Need to vent a bit,

doxothenorth

Hi All,

Apologies in advance as this is a bit of a vent/moan, I'm pretty frustrated and down atm.

I've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis for several years now, and for the most part have managed to carry on with minimal problems. However since the start of this year I've been having recurring flare ups; my hands and feet will start aching constantly, always on both sides of the body, one foot affected more than the other though. When in use I also get sharp pains in my fingers and toes. These flare ups have been lasting a couple of weeks, get knocked back with naproxen and tramadol which I discontinue after the flare up. I'm then fine for approximately a month, then the flare up starts again. Each flare-up affects my mobility and productivity.

The current flare up has been a cracker, about two weeks ago I couldn't walk to the shops approx 100 metres away without having to take a break mid-way each way. The pain now extends from my toes to my ankles to my knees; and from my fingers to my wrists. The fatigue with this flare up has also been exhausting, strange thing being I do sleep but it's not restful. So back to GP and put on Neproxen, Tramadol & Nepofam. The Nepofam didn't agree with me so it's now been swapped out for Paracetamol. The GP has also taken bloods to check blood counts, and for inflammatory markers.

Does this story sound familiar to anyone?

Apologies again for the rant, I'm just frustrated with what feels like going in circles and concerned that if my OA actually turns out to be inflammatory arthritis, it's been wreaking havoc in the background. I'm not angry at the GP's more frustrated with the whole diagnostic process.

Poppyjane

Hi Derek,

Good to hear from you again, sorry to learn that you are still experiencing flare ups and poor sleep patterns.

Hopefully the blood results will give some guidance to your GP and maybe a referral to a consultant for a change of treatment.

No one should apologise for having a vent/moan on here. We are here to give you support and to listen.

Take care

Poppyjane

Trish9556

Hi @doxothenorth

Never apologise for having moans on here, we all do it and it's best to vent here where we all understand what you're saying and can offer help and support where we can.

I have had Osteoarthritis for many years affecting different joints - currently hand/wrist (again!) and my left hip - had my right one replaced last year.

Once upon a time, when I had a decent GP and was suffering constant flares, she told me it was best to have a constant lower dose than having larger doses of pain meds when you need them. Pain management.

Painkillers take a while to get in, and out of your system. You take them because you're in pain, the pain goes, you stop taking them then a couple of weeks later it all starts up again. Does this sound familiar? If it does, speak to your GP and ask them if a pain management dosage would help. You take a lower dose of meds every day to keep your system topped up and reduce flares - hopefully then the number of bad flares can be reduced and managed as necessary. May be something to think about? It did for me until things got so bad the only option was surgery.

Good luck

Trish

Hev34

I’ve just had a flare up too . I recently found a lump in my knee . I felt ill I went to the dr and he said couldn’t rule out cancer as I am in remission 5yrs . I have had several melanomas . I had a yr of immunotherapy. It turns out after an X-ray I have patella femoral OA as well as compartment severe bone on bone . I walk with crutches . I am in August going to Escape Pain it’s a 5 week course exercise run by nhs . Physio therapists help you to do the right exercise for you .i have recently bought a mobility scooter but i had to build a ramp to get out , its not great but it does the job . I feel I have a bit more freedom my scooter goes over 30 miles on one charge . I’ve covered all bases I have insurance and breakdown .
At the moment my back and knee are bad .i have arthritis in my knees , ankle I wear a brace , hands you name it it’s there

Still not sure the lump on my knee is not metastasised melanoma in the bone . I recently saw the cancer nurse for a check . She wants the team to look at X-rays to be sure . So I am waiting .
I try not to let this get me down but I have two dogs to keep me company and the give me a reason to get up . Rant over I just wish this pain would subside .

doxothenorth

Hi @Poppyjane & @Trish9556 & @Hev34

Thank you all for your kind responses.

Yes, hopefully the blood tests will shine some light on whats going on; and at least they are doing the bloods to look again, as my some of my symptoms point to RA, multiple symmetrical joints affected at once; and others point to OA, no massive amount of swelling and negative RF blood test last time.

The more I learn the more I find out everyone's experience with arthritis is different; and I need to be patient.

Next GP appointment I'm going to ask about getting referred to the areas pain management team, I had a look at their website and the waiting list is long (which list isn't 😉), lots of self help material though so will try that as that's where I'll be initially directed to anyway.

Did some chair yoga this morning to try and loosen up a bit; I'll progress to some floor exercises that are arthritis friendly tomorrow. Then hopefully start getting my walking stamina back. I use a stick atm; which I find frustrating as I effectively loose the use of one hand, but it gets me out and and about. 🙂

@Hev34 , It sounds like you have been through the mill recently, and I wish you the best for the results regarding your knee. I can relate to you getting company from your dogs. I have a cat, she's great company, and seems to know exactly when to come over and take my attention from ruminating over things.