Back from the doctor: I did not like the diagnosis.

@marguicha I forgot to mention ginger! I get ginger capsules and they are a Godsend! Thanks to the ginger I don't have to take as much Motrin. Ginger has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory that is great for arthritis. Grandma gave it to us for upset stomachs and it's great for that, too. I don't know if you have Walmart there but I get bottles of ginger capsules there. If not, I'm sure you can find them somewhere if you're interested in trying it.

@dragon54u I can buy ginger.

I take Naproxen when it hurts too much. Ibuprofen does not do much for me.

What is the name of this magic pill?

@deazil I once took for some time glucosamine with chondroitin, but I don´t remember if it was sulfate. Did that do you a lot of good? Because I would be willing to try it

@marguicha LOL No magic. I take glucosamine sulfate. When I first started taking it, I split it in 3 doses, one dose (1000mg) with each meal. I took large doses because there doesn't seem to be any limit to how much you can take. At least I couldn't find any limits. After 6 months I cut it down to 1500mg a day and now I take 1000 a day. Chondroitin is also good but I never took it. Chondroitin helps to keep water and nutrients in the cartilage. I couldn't find glucosamine sulfate with chondroitin, but only glucosamine with chondroitin. The glucosamine sulfate was highly recommended by a pharmacist and a friend who both used it for osteoarthritis. Most glucosamine supplements, sulfate and others, come from shellfish. If you have an allergy to seafood you need to know that. Glucosamine that isn't produced from shellfish is also available. It's also a good idea to research anything you take. Natural remedies aren't harmless, depending on what medications you might be taking and other considerations as well - allergies, medical conditions, etc. I'm speaking only from personal experience and recommendations. Studies have also shown glucosamine to be beneficial. For the inflammation caused by OA, I took boswellia. I first tried bromelain, which is found in pineapples, but it upset my stomach, so I took the boswellia instead. I didn't take it for very long, it wasn't needed as there was no more inflammation. There can be side effects with both these supplements. There's a good book titled "Solve it With Supplements" by Robert A. Schulman, MD. A friend recently told me she found it in an ebook, in case you're interested. It's very comprehensive and includes what to look out for (if anything) in all the supplements mentioned in the book. edited. I just found this and thought it might be helpful to you -

I don´t understand you.

@marguicha Does he get a commission or something for every test he prescribes?

@BarBaraPrz I don´t think so. But it is easier to prescribe exams writing down in a paper than taking more time with the patient.

That´s a good idea.

@marguicha I do not have too much of a choice

I don´t think that, in order to give meds (meds that you can get OTC) you ask a person to take as test with a price equivalent to 1 month´s pension or more.

@marguicha here drs wont just give meds.

Each patient is different so that would only be a statistical guess.

@NJChicaa I have the theory that my knees will have to be looked with s expensive exams when it hurts more than anything.

@marguicha No so if they did another MRI on you in the future they could compare it to the past one to see how much more the joint had deteriorated. My husband has horrible arthritis in his shoulder and that is what the doctors have him do. X-rays and MRIs periodically so they can track the deterioration every 6-9 months. That's how they will know when he will have to have his shoulder replaced.

I will not take the test.

The only partially covered medical help are some inexpensive pills for pain (just relief) that I can buy OTC.

I certainly will not have it done. It will not help me and the amount of money is almost as much as the cost of an air trip to Brazil.