Introducing myself

Chriselora

Hello everyone. This is my first post on this forum. I’m just saying ‘Hi’ for now as like many of you I’m trying to cope as best I can with Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis. It’s only been a few years since I was diagnosed so I am by no means an expert on both these conditions and am merely blundering my way around trying to find out more about what it is. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the pain it causes and all the other stuff that comes with it. My mother and various other relatives on her side of the family have suffered with Arthritis over the years. They have all gone now but the family legacy continues. There were also some sufferers on my father’s side as well. I truly wish they hadn’t passed it on to me as I can well do without it. I’m not at all good at dealing with pain, I have a very low level of tolerating pain. Everyone is different and it’s just my bad luck to have a low pain threshold. Today is not a good day for me, the weather is not being kind at all. It’s overcast and a bit dull, prime pain weather. I’m looking for any advice on how to cope. Doctors have various painkillers they can prescribe but often they don’t help. Any advice or suggestions would be welcome. I’m at the end of my tether to be honest. If anyone can help, please reply to my post. Do reply even just to say hello. I’m sorry to be so down, it’s how things are today. I do apologise.

PJoanne

Hello @Chriselora

Welcome to the community and thanks for introducing yourself. I also find the weather an influencing factor😥. I find distraction far and away one of the best things for myself as like you sometimes the painkillers don't help. After I am finished here I am off to have a look around our village charity shop for a good jigsaw puzzle.

You might find the below interesting:

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

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

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

Also, do consider giving the helpline a ring. The number is below.

Best Joanne

Chriselora

Hi @Joanne. Thank you for replying to my post, I appreciate it very much. It’s not a very nice medical condition to have as you know only too well. Being in pain tends to blot out anything else.I just wish that Doctors would become a bit more knowledgeable about Arthritis and other unpleasant conditions. Quite often, this type of condition is a poor relation when it comes to funding. There are so many, unfortunately and that’s part of the problem. What type of help is available often varies from area to area which doesn’t help matters either, sad to say.

Thanks again for your help and support.

Chriselora.

Woofy

Hi and welcome.

You are not alone. Firstly, has your GP referred you to see a rheumatologist? It’s a good place to start.
they are experts in their field. Being in constant pain is horrible. Not knowing what’s happening to your body can be pretty dam scary. Most people on here have experienced this. I promise you when you get the right help, things will improve. Good luck.

frogmorton

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/725181#Comment_725181

Totally agree @Chriselora

Osteoarthritis is definitely the poor relation. Give that probably most of us will have some at some point I bet they daren't treat it properly as it would cost too much. Rheumatologists aren't interested in OA not sure whether they treat OP though.

My favoured 'treatments' for the OA parts of me (have have an inflammatory arthritis too) are my beloved microwaveable wheat-bags and my tens machine I also rub in some MSN gel which helps a bit.

Wishing you all the best do keep popping in because distraction I also find incredibly helpful with my pain.

A few people on here have done the Nuffield pain courses too Nuffield health joint pain I think they are called they are FREE too.

Take care

Toni x

aucuparia

Hi @Chriselora

Yes, I know what you mean. And have every sympathy. The pain is "pants". I agree, sometimes seems to be weather related. Sometimes there seems to be no real reason for a flare up. There also seems to be ( unless it's my imagination ) a frequently expressed view that: "it is only osteoarthritis" and " it's to be expected in the circumstances" . And pain relief is not always effective. All of which leads to misery

Yesterday I signed up for the escape pain project on line. I don't know if it will work, but it is something to do, and worth a try.

I hope you find something to help.

https://escape-pain.org/