asking for advice on worsening osteo

nickynysmon08

I will not post a moan and groan topic, but simply ask any ones opinion as to how to deal with worsening osteo arthritus. my hips, are equally affected now, aching and making walking increasingly hard. my right knee is bad, and my left one catching up slowly. I am wondering if I should merely moan and occasionally groan. and simply get on with life. I am taking diclofenic again and will keep it up for five days or more which normally helps, but I am becoming increasingly concerned.
the doctors imply there is little that can be done, I have co codamnol and paracetamol, and an ample supply of tramadol which is an absolute last resort.
I am surprised I have not been referred to hospital for x rays, and must assume it to be pointless in a case of common osteo arthritus.
I do wonder at the future. I was an avid walker, doing many miles often, but now these days seem to have passed. I thought I might cope with things but it is getting worse, it would seem. how far will this go? I am still young at fifty five,
any thoughts on this are appreciated,

Nick

vonski

Hi Nick

Moan and groan, it doesn't help much but sometimes makes you feel better

Has anyone mentioned replacement ops? quite a few people on here have had hip and knee replacements so it might be worth talking to your GP about it. Do you see a consultant or go to the pain clinic. The pain clinic Drs. are normally pretty good so might be worth looking into.

Good luck

Vonski

greyheron

nickynysmon08 wrote:

I will not post a moan and groan topic, but simply ask any ones opinion as to how to deal with worsening osteo arthritus. my hips, are equally affected now, aching and making walking increasingly hard. my right knee is bad, and my left one catching up slowly. I am wondering if I should merely moan and occasionally groan. and simply get on with life. I am taking diclofenic again and will keep it up for five days or more which normally helps, but I am becoming increasingly concerned.
the doctors imply there is little that can be done, I have co codamnol and paracetamol, and an ample supply of tramadol which is an absolute last resort.
I am surprised I have not been referred to hospital for x rays, and must assume it to be pointless in a case of common osteo arthritus.
I do wonder at the future. I was an avid walker, doing many miles often, but now these days seem to have passed. I thought I might cope with things but it is getting worse, it would seem. how far will this go? I am still young at fifty five,
any thoughts on this are appreciated,

Nick

Hi Nick!

I certainly don't think it's pointless to be referred to hospital for a case of common osteo arthritis. For instance, keyhole surgery (arthroscopy) might help your knee(s).

I've had an arthroscopy on both knees for OA (which did help - though I know it doesn't for everyone) and then last November I had a total knee replacement on my 'worse' knee.

You may not be at the op stage yet, but one thing I would suggest asking about is physiotherapy. This can be very valuable in building up the muscles which support your hips and knees, which can improve function and reduce pain - and if / when it does come to an op, rehab will be quicker if your muscles are in good condition.

Hope this is helpful - and good luck!

Wendy

elnafinn

Hi Nick

I felt quite incensed reading your posting that your gp is implying there is not much to be done. :!: :shock: :roll: :roll:

Of course there is. You should have exrays of your offending joints and take it from there. You should be referred to a consultant.

Steroid injections are available, arthroscopies as have been mentioned and surgery. A physio session as mentioned earlier can be arranged - usually about 6 visits. Acupuncture too.

I feel you must start showing your gp that you are a person, not a number and give him a few pointers of where you want to be going with all this as all he appears to be doing is dishing out the meds.

I am sure you will feel more positive about things once something gets done. You are young at 55 and quite rightly want a life.

After injections, arthroscopies and loads of painkillers I finally had a total knee replacement at 58 years .

Good luck and keep us posted. If you get no joy from your gp there are plenty more around. It all seems to be luck of the draw these days. Keep on, keeping on. It is a shame but that is the way it often seems to go.

Luv
Elna x

nickynysmon08

elnafinn wrote:

Hi Nick

I felt quite incensed reading your posting that your gp is implying there is not much to be done. :!: :shock: :roll: :roll:

Of course there is. You should have exrays of your offending joints and take it from there. You should be referred to a consultant.

Steroid injections are available, arthroscopies as have been mentioned and surgery. A physio session as mentioned earlier can be arranged - usually about 6 visits. Acupuncture too.

I feel you must start showing your gp that you are a person, not a number and give him a few pointers of where you want to be going with all this as all he appears to be doing is dishing out the meds.

I am sure you will feel more positive about things once something gets done. You are young at 55 and quite rightly want a life.

After injections, arthroscopies and loads of painkillers I finally had a total knee replacement at 58 years .

