The best pain releaver for osteoarthritis... - Arthritis Action

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The best pain releaver for osteoarthritis ( OA)

JDQuinn75 profile image
48 Replies

Good evening to all , you all know from my past post about my osteoarthritis that I now have and have been dealing with for almost 5 years now it has progressed faster than I thought it would. My question is this tho. What's the best thing to take to ease pain for like in the hands, knees and shoulders? I've tried 5 different pain killers prescriptions and none of them did anything. I have to watch what I take tho do to already taking medications for epilepsy. I'm hydrocephalic and am prone to seizures because of of the hydrocephalus. I've already tried Naproxen Mobic and am currently taking Diclofenac witch is also doing nothing for me. The pain in my hands is awful anymore. I lost grip in my right hand this morning and dropped what I had in my hand at the time on the counter. Luckily it wasn't glass. I'm at a loss right now on what to do. Plus the pain in my spine seems to be getting worse as well, especially in the middle part of my spine. This osteoarthritis is getting vicious. Some night I loose sleep because of the pain in my back shoulders and knees too. I don't know what to do at this point. Also my toes on both of my feet have been achy and hurt to bad to bend them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all that have suggestions.,

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48 Replies
Roxhouse profile image
Roxhouse

Wheat bags and heat help me. Also I've been hearing great things about CBD oil.

hebden profile image
hebden

I have osteoarthritis which stared in my knees 8 years ago and has progressed into many other joints now. Too many to list here. Ive also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia in the last 3 years and lost my job as a result. I am prescribed tramadol which does take the edge off (not take pain away though) but leaves me like a zombie so I limit this to desperate times. I use magnesium spray, tens machine, meditation and voltarol none of which takes the pain away completely but makes it more bearable. I hope you find something that works for you. hugs Joolz.x

Roxhouse profile image
Roxhouse in reply to hebden

Hi Joolz, I also have multiple osteoarthritic joints and recently been diagnosed with fibro (6 months ago). I researched extensively online and found a few medical articles that have said long term pain from osteoarthritis is linked to fibromyalgia. The pain alters the neural pathways in the body! I am struggling to work at the minute, my body just seems to like it better when I don't. Unfortunately life revolves around money....sorry to hear you can no longer work ☹️

Back to the pain relief, a few of the groups I'm part of have said they use patches? Seems to provide some pain relief when they can't take medicine orally.

Rhonda x

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to Roxhouse

Roadhouse, I've also had pain in my muscles in my legs in the past for no reason at all . I've also had it in my arms recently. I'm wondering if fibromyalgia might be a connection to my symptoms as well. Do to some days I can barely walk. I'm only 42 . I've read on several occasions that fibromyalgia has the ability to affect walking and make it hard to get around. All tho no one in my family has it. Can I still get it if it doesn't run in my family's history?

blondie121 profile image
blondie121

I have severe osteoarthritis all over my body..I was taking Diclofenac for yrs and then it just stopped working..I'm taking Etodolac 2x's a day and it's a little better..My sister takes shots every week for RA..and sometimes she also takes Etodolac too..You would have to see a specialist to get this medicine and you have to give the shots to yourself in the thigh...I can't do ice but the heating pad seems to do a lot for the pain..I have needed a complete knee for yrs in my left knee but the surgery and lay up time is just to much for me..They say it takes a yr or so to completely heal from surgery..I have drop foot in my right leg after 3 back surgeries and I'm not sure how in the world I would ever get around..I've held off for a long time but not sure how much longer I can stand it..So hang in there..There's a lot of people who are suffering with this too..Never feel your alone..and please try putting the heating pad around your toes and knee..You might find it eases it some..

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75

Good morning blondie121, As far as i know i don't have RA . I was tested for it a when my arthritis started getting worse. Mine started in my hands a few years ago, then a year went by before I was feeling it in both of my feet. By 2015 it started in my shoulders and knees. Last year the siaticia started in my lower back . But now I also have pain in the upper part of my spine as well. RA does run on both sides of my family. Both of my grandfather's had both forms of arthritis the OA and RA. My mom's youngest brother has RA too. But back to me the pain I'm my feet and spine both hurt like the devil. Some days I can barely move. I have to see my gp next month so I'll find out then what he wants me to do. I have all idea with me having this much pain that mine is more than just OA.

