Hi.. I'm new here, having just been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis...

[Kaz4Eddie]

Hi. I am 52 yrs old and was only diagnosed with Osteoarthritis last Friday. It has come as a complete shock to me as my symptoms only began about a month ago and rapidly became unbearable especially in my right hand and wrist. I have been given a one off steroid injection by my Rheumatologist into my bum which he has told me should start to relieve pain over the next couple of months. Has anyone else had this treatment and did it work for you?. Thanks

[wonkydonky]

Welcome to the hand arthritis club, although I completely understand you not wanting to be! Mine started about 6 years ago and I have regular injections into various finger joints. I have had one little finger end fused and one finger joint replaced with another being done next week. Do you have a local hand therapist to give you splints and exercises? Good luck, feel free to message me if you need an ear

[Kaz4Eddie in reply to wonkydonky]

Hi..and thank you. Yes, would definitely rather not be in this club but there you go. Haven't any info on therapists yet. Just had first appointment with Rheumatologist, X-rays of hands and feet and steroid injection. Have a second appointment in 6 weeks. He is expecting the injection to have given me some relief by then. My main issue at the moment is pain relief as nothing seems to be helping. I have arthritis in my feet as well and this pain has become more intense since the injection!!!??... Good luck with your operation next week and thanks again.

[Fristrated]

I'm 72, and it it only worked when i?t was in conjunction with 5 mg prednisone, but you Z ust escerdivd, losing weight is the most I'mlportsnt. I am on EMBREL I JECTIBLE ONCE A WEEK FOR RA

AND LIMBREL 1000 mg for osteoarthritis , look up LIMBREL ON WEB D. ITS A BOTANICAL DRUG BUT U DO NEED A PRESCRIPTION , AND EXERCISE,EXERCISE ,EXERCISE . IF U HAVE ACCESS TO AN INDOOR OR OUTDOOR POOL...THE BEST, GOOD LUCK,SIGNED FELLOS COMPADRE

[Kaz4Eddie in reply to Fristrated]

Hello. Thanks for your advice. I will look at Limbrel.

I am not overweight and exercise regularly so hopefully this will help me.

Good luck to you too.

[Myleen26]

Hello Kaz-Eddie, I have Psoriatic Arthritis and have had difficulty using my right hand. I have had several steroid injections which do work. I must warn you I also had muscle spasms (leg cramps ect) like nothing before you may need something to counteract this.

[Kaz4Eddie in reply to Myleen26]

Hello Myleen26. I seem to be in even more pain since the injection. Is this normal? If so how long normally until you get some relief from the steroid? No cramps yet but thank you for the advice. Appreciated.

[Myleen26 in reply to Kaz4Eddie]

Hi Kaz-Eddie, Erm.... Not sure. You will need to check this out with your Rheumatologist as to what they would deem normal. As "normal" is different for everyone. I found after the injection I had some localised pain where the treatment was administered. I have experienced some general Arthritic pain which has been very difficult to deal with. My G.P has since prescribed Tramadol morning & evening. I am aware of the dangers of this controlled drug however it has been very effective in controlling my chronic pain. Previously the pain was so severe I was finding it difficult to sleep. The steroid injections are for the reduction of inflammation. I have flare ups that the steroids seems to help with. I have also changed some of my diet and increase herbs that are said to be good for inflammation. As I would not be able to incorporate these into my daily diet I manage this with some herbal tablets. It may not work for everyone but there seems to be some improvement for me. I find after 6 years of reading up about my condition. Its just trial and error.

[Marykate7 in reply to Myleen26]

Hi myleen26 I couldn't function without my slow release tramadol. No one likes to take tablets but as I have RA and osteoarthritis I don't have much choice. Am also on naproxen, sulphasalazine and methotrexate.

[Myleen26 in reply to Marykate7]

Absolutely! I couldn't agree more Marykate7. I have found Tramodol to be a Godsend.

[CindyCT]

Yes I have had the injection in the bum, and it has not worked for me. I'm on folic acid and methatroxate. Started that five weeks ago.

[Kaz4Eddie in reply to CindyCT]

Hi CindyCT. Thanks for your reply. How are you getting on with the folic acid and methatroxate?

[JDQuinn75]

OA will get worse. Mine started in my hands in 2013 now it's in my shoulders, knees , elbows and spine also in my feet too. It hurts to walk some days others I get real tired from it and want to do nothing but sit. Meds haven't helped me so far. Still trying to find something that will help. Take care.,

[Mazziemar]

Hi kaz. My problem is also in my right hand and wrist. I cannot hold my arm up as it is very stiff and heavy. Iam on methatrexate and benepali injections. Biological’s. The Rhumatology dept say I psoriatic arthritis & osteoarthritis in my shoulders. I have had steroid injections, in my shoulder and my hands. This does help. I also take paracetamol tables. U r not alone in this . Take care . Mazzie

[jax553]

Hi, Kaz< I have not had this treatment, Am riddled with osteoarthritis myself, and have painkillers, but am told there will be no operation for knee replacement because I am high-risk infection,{ charming}, So having my hands feet knees and spine all painting at once is not a joke, nor is it any fun, I am waiting to see my Rheumatologist in August, to put to her the new difficulties I am having, Oh to be 24 and no illnesses again.[ sigh]

[telboy3]

hi kaz,i have had oa for several years now.had one knee replaced,was due to have the other replaced.was on morphine twice a day,needed a stick to walk . when somebody told me about turmeric and black pepper capsules . I have been taking one a day for a year now.i have very little pain,haven't taken morphine for 9 months and my walking stick stays in the cupboard !it's not psychological,as the psycho' effect wud not replace morphine!

[Probatequeen]

I have osteoarthritis in my hands, knees, hips and ankles. I was told to keep moving or go to see the doctor to get pills. I have had this for two years now and prefer not to take pills as these simply mask the pain, I visit a chiropractor every three weeks and do a pilates class once a week, alongside gentle walks. So far I haven't got any worse and I have stopped waking every night with joint pain so I would recommend speaking to your doctor about doing a class such as pilates as this helps me a lot.