sorry to hear your arthritis too. It's such a pain in the arse (literally for meWink)

I need to make an appointment with the GP to discuss pain relief.

Contemplating my two week camping trip on an airbed to France in July Sad

OP posts:
fivecupsoftea · 06/05/2013 19:38

Have you tried yoga? There are some really intensive active classes that are amazing. I also love body pump - its a weight lifting exercise class.

Footle · 06/05/2013 19:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
AllOverIt · 06/05/2013 20:58

I have tried yoga, I love the idea but I'm so I flexible it was embarrassing! I know it'll get easier, definitely up for trying.

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wonkylegs · 06/05/2013 23:03

I've got RA so slightly different, but similar & in my hips (as well as everywhere else). Cycling is good, I haven't really got on with Yoga as I got stuck (the joys of full body pain and stiffness) but swimming as long as it's warm is good, as was aqua aerobics when I did it. I would like to do more but I'm still recovering from tendonitis in my hip coupled with RA damage so am somewhat limited these days.

Original poster
AllOverIt · 07/05/2013 06:52

I've asked for a new bike for my birthday, so that's my new activity with the dog. I'm going to have to take up swimming aren't I? Breaststroke is out and I hate getting my hair wet Sad sob!

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Original poster
AllOverIt · 07/05/2013 06:54

I would die if I got stuck Wonky Sad I'm going to try pilates instead. I've got a DVD that is quite gentle

OP posts:
frownyface · 07/05/2013 07:00

im 28 and have osteo arthritus in my knee. I swim regularly but I do find excercise bikes aggravate the arthritus.
Pilates sounds good, I also enjoy aqua aerobics :)
I think my hips might be starting to suffer with arthritus also, its not much fun is it.

Original poster
AllOverIt · 07/05/2013 18:50

No frowns, it's horrible. I think cycling is quite low impact on hips, but hell on your knees Sad

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Original poster
AllOverIt · 09/05/2013 07:17

Anyone invested in a different mattress?

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Original poster
AllOverIt · 09/05/2013 12:31

Letter from the consultant arrived today and he says after analysing scans on left side, he thinks keyhole surgery is an option. Scary stuff. Have a new appointment with him to discuss it.

OP posts:
wonkylegs · 09/05/2013 14:53

Re:Mattress I have a fab mattress which is part pocket sprung, part memory foam. DH bought it for me when I was pregnant with DS and my RA especially in my hips was awful. It was a godsend.
We also have a similar effect in the spare room with a firm pocket sprung mattress with a really good memory foam topper. It's almost as good as the other one and means I can sleep in the spare room if my joints are uncomfortable and making me fidget without disturbing DH.

KittensandKids · 09/05/2013 14:57

Yeah it makes you feel kinda old doesn't it?

I ignored the advice about running etc and wouldn't advise it. I was 14 when I found out though so, I ignored all the advice and am now 39 and my knees are sore if I sit with them bended for too long and it's gone into my hip now too.

Just seen your update about an op! Make sure you find out the recovery time etc and outweigh how you are just now as most ops have to be re-done after a certain amount of years, 10-15 I think I was told.

Original poster
AllOverIt · 09/05/2013 20:34

That sounds like what we're after wonky. Do you mind me asking which mattress you have? Are they really hot? DH is a human radiator so I'm worried it'll make him overheat!

My left hip is so painful, I'll obviously chat to the consultant, but I'm keen to explore the idea of surgery as the pain killers aren't just cutting it any more.

I've googled the consultant, and it seems he's top dog in this particular field.

Scary!

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Original poster
AllOverIt · 09/05/2013 20:45

Right, completely stupid question. How do you do the sheet with a mattress topper? We have fitted sheets at the moment, but they're quite tight on, they wouldn't fit a topper in too....

OP posts:
Smudging · 09/05/2013 20:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

wonkylegs · 09/05/2013 22:26

My DH is a human radiator too but he seems fine on this. The memory foam does make it a tiny bit warmer but we've got a fab lightweight duvet (goose feather from HofF sale) which just stays on for 9mths of the year even though I'm the complete opposite of him (terrible circulation) and the combination works well. I have no idea what make the mattress is, I will have a look but as I'm already in bed and the names under a crashed out sleeping DH do you mind if I wait til morning to check Wink

wonkylegs · 09/05/2013 22:28

Re:the topper - ours is from John Lewis.
You can buy extra deep fitted sheets which just go over the topper & the mattress or you can stretch the normal ones a bit but I find this sometimes pings off.

Original poster
AllOverIt · 10/05/2013 17:58

Ooo thanks for that! Off to Google extra deep sheets!

OP posts:
Original poster
AllOverIt · 14/05/2013 05:48

Been looking at mattresses and cut decide to just go for the topper or just bite the bullet and go for a full mattress

OP posts:
crashdoll · 14/05/2013 07:45

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and after diagnosis, spent a lot of time lying down in various bed shops trying mattresses. I went for the topper in the end as I found it equally as comfortable, if not better because it was softer. I have extra deep sheets, the normal ones ping of all the time and drive me bonkers!

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