Osteoarthritis

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    Finally

    I finally got an official diagnosis. I have the joint hypermobility type of EDS and the hyperadrenergic type of POTS. I also have osteoarthritis and hypoglycemia, as well as #ADHD and possibly high functioning #Autism . I'm learning that most of my issues are related and many are caused by the #HEDS .
    At times, I get really overwhelmed and sad and don't want to get out of bed. But, I have to. I have a large family that depends on me. They and my faith are what keeps me going.
    What keeps you going?
    #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #POTS #Fibromyalgia

    8 reactions 6 comments
    Post

    Living in a home with so many invisible illnesses.

    In my home we have a shopping list of invisible illnesses, and they are nearly impossible to manage all at once.
    The Ringleader (me) suffers from some sort of metabolic disorder that is going undiagnosed, an ongoing epileptic disorder that is going undiagnosed, C-PTSD, PMDD, Social Anxiety, Bi-Polar, Borderline Personality Disorder, Asthma, Migraines, joint pain, bulging disc's in the back, Auditory Processing Disorder, and Executive Function Disorder
    The Circus Bear (my husband) has C-PTSD, DID, Anxiety, undiagnosed arthritic joint pain in knees, right elbow, and back, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and withdraws from society as a response to Suicidal ideation, Post-Traumatic Arthritis.
    The Unicorn (daughter) has C-PTSD, fear of abandonment, Generalized Anxiety, Clinical Depression with self harm, Anorexia, and a profound sense of justice/injustice, if you betray her, are a hypocrit, or break a promise, you are dead to her.
    The Fire Drake and Ice Dragon (son) is Autistic, has severe suicidal depression, especially when bullied at school, Social Anxiety, Executive Function Disorder, C-PTSD, all negative emotions start as anger
    Finally, The Weeping Willow Dryad (mom) C-PTSD, Has endured 2 back surgeries that failed, chronic pain, Agoraphobia, Skleroderma, Raynauds, Rheumatoid Arthritis in her hands, Osteoarthritis in back and knees, Social Anxiety, Clinical Depression, and an emotional reactive disorder that has gone undiagnosed.
    As Ringleader I am in charge of making sure everyone takes their medications, at least tries to get to some sort of therapy, drive everyone to appointments, physical and mental. Know everyone's favorite foods, cycles of physical and emotional needs, understand who is feeling ill when. Get all meds for everyone from the pharmacy. Attend 90% of appointments. Get food for everyone, that they like. Listen to the complaints of every single one of them.
    When I finally speak about the negative behavior that is effecting people in the household, I get attitude.
    From screaming, to blowing the comment out of proportion.
    If I say "please stop answering people for me"
    I get "I will never talk again, you never have to hear my voice ever again"
    If I schedule a much needed test on the wrong day, I get guilty about it.
    If I say "I would have done _____"
    I am accused of telling people how they did it wrong.
    I am trying to manage my home and the people in it.
    All I really want to do is run away.
    I dream of tropical places, and travel, and being responsible only for myself.
    I feel like I am holding the whole place together, and without me no one will be able to function. This has been proven many times.
    I am so tired, so empty, burned out.
    The light I have always had is getting dimmer and dimmer, and I lost so many people because I had to protect myself from them in order to manage my home.
    I know this is all a ramble...rant, maybe none of it makes sense.
    I just needed to let it out somewhere.
    #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #BipolarDepression #ChronicDepression #Anorexia #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #FearOfAbandonment #Autism #Agoraphobia #SocialAnxiety #ExecutiveFunctionDisorder #DissociativeIdentityDisorder #PMDD #TemporalLobeEpilepsy #Epilepsy #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder #EatingDisorders #GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder #Arthritis #Skleroderma #RaynaudsDisease #ChronicHeadaches #ChronicMigraines #InvisibleIllness

    12 reactions 1 comment
    Post

    Hi everyone I'm somewhat new here. I have Fibro and chronic fatigue syndrome plus a rare autoimmune dis MCTD dis plus osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and others.I love how this group is helpful and upbeat I need that just wanted to finally make intro.Lord Bless.❤

    1 reaction
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    I'm new here!

    Hi, my name is Favoriteson. I’m new to The Mighty and look forward to sharing my story.