Victoriapain profile image
Victoriapain in reply to JDQuinn75

I have oa and ra aswell asother issues with my neck. Im using butrans patches. Maybe you could ask to try them? I'm not sure if your doctor will prescribe them as the bus are trying to get people off opiate based meditations. You can only try xx

Victoriapain profile image
Victoriapain in reply to Victoriapain

Nhs not bus 😊 x

Damaged profile image
Damaged in reply to JDQuinn75

When was the last time you were tested. The bilateral nature of your joint pain and progressive deterioration sounds suspicious. Please consider revisiting diagnoses, these conditions complex. Many , myself included, have RD, OA, Fibromyalgia, Bletharitis, Synovitis, Bronchitis, Lymphoma....

It sounds like you are struggling. I hope you find a solution. I use a vaporizer and I believe it keeps my inflammation under control. Also keeps your mind of your pain.

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to Damaged

Damaged , 2014 was the last time my gp's office tested me for RA. That was the second time I was tested . Both time my test came back negative. June of 2015 xrays were done on my shoulders and both hips. Those came back good as well. This was before getting the symptoms in my spine . All that started last year. The lower part of my spine started a couple of years ago. I haven't had an MRI as of yet my doctor hasn't mentioned to me at all about getting one. Today has been bad tho. My whole body has hurt all day long. The pain when it gets bad just tires me out and by the time I get home I'm exhausted and fatigue sets in. I came home this afternoon and my pjs on a long with my robe and slippers instead of my usual t shirt and shorts. That should tell you there how worn out I am today. It's been awhile since I've felt this way . No pain med jas helped me what so every. As far as otc drugs go well forget them too because they havent helped me either. I was thinking the other night about suggesting on have a test of some sort done and asking me gp what he thought. Especially with the way my back is now.

Damaged profile image
Damaged in reply to JDQuinn75

I had my genetic screening done. It is essential to anyone with a chronic illness. It tells me exactly how my body responds to drugs and nutrition. It also informs me of risks. I believe the only goal we should have is PrEVENTION. Once we are affected the damage cannot be undone. I also had my birth child's done. Forewarned is forearmed.

Damaged profile image
Damaged in reply to Damaged

Can you access cannabis or cbd oils? They also work as a muscle relaxer. A great anti inflammatory. Recent studies indicate we have twice the receptors as 'normal'. It certainly works for me and is the only thing that has worked for me thus far.

I was running two businesses when I went down. It took to long to get back on my feet. Still not there. I have started signing up for commuters. Patient Voices Network. I need to have something else to focus on. I want to be a patient advocate as well. People do not seem to know their rights and how to navigate the medical system. Government is another nightmare for most.

I especially want to look into native medical services. Like in UK it is government funded and run. There are three natives affected by RD to every one Caucasian. I am willing to bet diet and lifestyle is why. I want to do whatever it takes to make sure if my child faces this nightmare he will get the proper care. Time to make some noise.

in reply to Damaged

Do u mind telling me where to find this vaporisator and how to use it. Also how it does keep inflammation under control. I have a problem with inflammation and it will be nice if u can help me. Thanks a lot. Hannah44

Damaged profile image
Damaged in reply to

I live in Vancouver BC Canada. Here we have compassion clubs which provide cannabis, oils, powders. There are many types of vaporizers. I use a pax for cannabis but have switched to oil the canisters come ready to screw onto capo. It is far more cost effective.

in reply to Damaged

Damaged, thank you indeed for the info!! A compassion club, what a great idea !! I should start one in New York City where I live. I started this week to use CBD oil. First time I put the drops, it worked and I felt better, after that, nothing really. The hump oil is not the real thing to use from what I read, there is another oil more potent without any euphoria side effect. What do u think?? Happy and Healthy New Year to u and all yours!! Hannah44

Damaged profile image
Damaged in reply to

Another item which has worked well for me is Phoenix Tears. It is an oil but great for nausea and headaches.

