What is Ostesrthritis

[Nana434]

I have been dealing with back problems for yrs recently, I was told by an E.R doc that i have symptoms of Osteo.
I have joint swelling in my knees ,shoulders ,fingers ,hands,ankles. The pain is awful this is all new to me i know i have Fibro! but was never told Osteo is there any connection with ddd, facet arthritis and Osteo?
                                                  Need advice, PLZ
                                                                           Thank you.

[Dnmh]

Glad I could help. Try to not wory too much. I have lerned from experience that it only makes the symptoms worse. The coordination issue could be something very simple like a disk bulge in your spine causing nerve compression. I get it from time to time. When it gets too bad, I sit in a chair and bend forward, holding that position for a few seconds - it offers some relief.
Take care.
D.

[Nana434]

I will see my PCP and will request x-ray's getting harder to walk almost feels like i have no cordination,Like i can't control my leg's Sorry for going on and on just getting really scared.
Thank's again will keep you posted you have been lot's of help.
                                                                Nana

[Dnmh]

Hard to say what made the ER doc mention it... as to the swelling and pain, it's hard to say. Anything from edema to arthritis to diabeties... An xray would be a start if it's osteo or rheumatoid, blood work can help detect the rhuematoid but doesn't show osteo.
Keep up with the journal and get a good check-up by either a primary or a rhuematologist. I would start with your primary and see who he would recommend. A Rhuematoligist deals more with autoimmue disorders like rhuematoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, etc. if I remember correctly.

[Nana434]

I totally agree only a doc can determine the Osteo thing, So how dare an E.R Doc say such a thing without an X-Ray only bld work.
I started the journal today,
Do you think the Back n Leg pain and not being able to walk well can cause swelling in my knees n leg's?
I thank you soooo much your help is greatly appreciated.
                                                           Nana

[Dnmh]

Only a doctor can determiine if you have osteo anywhere. The fibro could be a cause for a lot of the pain as well. A blood workup can detect inflammation - specifically the ESR - westrgren. Simple vitamin deficiencies can also be responsible for the pain. Keeping a journal will help you feel like you're doing something positive while waiting for answers. I know all to well how frustrating that can be.

[Nana434]

Thank you for explaining Oateo i know i don't have it in my lumbar i have DDD and disc bulg abutting S1 nerve root along with FIBRO i have done PT 4 times nerve block injection nothing helpes now i'm on pain manegment.
The question now is do i also have Osteo in shoulders,knees neck, feet basically everywhere.
The back problem is from being in nursing field for to long using proper body mechanics they say rapetative motions caused this to happen
Thank's again for all your help.
It's the fear of the unknown that's hard, I will keep a health diary good idea .      Nana

[Dnmh]

I just had a whole thing typed out in response and being on a laptop, my wrist hit something and made it all disappear!
I have osteoarthritis in my spine (lumbar) and so do most people. Some feel it, others don't. Until yo can get in to see a doctor of any kind, mind your posture, bend at the knee ad try not to lift anything over 30 lbs. If you have to, bend at the knee, hold whatever it is close to you and stand. Lifting with your arms while bent over adds TONS of weight to your back. Your doc will be able to instruct you better based off your xray results. As for getting in to the rhuem, take the time waiting to keep a health diary of how you feel each day, your activities and your diet. That will be helpful for your doc and helpful for you to remember what to discuss with him/her.

To answer your first question: Osteo is a degenerative arthritis. The cartilage between the joints hardens and well, degenerates. If it's severe, ends of bones can rub together pinching nerves and causing bone spurs. But that's pretty advanced arthritis. Most people - more than half the population, have cartilage degeneration as a normal part of aging AND have no symptoms. Sometimes, the degeneration, even if it's mild, can cause disks to bulge and that is what causes pain. Buldging disks most often heal themselves with time and care.
Best of luck!
D.

[Nana434]

Thank you for all your help, Per my PCP i have fibro i'm on amitryptalen 25mg,Can't see rheumatologist til dec 1,Great HMO. What concerns me is this osteo thing i mean come on two many doc's with diffrent diagnosis. Again thank you lot's.
                                                                                                 Nana

[txsilver]

Hello!  Yes, FMS is the same thing as Fibro, just another anacronym :)  I hope you will go ahead and make an appt to see a rheumatologist.  A specialist will be best able to discern if this is Fibro or something else.

[Nana434]

Thank's so much for your help,Having lot's of pain and trouble walking,by the way what is FMS? Is that FIBRO i know i have that what's next.Just finished the steroid pack didin;t help so much and i cant keep tacking so much of those they make me sick, Will see my PCP on the 8th of oct hope to not end up in the E.R before then.
                                                                                                     Nana
                                                              

[txsilver]

Sometimes it takes awhile to see a rheummy even when you have good ins!  Blood work is an indicator but it is only part of how they diagnose us.  Symptoms combined with the labs and xrays/MRIs are the key.  Since you have only had x-rays of your back and your pain is in your extremities, it may be time to ask to have the affected areas examined closer via x-ray and/or MRI.  It is possible that this is all FMS, but FMS should only be diagnosed when everything else is ruled out, not before.
Let us know how we can help you and please keep us posted on your progress!

[Nana434]

I have only had x-rays of my spine.Had bld work done last friday everything ok,can't see a rheummy until Dec 1,08 don't have good ins since i stoped working so i'm basically at there mercy.
Funny you mention Autoimmune problem,i'm really starting to get worried i feel so sick and week.every doc say's something diffrent.
All i can do is wait.
Thank you! At least i have Med Help or i would be nut's.

[txsilver]

How long ago were your last x-rays and when did you last have your blood work tested for any autoimmune problems?  The symptoms you describe and the dx of fibro make it sound like you may have something more going on.  Have you seen a rheummy?  If you have, have you seen more than one?  Sometimes you have to see several before you get to one who has the experience and interest in your case to help you.