Pain control

[Hammerboy]

I’m just over a year down the line after my 2nd ablation and my quality of life is much improved with only 2 short episodes of AF . About 8 weeks ago I felt a sharp pain in my back which didn’t improve with rest so after having 3 physio appointments with no improvement and feeling a burning pain in my thigh after walking I saw a specialist on Friday at who told me I had osteoarthritis in my hip which was probably a flare up and related to the back issue .

The advice was to keep my weight stable, exercise within pain limits and to take pain relief . I’m managing the back pain which is slowly easing but the thigh pain can be severe after walking. Apparently I don’t qualify for an MRI or X-ray at this stage and a hip replacement is in the distant future so her advice is to manage the pain. Bearing in mind I’m on anticoagulants I’m very restricted on what I can take so can anyone in a similar situation offer any advice . I have 3 large dogs which need walks daily and I go to the gym twice a week to stay fit so cannot restrict movement and doesn’t recommend me doing so .

[Desanthony]

Keep doing what you are doing - you are doing great. Have you had any pain medication prescribed for you? If not ask your pharmacist what you can safely take from over the counter pain relief - including using hot and cold compresses and make an appointment to see your GP and discuss this. I have long term back and neck pain and it was a shock to not be able to take my usual medication and unfortunately changing it to other prescription drugs didn't have the same effect as the old ones. I did a pain management course at my local hospital which was really good and had lessons at the hospital gym from a physiotherapist too. I don't know if this is still available as things are at the moment but worth checking out.

[Hammerboy in reply to Desanthony]

Good advice thank you

[Hidden]

Hi!

I am 71 yo and with AF from the age of about 55. Was keen to exercise till the age of 60, and than stopped it completely. If you have not done what was to be done until 60, further exposure of the body to increased physical strain may only bring more problems to the body which is declining in its capabilities anyway. I believe to be aware of some kind of addiction to exercise in all age groups, but being almost 70 should put an end to it. I know that I am going against the mainstream opinion, but if you try to exclude the addiction, you may understand that my advise is not so bad. The new orientation of all elderly should be reduced physical activity (walking the dogs would be quite adequate), together with very careful diet, in the course to prevent gaining weight.

An old car is rarely taken to races, lol!

[BobD Volunteer]

Max paracetamol per day plus occasional codiene when it is too bad are where I am for my knees and ankles plus finally got a blue badge.

[Hammerboy in reply to BobD]

I’ve not tried Codein so I’ll see how that goes . Thanks Bob

[BenHall1]

Hi Hammerboy,

All I can do is tell you of my own situation and leave it with you. I was put on Warfarin in Jan 2010 (age 65) when diagnosed with paroxysmal AF ( along with other drugs ) . Over the next 4 years osteoarthritis pain in my right knee increased leading to knee replacement in Nov 2015. I now have osteoarthritis pain in both shoulders, the right being the worst. My pain relief over all these years has been CoCodomol 30/500 (prescription grade ), although I am sometimes issued with Zapain 30/500. Both are acceptable for use when taking Warfarin. No sweat ! Still use it for pain relief with shoulders. I have no idea what is allowed with these NOAC's. Neither CoCodomol nor Zapain give me any drowsiness and are approved by my employers company doctor. No problems with DVLA either. ( I drive buses part time on college services for students ).

John

[Hammerboy in reply to BenHall1]

Thanks John , nsaid’s are not recommended with Edoxaban so Cocodamol seems my only option