Hi JDQuinn75. I have Severe OA, diagnosed about 18mnths ago, started off in my neck/shoulders/arms. Since then it has rapidly progressed to my hands/knees & feet, & i know i can feel it in my back & hips.... OH HAPPY DAYS.

All i can take at the moment is Gabapentin of the highest dosage, that's to control the nerves in my head, otherwise it feels like someone/something is constantly flicking the nerves in my head, (sounds crazy i know). 😃

So i just use a hot water bottle for where it's needed at it's most agonising point.

I can't use anything cold, makes it feel 10 times worse.

Hope you find something suitable for you soon.

I'm off to do some star jumps now!! 😆

olly17man profile image
olly17man

Hi JD Quinn75. I used to write regularly, like you, on this site and then lost it for about four months. However, I've now found it again but yours is the only name I recognise from way back in April/May!! My arthritis is getting worse like yours but I only have it in one hip, lower back, neck and one knee. I'm waiting for a hip operation as I write which was postponed for a while because it was thought I had something wrong with my heart. Eventually nothing wrong it seems!!

My doc has me on Buprenorphine 30micrograms patches and eight co-codamol a day now and still not free from pain. It is my hip mainly that keeps me awake. I really sympathise with you - the pain presents itself in so many ways doesn't it? Sometimes a dull ache nagging pain, then a hot searing pain and then the jackpot - a pain that really affects the nerve in that area and is like a lightening flash! Best wishes to you - I hope you find some relief soon.

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to olly17man

Olly17man, since your response to my post 5 months ago I've had xrays that'reconfirmed that arthritis is in my lower spine and now starting in my neck. It's also confirmed that it's in my right hip as well. My right hip is always hurting me on a daily basis right now. My back isn't getting any better either. The mid part of my spine is constantly hurting. It's like a painful tooth ach that won'tgo away if you know what I mean. It's very cold where I live so that not helpi g the problem right now . I dread the winter months anymore. I use tk enjoy the winter until my arthritis started on me some years ago. J. D. Quinn

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75

Olly17man, The pain in my back was actually acting up a few days ago. Yes it's very very uncomfortable on a daily basis for the most part of it. My gp has already told me if the pain med he gave me back in March he'd want me to go through physical therapy. My question is this though , What if the physical therapy doesn't help either? Then what? Standing hurts me the most it seems anymore. But sitting in a relaxing position I'm the most comfortable. Why that is I have no idea. I have 2 parts of my spine that hit the lower part and now the upper part of my spine as well. I feel like its crippling me anymore. At this point I'd do anything that it takes to help relieve the pain when it come the have the comfort back. Have a good weekend. J. D. Quinn

olly17man profile image
olly17man in reply to JDQuinn75

Hi JDQ - do you think we have 'flare-ups' of this kind of arthritis?? My GP seems unsure but some days, usually quite a few at a time, I get much worse. Today, although I am on all my meds, I can hardly walk. I'm trying to do some exercises - without much success I might add! My right shin feels at though it's on fire. I'll stop moaning now. Any comments?

olly17man profile image
olly17man in reply to olly17man

OMG JDQ just read that you are only 42. I'm 78 and moaning...

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to olly17man

Yes olly17man next month I'll be 42, and I'm not liking having to go through all of what I'm going through with the pain I have from the osteo. As you well know it can be very debilitating at times. I have a feeling once I tell my gp about the pain I'm having in the upper part of my spine he's either going to want me to get xrays or probably go through physical therapy. It seem my only comfortable position is sitting down in and up right position. I can't do a lot if I'm sitting all the time. I really don't think a physical therapist can do a lot for me either. I feel it in my spine every day. Some days more than others. Those days I'm very uncomfortable if I'm standing for a long period of time. To be honest with you I'm not sure what to do at this point. I don't want to try something else that won't help me. I need something that will. Plus make me feel more comfortable.

rosewine profile image
rosewine

I just wondered whether hydrotherapy could helps as exercise in warm, deep water is much easier as the bouyancy relieves the pressure from the joints. I find soaking my hands in a bowl of warm water with Epsom salts in it and doing hand exercises under the water helps. Freeze gel or arnica gel afterwards can help with any hot pain.x