    #MightyTogether

    #Anxiety

    #Depression

    #Fibromyalgia

    #ADHD

    #Grief

    #PTSD I also have end stage osteoarthritis all over my body with specific damage in shoulders joints, rotator cuffs, slipped vertebrae in lumbar spine spine, hip and knee injuries after fall. I have a ruptured tibular tendon-broken in half. I am waiting to get genetic testing to confirm Charkote Marie Tooth as agreed by my Podiatrist and Neurologist which I had since birth-diagnosed at 72. I have many. many symptoms. Supposedly, the Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgis I have had since I was 45 was actually caused by the CMT. While I need 5 operations at this time. I have so many sinus infections the doctors don't want to do them. I lost my 41 year old disabled son(we took care of each other) on March 12, 2022 an have no desire to make my life harder with operations so its fine with me.

    5 reactions 3 comments
    Post

    I am new here!

    My name is Samuel. I have been diagnosed with 20 different illnesses and/or diseases over the years. The last one, early stages of Alzheimer’s. I am emotionally drained most days. It feels like my memory is being erased, besides having problems communicating and process thoughts, emotions, and ideas, etc. The other issues worsen the situation as these still need to be managed, but they have a severe impact on my mobility, comfort, and other human basic needs. Anyway, thank you for listening.

    #ChronicMigraines

    #DiabetesType2

    #PeripheralNeuropathy

    #alzheimer

    #MenieresDisease

    #Tinnitus

    #BackPain

    #Osteoarthritis

    #CardiovascularDisease

    #SleepApnea

    #Hypertension

    #SpinalStenosis

    #DegenerativeDiscDisease

    3 reactions 2 comments
    Post

    Understanding Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Strategies

    Osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic condition that affects the joints, causes the cartilage that cushions the bones to deteriorate. It is the most common type of arthritis, and millions of people worldwide suffer from it. OA symptoms include pain, stiffness, a decrease in range of motion, and edema in the affected joint. As the disease progresses, the joint may deform and lose its ability to function normally.

    The degenerative nature of OA causes it to deteriorate over time. It typically develops in weight-bearing joints, such as the hands, fingers, hips, and lower back. But it can also happen to other joints, like those in the neck and back.

    Although the exact cause of OA is unknown, it is thought that aging, injuries, obesity, hereditary factors, and excessive joint use are among the causes. It also occurs beyond the age of 50 and is more likely to impact women than men.

    Diagnosing Osteoarthritis – Symptoms to Look for & Tests to Take

    The diagnosis of OA necessitates a thorough physical examination as well as imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. These tests help rule out other disorders that might be presenting similar symptoms and determine the extent of joint injury.

    Treatment & Prevention Strategies for Managing Osteoarthritis Pain

    In order to treat OA, a combination of pain-management approaches and joint-function improvement techniques is used. Prescription medications, physical therapy, assistive technology, and a change in lifestyle may all be necessary.

    Among the treatments used to treat OA include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen, and prescription analgesics like opioids. While physical therapy can help to increase joint range of motion and strengthen the surrounding muscles, assistive devices like canes or knee braces can help to minimize stress on the injured joint.

    A change in lifestyle can also help to reduce pain and improve joint performance. Changing activities, losing weight, and refraining from actions that put too much stress on the joint are a few examples of such modifications. In certain cases, surgery to remove the damaged joint and replace it with an artificial one may be indicated.

    A number of preventative strategies can help reduce the risk of developing OA in addition to the treatment options already listed. Some of them include maintaining a healthy weight, working out frequently, avoiding mishaps, and avoiding activities that place too much strain on the joints.

    Maintaining a healthy weight is essential since being overweight puts extra strain on joints that support weight, including the hips and knees, which can increase the risk of OA. Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can improve joint mobility and lessen pain while also assisting in maintaining a healthy weight.

    Avoiding damage is similarly important because joint injuries may increase the risk of getting OA later in life. This can mean avoiding high-impact workouts like jogging and wearing protective clothing when participating in sports or other potentially dangerous activities.

    Last but not least, avoiding repetitive motions or activities that put excessive strain on the joints can help reduce the risk of developing OA. This may involve changing certain activities to decrease the stress placed on the joint or avoiding them totally.

    If you live in Canada, consider visiting the Surrey Physiotherapy Clinic, which provides world-class Massage Therapy Surrey

    . You can go there for comprehensive care.

