New Member Hell0

Hello. What a great find stumbling across your forum.

I have recently been diagnosed with, oddly sudden onset, osteoarhritis. Recently, over a two week period, I developed Heberden's nodes and pain in the distal joints of my fingers. To my dismay, three physicians (my PCP, an orthopedic and a rhematologist) concluded it was osteoarthritis (unavoidable, inevitable to worsen, attributed to my age; all of 46.) There are no gnarly branches on my family tree. My labwork was all within normal limits. I eat an very good, albeit imperfect, anti-inflammatory diet.
In the period of two months preceding the onset of the nodules, I had only two changes in my life; a major stressor as my son was deployed to Afghanistan, and a switch to soy milk (with carrageenan the only questionable ingredient.) (FYI - he is safely back stateside!)

I have seen many studies on carrageenan-induced arthritis in animals; initiated by intra-joint injection. Does anyone know or notice carrageenan as an arthritic irritant as a dietary source?

Peace and wellness to each of you.

Hi Vannie.

Thanks for your warm hello.

I was tested for Vit D level. It was fine as I'd just moved up from the south. As a New Englander now, I do take 2000IU / day at the recommendation of my dr (1000 in the summer).

I was just curious about the carrageenan. It's in so many natural foods as it's a natural ingredient. I know it can mess with the GI tract, & is used to induce arthritis for research. But, that stuff is hard to avoid!

Perhaps I'm just searching for a cause I can control. My hips ache as well. Maybe it is what it is.

I did send an email to a couple of researchers. If anything comes back there, I'll post.

My doctor has had my try Cymbalta. It's an antidepressant but has shown good effects in OA, diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. That has made a difference.

Wishing you wellness, Vannie. -FW

 

Hey, FW,

It would be really interesting to hear the response from the researches you contacted, if they do respond. Knowledge is power. :)

I take Lexapro for Fibromyalgia. Before I started taking it, I had burning pain in my feet that was quite distressing. I tired Savella and Cymbalta, but they raised my BP. I take BP meds, but Savella and Cymbalta really sent my bp flying. So...I take Lexapro and it has been a good med for me. I also take Tramadol for pain daily, and Soma everynight. Today I had to take Soma during the day because my knee just would not quiet down. It is thundering and lightening outside at the moment. There is snow on the ground and fog everywhere and it is only 35 degrees outside. February in Missouri can be strange indeed.

Wishing you a painfree day, FW.

V

Well, no response from either of the two researchers I queried. Bummer.

But the good news is, I found a terrific group. Thanks for all of the warm welcomes!

If I do stumble across an answer at some point, I will be sure to let you all know!

Be well.