Osteoarthritis: "From week to week, I notice an increase in discomfort"

Hello migmig, thank you for agreeing to share your story with us here on Carenity!

First of all, could you tell us more about yourself?

Hello, I'll introduce myself quickly: I'm migmig, I'm 80 years old, I'm married and I have a family of 8 children and 7 grandchildren. I live with my wife in Madrid.

You were diagnosed with osteoarthritis more than 10 years ago, what made you consult a doctor? What were the first symptoms you felt? 

I felt the first symptom on 5 July 2020: I was walking with my wife, when I stumbled, on my right leg. Without knowing what it was or what caused it, I continued the walk. 

The following week I had another symptom, this time at home. Each week I noticed more and more discomfort, which continues to this day, for example when going up and down stairs, in how I position my knees when I sit, etc.

How has your osteoarthritis progressed since you were diagnosed?

The disease has progressed rapidly. From one week to the next, I notice an increase in discomfort, and lately, I feel that after the winter snowfall, I have even more discomfort in my knees, mainly in my right knee.

What impact does osteoarthritis have on your everyday life?

It limits my usual activities. I feel a lot of pain and discomfort. And now in order to walk I have to use two sticks to avoid the discomfort and fatigue. 

In the absence of any other sources of information, I try to look on the internet for remedies and advice on osteoarthritis, arthritis, healing foods, etc. Among them, I really enjoy reading the articles from Carenity and the International Osteoarthritis Foundation (OAFI).

Are you taking any medications for your osteoarthritis? Are you satisfied with your treatment?

I have a comorbidity, so I have to take different treatments.

• In the morning: Lithium, 1 tablet per day in 2 doses; Active Pro Resolve, 1 bead; Condrosan 400 mg 2 tablets and calcium, 1 chewable tablet.
• After meals: Micellar turmeric, 450 mg 2 tablets and Boswellia (Indian frankincense), 400 mg 1 tablet.
• In the evening: Lithium, ½ tablet; Active Pro Resolve, 1 bead; bitminga, 1 tablet; quetiapine, 2 tablets (for sleep). 

A doctor recommended that I massage my hands, knees, legs and feet with rosemary rubbing alcohol.

At this point I must say that I miss the MRIs and hyaluronic acid injections in my knees, I admit that they have been a great help.

What do you do to stay active? How does it help you in your daily life?

Well, I do three different things every morning: 

• 1/2 hour of exercises, with leg, foot, head, neck, arm and back movements, push-ups and squats - even sitting on the floor and standing.
• 20 minutes on the exercise bike
• 1 hour walking

Do you have any other chronic illnesses?

I wear a hearing aid in my left ear, I have cochlear hearing loss in my right ear... and I am awaiting diagnosis for Sjögren's syndrome.

Have you tried any natural or alternative treatments? Have you seen any benefits?

Yes, I've tried micellar turmeric, but the effects are quite small.

What led you to become a member of OAFI (Osteoarthritis Foundation International)?

OAFI has a bi-weekly YouTube programme, which I participated in as a patient. It is very interesting and useful, so I recommend it, because to my surprise the number of patients/partners is low (in Spanish).

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I would like to thank Carenity and its members for the attention given to patients with chronic diseases!

In addition, I would like to become more involved by participating, physically and even financially, in an entity, company or association that is dedicated to research for patients with osteoarthritis, arthritis and the like, so if you have any advice for me, I am all ears!

Many thanks to migmig for sharing his story with us on Carenity!

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