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to rosewine

Rosewine , I'm not sure if hydrotherapy would help or not. That hasn't been brought up by my doctor as of yet. He has brought up getting me set up to go through physical therapy. Some of my days I have are hell and those days I wish I had something to help me get around. I've had some days that fatigue has settled in and made my whole body tired. I'll soon be 42 in less than a month. My arthritis started before I was 38 but I feel that since it first started in my hands some years ago that it's progressed rather quickly in other parts of my body, that includes my feet, both lower and upper part of my spine as well as both of m knees too. Samurai days are bad as well as the winter months. I have ave looked in to mobility devices just in case I need to go that rout. What scares me the most right now is not being able to walk at all if my arthritis get that bad. Hopefully it won't.

rosewine profile image
rosewine in reply to JDQuinn75

JDQuinn75 I was I think just about 40 when arthritis started in my neck and I have always had achy hands and strange pains. Even though I have always been a creaking hinge (won't bore you with details now) I have tried to stay really active but Fibro stopped me doing so much.

I decided I had to be proactive do have kept my weight down to just a few pounds more than when I became ill which I think helps. I have also religiously done the exercises which suited me and even in flare days do stretching and hand exercises. In so many ways ways most days I manage better than when fibro was first diagnosed. I used to work with he elderly and realised that the ones who went to our exercise classes riddled with arthritis really started to improve after about 6/8 weeks. One lady whose progress I followed as we had always got in was doing Ta Chi at 93, lol. It convinced me that gentle exercise was the way forward. With the hydrotherapy it is really rough going the first few weeks but the pool is warm and there is a gentle ramp and rails down to the water. With us the physio had a maximum of 6 people so he could keep his eye on us. By the end my walking ability was doubled.

I have also been better since I have been using some of my PIP money to pay privately for a Chinese medicine/acupuncturist to come and needle me. He knows more about fibro than any medical I know and is very knowledgeable in diet etc. He also says gentle exercise, good rest and diet is the way forward for fibro and arthritis. Anyway let me know how you get on either everything.x

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75

rozewine,I'm going to be telling my go next month when I see him for my 6mi th appointment that I don't want to try another prescription that won't help. I k ow I need to loose a few pounds but that shouldn't be making my arthritis feel the way it does. My gp isn't aware of the pain in the upper part of my spine as of yet. I will be letting him know about that as well. He's already aware of my lower back pain tho and told me that was my siaticia never I was feeling. But I know for sure the mid spine pain is the newest spot that has been painful. I will ask my gp what if physical therapy doesn't help then what's the next option. I hate to think that this is going to eventually confine me to a wheelchair. That's one of my fears. Especially if my spine gets worse than it is now, it probably will. I'm prepared to have to go that rout if need be tho. I won't like it but I'll do what he feels is the best thing for me to do. He told me back in March that physical therapy was the next step if what he gave me for pain didn't help. So will see. Only time will tell I guess.

olly17man profile image
olly17man

Hi JDQ - I think I have tried all medication going, plus the hydro-pool and an injection with no success. Am I right in thinking that physical therapy is just exercises? I try to exercise but at the moment all movement is so painful I am literally creeping around my home and just about make it to the local grocery store. I had an MRI scan about two years ago which just confirmed where I had osteoarthritis.

I wish you well - make sure your GP understands how much pain you are suffering.

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to olly17man

Olly17man I don't like the thought of having a needle stuck in my lower spine. Not to mention I've read that some people have experienced permanent paralysis. After reading that on more than one occasion i don't think I want to have that done. Some of the things have said that the patients that have ended up paralyzed from the shot with in a matter of minutes.

I'm 39 years old and I have OA in a number of my joints. I'm really sorry to hear so many people living with osteoarthritis are really struggling to manage the pain, me included. I have tried quite a number of different medication, physiotherapy, osteopathy and accupunture and I'd say the accupunture and osteopathy treatment helped the most. However the costs for these aI'm 39 years old and I have OA in a number of my joints. I'm really sorry to hear so many people living with osteoarthritis are really struggling to manage the pain, me included. I have tried quite a number of medication, physiotherapy, osteopathy and accupunture and I'd say the accupunture and osteopathy treatment helped the most. However the costs for these are expensive so I haven't been able to do them for a while.

