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I was diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis after chemo for Stage 1A ovarian cancer. I find the more I exercise (lifting 5 lb. weights, sitting and mild yoga and stretching), the better I feel. But given that I have no cartilage in my knees, and creeky all over, is there anything I should be aware of or avoid.
I feel if I continue to exercise that knee replacement surgery might be an option but (1) I don't trust doctors; and (2) improvements in this type of surgery continue to surface, so I feel like the longer I put it off, the better.
Where do you live? Has a qualified orthopedist evaluated your knees? I developed a little osteoarthritis in my knees a couple of years ago, along w/a torn meniscus, and the specialists in town wanted to rush me into surgery right away. They showed me an x-ray that looked like the joint was fairly built up/obstructed with arthritic build-up. I politely declined, and said I'd let it go for a year, and then re-evaluate. Our local hospital has taken over most private practices, and pressures docs to order surgery. So for the re-eval a year later, I drove to Colorado, which has the best orthopedists in the US, many people told me, all practicing around the ski resort towns. The experience was like visiting a higher civilization! Much higher resolution on the X-rays (they told me the joint damage was negligible), and the docs were anti-surgery. They said nobody does surgery for a torn meniscus anymore; it's best to leave it alone and just take herbs (!) to keep any pain or swelling down, and there was no need for any work on the joints.
So, 2nd opinions from highly-qualified people are crucial. As for appropriate exercise, physical therapists can make a good recommendation. Or your local sports medicine clinic, if there's a good one. Leg extensions and leg curls should be fine, depending on the condition of the knee. Start with a light weight and gradually build. They will strengthen the musculature around the knee to take stress off the joint. I also am able to do leg presses, which kind of surprised me. The trick is to start with no weight at all on the press, and build up very gradually. YMMV, I don't know how bad your knee is. But avoid surgery if you can; if you're not in pain. Knee surgery can work well for some people, but can backfire for others. And by all means, find an orthopedist you trust, who won't just try to pressure you into surgery.
Losing weight, if you're overweight, is the best treatment for knees. Oh, and the phys therapists said that stationery biking, the recumbent kind, is great for the knee joints. Keep 'em moving, keep things circulating, but without the weight of your body on them. Swimming is probably good, too.
That's interesting, what you said about Colorado. The cold there concerns me, or I would seriously contemplate moving there, and not just for the herbs. I'm in Lubbock, Texas, and while there is a teaching hospital here and presumably good care, this city is one of the most conservative--if not the most.
My surgeon (for example) said to me when he told me I had cancer: "You don't expect to live forever, do you? You could go outside and get hit by a bus." My last appointment, I had a large purse with me, and he accused me of having a bomb in it! He is a devout Catholic (his son is a priest) and I think he didn't like me putting "Atheist" in the religion field. Nice fellow.
That's interesting, what you said about Colorado. The cold there concerns me, or I would seriously contemplate moving there, and not just for the herbs. I'm in Lubbock, Texas, and while there is a teaching hospital here and presumably good care, this city is one of the most conservative--if not the most.
My surgeon (for example) said to me when he told me I had cancer: "You don't expect to live forever, do you? You could go outside and get hit by a bus." My last appointment, I had a large purse with me, and he accused me of having a bomb in it! He is a devout Catholic (his son is a priest) and I think he didn't like me putting "Atheist" in the religion field. Nice fellow.
You're in a weird place. I usually don't put anything when they ask about religion. That might be your best bet. Are you in remission now? It doesn't sound like you're in a place that's good for your health and happiness. And btw, southern CO isn't too cold or snowy; it's at a lower elevation, and is more like NM, where I am. Winters have been much milder here the last few years; we rarely get any snow, and when we do, it's just an inch or so, compared to the foot or two that used to be the norm.
I was diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis after chemo for Stage 1A ovarian cancer. I find the more I exercise (lifting 5 lb. weights, sitting and mild yoga and stretching), the better I feel. But given that I have no cartilage in my knees, and creeky all over, is there anything I should be aware of or avoid.
I feel if I continue to exercise that knee replacement surgery might be an option but (1) I don't trust doctors; and (2) improvements in this type of surgery continue to surface, so I feel like the longer I put it off, the better.
Your thoughts?
I agree with everything Ruth4Truth said (well actually I don't have any opinion about the orthopedists in Colorado).
I have had orthopedic surgeons tell me I'm one step away from a knee replacement. I don't agree. I get some minor swelling if I do too much on it, but I was able to run a 10K a few weeks ago. I second the exercises that Ruth recommended. You body will tell you if you have done too much. The result will simply be some swelling that goes away in a day or two.
From people I have talked to, the results are mostly positive with knee replacements, but some people have major issues. Many people have said they know it is time when the pain is interfering with daily living. I know I'm not there yet.
I have lived with many chronic pain issues for nearly 33 years. Was hit by out of control car in 1983.
Last year severe hip pain had me reading up on hip replacement. I then discovered the incredible benefits of Boron for arthritis and many other health problems, my hip pain is much lower and pain overall is more manageable.
All the hot springs that claim arthritis cures have very high Boron levels. Do a search with boron arthritis and you will be amazed at what it can help. If you have any animals do a search with boron dogs.
I was diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis after chemo for Stage 1A ovarian cancer. I find the more I exercise (lifting 5 lb. weights, sitting and mild yoga and stretching), the better I feel. But given that I have no cartilage in my knees, and creeky all over, is there anything I should be aware of or avoid.
I feel if I continue to exercise that knee replacement surgery might be an option but (1) I don't trust doctors; and (2) improvements in this type of surgery continue to surface, so I feel like the longer I put it off, the better.
Your thoughts?
I'm a 73 year old man and I had a total knee replacement 2 years ago. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have been going to the gym for the last 1-1/2 years with no problem. I still have to take it easy with that knee but I am totally pain free. Good luck with yours.
I keep watching these animal rescue videos and crying, but no one is going to rescue me. I'm in an impossible situation.
I started out taking dilute amounts of 20 mule team borax as explained on several sites. My brother bought some pill form of boron and I switched to that for awhile. I was not getting the same benefit and went back to 20MTB and will not take anything else. Do your homework on the importance of magnesium to get the full boron benefit.
I started out taking dilute amounts of 20 mule team borax as explained on several sites. My brother bought some pill form of boron and I switched to that for awhile. I was not getting the same benefit and went back to 20MTB and will not take anything else. Do your homework on the importance of magnesium to get the full boron benefit.
Magnesium is good for preventing excess calcification, like bone spurs and such, too. Just a little can do a lot to balance out calcium intake and improve calcium absorbability.
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Winters have been much milder here the last few years; we rarely get any snow, and when we do, it's just an inch or so, compared to the foot or two that used to be the norm.
