New to this forum Advice on Osteoarthritis in base of spine

[olive2709]

12 Months ago after extensive scans, x rays, and trip to The Orthopaedic in Oswestry my hubby had a confirmed diagnoses of this. Told nothing could be done and to take the smallest dose of pain killers he could. Our GP is doing his best, husband has had 1, half knee , plus 2 TKRs last opp was in 2013 so quite experienced with pain killers.

Things have been getting worse over time , today trying on a new pair of trousers ,they were to long by a good 1in , Going to bed is a nightmare he has sleep apana ,He cries with pain trying to lie down, he cries in his sleep, some nights he has to take his mask of which means I spend the night hoping he keeps breathing. He is on tramadol up to 8 a day only takes 4maximum plus Amitriptyline 1-2 at night.

We are having a face to face with GP next week need advice on things to suggest , he is open to suggestions.

[Happyrosie]

In my part of England you can get referred to a pain clinic. Also, we self-refer to the musculoskeletal unit (the physios).