Osteoarthritis

Tracee

I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in june I applied for pip took it mandatory decision as was refused it . The tell me today I not entitled to it and my gp gives me cocodamol for pain I cant have naproxen causes stomach problems I'm on omeprazole. And cant have the gels due to psorasis . I have splints for my hands and some days I cant even get out of bed the pain is so bad my gp says it mild feel like no one is listening to me

PeterJ

Hello @Tracee and welcome to the community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope you find that as well.

I understand you have osteoarthritis and have splints on your hands and that you were refused a PIP. Our website has a lot of useful information which might help - I've put a couple of links below as a start.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hand-and-wrist-pain/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/financial-support/

Please do keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I am sure that others will connect with you and share their experience and support as well.

With very best wishes

Peter

Tracee

Thank you so much I will do

Cimca

Hi Tracee

Sorry you are in so much pain and generally having a bad time. I do feel that GPs tend to underestimate the impact of OA on our daily lives. I think most of us just get on with it until it becomes too much but when we then seek more help it's as though we are whining.

I would seek help from the CAB. Re your pip claim.

Good luck

Tracee

Thanks gp do mine put the phone down on me today totally unprofessional . I have done that today time to get a new gp. I think and i agree with you over the gp underestimate how can anyone know some ones pain

Didgydo

I am allergic to all painkillers and my GP does not want to know

helpline_team

Hi Tracee,

Thank you for posting on our helpline forum, I am so sorry to hear how your condition is impacting your day-to-day life it must be very difficult for you and then to be told that you have been refused Personal independence payment (PIP).

Thank you PeterJ for attaching the links for Tracee which I am sure will be very helpful.

Eligibility for PIP is not based upon a claimant’s diagnosed conditions, but how those conditions affect their day-to-day living.  If the claim has been turned down, you are allowed to challenge the decision within a month.  You may wish to ask the Citizens Advice to assist you with this.

Unfortunately, having an arthritis condition does not mean you would automatically qualify for PIP you’re assessed on the level of help you need with specific activities, so it’s hard to say if the level of help you need will qualify you for PIP, but again the Citizens Advice should be able to answer your questions on this.

You have also mentioned Trecee that you cannot take non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, well I can tell you about a drug free treatment that is available from your GP on prescription it’s called Capsaicin cream. It is particularly effective for the knees and hands and can also be used on other joints. It works mainly by reducing Substance P, a pain transmitter in your nerves. The effect builds up over time, if you do get to try it, you may not start to notice a reduction in your pain levels for a week or so. As the active ingredient is chilli so it’s important not to use it on broken skin and she would need to wash your hands thoroughly after applying it to avoid accidently transfer it to the eyes or other delicate places.

If at any point it would help you to talk things through informally and in confidence to one of our Helpline advisors about how you are feeling you are more than welcome to call our Free Helpline on 0800 5200 520 weekdays 9am – 6pm.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/capsaicin/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

Best wishes

Chris

Helpline Advisor

Kats_kake60

Hello Tracee,

Welcome to the best place for people with arthritis.

I have only joined a few weeks ago.

I get on here when I am able to.

If not on for a few weeks doesn't mean I have forgotten this community.

I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in 2015.

My physio specialist was great.

My doc was not. Told me the same thing it's only mild and lose weight. 😥

Every time I saw him he kept saying lose weight.

I know this the weight doesn't help.

I know you said you are in pain and I agree unless someone has what we have. Whether it's mild or severe that pain is always there no matter what. It's getting the help and support to manage the pain now and for the long term. While I am trying to lose weight.😀

Going now but I will be back soon.

Take care

Keep safe

Karen👍️

Tracee

Thank you that helps that someone understands my pain my gp doesn't either take care tracee

Tracee

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/691314#Comment_691314

Thank you I found out about this cream but I have psorasis so it cant be used by me but thank you thou

Tracee

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/691299#Comment_691299

Bless you I'm trying heat pads hot water bottles to hope you pain isn't too bad

Didgydo

Do use heat pads but have the pain in all my joints,it helps with the heat pads but obviously cannot use them when shopping etc and trying to do housework etc,but thank you anyway.

VikkiB

you can buy heat pads that adhere to your clothes so that can be used while out and about ..so helpful for those times that you cant just rest with a hot water bottle or are by a plug for an electric heat pad .. they are available in home bargains poundland et i find the best priced ones are frombodycare for four they are currently £1.75 and last up to 24 hours (some only last up tp 8 hours ) hope this helps hun x

Tracee

These are ones I use and in poundland they sell them too they are good and help me so much