Good luck and keep us posted. If you get no joy from your gp there are plenty more around. It all seems to be luck of the draw these days. Keep on, keeping on. It is a shame but that is the way it often seems to go.

Luv
Elna x

i do have excellent gp's, all of them, and being given diclofenic is a great help, but my only thoughts are, their simple acceptance of what i have and nothing more being said or done, they are very good at dishing out the meds, but that s as far as it goes

my wondering now is how far it will progress. it is possible i am being too active, I may look into arthroscopies in time, for my bad knee, and take great interest in the comments you have made,
many thanks, and best wishes to you all,

Nick

greyheron

[i do have excellent gp's, all of them, and being given diclofenic is a great help, but my only thoughts are, their simple acceptance of what i have and nothing more being said or done, they are very good at dishing out the meds, but that s as far as it goes

my wondering now is how far it will progress. it is possible i am being too active, I may look into arthroscopies in time, for my bad knee, and take great interest in the comments you have made,
many thanks, and best wishes to you all,

Nick[/quote]


Just want to pick up on one thing you said - about being 'too active'. Activity is good and to be encouraged but we do need to strike the right balance. Again a professional assessment e.g. by a physio could be really helpful - you don't want to cut back on activity too much and then find that that's causing problems.

Wendy

elnafinn

"my wondering now is how far it will progress"



Hi again, Nick

Speaking personally, none of my arthritis has improved, stayed the same, only slowly, progressively become worse as they years go by. OA is wear and tear. It kind of makes sense to me, that if one is unfortunate to get arthritis, it does not go away. That is why I have had arthroscopies, a new knee, thumb ops and steroid injections in hands, shoulder and knees.

Luv
Elna

woodbon

Hi
Your Gp can refer you for x-rays or scans without frist sending you to a hospital, they can also refer you to physio, who may give youstrenthening exercises or treatment to help the pain. The physio can also refer you for either x-rays or a hospital appointment if they think its needed.

I know what you mean, and because theirs no treatment other then physio and pain relief medicaiton, doctors are encouraged only the send people to hospital it the OA is really bad and they might need surgery or they are unsure of the diagnosis. I think this is in the NICE guidlines somewere. :?

I have OA, and when I went to see my GP with the pain, I thought it was just a pulled muscle, but she sent me to the hospital for xrays and the report was OA in in the lower spine and in the hip.
Do go to your GP and tell them all the problems you're having and ask if any further treatment ie physio is needed. Good luck Suexxxx

nearlybionic

Hi Nick
I`m glad that your GP has been helpful re pain relief, but do think you should ask about other options. This could include xrays, scans, etc.. to determine the severity of your OA. Then you could ask for a referral to an orthpaedic DR for advice re future management which could include surgery.... If you feel things are worsening, there are plenty of options open to you. Good luck.
NB

eckstardeluxe

Hi Nicki

It was an xray which diagnosed my OA. I asked the radiographer how long for an answer, she said 2-3 weeks. We got home about an hour later and the phone was ringing, I thought "sakes Mum I'm just in the door" I thought she was chasing me up for progress. It was my Dr, he said come in right away, there's something on your xray. Got an MRI the next day and from that found out my full diagnosis. Xrays will show up OA but I believe it has to be pretty advanced to show up. But the MRI showed everything, I got a really thorough talk through from the Consultant about it and he said as too advanced surgery was impossible. He referred me to the pain clinic, I'm on Tramadol, diclofenac, diazepam, amytryptiline and solpadol as a back up but still get pain. I would see if that's an option for you, I haven't been yet but many posters on here have been and told me they work wonders. They offer to evaluate your drugs, acupuncture, counselling, hypnotherapy the works. Worth asking your GP about. Good luck

joanlawson

Hi Nick
I really sympathise with you as my OA is getting worse too and I used to be very active,walking miles etc, but now I can't do any of those things. It is difficult because my husband is very fit and I miss going with him, but don't want to stop him.
Your doctor sounds pretty useless to me. You are entitled to a second opinion at your GP's practice. I was dissatisfied with the attitude of my doctor and asked for a second opinion. I was amazed at the difference :!: The second one treated me like a human being, rather than just another rather boring patient :roll: He sent me for an x-ray, and when that showed OA in my knee, he referred me to a consultant immediately. At the hospital I was given an MRI scan which resulted in an arthroscopy op (key-hole surgery) Unfortunately, that proved that my knee was in an even worse state than suspected, and now I have to decide whether to go ahead with a knee replacement. I think if I hadn't asked for a second opinion, none of this would have happened. I am also receiving physiotherapy and acupuncture all on the NHS.
By the way, are you taking Omeprazole along with the Diclofenac? You should take this to protect your stomach from the side-effects of the Diclofenac. Hopefully you know this already but I thought I would just make sure as your doctor doesn't sound brilliant :!: I hope you can get more support. There is help out there, but some doctors are not on the ball.
All the best
Joan

