Coping with lower spine and both hip osteoarthritis

hugh

I am now coping with lower spine and both hip osteoarthritis recently confirmed by X ray in December-as well as coping with other chronic health issues.

Trying to balance prescribed painkiller drugs and side effects of constipation. Most difficult symptom is getting out of bed especially during night (loo visits) and getting up.

I live alone and am concerned for future of independent living.

CarylW

Hello @hugh

I am glad you have found our online community. We are a friendly group of people and we try to help each other from our experiences.

I understand that you are coping with osteoarthritis in your lower spine and both hips, as well as other chronic health issues. You live alone and are worried about independent living. Many of us have difficulty balancing pain killers and their die effects, especially constipation, and I am sure you will get posts from members with their ideas for dealing with this. Getting out of bed and getting up are the most difficult times for many of us. I find exercises and stretching are good ways to keep as mobile as possible.

I am posting some links below which I hope will help you:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/october/new-stretching-videos-to-help-keep-moving-and-manage-your-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/research/research-achievements/escape-pain-exercise-to-reduce-the-pain-of-osteoarthritis/

Do keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes

Caryl

hugh

Thank you for your timely response. I am pleased and relieved to find I am not alone....

stickywicket

Hi @hugh

Do you have a bed rail to help with getting out of bed? Something like one of these (though many other stores are available) https://www.welcomemobility.co.uk/bedroom/bed-rails.html

Have you enlisted the help of an occupational therapist? You can self-refer via your council's Adult Social Care Dept. They might be able to offer funding and also other suggestions for help around your home.

One of the downsides of strong pain relief is constipation. One reason why I take as few as possible , drink lots and eat a lot of fruit and veg. The more we can move around (Try some of the easier exercises on here) the less likely we are to have the problem. However laxatives must feature on many people's repeat prescriptions☺

hugh

Thank you. I will find out about self referral.