Angie.uk I'm new here

[Masters]

Been diagnosed with arthritis in both hips by my GP but consultant thinks main problem coming from my back. I am now unable to walk very far and the pain is not controlled. I am on 500/30g cocodamol and just started 3days ago gabapentin 300g 1daily increasing to 1 twice daily in 4 days time. Having MRI on Tuesday as consultant unhappy with X-rays. Muscle spasms in back only go away when resting. As anyone here have similar problems and any advice please

[ITYFIALMCTT]

I hope the MRI clarifies the issue for the consultant - whatever the source of the problem, arthritis in both hips reads like it's interfering in your day-to-day activities.

Some people do well with gabapentin and are pleased with its pain management so I hope that it offers something for you.

Whatever the outcome with the consultant, you might want to ask your GP for a referral to a Pain Clinic in you have one in your area and they have a good physiotherapy and OT section.

Is there something specific for which you were hoping that people might share advice, hints, or tips?

[Masters in reply to ITYFIALMCTT]

Yes before I started experiencing pain I was walking loads and paying careful attention to my diet as I knew I needed to lose weight. I was quite successful losing 1-2lbs a week. Now I cannot walk to the local shop and the weight has steadily crept back on and I don't know what to do anymore. I'm eating less than what I was, pain is a great appetite suppressant. Quick and easy meals are probably my mainstay at moment as unable to stand for long. I am being told medication can cause weight gain but I'm also being told to lose it. I'm 5.3 and weigh 13 stone 2lbs. Five years ago I weighed 10 stone but then had to have my thyroid removed, so now take thyroxine , the levels of which are regularly checked. Sorry for wittering on but I'm feeling rather down at the moment, results of MRI due in fortnight so got to stay optimistic.

[ITYFIALMCTT in reply to Masters]

Ach, you must be fed up being so limited in how far you can walk. Well done for being able to put together a good collection of meals that don't require you to stand for longer than you can tolerate.

There's a pretty active 'Thyroid' forum on HU if you're not already a member of that so you might want to take a look at that as there's frequently a fair amount of discussion about being medicated for thyroid issues and weight gain.

healthunlocked.com/thyroiduk

As arthritis_action mentions, they've lots of useful materials for download or consultation on their site. They regularly mention this useful app. on remaining mobile and managing pain: hin-southlondon.org/news/es...

Arthritis Action run some well-regarded 'self-management events' that people find useful. I also wonder if you have any of their groups that are local to you that might be a source of local support and be able to tell you about what is available to you? arthritisaction.org.uk

We all respond differently to different interventions. It took a while but I'm very fortunate in that I respond well to physiotherapy and exercise so I've been successful (so far) in managing back problems that used to be horribly limiting for everyday activities. So much so, that it's sometimes difficult to believe how bad things were.

[Masters in reply to ITYFIALMCTT]

Just an update from my MRI scan. Unfortunately the consultant told me they think they have found something nasty on my pelvis so have had a nuclear scan and ct scan, blood and urine tests. Next appointment been cancelled so waited ng for new one which is distressing. Pain not controlled by gabapentin and tramadol so seeing my GP Monday in the hope he can help.

[ITYFIALMCTT in reply to Masters]

I hope that you receive news of another appointment in the near future and that your GP can do something useful for you to reduce the pain and maybe highlight some local social services and assistance that might be useful to you.

[arthritis_action Partner]

Hello Masters , thank you for posting and welcome to the Group. We are sorry to hear of your experience and we wish you luck with your MRI and further diagnosis. We are advocated for the self-management approach of controlling pain, primarily getting exercise and stretching, and ensuring your muscles around the painful joints remain strong, so you don't lose mobility.

We have a lot of materials up on our website, so do have a look if you are after more information on a different approach.

We hope you find the supportive online community here helpful.

All the best,

Despina

Arthritis Action's Communications Officer