I'm newly diagnosed and in pain

NannyTaft

Hi Im almost 62 (next week). I have spinal stenosis which I've been managing but after going to the GP with hip pain 2 weeks ago and going for an x ray I was told it's early bone deterioration (by the receptionist). Research tells me this is arthritis. I'm in constant pain despite taking cocodamol which give been taking for years for my ss and now gabapentin too. I feel like my life is over. I can only walk a few meters. I've asked for a new gp appt to discuss pain relief but still waiting for them to get back to me. I work full time in an office and am using a hot water bottle on my hip.

Anna

Welcome to the online community @NannyTaft, you’re among friends here who do understand what you’re going through. I’m sure you’ll get some warm words of support from our members, and some helpful suggestions for how to manage your pain.

You’ve done well to ask for another GP appointment to discuss your pain. Before your appointment comes, perhaps you could prepare a list of how the pain is affecting your life, and other things you want the GP to know. It might help if you could take someone in to the appointment with you to help you remember what you want to say and to give you support. Some authorities have pain clinics that you can be referred to - they look holistically at how your pain can be addressed. You could ask your GP if this could be arranged.

Have a look at the link below - it might also give you some new ideas about how to speak to your GP and also how to manage the pain yourself:

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hip-pain/

Do let us know how you get on,

Anna ( Moderator)

NannyTaft

Thank you Anna. I heard from the gp yesterday I've got to have a blood test then she's referring me for an mri. The pain is wearing me out though. Just how do you cope?

Graemep1

I have recently been diagnosed with OA in the right hip I also have it in my knees shoulders and hands. I am waiting for injection in my hip and was wondering do you find the severe pain is worse in the afternoon and evening than in the morning.

shacklock25

Hi. I was recently diagnosed with arthritis, moderate in the left hip, and mild in the right hip. I find the pain is worse in the evening. I am stiff first thing in the morning and have pain until I take a tablet. But the pain is in both thighs at the front, and also affects the knees, and is much worse in the evening. Do others experience this?

Lizziebeth

hi, shacklock 25, I also have arthritis in one hip, & suffer from radiating pain down my leg, & into my knee & foot.
I have flare ups when the pain & fatigue & stiffness are almost unbearable, but I have found that moderating my diet then really helps. Cut out all sugar I can, including no biscuits & cakes, & no processed food for several weeks. Boring, but it really helps. Incidentally, it’s also good for weight loss. Might be worth a try?

shacklock25

Thank you for those suggestions. I do like biscuits so will try and cut them out.