I’m not even sure where to start with this post. It’s not a happy one. Not an easy one to write as I’m still having a lot of difficulties accepting that I have arthritis. But it’s time. And it is the reason for the lack of posts the last few weeks.
I don’t talk a lot about arthritis on my blog, until about a year I didn’t even know what had been causing the pain in my hands and feet for the last 7 years. I still don’t know what type of arthritis I have (though I suspect it’s psoriatic-arthritis). But it seems to be rapidly escalating and effecting every day life more and more. There is no cure, and no treatment until it’s determined which arthritis it is. I am currently take pain killers morning and night and fish oil supplements(yes, even though I’m a vegetarian – pain makes you try everything 🙂 ).
At this stage the only things I can do is educate myself, try not to feel sorry for myself (so many are much worse off than I am), alter my expectations, lose weight (less weight on my feet can only help) and try an anti-inflammatory diet (basically a whole foods diet).
In the last few weeks I’ve noticed my joints getting sore and stiff when gripping items – not good :-(. And this morning I had to remove my wedding rings as the swelling in my fingers was becoming unbearable. I’m really not in a great place emotionally at the moment. I miss walking my dogs, I miss being able to clean and organise the house whenever I want, I miss being free of pain and most of all I miss my expected future life. Thankfully I’m not normally a negative person or one to dwell on things beyond my control, so I know I will get past this feeling sorry for myself phase that I’m in right now.
Sorry to be such a downer. Just wanted to let you know what I’m up to and where I’m at. Hopefully I’ll be back tomorrow with a much happier day in my life post :-).
I am sorry to hear of your news, it must be very frustrating. Here’s hoping they will be able to make a full diagnosis soon and you can get started on the appropriate treatment xx.
Have you tried the McArthurs paw paw cream, my mother has had arthritis in her neck for 20 yrs and couldn’t turn her neck after using this cream for a week could turn her head both ways. She is rapt in this product. You may have to buy it online unless a health food shop has it. Worth a try.
Hi Libby
Something else you may like to look into is Olive Oil Extract. In particular is this brand which is harvested fresh in Queensland. You can usually find it in most health foods shops. There is a list of stockists on their website.
http://www.olea.com.au/
I have used this very successfully myself for arthritis in my hands and it has also increased my energy levels amongst other benefits. They have got quite a bit of information about the product and benefits on the website and you can subscribe to their newsletter. I think past newsletters are available for download on the website too.
I hope you start feeling better soon.
Regards
Jackie
Libby, sorry to hear such depressing news but I am sure that it is just another challenge you will meet head on. Here’s hoping that you can find a combination of therapies that give you some relief.
Hugs
Jody xx
Libby so sorry to hear this I thought something was up. I agree with what everyone has said here and also soaks in a bath with epsoms salts and massage. Big hugs, will be thinking of you
Jackie
Hi libby, So sorry to hear that you are suffering this way, it must be awful especially for someone like you who is so full of life and positivity. I really hope your diagnosis is established soon and the pain eases. Sending you lots of Love and a big cuddle xxx
Libby, no advice, just wanted you to know I hope things pick up for you, some treatment can be found and you can do things again.
Briget xxxx
Hi Libby, I stumbled across your blog when I googled ideas to help me with scrapbooking inspiration. When I saw your arthritis blog I instantly knew I need to let you know about a book I have just read (available on Amazon if you have a Kindle – the reviews on the Amazon website are worth a read)The book is called The Paleo Solution : The Original Human Diet by Robb Wolf. One thing I have learnt is that Doctors only treat the symptoms not the cause. Have you tried a Naturopath? This website may be of interest too – http://www.lvs.com.au I personally know the lady whose testimonial is on the home page- Carmel -she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis & is now cured. She thought she was doing the right thing by following a low fat & vegeterian diet but this was the cause of her illness! It’s amazing what’s out there when you do your own research. Best Wishes, Fiona.
I don’t have arthritis, though I’m told it is only a matter of time, but I have suffered from tendinitis in both hands, elbows and shoulders and that was bad enough. It is hard working through pain, and I really feel for you. I hope they can find you some relief soon. I just read Fiona’s comment and can’t hurt. Anything that will help has to be good.
With you on the vegetarian fish oils thing … I have to take them at the moment and they are fish oil in BEEF GELATIN. They really really stink as well, eurgh.
Sorry that you’re suffering, I feel really bad for you and wish there was something I could do.
thinking of you xxx
Sorry to hear the arthritis has been flaring recently – I certainly can sympathise with you. As well as the fish oil and glucosamine there is also Comfrey Cream which could be of some help for you externally. Warm baths and cold compresses sometimes help and my mother found celery extract reduced her inflammation but we are all different and our ‘types’ of the disease are all different
Libby,hopefully you will get a true diagnosis soon and can start proper treatment as it is so depressing to be out of action and in constant pain.
Take care
Cathy