I know looking for new medication can be a rollercoaster with highs and lows so this may not be of interest but I saw on NHS choices that a clinical trial is recruiting for people with OA of the hip or knees. 'A Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study of the Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of the Subcutaneous Administration of Tanezumab in Subjects with Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee'

Please see link below

Http//nhs.uk/Conditions/Osteoarth...

I was really interested in the study but unfortunately I cannot take part as I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (which I don't believe I have I think it's the OA pain). As I say it may not be of interest/ or not applicable but if any new drugs can help that would be amazing.

A big and gentle hug from me, c

flow4 profile image
flow4

Hi JDQ. I haven't been here for a long time now (more than a year) but I remember your posts from back then... I'm sorry to hear you're having such a tough time still.

My hunch from what you describe is that you have some form of inflammatory/auto-immune arthritis, perhaps as well as osteoarthritis. RA is not the only type, although it's the best known. From your symptoms, you might want to check out spondyloarthritis (SpA), and (especially if you have any skin symptoms/rashes) psoriatic arthritis (PsA). RA tests will not pick up these, and in fact 50% of people with PsA have normal blood test results.

I am now diagnosed with PsA and OA. I have been taking 'disease modifying' immune suppressant medication for about 18 months, and although I am not 'cured', I am much better. As well as the meds, the thing that seems to have helped me most is giving up refined/added sugar. Sugar is known to cause inflammation, and in my case, since giving it up, I now notice visible inflammation if I ever eat it. I have been pretty much 'sugar free' for 2 years now, and def feel better for it - and I have lost quite a lot of weight too, which is a bonus. Might it be worth you trying? It takes about 3 weeks to 'detox' and get over the sugar cravings!

Hope you find something that helps you.

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to flow4

Flow I remember you responding to a couple of my post in the past. I've had quite a bit of pain in my spine this year, but also noticed muscle pain in my legs on several occasions. Found out back in Oct that there's minor degenertive starting in the cervical part of my spine " my neck". Not one prescribed medication has helped. I'ev currently tried five different medications to help control the pain. The only thing I'm finding to help control the pain is wheat bags and therapy putty for my hands when that's warmed up. I have a feeling I have another form of arthritis other than just OA. The pain is constant anymore. I feel the pain in my feet too. It gets bad when it flares up in my feet. The only shoes that seem to be comfortable anymore are my moccasin slippers. I haven't been tested for any other type of arthritis other than RA back in 2014 on two different occasions. Both times it came back negative. I'll tell my gp when I see him again that I want to be test for other types of arthritis just so they can be ruled out. I think I see him again in March. J. D. Quinn

flow4 profile image
flow4 in reply to JDQuinn75

I think further investigations are a good idea, JDQ. But be aware that some forms of inflammatory arthritis have no tests (psoriatic arthritis, for instance). Diagnosis is made by looking at your symptoms, and can be difficult, because the symptoms of different diseases and problems overlap... It takes a long time for some of us to be diagnosed.

Pain medication, by the way, only treats pain - which isn't as obvious as it sounds. Pain is a sign of damage or disease - a *symptom*, not the original problem. So you can treat the pain, but you also need to address the underlying problem, or the pain will come back or continue... So that's probably why the meds you've tried haven't 'worked'. The key question is, do you have underlying *damage* - in which case your options are pain relieving medication, self-care like exercise and wheat bags, and maybe surgery - or do you have underlying *inflammatory disease* - in which case, disease modifying drugs may help. It can be difficult to work out what's going on...

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to flow4

Flow, I so agree with what saying. The first time I went to a rheumatologist the immediately ruled out RA and said it could only be osteo. I felt I wasn't tested like I should of been by the rheumatologist. They only did xrays and blood work when I went to them. I was referred to them by my gp. At this point I think I'm going to by my own doctor. I'm tired of restless night's of sleep do to my arthritis pain. Plus the days that it hurts to even walk or just stand. Damn the pain. Wheat bags only help temporarily by means for a short period of time. Christmas eve night I was up twice mine hurt so bad. The first time I took two Aleve, witch didn't even touch the pain I was having. So the second time and hour later I put one of my wheat bags in the microwave for two minutes. I fell asleep with that on me finally. It's been bad this week because it's been cold here where I am. I'm currently not on a special exercise program or diet to help mine. Don'tknow if I should be or not. I hate putting regular shoes on my feet anymore other than my moccasin slippers. I didn't use to be that way. But I've also noticed new symptoms as well. Like pain through the top of both of my feet and through all my toes. But yes I think my diagnosis I think was done to quickly and not proper diagnoses. That's just my opinion though.

