Newbie looking for advice

ValOrient

Hello all, I am new here so long first post, please be patient and forgiving

I am 46 year old female and I have suffered from Osteoarthritis in my neck since I was 28 and in my wrists and hands in the last 7 years. I was initially prescribed Diclofenac Sodium, then Arthrotec and finally Meloxicam, along with Paracetamol and codeine (seperately). I had a trapeziectomy 2 years ago which to be honest didn't do much to relieve the pain at the base of my thumb. I also suffer from Raynauds syndrome and have been tested many times for RA all of which were negative. I assume the tests were because of the link between RA and Raynauds.

Following a chat with my husband's Chronic Pain consultant and then my GP, I am trying to reduce/stop my NSAIDs due to the links with stomach problems (I do suffer terribly from reflux and excess acid). I have reduced the dosage of Meloxicam from 15mg to 7.5mg over the last month and have found that lots of other joints have started to hurt too, particularly ankle and knee on left leg. Over the years I have managed to manage the neck pain well with exercise but my wrists and hands are very painful and stiff over the last week. I do take 20-30mg of Amitriptyline at night to help with nerve pain in my left leg as a result of Sciatica which are not particularly effective.

In the past I have tried Glucosamine (both alone and with Chondritin) but found no real difference. Does anyone have any other supplement ideas to try to maybe help? Has anyone else reduced or stopped NSAIDs and if so, how did you get on? I feel that I don't think I will cope well if I stop them completely, so is there any alternative medication?

valval

do you take a stomach protector it can be a nessesity when on them can not help but wanted to say hi and welcome val

barbara12

Hi Val
And a very warm welcome from me
The only help I can offer, is that I take gabpentin for sciatic and other nerve pain, there is a newer drug called prgabalin, but I havent tried that.
Has for the NSAIDs I keep taking them, but I have a stomach protector, I would love to do without them.
You take care x

stickywicket

Hello ValOrient. I'm pleased to meet you but sorry you had to find us. You certainly seem to have a few problem joints.

I think you'll find that many people here are unimpressed by supplements. If, like my husband, you have something mild which you want to keep mild, then glucosamine & chondroitin may help. He says they do. However, 'proper' arthritis usually requires something stronger.

If you have been taking NSAIDS, I presume you were prescribed a stomach protecting pill with them. Have you had any help for the reflux problems? ie gaviscon, dietary advice etc? The trouble with reducing NSAIDS is, as you have discovered, that the arthritis takes advantage. But, just as exercises help your neck, so they will help the other joints to by keeping the muscles strong.

Unfortunately, the usual meds for osteo are simply paindullers. if things are getting worse though you should go back to your GP and see what he/she can suggest.

ValOrient

Thanks for the welcomes and the advice.

I am making an appointment to go back to my GP as I will certainly be discussing Gabapentin with him; my husband had it a few years ago when he had shingles so I know of it.

I have had courses of stomach protectors over the years, Omeprazole being one I can remember and I take Gaviscon when needed (most nights!) but I am concerned with the long term risks associated with taking NSAIDs over a long time. I must get back to exercising regularly, I used to do a fair bit of walking but have had to stop that over the last year due to the leg pain. I have a Wii and one of those Personal Trainer - Dance workout games which is fun and I stick to doing regularly when I have the time. If it helps to keep my joints a little looser then I should make the time

Once again thanks, and I will report back once I have seen my GP.

dreamdaisy

Hello ValOrient, it's lovely to meet you but yes, I too am sorry you have had to find us. I have both sorts of arthritis (an auto-immune kind and, as a result of that, the osteo kind) but I am currently under the arthritic cosh of getting back to real life: I had a splendid holiday last week where I did not climb any stairs or cook. Bliss. I have never found any benefit from supplements (I think they are for those who like to think they have arthritis) and until recently I thought the NSAIDs were not doing that much, but having had to stop them due to a VILE bug I now know different. Right, I can hear the call of the broccoli so I have to go, but I am pleased that you have found us, we are a knowledgeable bunch and VERY supportive, we do know, and understand, how tough things can be. I wish you well. DD

stickywicket

I'm well-acquainted with stomach problems as I have a hiatus hernia and also I took NSAIDS for years before having a stomach protector. When mine's complaining I've to restrict my diet a lot, have nothing to eat or drink for 2 hours before bedtime and then have a good swig of Gaviscon Advance. (I'd prefer a different sort of nightcap. :roll:)

As for the exercises, Arthritis Care have a booklet on it (top right of the page). It gives exercises for wrists etc as well as legs. I hope the doc can help. Do let's know how you get on.

ValOrient

Just an update, my lovely doctor has agreed with you all and is starting me on Gabapentin to see if that is more effective than the Amitriptyline. He advised me to try and keep up with the exercise thing on the Wii and to keep doing the hand and wrist exercises that you have pointed me towards.

My stomach is much improved since I reduced the Meloxicam dose and to be honest the pain is about the same, I am finding that my joints are much stiffer than they were and I am aching in my ankles and elbows too so maybe that's more joints going south!

Now, if only there was something to stop the codeine blocking me up (as it were!)

dreamdaisy

Ah yes, 'blocked drains'. Not nice. Your doctor can help out on that front (mine has prescribed Docusate capsules) but if you don't want to add another med then have a look at your diet. The old standby is prunes (UGH) but I prefer figs, and plenty of roughage. There is also that rather masculine solution of a couple of pints followed by a curry. DD

bubbadog

Hi Val wanted to welcome you to the forum and I hope the site will be imformative and fun for you. Lookforward to reading some more of your posts in the future.

traluvie

Hi

Welcome to the forum..
I see you have recieved some great advice already.

I can get blocked too lol and doc gives me a variety of things but i find senokat is the one that has helped me most, but what works for one may not work for someone else..

Wish you well and look forward to seeing you around

barbara12

Hi again
Im glad you have got some help with the pain, has for being blocked up...the thing that works for me are prunes...I only need 4 and bobs you uncle....

ValOrient

Thanks for all your advice, I must admit I like the pints and curry one best but it's a little impractical! I tend to eat a fairly healthy diet (Diabetic husband you see) so I tend to up my fluid intake which helps considerably.