<p>I was diagnosed today with degenerative arthritis. I am researching it like crazy, anyone else been diagnosed or know someone who has? How has it affected your/their life? Thanks for responses.</p>
<p>Mama, my daughter has rheumatoid, rather than osteo-, arthritis, so this may be a bit like comparing apples and oranges, but she has found that consistent, low-impact exercise is very helpful in getting through each day. You may want to check with your doctor to see what s/he recommends.</p>
<p>I also suggest you read this: <a href=“http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/navigation/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf[/url]”>http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/navigation/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf</a></p>
<p>Although the author is talking about her experiences with lupus, I think it can be just as meaningful for degenerative arthritis. I know it’s helped me with my daughter. I recently visited her at college and noticed that her new shoes were terribly scuffed up. I asked her why on earth they were so beat up after only one month, and she admitted that she used her foot to open the bottom drawer of her dresser. I kind of rolled my eyes at that until she said, “It doesn’t do the shoes any good, but it saves me a spoon.” I hope you won’t need to be saving spoons any time soon, but if you do, there are lots of ways/tools available to arthritis sufferers to make life a bit easier. And if it helps, share the spoon theory with friends.</p>
<p>Best to you…</p>
<p>Mezzomom…Thank you for sharing the “spoons.” It’s just how I have been feeling lately, (planning out my day, thinking about I have to eat in order to take medicine). You have given me something to hang on to and I really appreciate it. Blessings to you and your daughter.</p>
<p>Mama-my deepest sympathies and condolences.</p>
<p>My mom was diagnosed with RA when I was only 7…it’s been very hard on all of us. I hope that your battle is as easy and painless as possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you.</p>
<p>I just want good drugs.
Over the counter are hard on your heart and raise blood pressure and prescribed aren’t any better . 
Niacin helps though.</p>
<p>Right now I am taking prescription Motrin. It does help relieve the nagging some, (it’s still there but not knocking as hard at the door).</p>
<p>Exercise, exercise, exercise…</p>
<p>I did a quick google and it looks like degenerative arthritis is another name for osteoarthritis, which is what I was told I had in my neck. This was by a neurologist trying to figure out what a whole bunch of symptoms I had were, too long a story for here, but in any event, the neurologist suggested I take glucosamine/chondroitin, which you can get where the vitamins are at the grocery store. I think a daily dose is like 1500mg/1200mg, and come in strengths where you take either 1, 2 or 3 pills a day. It works wonders and I highly recommend it.</p>
<p>In fact, there was a thread on CC about glucosamine/chondroitin which I read before starting it and the comments convinced me to try it. For some reason it restores the cushion between the joints and helps rebuild the cartilage so the bones don’t rub on each other. My mom has had arthritis in her knees for years and could hardly walk with it; I finally convinced her to take the glucosamine/chondroitin and now she says her knees don’t hurt hardly at all.</p>
<p>If it is in your neck, another thing that helps is to wear a scarf a lot. Keeps the neck warm and you can make a fashion statement. Keeping the affected joint(s) warm is also quite beneficial. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>The only problem with the glucosamine/chondroitin is that you can’t take it if you are allergic to seafood as they get part of it from, i think, pigs or cows, and part from sharks or shrimp (depends on the brand). My MIL can’t take it for example. Also, my SIL won’t take it 'cause she’s vegan and it’s made from animal products. But if you’re ok with the contents, it really does work.</p>
<p>D1 has JRA, diagnosed at 5 and is now 20. We have tried a gamut of medications over the years and also been involved in sports every day! Moving and working on staying strong has been essential. It’s been a tough journey with lots of ups and downs but she is doing well with this combination and playing college sports. She will always have to stay active but it has made her strong and independent. Be an advocate for yourself and stay strong!!! Good luck!</p>
<p>The drugs that have worked for her right now is methotrexate, relafen, and plaquenil and then zantac for somach upset.</p>