Anyone else have arthritis?

songwriterchic Posted: Feb 15, 2009 02:38 PM

Anyone else have arthritis?

Since my mid-twenties I've had osteoarthritis in my left elbow, due to an injury. I'm wondering how this is going to affect my future pregnancies, DH & I want to have kids in a few years. Most of the time I don't even notice it, but this winter has been horrible for it, I've been in so much pain and stiffness has restricted me using that arm too much.

I'm worried it will get worse with pregnancy as joints are usually affected by weight gain, not to mention once I have a baby to carry in my arms it may be difficult...I have problems carrying a bag of groceries with that arm, how am I going to carry around a baby?

I've tried physical therapy and it didn't help, I'm going to try acupuncture to ease the pain, but I'm just overall worried. The orthopedist I went to who originally diagnosed it said it's just going to get worse as I get older...urgh! If this is how bad I feel at 31 imagine how bad it's going to be when I'm much older?

wundmoretime Posted: Feb 15, 2009 05:27 PM

Re: Anyone else have arthritis?

I have arthritis in my right thumb and it makes it difficult to hold things. You will adjust. I wouldn't worry over it. There are people that have overcome much greater things to raise a child. My dad's parent's were deaf and then you hear stories about the person with no arms and uses her feet, and the show 'little people big world'. You will find a way to make it work. You can carry the baby in the other arm. also, with my son, i only gained wait in my stomach. Generally, you don't gain weight in the arms, so I don't think you will have issues during pregnancy. Is there antiflammoraties they can give you? Perhaps a brace for support? Don't let it stop you. In the end, you will find a way.