I recently returned to the U.S. after again working for several months in Tanzania, East Africa. Shortly before leaving for my African work, my orthopedic surgeon told me that both of my knees are totally deteriorated (thanks OA), and needed to be replaced. I asked if he thought I should cancel my trip, because as much as I love my work as a writer and nature photographer, I'm fully aware that medical help of any kind is very limited in the African bush! My doctor insisted that I continue with my plans, but gave me the series of Synvisc injections before I left. These shots produce synthetic "synovial fluid" to help provide a cushion in the joint and alleviate a great deal of pain.
He admitted, at the time, that he was unsure whether the shots would last a week or six months, but he also reminded me to TRY not to allow my OA to totally determine my lifestyle. This comment really hit home for me, because it has become my "Mantra" since my diagnosis about 14 years ago. (I will have to admit, though, that sometimes, in the midst of an attack of debilitating pain, it's easier to "shut down" and focus on my limitations and NOT what I really can do!) I grabbed my camera bag and passport and flew back to Tanzania early in October, 2009.
I was pleasantly surprised how well the shots worked for me, and was lucky enough to get almost five months of pain relief with them. While in Africa, I was able to spend one whole day in the mountains with a natural healer. Although I STILL have OA, he taught me a lot about my herbal world, and the things I personally need to live a healthier and more fulfilling life. We tried a regimen of Royal Jelly (yes, the stuff from bees) for quite awhile, and I found it wonderful; however, it was quite expensive, and had no long-term effects. When I quit using it, the pain and inflammation returned! It was also recommended that I use a locally produced "drink" made from the Aloe plant. I'm not picky, but I somehow was unable to drink this green gooey potion daily!
On some of those incredibly painful days, I found that stretching out in the sun and letting my legs "bake" for brief periods, appeared to be the most pain relieving. All of my friends and adopted family in Africa seemed to have their own natural cures for my joint issues (some seemed a little funny - some downright scary). One special native friend was able to get me some enteric coated pain pills, so I could endure the lengthy flights back to America!
Early March, I left my world of lions and returned to America to face the fact that my knee challenge had definitely NOT gone away. The pain, as well as trying to walk, had become major issues for me. My internist tried me on a wide regimen of pain killers, pain patches, creams, and ointments although I normally try to avoid these due to side effects for me. After two weeks of sleeping constantly and nausea due to the pain patch I'd been put on, I finally decided that I'd rather be in pain, so I am not using anything right now. I'm not "bragging," I just couldn't handle being so completely wiped out all of the time. My pain over the last few months has "spread" from a problem in the knees (right one, mainly) to excruciating pain in the hip and lower back.
