Pain management

Collette
Collette Member Posts: 5
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:09 in Living with arthritis

Currently on cocodamol and topical ibuprofen but wrist and hand pain is just so bad. Cant take oral ibuprofen. Doctors say to exercise i walk sqim. Have had 2 new knees and currently back issues. Is it worth pushing to be referred to rheumatology clinic?

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764

    I really don't know. Are there any autoimmune diseases in your family? How about morning stiffness? Check out symptoms of RA and see what you think.

    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Janie2312
    Janie2312 Member Posts: 8

    Personally I think if you’re suffering more than you were, or not finding any way to ease pain, it’s worth pushing to see a specialist. GP’s be amazing but obviously don’t have the knowledge an expert does.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,792

    Hi @Collette

    I suppose it depends what kind of arthritis you have or suspect you have.

    If you think it might be the inflammatory kind then Rheumatology is the way forward, but if you think it's More likely to be Osteoarthritis them I think it's usually an orthopaedic consultant or even a physiotherapist who might be more helpful.

    Take care and good luck

    Toni x

  • alexander1
    alexander1 Member Posts: 70

    I would asked to be referred to pain clinic although it’s a long wait so you might want to see if your local NHS pain specialist also does private and book a consult. If you do you can be asked to return to NHS for tests and treatment. Could save a year or more wait.

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