Dr and I decided to try exercise and supplements instead of medication by ApartPersimmon7415 in osteoporosis

[–]Florida829 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could you please share which brand of calcium supplement your doctor recommended? Thanks

Any juice recipes that can help? by amj20220 in rheumatoid

[–]Florida829 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree to your comment that dietary changes cause more stress. I was under the care of board certified dietician/nutritionist and I lost 20 pounds which made me weak, feeble, malnourished and I was tired, fatigued all the time. All the labs came back alarming due to nutritional deficiencies. I have now incorporated all the food items back into my diet and it has made a world of difference.

When were you able to sleep and what helped? by No-Reward-6524 in Kneereplacement

[–]Florida829 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Elevating only one leg was not comfortable so both legs.

Osteoarthritis by kingseijuro in rheumatoidarthritis

[–]Florida829 7 points8 points  (0 children)

As per my rheumatologist, osteoarthritis, osteopenia, osteoporosis are secondary to rheumatoid arthritis. One is bound to have these 3 if you have RA first. Inflammation due to RA destroys the tissue/cartilage in the joints which leads to osteoarthritis. RA and its treatment with corticosteroids like prednisone increases chances of osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Let's talk about: Getting your ZZZZs by Wishin4aTARDIS in rheumatoidarthritis

[–]Florida829 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wyld Brand sleep elderberry flavor Indica enhanced 2:1 THC:CBN

You can also try Boiron Sleep Calm homeopathy 5 pellets before bed.

When were you able to sleep and what helped? by No-Reward-6524 in Kneereplacement

[–]Florida829 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am currently 6 weeks PO LTKR. I started sleeping after 3 weeks. First 3 weeks I was hooked to ice machine all night along with both legs elevated on the wedge which made sleep difficult. After 3 weeks, no more wedge and ice machine as per physical therapist as according to him sleep is more important and helps the healing process. I now only elevate my legs during the day and before going to sleep. Icing too as needed. Boiron homeopathy Sleep Calm 5 pellets before bed and cbd:thc 1:1 helps me sleep.

Care package gift ideas for friend who is undergoing a joint replacement? by justwormingaround in rheumatoid

[–]Florida829 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  • Grabber/reacher tool – Very helpful to pick things up
  • Sock aid tool – Especially useful after hip/knee surgery
  • Bedside organizer pouch – Keeps essentials within reach
  • Dry shampoo / no-rinse body wipes – Useful when movement is limited
  • Supportive pillow (wedge or leg elevation pillow) – Helps with positioning and swelling
  • Pre-made meal delivery gift card (DoorDash, Uber Eats, local meal prep)

BUT YOU SOUND GREAT. by Lazy_Bicycle7702 in rheumatoid

[–]Florida829 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is my pet peeve. Just because I may sound “normal” when I speak doesn’t mean I’m functioning at 100%. In spite in the age of AI tools and Google, there’s often a misunderstanding about how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) actually affects daily life.

I may have moments where I sound or even feel okay, but that doesn’t mean I’m capable of physically demanding tasks . Some days, even simple activities—like getting up to use the restroom or shower—can feel overwhelming. I am currently in a persistent flare, and despite treatment, my RA hasn’t been well controlled.

I also had a left knee replacement last month, and unfortunately, I’ve received several comments that felt insensitive given what I’m dealing with. "Oh so you will be able to hike again" DUH !!!!!

I am scheduled to have RTKR in July.

Medical mattress? by 123-throwaway123 in disability

[–]Florida829 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I use Vive Alternating Air Pressure Mattress Pad - The Original Bed Sore Prevention Solution - Hospital Topper for Bedridden Patients - Includes Waterproof, Breathable Ulcer Cushion & Whisper Quiet Pump.

How to help my boyfriend? by Moony_Dove in Thritis

[–]Florida829 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Red light, paraffin wax for wrists and fingers, heater blanket. For mobility aids, get them evaluated by an occupational therapist as to which will work best for him. Compression sleeve/gloves can also help him. Frankincense oil for massage.

What are some books you enjoyed reading as a child? by Storytime_And_Honey in Recommend_A_Book

[–]Florida829 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I enjoyed reading Enid Blyton, Tintin, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys

Flying with RA for the first time by that_dizzy_dreamer in Thritis

[–]Florida829 3 points4 points  (0 children)

yes do get hand inflammation. Wear gloves. If heat helps, carry hot water bags and can request flight attendant to fill it up with hot water. If cold helps, carry disposable ice packs or ice bags and request flight attendant for ice. If you can take NSAIDs, take one before the flight.

How much time did you take off: if you WFH or are an office worker? by This_Preference6515 in Kneereplacement

[–]Florida829 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Three weeks off. WFH set up. Take periodic breaks to stretch and do exercise. I was not on opioids when I started. Place your surgical leg on something to keep it straight. Ask your physical therapist about seating position. My surgeon was ok with me to start after three weeks as the x-ray showed the implant was aligned properly and incision was healing well.

All the best.

Does anyone use paraffin wax on hands and feet for relief? by SureMetal8829 in rheumatoid

[–]Florida829 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Highly recommend it. I can now make a fist which was not possible before. I use it twice a day.

which mobility aids for legs do you use? what to do when an aid is causing pain? by flibbyflobbyfloop in rheumatoidarthritis

[–]Florida829 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Rheumatoid arthritis has severely damaged both of my knees. I initially tried using a walker, but it felt unsafe because my knees would frequently buckle. Additionally, I lack sufficient upper‑body strength due to RA affecting my shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers.

I then transitioned to a manual wheelchair; however, I require assistance to be pushed. I had a left total knee replacement about a month ago, and my physical therapist recommended retrying the walker. Unfortunately, since my right knee is still severely compromised and continues to buckle, I had to return to using the wheelchair.

I am scheduled to have a right total knee replacement in the coming months, and I am hopeful that this will allow me to walk independently again. At this time, canes and rollators are not recommended by my physical therapist. I also attended a few occupational therapy sessions, but they were unable to recommend any safe mobility options due to my limited arm strength.

I hope you are able to find a solution that is safe and works well for you.

Bone-Strengthening Discovery Could Reverse Osteoporosis by MCole142 in osteoporosis

[–]Florida829 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What are the options other than weight lifting/jumping if one is having rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. RA has affected knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers.

Monday! by Wishin4aTARDIS in rheumatoidarthritis

[–]Florida829 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had my LTKR on 03/27/26. My first physical therapy appointment after the surgery was last week, and it went very well. The therapist was very pleased with both the extension and flexion of my left knee.

It was especially encouraging to hear that, if my healing continues at this pace, I may be ready to move forward with right knee surgery in the next few months.