Wow some great answers and support right here. I too have just the beginnings of osteorthritis and have come to learn that it can even be in the chest and ribs..anywhere where there is movement, not only joints which came as a surprise to me. But I have found all these answers more useful than even what my doctors tell me! So God Bless you all. First of all, movement and keeping moving is as important as anything we need to do whatever we are able to do, even light and seated yoga for 55 plus etc is really great as is the finger excerciser or squeezing a rubber ball for hands etc? I have also found eating and diet plays a major role and there are foods that cause inflammation and those that lessen it, so online research was vital for me. I have tried the Ketogenic way of eating and it really does help? I cut way back on processed foods and breads, even potatoes etc...and there is a marked improvement for me? Does it work that way for everyone? Not sure but I do think it helps. So again, noone is the same, I know some that are quite immobile by their arthritic pain or other pain, but even slight movement keeps us strong such as tai chi subtle and light yoga even seated can back off the inflammation...so keep moving and God Bless and keep us ALL...Hugs to all RON S.

Continued… The government has put a lot of money into research about chronic pain diseases. I believe they are going to find out how to help us with other options then pain pills. The site was designed for people who are in chronic pain. We are there for each other. We listen. We rant. We understand. We make suggestions. We cry and we laugh. We empathize. We get it! So please, keep us posted and let us know how you’re doing.

SaraSteinbergSeal,
Arthritis & Osteoporosis are autoimmune diseases. Arthritis means inflammation of joints, which as the disease progresses becomes painful & limits movement. Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bone, makes breaking them easier. Everyone responds differently to these diseases and unfortunately no one can predict how severe the deterioration will be. As KathyPetrilli said movement is most important. Have you been to a Physical Therapist? Your doctor can refer you and they can work with you & give you some helpful exercises to do. I have slight arthritis where my knuckles are misshaped, so I am not someone with experience about either condition. I do, however, believe that being informed about your conditions is really important, no matter the disease. I also believe you need a good heart to heart discussion with your physician. Tell him you are frightened and ask what treatment or medication you should take and be sure to ask about side effects of any medication he/she might recommend. You need to also find a hobby. Something you enjoy doing & that can keep you busy, like Kathy & her crocheting. Pain is unfortunately a big part of most diseases, so you need to find a way (or medication) to help deal with it. Does a heating pad help, or is ice better? Learn about meditation & mindfulness. Google these. Try to stay positive, believe me, I know that is easier said than done. Negativity brings us down and can lead to depression. I meditate, practice mindfulness, read my Bible and listen to sermons on YouTube and exercise when I can, even if it is just stretching. They are uplifting and keep me from beating myself up over something I have no control over. I used to be a type A personality, and a control freak, so when my Fibromyalgia, Migraines,Dysautonomia, forced me to disability retirement way too early, I wanted to die. I had no control over anything! I couldn’t make plans, because it seemed every time I did, I would have to cancel because the pain was too disabling. My husband and daughters try very hard to understand, but if you don’t have any experience with pain, you can’t really understand. It’s not their fault & it’s NOT MY FAULT either. It just is. It takes some time & some grieving over what you have lost to come to terms with it. My friends try to understand, and they are great if I have to cancel & reschedule get togethers & sometimes my husband has to go alone, without me. I finally got him to understand that staying home with me only made me feel more guilty. So now he goes. I’m usually in bed in pain (if I can’t go), so there’s no point in him staying home. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE

@A MyChronicPainTeam Member hello sweet lady, I have to tell you I fear the very same thing. I asked my rheumatologist, my pain mgmt doc, and my surgeon and all of them said it is not set in stone that mobility will be lost to such an extent. They all said to keep moving no matter what if you stop moving you lose your strength. Even though my hands hurt all the time I keep on crocheting and knitting. When the pain gets too much I stop for a minute or so but I pick it right back up. I have trouble holding a book and sometimes things just drop out of my hands. I bought a hand exerciser not the ball thing this is the one you put your fingers through I like it takes a while to be able to do it correctly since it is strengthening my hands and fingers they are not used to that much resistance. I am sending you the link.

I don't want to turn into a lump unable to move or help myself it scares the crap out of me so I am not wallowing in it I keep looking for ways to help avoid it. My hands just started getting misshapen and my knees also. When I first noticed it I was so depressed I was comparing myself to my husband who looks great but he told me to think about all I go through each day and he has none of that he is in great health. So I pushed those thoughts to the back of my head. I go so far as to not want to be seen in public with him because I think I look like his mother and not his wife. I tell him all the time he has to be embarrassed to be seen with me with my walker in tow. I never imagined I would end up where I am now.

Sometimes it is easier to accept than other times if I force myself to not dwell on all the self-defeating things I feel sort of like everyone else around me. I do feel left out of everything and I hate having to ask for help I know everyone loses patience with me and that is because not one of them will take the time to learn about the diseases I have to live with. I suggest you try to think about the things you can do for yourself no matter how small they are. I love you no matter how your feeling so you know you can always talk with me.

Here is the link if you want to give it a try I think it is worth it, like any physical therapy there is pain and the thoughts of not being able to do it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y42X7G4/re...

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A MyChron...

Sis, I think overall it's different for everyone. Deformities of the hands can be painful and difficult to use. As far as ending up in a wheelchair .. Again it depends on the extent of the disease, where and what treatment is helping. From everything I have read, even small exercises and short frequency of activity helps to maintain range of motion. Love ya!! Prayers that your progression slows!!