[pct-l] sharing my pain . . . .

[Slyatpct at aol.com (Slyatpct@aol.com)]

This non-hiking summer I developed a trick knee.  It reached a stage where I 
was failing down for no apparent reason and experiencing severe pain.  I 
finally saw a doctor who suggested I take glucosamine and chondriotin and 
prescribed naproxen.  I further had a MRI which suggested a couple potential problems 
but the specialist wouldn't be able to actually diagnose any damage until he 
scoped it.  

In the meantime, I'm still on the G&C w/MSM which seems to be kicking in and 
take the naproxen for pain, when needed.  It was also suggested by the 
specialist I use a stationary bike to strengthen the knee.  Hopefully (and there's 
lots of vibes sent kneeward) that will take care of the problem.

As it is now, today, my long distance hiking days are over, which is a truly 
sucky feeling.  Like being caged in a zoo, I'm ready to bust out, even if I 
have to hobble in pain.

Anyway, back to your problem, you may want to try the G&C.  Others that swear 
by it for mostly knee, but also joint pain, say it takes a month of two to 
kick in.  It's been 5 weeks for me.  If you think this may be for you, I got 
mine at www.doctorstrust.com

http://tinyurl.com/4n8fj

Best of luck,

Sly





In a message dated 1/26/2005 7:00:51 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
yogihikes@sbcglobal.net writes:

> I thought I'd share my pain with all my PCT-L buddies.  About 500 
> miles into my 2004 CDT hike, I had pain in my right foot which I 
> eventually nick-named "my bulge".  Being the stubborn soul that I 
> am, I of course kept walking.  I was NOT leaving the trail.  After 
> finishing the CDT, I had a few appointments with a foot doctor here 
> at home, and he said three scary words:
> 
> Premature Degenerative Osteoarthritis
> 
> Big words for:  "your joints are old and overworked."  Ugh.  They're 
> working on a second pair of orthotics for me.  Hopefully, these 
> orthotics will fix my old joints.  If not, my doctor said "I may have 
> to put you in a cast for 6 weeks".  Double ugh.