Hi
Ive just joined this site. I'm 33 with OA in the hips. I have an mri scan in couple of weeks to see the severity. I'm worried because i have a full time job i'm struggling with. The people are really nice but i'm worried i'm not going to be able to work soon. I'm looking for people with similar situations to make friends to help each other through it.
Tried quite a few pain reliefs now but willing to hear new ideas and help others with ones i've tried too.
Hi there, i have oa in the hands, im sure in the knees and probably the shoulders, neck and one hip at least. Im gonna see my GP on friday to try and get a referral to a Rheumatologist as i want to know in detail whats going on/have any necessary scans etc. Im fed up with the aching pains in the hands and knees in particular; i dont even have to do anything to get these pains; i seem to get knee pain alot in the night, sometimes waking me up too. Im guessing im probably in the early stages of this! I think there are creams you can get, so i will ask about that and other painkillers; im not keen on my GP, she has no bedside manner really so i expect she will just think im a hypochondriac. I also have generalised anxiety disorder. So, at the moment, i cant offer you much advice! Maybe physiotherapy?? Warm baths to ease pains?? What sort of pain relief medication do you take?
Hi. Thank-you so much for getting in touch.
Sounds similar pains to me actually, don;t think your being a hypochondriac. 
I get a lot of pains also in other areas, it started in the back, then the wrist, ankle,knees and hips. I found out the pains in the back was due to the arthritis mainly being in the hips. Do you mind me asking how old you are and what you have tried so far? I've tried a lot of things now, physio, aromatherapy, yoga, chiro, manipulation & acupuncture which i didn't like. I like however massages, baths ,heat remedies etc. As far as pain killers etc are concerned i'm currently trying some herbal remedies from the health shop tablets and creams. I tried some tablets from doctors but i just cant function on them and go-to work.
I havnt really tried anything yet! ; waiting to see GP on friday; generally i think the latter of what you say i shall do, warm baths, heat pads etc, creams from GP. They may not be keen on giving me pain killers; but i would only use them if the pain was very bad; i'll inbox about the benefits. Mmm, i see re painkillers; massages would be nice! so relaxing!
You are young to have oa. Re your job; i guess gather as much evidence as you can about your condition; it may get to the stage where you need to apply for benefits, i can assist you re advice with this if need be. x
Hi lisawatts, I have OA and reactive arthritis. I was diagnosed in my 30's (I'm now 42) with OA and in December my recent flare was put down to reactive arthritis as my GP didn't think my blood results were high enough for Rheumatoid Arthritis yet.
My hands, feet, wrists, elbows and shoulders are affected - the worst is my hands and I now have permanent joint damage in my knuckles, thumbs and some middle joints.
I work part time and my job is both physical and desk based and it's hard, my GP has asked me to consider medical retirement but I'm not ready yet and I've got 2 kids to get through Uni first!
For pain relief I take paracetamol and naproxen and I'm due to have steroid injections in my hands. I've tried the heat pads and ice trick it doesn't work for me and I've tried topical gels like volterol and they provide a little relief but not much. I also use compression gloves which held and I have to splint my hands and elbows for an hour a day to rest the joints completely. I also do physio exercises but really they don't work for me I end up in more pain. I'm also waiting for a rheumatologist appointment but it's taken since September to get my GP to listen rather than fob me off as mine doesn't like to refer people at all.
Hi
Thank-you for your response and Sorry to hear what your going through. Sounds about right with the doctor thing being fobbed off. I've put in a complaint about the nhs to my local mp and the local private hospital. This is all very recent so not much update on that yet. Personally i don't think the topical gels work, i have tried some remedial ones though, i don't take many pain killers either only on a bad day, i don't get on well with them they make me feel like i cant do anything and Naproxen doesn't agree with me. Sounds like your juggling like me too, i only have the one kid mind but i am studying too, what are you studying ? im doing AAT L3.
I tried a steroid injection and exercising but same also doesn't work just feel worse. I don't drink anymore also as this makes me ten times worse. Haven't tried compression gloves mind. I have tried copper and that helps.
I work at a University, I'm a Utilities Compliance and Policy Analyst. its a posh title for looking after the utility billing and carbon footprint lol.
My study days are over, I couldn't face the thought of going back into the classroom now, unless I'm teaching, occasionally I do presentations for work to the students but thankfully not that often.
I have my AAT qualifications and I took my CIOT qualifications too. I worked for myself as a tax accountant for 10 years but when I had my daughter it all got too much and I packed it in when she was a year old and took my current job, at least now when I finish work for the week I can leave it all behind. I work 19 hours a week but put in more at home with research that I don't have time to do in the office.
My kids are 17 and 7, a big age gap I know but that's just how it works out sometimes. Hubby and I have been married for 18 years but together for 21 years this year. He's a massive help and the only one who can put up with my frustration and grumpiness when I can't do the things I used to.
I try not to take painkillers unless I'm having a bad day but the bad days outweigh the good, especially on my hands. So thought the steroid injections might help. I also knit and crochet, which my physio thought was a good idea as it keeps them moving but I'm finding I have to pace myself and not overdo it. I've tried turmeric infusions, not drinking, cutting out caffeine but nothing seems to work. I exercise as much as I can, we have a dog and she has to go for walks regardless of how I feel which is a great motivator. I keep my weight in check.
