I hurt all over. I have been told I have arthritis. I will see a doctor next week. I am a little scared.?

Question

I was told by my doctor that some blood tests he ran seemed to indicate that I have arthritis. That was 4 months ago and the pain has gotten so much worse. It started in my hands, hips and elbows. Now my back, neck, feet etc.....hurt terribly bad. It has taken me 4 months to get into a specialist for a consultation. Does anyone know what treatments work best? I have heard of an alternative medicine therapy for the pain that involves eating golden raisins that have been soaked in gin. At this point I will try most anything. I hurt constantly and the pain is really affecting my way of life.I am 43 years old, female, and I feel as though I am 100! Please someone help me with any suggestions.

I have also been told that you can have more than 1 type of arthritis...is that correct?

Answer 1

Diet changes almost always help with medical conditions- not a cure, but it helps...

I would try anti-inflammatory foods. Google the word and see.

Look here for more on this idea: http://www2.oprah.com/presents/2005/young/life/life_aging.jhtml

Answer 2

I started having symptoms of arthritis a few weeks ago, I was tested for it and it came back negative for that although I do have connective tissue disease, which is similar to arthritis in my case (I'm a 22yr old female). I hurt a lot of the time and all I do is lay down and take Ibuprofen which takes that edge off the pain most of the time, or I have a hot bath becuase I try to stay away from the stronger pain medications, which may not be an option for you. I have never heard of the golden raisins idea, but it would definently be worth trying.
And yes you can have more than one type of arthritis.
I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 3

First, yes it is possible to have multiple types of arthritis (and you might have the two most common types). One type is rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and it is usually inherited/genetic and has to do with a deficiency in your immune system. It usually occurs in the fingers/hands, back, neck, feet and small bony areas. The second type is Osteoarthritis (OA) and this is also known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) because it is the wearing away of cartilage at joints like the hip and knee. There are several treatments available including the use of over the counter medications like advil and ibuprofen. There are other more powerful medications (ie Celebrex) and injections that can be taken. As a last resort for OA a joint replacement will be recommended. This can also be done for RA but it is less common. I cannot say what the best treatment is because it varies by the person and usually everything possible is tried. I have included a pretty detailed link below with most of this information and more.
Arthritis can affect any age but with treatment there is usually help for the pain.
Good luck with your visit!

Answer 4

I had some joint pain last year. I started taking Triflex from GNC and the pain is gone. I stopped taking it, just to see what would happen, the joint pain came back. I started taking it again and the pain went away again. I assume that was arthritis but I never got confirmation of that from a doctor.

My grandfather has arthritis and says that it works well for him. If you don't have GNC near you, I'm sure you can get an equivalent. It contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM (Methylsulfonyimethane).

I read a medical journal article that said the Glucosamine is just as effective as Ibuprophen, but much easier on the stomach. Also, it works best in the combination of the three rather than just Glucosamine.

Answer 5

I have the same thing only I'm 15 and feel like I'm a million years old. I had blood tests done too and i get worse every day. They thing that works best for me is to have someone rub it out. My boyfriend rubs out the pain in my hands and it works so well I feel like a million bucks after he does it. Yes it is possible to have more than one type of arthritis. I do. I also get tested again about every month. Take vitamin C also it helps.

Answer 6

Arthritis is an equal opportunity disease. It knows nothing of age, gender, race, age, intellect, wealth or education. Yes, there are several types. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the autoimmune disease and seems to get the attention right now. The meds on the market have, in my opinion, worse side effects than the disease itself. One ibuprofen with my morning coffee has become a way of life. Stretching exercises help. Keep moving. The diseases seems to come and go in cycles. When it starts getting bad, I quit eating white. Flour and sugar seem to really cause me pain. Keep the heating pad handy. My email address is with my profile. Good luck.

Answer 7

You can indeed have more than one kind of arthritis. the best thing for any type of arthritis is exercise, heat and NSAIDs. However, there are new meds being produced all the time and you may be one of the lucky ones that gets one in time to be cured The raisin and gin thing doesn't work, My mom has tried that and others with no relief.

Answer 8

I have arthritis too, try taking an anti-inflammitory medication like Aleve or Ibuprofin. Aleve works really well to help with arthritis pain. Also try physical therapy and alternate heat and ice to see if that helps until you get into the doctor.

Answer 9

stay away from the opiate pain killers, unless you want to become a slave to them