I know some of you suffer from different physical ailments. I know how hard it is to function when you just don't feel well. I have this continuing pain in my right hip and knee that just doesn't go away no matter what... sometimes I lay in bed at night and it hurts so much I could just cry... I have so much energy and so many plans, but sometimes this pain does slow me down a little. It is such a physical burden at times. So if anyone does suffer, I would like to offer my prayers for you all for strength to deal with your ailments, and hope that you can feel better.

-- Melissa (me@home.net), December 02, 2001

Answers

Thank you for your prayers. Many of us, I suppose, deal with all sorts of ailments.

Just wondering. You've probably tried a waterbed, but I thought I'd mention it. Was very helpful to Vicki during her third pregnancy. Also, massage, acupuncture? Trying to be helpful, but sometimes I know it can be more trying than helpful. ;-)

-- Randal (motivo@hotmail.com), December 03, 2001.

We had a water-bed which seemed to be even worse, also I have no idea where I would find accupuncture. I doubt that massage would help as it is more deep in the joints as opposed to muscles. It is actually better if I am moving around, rather than sitting or staying in one spot for a long period of time. Thanks for your suggestions. I have been dealing with this since the age of 13, so you would think I would be used to it by now. Guess I just needed to "whine" a little!!

-- Melissa (me@home.net), December 03, 2001.

Have you gone to a chiropractor, mine's working on me for a very similar problem? Also massage can help more that you think. I don't get them for other reasons, but I'd recommend them

-- Cindy (SE. IN) (atilrthehony@hotmail.com), December 03, 2001.

It could be a misalignment. A massage therapist would be my first choice. Second would be the Chiropractor. Even though it feels deep in the bones and joints, some of your muscles/ligaments could be causing poor joint function. I went to a massage therapist once for TMJ. She taught me how to massage the ligaments/tendons in my jaw to relieve the friction of bones. Instant relief!

-- Jo (mamamia2kids@msn.com), December 03, 2001.

Yes I have gone to the chiropractor for years. It helps temporarily, sometimes days, sometimes months. I have a tilted spine. So any relief is just temporary, regardless. I would not really feel comfortable with massage, and I have my doubts it would help in the long term, also the expense is pretty high to just feel better for a short time. It is really something I just have to deal with!

-- Melissa (me@home.net), December 03, 2001.

I have knee problems-apparently the cartilage in my knee caps is about gone. The doctor wanted to do knee replacement surgery-no thanks! Like you, Melissa, I have had this since I was about 13 or so. Theres almost allway a stiffness and mild ache, sometimes it really hurts. My knees also crack a lot. I subbed for a kindergarten class once-they all wanted me to "make that neat noise with your knees, Ms. Kelly!" About a month ago, I fell down some concrete steps, -no real injury, though at first I thought I had a sprain. Since then, I have felt achy-It really jolted me up. The blessing with all this that I have found is that I'm much more sypathetic to people with serious problems-my husbands Grandmother has serious Arthritis.

-- Kelly (ksaderholm@yahoo.com), December 03, 2001.

Melissa, there are several herbal alternatives to taking OTC or prescription painkillers for your joint pain, I have suffered for over 15 years with non-specific joint pain and no doctor has been able to tell me why they hurt.

Black cohosh capsules work wonders for some folks, take at a least two two or three times a day.

MSM powder, sold from vet supply catalogs, get the 99% pure stuff, taken by a heaping teaspoon mixed with jiuce or water once a day in the morning works for most people.

Evening primrose oil capsules taken in the amount of 2000mg. to 3000mg. per day are especially good for women approaching pre- menopausal age, which can be as early as the mid 30's for some of us, lack of EFA's can cause an inflammatory response in the body, affecting the joints especially.

Cider vinegar taken as an ounce per day in water or juice (cranberry hides the taste well) works well in some people.

Find what works best for you, avoiding animal products is a miracle in and of it's self in some people, try that as well for a week and see what happens.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), December 03, 2001.

Annie's last suggestion has merit; milk products have also been known to cause great harm.

-- Randal (motivo@hotmail.com), December 03, 2001.

I have spine problems too and know that deep pain down the legs well. It's lessened alot the past few years but there was times it made me near delirious to the point I wished my legs be cut off. Glucosamine, a mineral supplement seems to help. I also have a waterbed and it makes a world of difference for me. I don't like painpills so I use a Tens unit when pain is extreme. It's a little device my doctor prescribed that works by electrical impulses.

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), December 03, 2001.

When I was 4, in 1946, I had polio. There was no hosptal, no pain- killers. Just my parents and "Grandma Nettie" to apply hot packs day and night. At one point my stomach started swelling and my parents were given no hope. Anyway, as yo can see, I lived. My body has always been out of alignment and that has taken it's toll. I have Post Polio Syndrome, but, after attending a support group meeting, I decided not to participate. Oy vey! I take OTC medication but that's about it. Most of all, I get frustrated cause I can't do the things I want to do. I always pushed my body and now I can't anymore. But, I don't believe in self-pity and I haven't given up yet!!

-- A (ardie54965@hotmail.com), December 03, 2001.

Dave I know what you mean! Sometimes I think if that side were just gone it would not be so bad. Ardie, what a fighter you are! An inspiration for sure!!! annie. I also don't like to take many OTC medications. They just don't seem to work for me. Although an occassional Aleve (generic) does help a little. I will have to look into the herbal remedies. What do you think of aspirin, is it beneficial or harmful? I wish you would do an herb of the week!! Pick one and teach us all about it.

-- Melissa (me@home.net), December 03, 2001.

Melissa, I have arthritis in my hips and one knee is just about gone from injuries. I started using glusomine- chondrotin maxium strength and it has really helped. It takes about 2 months to notice a difference and you have to keep taking it to keep a level in your body. You can et it at most drug stores.

-- Roxanne (Roxanne@webtv.net), December 03, 2001.

Melissa, since you asked and are interested in herbs, I'll do an "Herb a week" column, we'll start with Black Cohosh since I recommended it, see new thread :-)!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), December 03, 2001.

Melissa, you have my sympathy. Constant pain is so hard to deal with. I've had it for years too. I have scoliosis and osteoporosis along with arthritis of my spine. I've had 3 surgeries and none of them completely healed. I have finally tried a TENS unit and like Dave, I found it works great! I consider it a miracle. I was ready for more surgery when I tried this and I feel it has given me my life back. I still have pain but not that horrible leg pain. You do have to have a drs. prescription for one. My sister tried accupuncture for her back and she said it really helped her. I think the accupuncture and the TENS work on the same principle.

-- Barb in Ky. (bjconthefarm@yahoo.com), December 03, 2001.

Melissa, You have my sympathy. Just try to rest when you need to and remember to gauge your activities. Rest, move, rest somemore. My daughter was 16 when she was diagnoised with Rheumatiod Arthritis and we have always helped her understand her need for rest. It is hard with an active teenager to understand she can't always keep up with the others! She will be 22 next week and is in college. Her roommates understand her need to be in bed between 9-10:00pm in order for her to make her morning classes! They even gave her the bottom bunk so she can get up in the morning without falling (due to stiffness) I am proud of her she has learned to care for her arthritis, she rests when she needs too and still stays quite busy. She is a tough gal. I guess I am just trying to tell you hang in there and gauge your activity, rest if you need too. Good Luck Denise

-- Denise K. (Rabbitmom2@webbworks.com), December 03, 2001.

If it is sciatica, for daytime pain when you must keep going, try one capsule each of White Willow Bark; St John's Wort; Devil's Claw.

To get to sleep at nite - valerian.

-- carol (kanogisdi@yahoo.com), December 04, 2001.