Not tried copper, my mother in law always wore a copper bangle, maybe it's worth a try. I'll give anything a go if it will make some of the pain go away.
Yes, 'fob me off' is what i am expecting, again! ; the last one just fobbed me off and said sort of there is nothing to be done about it; didn't even offer advice! I would expect the Rheumatologist appt to be a long wait too; sounds like you have it bad Crispym. I barely have to do anything and i get pain; it seems to have got worse since i started the menopause.
Bless you.
We have several GP's at my surgery and I went to the one who I've seen in the past because I thought he'd get something done, he's not a particularly nice GP but usually he is great at getting you the right sort of help.
Up until July when all this started I hadn't been to see a GP for years, as I've always managed to get by with the odd pain killer. Then the Reactive Arthritis came along, if that is what I definitely have alongside the OA. The consultant I saw for my ultrasound seemed to think this could be the case as she could see inflammation and damage had occurred but wasn't present on the scan day. It was thanks to her report that I finally the referral.
I know there is a shortage of Rheumatologists, hence the long waiting times and I'm also convinced GP's have been told not to refer people to specialists.
The reason I say that is, my son has been diagnosed with Raynaud's Disease - he's 17 and the same GP put him on some tablets to help him with his circulation. However the medication didn't agree with him and when he went back to see about an alternative the GP said I can't prescribe anything else. So my son said there must be something else or should I be referred to a specialist. The GP told him no there's no need, you just need to do some hand exercises to get your circulation going. I know this is complete and utter rubbish as a friend of mine also can't take the medication my son was prescribed and she's been referred to a specialist, so I guess it's back to see a different GP at our practice.
Hi I have just been to Hospital to day for O/A in the hands, the doc is sending me for a M R I scan. had blood test done,but what puzzled me is she made me strip of to my pants and bra so she could exam me, I also have Rheumatoid /Arthritis had both knees and hips replaced ,i still have injections in right hip 6 years on for pain . i am 65 but had arthritis to my knowledge 24 years of age, 1 doc said i mite have had Arthritis from birth , had my cartilage out in 1983 started with CERVICAL AND LUMBER SPONDYLOSIS in 1975 in Nov 7/8 went to hospital for test as i am all ways falling asleep i was going to get dressed to go home and wallop my crutch went one way and i went the other on to the floor been in that much pain in knee and hip i can not walk it is now getting me down ,any way good luck to you,
Hi. Oh lord that sounds horrendous. Thank-you so much for your response. I started getting pains in my teens and try to keep moving but not always that's easy. I hope you are able to find things you can do to pass your time as i can imagine getting about must be hard. Do the doctors know if it is in your genes? I think this is my case plus wear and tear. When they makes you strip off it sounds like a routine thing i know ive had to and even had to repeat what i done with the same doctor only one month before which i thought was stupid. all the best.
Just wanted to get a message out to people to try copper. I have copper heels and a copper bracelet, it doesn't get rid of the pain completely but really has helped a lot.
Hi Lisa I also have OA in my hips, knees lower back and shoulders. I just turned 53 and have already had a TKR and THR on the right side I am scheduled to have my left knee replaced this year I understand how you feel as I just had to leave my job after 11 years. I had to face the reality that I just couldn't do it anymore. If you have any questions that you might have I would be happy to help if I can.
Hi Ninas4
I started getting pains in my teens. I thought maybe for both reasons hereditary and overuse. i had a bad spout of pain in 2002 then i went on a rampage to get my body core etc strengthened, it did help but i'm not sure if i'd be able to this time because ive tired and everything hurts when i try. Are you well supported only i worry about being able to afford things if i give up working? best regards.
HI all. Just wanted to get another message out about some pain reliefs. I have really found anything that gets rid of the pain completely, that would be a miracle but iv'e found comfy shoes and innersoles make so much difference. Only gentle exercise iv'e found beneficial also.
Hi I have just joined this site. I have OA in both hips and also hands, shoulders, feet and hands. I have had mri scans which show the severity of the problem. I have just seen a rheumatologist who has ruled out RA and I go back to see him in April. I have found Turmeric to be of help. I buy it in capsule form. I also have cinnamon too and stick as far as possible to an anti inflammatory diet. I sleep with a heat pad or hot water bottle resting up on the back of my hips. Hope this helps.
I have OA in both hips due to hip dysplasia as a baby, I'm 29, and it took me from the age of 15 back and forth from doctors.. being fobbed off as "growing pains" until my Diagnosis at 25. I am on Gabapentin which take the edge off my nerve pain.
I currently work in a full time job as a science technician, although i had the letter the other day saying my contract will end in august. I have recently been through the rigmarole of "health and safety concerns" managed to get through ok with evidence from my doctor and many occupational health appointments.
I am due to start pain management on Monday.
I have just started my own blog
youngfreeanddisabled.wordpress.com
So please check it out. I to am trying to make friends online.
XOXOX
I also struggled with work had to leave unfortunately but still have a position I can manage depending on the type of work I'm sure they can accommodate you.
Unfortunately I have know pain relief advice I'm looking for some tips myself šš
To at what point?
Steroid injection in knee now in more pain
What helps you?
