Pls go to dr first. Try swimming and yoga. Easier on the joints. Hang in there keep going.

I should try the water aerobics but just do not get to a pool. I try to walk or ride bicycle each day. My Dr. told me when I have pain to stop and take a break from the excersize.

I'm paying for too much exercise now. I was an avid biker, speed walker, and a general outdoor enthusiast I had OA develop at a very young age as my knees were bone-on bone by the time I was just over 40. They replaced my knees and told me to "keep moving!" So I did! Like crazy too! Flash-forward to now....both shoulders, hips, and ankles are needing to be replaced because I didn't realize that I was doing more harm than good. Like you, my early symptoms began with low-grade fevers, and pain in both small and large joints. When I exercise now, I use a pool. The resistance of moving through the water tones, tightens, and strengthens all body parts and it's safer and more gentle to your inflamed body.

I did the best I could with what I was given at the time, but that was years ago and new research proves that damage is done if we over-work our bodies. Just a word of caution...you can't get your cartilage back and you can't undo any damage you incur while being brave and tough through your illness. If I could do things over again...I would have made other choices...my pain level is beyond pills and so I get cortisone shots every 3 months to reduce the inflammation, but nothing will alleviate the crepitus I'm left with at only 54 yrs. young. It's a very painful way to live...

I would always consult my Dr. first and I would also ask him what happens if I over-do it over the long term? I'm sure you will be cautioned since you have already been diagnosed with R.A, not O.A. Best of luck and many prayers for much better health!

(((Warm Hugz))) & Big Smiles,
~ Sarah :)

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the prednisone makes me hot and sweaty all day. I'm a mess by the end of the day with flat hair and smelly arm pits. Who knew???

I'm just wondering what dosage of Prednisone you were started on. I got 10 mg Prednisone in the beginning. Then down to 5 mg. Now I am on 2.5 mg which is much lower but still helps. The Celebrex along with Methatrexate at my beginning helped me immensely. Now I have had Humira added to that.