Needforname profile image
Needforname

Hey there. I feel your pain. I have rheumatoid arthritis and have been in chronic pain for many years. Doctors have been unable to help me. All drugs have been worthless. I'm left having to minimize pain using various things. While none offer much relief, something is better than nothing. Here's a link to some items that may help: healthunlocked.com/nras/pos...

Best of luck.

Micky007 profile image
Micky007

I take 120 mg of dihydracoedine in the morning and at night along with 8 500mg of paracetamol and also up to 50mg of amitriptyline at night to help me sleep but nothing seems to help except for whenI have my joints injected every four months do I get any relief but depending what I do they only last about 3/4weeks.

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75

Lucky I tell ya this pain is hell anymore especially in my back and hands. Nothing so far has helped I'm going to ask my gp in March when I go to him what I should do. It's not only in my lower spine bit in the middle of my spine now as well . Plus it's started in my neck as well. It hasn't been painful in my neck yet but it sure has in my spine.

jax553 profile image
jax553

Hi, I am sorry to hear nothing works, I take Tramadol, But they do not work, so I am in the same boat, I cannot take NSAIDs, Like Naproxen or Diclofenac, Because they cause me to bleed, so It is back to the GP and grovel.

jax553 profile image
jax553

Hi, I feel for you, I am in the same boat, I cannot take Diclofenac nor Naproxen, Both affected my Stomach and made me bleed, I only have Tramadol, and that is no better, Managing the pain is the hardest thing to do, I went to physio this woman was not a therapist, she put hot pads on my knees, I told her to take them off because they were burning, eventually she did I had burns on both my knees, I cannot use Ice or warmth, my skin will not tolerate it, so there is nothing we can do to relieve this pain, But hold this page I am seeing my Rheumy Doc, and I am going to ask her for better pain relief.

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to jax553

Jax, Mine is in my spine, hip , knees ,feet hands and shoulders. My spine and both feet hurt like hell anymore and it’s all I can do to just walk some days. The combination between the two now I’m finding it’s harder to fight this. Fatigue dose hit me at times and makes it worse . Then I have no choice but to sit for a while. The thought has crossed my mind about using a wheelchair from tie to time on my bad day. But I really don’t want to have to do that. Not to mention they’re expensive. I have read though that some people have had no choice but to start using one . It can be a struggle at times when mine acts up. This is why I thought that I probably should start looking into a wheelchair.

jax553 profile image
jax553 in reply to JDQuinn75

Hi, My daughter just bought me an Electric Scooter, I am like you, Does your feet refuse to hold you up? because if it has got to that point you need a talk with your GP, Just take a huge breath, and say, I don't want to I have to, I had a telephone conversation with my GP, I told him how bad it is, He told me that what I have is very rare, which shocked the hell out of me, But he referred me to OT, I was grateful for that, they have rung me, I told them my problems and they were very nice, told me they would come to my house to see me and help all they can, But honestly, are you under a Rheumatologist? Have you an emergency phone number to rin them? I like you have been fighting it by refusing help, but I have spoken to myself and told myself look, you know you cannot fight this, accept this and get help through other avenues, I did that and am comfortable with my choice, Please be assured that if you need it, that will happen, I will pray for you, and hope you get the help you need.

