Osteo vs Rhemitoid arthritis

I had previously been diagnoised with osteoarthritis.  The rhematolgist also said I had fibromyalgia, and a connective tissue disorder.  I am 50 years old and have always been pretty active, and healthy for a overweight person.  I was having alot of pain all over, weakness, and trouble walking.  I saw 6 doctors trying to find the problem.  One girl at work thought I might have MS, the MD said no, they thought it might be due to existing back problems, again no.  They sent me to a ortho dr who said my right hip was bone on bone.  I had hip replacemnet surgery 05/09.  Upon my recovery I noticed same problems on my left side, I had that hip replaced 12/09.  I ordered the surgical reports and both stated rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.  I am now enjoying a very improved quality of life.  I can not do what I used to, but am very happy for what I can do at this point.  What is the difference in types of arthritis???? My Rheumatiod blood test was negative several years  ago.

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend,
Many thanks for posting the question via my forum.
Well the Basic difference between RA and OA are

    Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)                                OsteoArthritis (OA)
1) Auto-Immune condition, where                     1) Arthritis due to ageing (aging) / wear and      tear of the tissues self destruct, causing                         Joint.
   arthritis

2) Seen in younger age group                          2) Seen in older age group.

3) Joint arthritis is rapid                                   3) Joint destruction is slow.

4) Multiple joint may be affected                       4) Weight bearing joints affected.

5) Requires specialized drugs                          5) Required pain killers.

6) pain can flare up due to any reason               6) Pain flared due to overuse.

I hope this much information would suffice.

Feel free to discuss more.
Regards..