Overall oseteoarthritis plus hip bursitis = chronic pain - what might help?

Megrose489

I have osteoarthritis in: feet, knees, neck ,shoulders and spine. I also have hip bursitis on both sides. In 2015 I was diagnosed with secondary fibromyalgia. This means that, when I get up in the morning, I ache all over. I have co-codamol 30/500 on my repeat prescription, but try to keep it to a minimum - the prescription says to only take a maximum of 4 a day and I often only take 1 or 2 to prevent constipation. My GP has recently prescribed Sertraline as I'm very anxious and quite low mood - possibly because of the chronic pain, but also my husband is ill, but I've yet to start it. I'm rather anxious about the side effects.

Is it worth going back to my GP to ask about more pain medication? What are other people on, which helps? I don't like taking medication - hence the reluctance to start the Sertraline - but am very tired of being in pain and feeling so rubbish with it all. I'd appreciate any advice, please. By the way, I'm 78.

olivia_b

Hey @Megrose489 really sorry you are having such a tough time, balancing everything whilst trying to maintain your mental health can be very tricky so I understand the struggle. If you feel that you are not satisfied with the type of medications you are on then you are well within your rights to discuss alternative options with your GP. I highly recommend researching what is out there and getting back in touch with your GP should you see fit as being in a bad mental and physical state is something that should be and can be changed. If you get a moment to have a look on the online community, search 'pain medications' or 'sertraline' and multiple discussions will pop up of other members experiences and recommendations. I really do wish you all the best and please don't hesitate to ask for advice again!

Megrose489

Thank you very much for your really helpful reply. I'll definitely do as you suggest and have a look through the community posts.