    In conclusion,

    osteoarthritis is a degenerative illness that affects millions of people worldwide. Some of its symptoms include pain, stiffness, a decrease in range of motion, and edema in the affected joint. Treatment for OA involves a combination of pain-management strategies, including medication, physical therapy, assistive technology, and lifestyle modifications. In addition, a number of preventative measures can reduce the

    Post

    Feeling overwhelmed

    I don’t know where to start , overwhelmed, tired and barely holding on.
    I guess the best place to start is with my sweet Samuel’s 23 birthday in heaven yesterday. No one in my family called on contacted me in any way. Not even my other son who knew the birthday was coming up. I really struggle on that day. I always take his birthday off from work so I can put flowers at the cemetery and just be at home in case I get emotional. I was unable to go to the cemetery yesterday because I felt really sick and our weather was nasty. So I kept his flowers home with me.
    Samuel was diagnosed with a rare lung defect and two weeks later he was dying. We went to Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. We went to have fetal surgery, to remove the tiny mass in his chest, place him back inside me and then I would spend the rest of my pregnancy in Philadelphia.Hopefully I would get to 36 weeks and Samuel would be delivered by c-section.
    The doctors were able to remove the mass and put Samuel back inside me when his heart failed. They were unable to revive him.
    That night in the hospital was horrible. I did get to hold him and I asked the nurse to weigh him. He was very tiny.
    But when they laid him on my chest, he looked like he was sleeping. But there was so much I didn’t know then. I didn’t know that I could hold him as long as I wanted to. I didn’t know that I could have bathed him and dressed him. I didn’t know that we could get pictures of him or have him baptized
    I think this was the trauma that led to my fibromyalgia as well as PTSD, depression and anxiety.
    Everyone wanted to pretend nothing ever happened. No one wanted to let me talk about my son. To this day no one in my family even mentions his name or asks how I am doing.
    I remember waking up in the recovery room and I asked about my baby. The nurse said let me get your doctor and I knew he was gone. We spent a few more days in Philadelphia because I had to heal some before flying home.
    This day stinks in so many ways. I want to yell at my family that I would rather they mention his name, ask me to share his story. Yes, I might cry but the tears are right there anyway.

    I am also struggling with all my illnesses and chronic pain.
    Asthma, diabetes, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis in every joint in my body, swollen fingers and hands,
    Migraines, a type of autoimmune arthritis in my spine, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease in my cervical and lumbar spine and a bulging disc. I am just ready to be done with this life. No seems to care. Not even my other son. No phone calls, no activities due to pain. My life has become very small. I don’t see any hope for improvement. I want to see my Jesus. I want to be pain free.
    I can’t leave my second son even though he really needs to grow up and help me more.
    I really don’t think anyone would miss me besides my son. My mom and dad are gone.
    I am still trying to keep working but it is incredibly difficult. I have been turned down twice for disability.

    20 reactions 4 comments
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    BRAIN ENERGY - C M PALMER - Just Google this and see what you think! (You don't need to spend 1 cent!)

    I genuinely believe that this clever Prof will change the way we look at, and Treat all Mental Illness - as well as a lot of the physical illnesses too! I am not a rep or anything like that - Just a long term sufferer of severe Treatment-resistant Depression! #Depression #BipolarDisorder #Osteoarthritis etc!

    14 reactions 4 comments
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    New kid on the block

    Hello, I’m new to The Mighty. I live with chronic pain due to Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, and Lymes disease. I fight hard to win the war on depression. I need some friends who understand the battle. I don’t know anyone in my small town with my cluster of challenges. Is there anyone who has these and if so I would love to know what helps them cope. Thank you
    #lymesdisease #Fibromyalgia #Osteoarthritis #Depression

    8 reactions 3 comments
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    It’s okay to grieve. #ChronicPain #MultipleEpiphysealDysplasia #grieving #Osteoarthritis #RareDisease #Acceptance

    I’m sorry to rant, but I feel like I need to get some things off my chest. I know this isn’t exactly an encouraging message- but for many of us…. it’s relatable.

    The price of independence is steep. I grieve because I am not who I used to be. I miss the person I used to be before these diseases took over. The physical pain is not what grieves me, it’s all of the emotions that come with accepting the fact that I now have limitations. I long to be able to do the things I used to. I feel like I have been robbed of my independence, self worth, hobbies, and my freedom. I miss being able to do things without being afraid of the consequences. I realize that I don’t look sick, and for that I am grateful. I am not seeking attention. I don’t want to burden my loved ones, but sometimes fighting this battle can be desperately lonely. I am constantly torn between “I can’t let this disease determine my quality of life” and “I must accept the defeat and rest”. I barely remember what it was like to be healthy, it all seems like a distant memory. I grieve what my life could have been. I always wanted to be mother. I grieve the children that I will never be able to carry. I grieve because the reality is that there is currently no cure, and I am only getting worse. I grieve because there is a large possibility that I will never be able to live without pain. The uncertainty within all of the “unknowns” of my life haunts me. I’m not depressed, I am grieving. There is a huge difference, and it is normal. Most days I’m able to hide the fact that I’m devastated by this illness, but today is not one of those days.

    19 reactions 3 comments