Painkillers

[cmjoyce]

Hi everyone,

I am currently taking 6 zapain a day but really do not think they are helping. I will discuss with doctor for an alternative to try , but would love to hear if anything has worked for you so I have some idea of what might be available. Thank you to those who reply. cmjoyce

[Hidden]

Hello

I take turmeric and black pepper capsules and they help quite a bit writh pain. Can't be used if you are on blood thinners though... Maybe you could look into them.

[cmjoyce in reply to Hidden]

Would have liked to but I am on blood thinners. Thanks anyway.

[Happyrosie]

I use glucosamine with chondroitin for pain in toes and turmeric for pain in back. Prescription of Butec (look it up) as my doc has an extra degree in pain management. I was prescribed this as my arthritis pain was exacerbated by the effects of an anti-cancer drug. On top of that I have zapain like you but I only take half a dose once a day as otherwise the constipation is worse than the pain! I used to take ibuprofen but this is contra-indicated with my blood pressure pills.

I’ve tried various gels but to no effect.

Talk it over with your pharmacist before you speak to your doctor as he or she will know the range.

[cmjoyce in reply to Happyrosie]

Good idea, I trust the pharmacist a lot.Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi,

What dose ............ bog standard over the counter or the prescription grade 30/500 ?

[cmjoyce in reply to Hidden]

I have the 30/500. I think that is the highest. Not sure, will ask. Thank you

[Hidden in reply to cmjoyce]

Hiya,

Yep, that's what I'm on and yep ....it is the highest and available on prescription only.

[Cat33]

Hello cmjoyceI take Zapain too but my doctor has prescribed Naproxen to take on my "bad" days which I find work very well

Good luck

[cmjoyce in reply to Cat33]

Thank you for your reply, I think this is what I need, something extra to help. See what the doctor offers

[Cat33 in reply to cmjoyce]

I just take them as and when and I do find that they help if I'm having a bad day It's not that often thankfully I have had both my hips and one knee replaced so I was given them during my wait for the ops and afterwards for a bit Now that are my standby go to painkillers All the best pain is rotten isn't it x

[HeronNS]

I see that Zapain is acetaminophen and codeine, which I personally can't imagine being particularly useful for arthritis. You have pain when arthritis flares up because of inflammation, so an anti-inflammatory is what you need. However the doctor may have wanted to avoid you taking a NSAID as they interfere with cartilage renewal so taking them for any length of time (for the arthritis rather than as a one off for a headache for example) is somewhat counterproductive.

I've taken glucosamine for many years. It may now be contributing to increased blood sugar, but that is a recent development, and I was okay for about thirty years. Some people find ginger (as in a tea made with grated fresh ginger) is helpful. Ginger is in the same family as turmeric. It's also important to maintain range of motion. Right now OA is flaring in my fingers and I find flexing them and doing a few gentle exercises with balls, etc, really makes them feel better. Similarly with other joints when they are acting up.

[cmjoyce in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you for your suggestions, I am unable to take anti inflammatory drugs but will look into the others

[HeronNS in reply to cmjoyce]

As the anti-inflammatory medications would in the long run cause more damage you can look on this as a lucky escape!

I've found my OA seems worse in hot weather, so kind of looking forward to cooler weather.