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to jax553

I was diagnosed in June of 2015. At the time they’re we’re no signs in my lower spine or hip. As of last October I had X-rays done again and they showed signs of degenerative in my right hip and lower spine area. It’s also in the upper part of my back . I feel that every day all day long. That area gets very painful and I find I’m only comfortable in a sitting position, unless I’m on carpeted floor. I can tolerate that sometimes but no always. As far as tile floors go that makes it worse for me. Where I work I’m on my feet that the floor is tile. But I have to stand up for what I do. That’s why I fight it. But when I’m away from work I probably should be using one when I’m running my errands. I’m almost 43 and sitting here talking about going into a wheelchair do to my arthritis I’m not thrilled about. . It’s my biggest fear having to start using a wheelchair do to my arthritis in my hip and spine. I’ll probably have no choice but to be using one in the next few years before I’m 50. The paincan be intense and unbearable.

jax553 profile image
jax553 in reply to JDQuinn75

Hi, I am 65, I have had this disease since 1998, I have two types of Arthritis, [Nice Huh} And to make matters worse, I have found out only a couple of days ago my Arthritis is Rare, { Thanks for Nothing} But you know, I think We are destined to have pain especially when that pain is multi-jointed, I cannot see what drugs there are to help you nor I, Unless we look into a Study for this, A clinical trial, at least we may be better off in the end, You are a baby, 43 is no age, to be suffering all this, I do feel for you, Please remember to ask your GP and your Rheumatic consultant about what drugs are available.

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to jax553

Jax , I halfway think mine has gotten aggressive since signs started in 2013. I’ve only went to a Rheumatologist’s a couple of times when they diagnosed what type of arthritis I was feeling and showing in my hands at the time. I’m noticing it more and more now in all of my toes in both of my feet too. Toes hurt to much at times to even bend them. But im feeling in more and more in my back as well. So is OA very well known to be aggressive in just a few years? I feel it has gotten aggressive with my back at least.

jax553 profile image
jax553 in reply to JDQuinn75

Hi, I am so sorry, this has happened to you, I even thought of going to Lourdes, It is awful when pain takes over your life, I know I have been there, and there is not a day that goes by when most joints hurt like crazy, I don't know what else you can try, other than Medical Weed? Do you Take Sulphasalazine? that is supposed to help with the Psoriatic Arthritis, But I do agree with you that progression of this disease is fast, I know because I am experiencing it now, Try Meditation, just find yourself a relaxation tape, but keep a blanket around you, delve deeply into the sounds you hear, you will be surprised at how your body reacts. I don't know of anything else to try, I feel terrible that I can't offer you some relief. But take care try these few things and those who answer your post have some good ideas.

JDQuinn75 profile image
JDQuinn75 in reply to jax553

Hey Good morning Jax, Right now I’m not taking anything but Tylenol. Never thought about medical marijuana. I’m not sure if that help pain from arthritis. I’m also not crazy about the thought of getting a cortisone shot in my spine either. With all the nerves in the back area to much could go wrong. Plus I’ve read some people that have gotten them , have ended up paralyzed from the waist down and never got feeling back afterwards. I don’t want to have to end up in a wheelchair because something went wrong having that done. But from what I’ve experience in the past few years it’s not been pleasant. I’ll just ask my gp what options I have to help me for long term. I know this will eventually get worse than it is in my spine area. It’s just a matter of when I get to that point that it hurts to bad to walk . That’s probably when I’ll have to consider on using a lightweight rigid wheelchair. But for now I’ll take each day as they come . Keep fighting the aches and pain I have from this each day. That’s all I can do for now I guess.

jax553 profile image
jax553 in reply to JDQuinn75

Hi, I guess so, but what a complete and utter travesty, from the looks of things no meds can work but don't give up, hold your head high and say, I can do this, Where do you live, I'm guessing America, because of Tylenol, Why isn't there any meds that will sort Arthritis pain? If you live in America are there no other Meds available? What about Drug trials? are there any? I live in England, and trust me they are worse than anything I have met, They had the cheek to offer me drugs from 20 years ago, They didn't work then, and will not work now, I have to say I boiled over, and accused them of throwing me away in a corner, to forget about me, I am fighting for my life, and will get hot under the collar, if I have to.

Look into turmeric for pain relief with OA, it helps me a lot.

You can use it with black pepper to make it work better, I use the tea twice per day with coconut oil on it.

One thing though, if you are on blood thinners you might need to avoid it.

Also if you are on medication from your doctor ask them is it OK to use turmeric in case it affects your medicine.

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