My first visit/I have OA

kennettifish

Hello everyone
I am struggling at the moment with pain.I fell down stairs 34 years ago when I was 6 months pregnant-baby was fine but I have suffered pain ever since.I get very little help-co dyromol if I ask for it-am paying for physio and acupuncture at the moment but feel it is a waste of money.My lower back,into my buttocks is so sore and painful and stiff-needless to say my knees are affected as are my shins.I was reluctant to join this site as I feel I am moaning-but I feel my GP is fobbing me off.I do NOT want surgery but feel I have done everything in my power to alleviate the pain-I just feel helpless -Any advice would be most welcome.
Regards
Pat

dreamdaisy

Hello and welcome. I am afraid I cannot help much as my arthritis is of a very different sort to yours, I hope some OAers come along soon! I know that it is generally treated by GPs and that there is not a great deal that they can offer: pain medications and anti-inflammatories tend to be it, or surgery, but as you say you don't want that. I know that a certain amount of gentle exercise is supposed to help - I guess that keeps the muscles strong and therefore they support the joint better. Don't apologise for moaning - that is one of the main functions of this forum, it is the place to come and let off steam! I hope a more knowledgeable person answers soon. Take care and I wish you well. DD

barbara12

Hi kennettifish
Avery warm welcome from me, and dont worry about moaning, this is whats good about the forum, there is always someone to listen, and talking about it with people that understand can be a big help.
Many of us have been fobbed of with our GPs, you must go back and try to make it clear that you need to see someone, ie a back specialist,the pain in your legs could be nerve pain form your back.
There are injections they can give in your back, but you must asked to be referred to a pain clinic.
I do hope you get some help very soon.
Love
Barbara x

dorcas

hello Pat and welcome to the forum

You are definitely not moaning! just telling it 'like it is' as far as I can see.
It sounds as though you would benefit from further tests (assuming you've had some already?) to clarify what type of damage / arther you have and being referred to either an Ortho or a Rheumatologist. Being 'seen' is not the same as agreeing to any interventions, such as surgery; but it may result in you having a clearer idea of the extent of your arther and whether there are treatments/ advice/ support that thus far you've not had access too. :!:

Would you consider making a double appointment with your doc to tell him exactly how much pain you are in and ask for x rays...and then ask for a specialist referral?

We have a great helpline here so if it would help you to chat it over first then why not give them a call? (number at top of the page)
meantime please chat to us here on the forum where you will definitely be understood and supported.
Iris x

speedalong

Hi Pat,

welcome to the forum and do not apologise for telling us about how your OA affects you.

I agree with Iris, you need a proper referral. Who gave you the OA diagnosis? You need the pain to be investigated and monitored so that the degree and progression of the OA is monitored. Where is the OA located?

I do not know why you have to pay for your physio - maybe it is an address lottery. Where I live you can self refer!

Anti-inflammatories are my best weapon against my OA, as are heat pads (and/or ice packs for some.) A good balance of exercise and rest. Warm baths help too. Have you ever tried hydro? (Or gentle exercise in the baby/training pool at your local baths - if it has extra warm water.) I go for remedial sports massage (which I pay for) and although initially painful it does help with range of movement and relieving stiffness.

Speedy

hileena111

Hi,
Welcome to the forum.....We have all {well most of us} come across GPs that fob us off......dont worry about complaining you are just telling us how you feel.
You need to be firm with the GP and say you want a referral {to someone} he may refer you to a back specialist or to a rheumatologist or an orthopaedic surgeopn.....I would guess it would be the ortho if you have been diagnosed already with OA.....get a proper diagnosis...they may say you need knee/hip replacements {maybe not} but you dont have to agree with it....its your body but at least you'll be further forward as far as knowing how to treat it without surgery...you will know a bit more
Good luck...Love Hileena

skezier

Hi Pat,

Welcome to the forums from me as well. This lot are a good lot.

I agree with iris as well you need to get a rafael and see someone who understands and knows about backs. Its sort of makes me think sciatica and that's pressure so something is amiss.

I had surgery and what ever it didn't do (they said it was only 60% successful) it gave me back my legs! It halved the pain and it was amazing to be able to just walk 'properly' again.

I think you will have to get better pain and anti inflammatories as well but the gp well...can you see a different one in the practice? Hope something can be done to help you and nice to meet you. Cris x

coco67

hi pat,
you have already had some great advice so i just want to welcome you, hope to see you post more.

coco xx