My first post to say hi and to ask a couple of questions

sibaker23

Hi everyone.

Fellow osteoarthritis and chronic pain sufferer. At only 57, I have lived with chronic pain for over 30 years now, after a spinal injury in 1992 and three major surgeries since. Arthritis has been affecting me for around 5 years, I would say, and is getting worse literally, week by week. It's been so bad at times that I've thought about calling it a day on numerous occasions. The thought of having to live with this condition that's lowly affecting every joint in my body, is not at all one I'm in any way, shape or form, looking forward to. I've had my right hip replaced, and recently had a right knee partial replacement. It looks like my left knee is next, as that's pretty bad now, too. My wrists, thumbs and fingers on both hands are horrendous and so painful, as well as my right foot and ankle. I hate my life of pain and will do anything to be pain-free or at least have better control over it.

I have two questions for you all.

(1) What pain killers or combination works best? I appreciate this is a very open-ended question, as it will depend on many factors. But has anyone gone through the usual codeine and naproxen? I'm having to take twice my prescribed dose to get any kind of relief at all.

(2) My second question to you all is this. Has anyone invested in either a hot tub or a Jacuzzi bath that is basically a hot tub bath? Although I'm not a fan of baths per se, I know from experience that being in a hot tub is not only relaxing, but I find it beneficial for pain. As I don't really want the expense of owning a hot tub, I thought the next best option would be a Jacuzzi bath. So, has anyone got one, and what are your thoughts regarding being of any benefit for this horrible chronic condition?

Many thanks.

Poppyjane

Welcome to the community @sibaker23

It is good to hear from you and to be asked two very different and interesting questions. We are not medically qualified to advise you about your medication but I am sure there are lots of members who have taken the combination of codeine and naproxen who can share their personal experience with you. Your local pharmacist maybe able to help you with the dosages you feel it is necessary to take for your pain relief.

Have you asked your GP practice if they can refer you to a Pain Clinic.? As an alternative I attach a link to the "Escape Pain" programme which many have found really helpful

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

As for the hot tub / jacuzzi question, I totally agree with you about the benefits of warm water and massage jets. Ideally if can use a hydrotherapy pool you will have the benefit of specifically targeted massage jets that are directional to reach particular parts of your body. If you have one near you it might be worth a cost comparison of a couple of visits a week versus the cost and disruption to your bathroom and household.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/therapies/hydrotherapy/

I am sure there are lots of members who will have some comments on these questions so do join us again soon

Take care

Poppyjane