[martinlk]

As part of the ongoing quest for all of us to learn about this disease, I’m just curious if anyone else has a similar combination of ailments that I do? Perhaps there are some correlations and connections that we can share with our respective medical caregivers?

I’ll start:

– I was born with thin and flat feet. I wear a 13A shoe. Now that I mention it, that seems like a long, narrow path for blood to reach my toes!

– The summer I turned 14, I was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter’s disease. I grew 4″ in my knees in one year, and my knees were very tender. I had similar symptoms in my heels, and my athletic career was done for my sophmore year in high school. I’m 6’3″ now (another long blood path!)

– At 34, I was diagnosed with premature arthritis in my knees. I was advised to avoid stairs, running and jumping and was put on glucosomine-chondroitin for pretty much forever, but I plan to switch over to hyaluric acid soon.

– Also around 34, I developed eczema, and annoying skin condition on my hands, which leads to cracking and peeling and sometimes even bleeding.

– At 35, I was diagnosed with gout after returing home from a trip to Argentina where I had (GREAT!) beef almost daily. ( Send me a private message if you want travel tips.)

– At 40, a periodontist recommended that I have a deep cleaning followed by expensive gum surgery. This was especially disappointing, as I have had problem gums all my life and have worked diligently to keep them healthy.

So that’s three “bone-related” conditions right there. I wonder if there is any link? Anyone see a familiar pattern?

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