Constant pain

[Millie_H]

I'm new to this.

I've had general osteoarthritis since my 30s - I'm now 71. It started in my knees but for many years I've had it in my spine, hips and hands as well. I've also had sciatica since I was 19 and was originally prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs but this was changed to co-codamol when I was 49 after I had had a heart attack because the anti-inflammatory drugs disinhibited the effect of one of my heart tablets. Some years ago I was prescribed a stronger dose of cocodamol as I could no longer tolerate the level of pain. I later elected to cut down the number of cocodamol I was taking, from 8 to 4 a day as I had become severely constipated. I currently take 4 most days but occasionally take 6 if the pain is too unbearable. I should add I now have a very high pain threshold due to being in so much pain all my adult life. I've moved house several times in my adulthood so have been registered with many surgeries, I've been with my current one for about 6 years. I did once try and talk to one of the GPs but she just looked at me and said, "It's about pain management". I was actually really angry and wanted to ask her what she thought I'd been doing for the last 50 years. But I said nothing, left the surgery and lost confidence in asking anyone for help. Nobody in the NHS has ever done anything to really help me and I really don't know what to do. There are many times the pain gets me down but other than taking more painkillers I don't know what else to do. I know there's no cure for arthritis but the quality of my life is pretty poor. For the last few months the sciatica has reappeared and I now wake up every night and morning in excruciating pain. I'd go to a chiropractor (which has been the only real help in the past) but I can't afford it. Perhaps I need a new mattress but I can't afford that either. Sorry this is such a long post but it's all getting on top of me.

[Badbessie]

In reality with your history it is about pain management. I have osteoarthritis and like you have had chronic pain for some time now and due this have just been diagnosed with Chronic Pain Syndrome. I have been told the only option is pain management and I have been referred to a specialist pain management team, physiotherapy, occupational therapists, psychologists and others you can advise on medication exercise etc to help the situation. With your history you may qualify for further help. See you GP.

[Millie_H in reply to Badbessie]

I do get annoyed with doctors who talk about pain management. For me they may as well saying I've just got to put up with it. They don't seem to understand the quality of my life has been ruined by pain. I also don't understand why so many other people are offered knee and hip replacements and I'm not. In the past I've been told I'm "too yoing". I can imagine I'll soon be told I'm "too old".

[Badbessie in reply to Millie_H]

Sadly I am very much in the same situation regarding replacement. However I do except that I am. I would suggest that you ask your GP/Consultant for a referral to the pain management course. I do understand your frustration I cannot remember the last pain free day. The consultant on examining me stated " your pain is really bad. What are you like on a good day"? She seemed shocked when I told her this was a good day! I have been fighting for a long while for the Doctors to recognise my chronic pain. Part of that is getting on the pain management course as your GP/Consultant cannot then ignore specialist advice on your issues. Give fighting.

[Holdingbacktheyears]

Hi Millie

So sorry to hear you are on such pain. I agree with you regarding the doctors not understanding how much the pain of OA effects sufferers. I sometimes think the Doctors just want to wash their hands of us. I truly hope you are able to find some relief from the pain ❤️

[katieoxo60]

Hi Millie-H, sounds familiar to me. Long term pain is not understood or the emotional effects it has. It may be worth trying a different painkiller or two at once. I was advised Tai Chi can help relieve some of the muscular pain that goes with joint pain. Guess you ,like myself, have tried most things I went to a new doctor and at least got a referral for more help. The nonchalant attitude is more depressing than the pain sometimes, all of us have different pain issues all though it is the same disease often. I have no magic answer for you sorry but share the same story as far as pain goes. The only thing I found worked well was distraction, a good book , film , knitting (if you can) and the fact that others have maybe far worse pain than myself. Stay warm as that helps, enjoy the things you are able to and don't overdo activity on your weak joints. xx

[Deggauk_12345]

Understands how you feel have osteoarthritis. In my neck. Shoulders. Spine. Curvature of the spine. Hips. Ankles. Toed. Starting to get it in my hands. Three prolapsed bottom lower left discs. We have 13ml of fluid in between our discs my bottom left three have only 1ml.have also a bulging disc trapped nerves around it. But eh cracks on one day at a time.