Help with osteoarthritis pain

[Sunrise58]

Hi there, I'm a 61 Yr old lady with osteoarthritis of the spine and left hip as well as osteoporosis, scoliosis and 4 bulging discs. I have been taking dihydracodeine for a long time for this but now my gp wants me off it. They,re going to wean me off and give me an anti inflammatory which concerns me as I'm asthmatic. I'm just in terrible pain constantly with my back, left hip and knees and wonder what other folks take to help with the pain ? Thanks.

[rabbits65]

I am 71 and I’ve had back trouble since the age of 21 !!! I have found that painkillers have done little to help me. I try and build up my muscles around my degenerating spine, walking mainly. , I understand not everyone can walk , I walk my two poodles twice a day and it has helped me. I also rely on hot water bottles and I do rest as well. I only take paracetamol if I need it. I find that if I take strong painkillers then I cannot go to the toilet, so that’s not a good thing at all. Good luck to you ,

[AgedCrone in reply to rabbits65]

I agree with you rabbits…..relying on painkillers …especially those containing opiates or codeine can cause serious constipation that can eventually become more of a problem than the pain that you are taking them for.I find a short lie down on my electric underblanket equally as helpful as popping paracetamol.

As you get older bowel problems often appear & tempting as it is if you do have pain from osteoporosis/ostearthritis …it really is better to listen to your doctors & get used to relying on what is prescribed,& maybe see a ohysio to give some gentle exercises…including short walks if you can manage to get out.

[Madmusiclover]

The one (and only one?) non constipating pain killer I know of is nefopam. Some health authorities iffy about prescribing it. Some are OK. I had to get authorisation from pain management; now GP prescribes it. At 61 are they not offering joint replacements? I had one hip replaced at 59; one at 63 and new knee will be done this year; aged 65. You could ask for referral to pain management too. I found them very very helpful and understanding,

[KittyJ]

I’d have a chat with your doctor for reassurance about anti inflammatories and asthma but also have you tried heat? Either pads or ones you can wrap around, heated blankets may help you too, I know they do my back/neck that has the same problems as you ( not scoliosis) check you’re ok to use them beforehand though.

[Sunrise58]

Thank you all who have replied to my post, your information is all very helpful. I'm seeing my rheumatologist on Thurs so will discuss these points with him. Thanks again everyone. X

[BoneyC]

I have taken NSAID of one sort or another daily since diagnosis 53 years ago. I also take 15mg codeine in the evening to help get a decent night's sleep.

Constipation is not a problem as a GP advised linseeds/flaxseeds. I have sprinkled linseeds (milled option) and chia seeds onto breakfast cereal (muesli) for about 15 years. My husband also does the same. Neither of use have any need for laxatives.

[greynot]

I have asthma ( as well as rheumatoid and osteo arthritis, and various back issues) and have been prescribed the NSAID naproxen long term with no ill effects on my asthma. I have to take Lanzoprazole to protect my stomach from the Naproxen!

But of course we are all different

[cyberbarn]

It is worth remembering that there are genetic variations in humans as to how they react to opioids. some are rapid metabolisers, so they convert the codeine really quickly, get high, and have huge problems with constipation. Others are slow metabolisers, so it takes longer to get the effect, but then it can last for longer. And some are just right, they can take it and get little side effects.

So what works for one person may not work for another.

[Angels54]

Hi , I have similar things to you plus RA , I am struggling getting around , been on steroids for a long time which I want to get off them , I’m on biological but not getting much from it , I know what you mean when you talk about your pain , I only wish I could just say no pain today sadly as I’m getting older I feel I’m getting worse , I do try to keep positive, I used to be quite fit , cycling walking , now I have to have a stick , of walking poles to get me about . 👍

[Mmrr]

I have severe OA of my spine along with RA.The only thing that helps with the OA is diclofenac acid (voltarol) which I have taken for 35 years, with no side effects.

Many GPs are reluctant to prescribe Diclofenac Acid, and with your asthma it might be a no go med, but worth discussing with your GP.

[Happy5]

Feel for you literally. Have you thought of asking to be referred to a pain clinic? Think needs to be via GP. I know exercise is suggested too but needs to be taylored to your situation, have you ever been referred for physio?

In my case I used paracetamol , or Co-codamol when really bad, I off set the constipation with eating ready to eat apricots, dried mixed fruit, drink smoothies and lots of water.

All the best

[Salamanca21]

Hi Sunrise, I take 30mg co-codamol 7 tablets a day which helps. I have bad asthma, but the pain comes first. Good luck!

[fred42]

I too have several problems, RA and currently recovering from a fractured and dislocated shoulder and now only mild asthma.The only medication my GP would not let me have because of the asthma was beta blockers which might have helped my Migraine.

I find Naproxen and a stomach protection medication helped with the desperate shoulder pain. Codeine is a big no for me as it makes me vomit.

Constipation -, exercise and some gentle laxative from the GP also helped but I didn't get noticeable side effects from Naproxen when taking twice a day for 3 months.

Constant pain is so tiring, I do hope you find better pain killers to help you get through this.