petmad

Hi Nick,
It also suffer from OA and have recently been deteriorating. Unlike eckstardeluxe I only had X ray examination to diagnose the condition. I saw a Rheumatologist some three years ago and he felt I had good joint movement, I received no medication.
I recently had a MRI scan and it shows that I require cervical surgery, also that I have some fairly major problems in my other joints. I will be seen by a new Rheumatologist who will hopefully give me the correct medication to assist in slowing the progress of the disease.
I hope you keep well and can continue to enjoy your walks. Linda

magenta

nickynysmon08 wrote:

I will not post a moan and groan topic, but simply ask any ones opinion as to how to deal with worsening osteo arthritus. my hips, are equally affected now, aching and making walking increasingly hard. my right knee is bad, and my left one catching up slowly. I am wondering if I should merely moan and occasionally groan. and simply get on with life. I am taking diclofenic again and will keep it up for five days or more which normally helps, but I am becoming increasingly concerned.
the doctors imply there is little that can be done, I have co codamnol and paracetamol, and an ample supply of tramadol which is an absolute last resort.
I am surprised I have not been referred to hospital for x rays, and must assume it to be pointless in a case of common osteo arthritus.
I do wonder at the future. I was an avid walker, doing many miles often, but now these days seem to have passed. I thought I might cope with things but it is getting worse, it would seem. how far will this go? I am still young at fifty five,
any thoughts on this are appreciated,

Nick

Hi Nick,
I'm kinda in the same boat as you. I was diagnosed by 2 dental consultants that I have 'spectacular' OA in both sides of jaw. They think it's came about from another condition-Temperomandibular Joint Dysfunction. I've been given a splint to wear at night for the TMJ thingy but as for the OA, nothing! I'm on painkillers anyway but Rhuemys want 'clarification'? from dentists that it's definitely OA! Even though I've seen the x-rays! I've been told that I'll still be able to eat etc but they're not the ones with OA. I'm only 39 and what am I going to do if it gets worse? I only have to turn my head sharply for it to flare up my jaw!!!!!!!! I sympathise with you,
Magenta x

PS Just re-read this. I hope it doesn't sound like an excuse for me to have a moan - just wanted you to know that there are others on here that don't get support from drs when needed. We need to keep pushing at our docs

mouseymousey

Similar position here too - and also wanted to say thanks for asking. To the poster who suggested 'Omerprazole' thanks too, I have been taking diclofenac for about 8 years (3 a day) and the last few months feeling really queezy (so had knocked them on the head) will go back to my GP with a little more knowledge now! About that and a few other things.

Also wanted to say sometimes I find the best thing is my hot water bottle. (I know sometimes people use ice). Its cheap and so green I tried those stick on things but they didn't do it for me.

nickynysmon08

I will look at all these replies with great interest you have been most helpful. the one thing about osteo or any other form of arthritis is the basic helplessness to change what is a natural degeneration of the skeleton. it is frustrating having the aches and pains, - for me in recent months, my hips have gone really bad, that walking round a supermarket is quite unpleasant- feels like they are half dislocated!!!. It is the lack of any form knowledge and being left with the feeling of just getting on with it that is the hardest thing.
I do take to mentioning this condition to strangers as though to get something out of my system, I wonder how common this is. diclofenic is very very helpful for me, but my fear is getting used it and the last line of defense being lost.
reading your own experiences is a great blessing, one is not so isolated. as far as walking goes, one has to be responsive to the body and not to the desire to walk great distances. again finding the balance is essential here. my instinct is always to follow where my feet point and simply keep on going.

best wishes and I will keep reading these posts,

Nick

nickynysmon08

nickynysmon08 wrote:

I will look at all these replies with great interest you have been most helpful. the one thing about osteo or any other form of arthritis is the basic helplessness to change what is a natural degeneration of the skeleton. it is frustrating having the aches and pains, - for me in recent months, my hips have gone really bad, that walking round a supermarket is quite unpleasant- feels like they are half dislocated!!!. It is the lack of any form knowledge and being left with the feeling of just getting on with it that is the hardest thing.
I do take to mentioning this condition to strangers as though to get something out of my system, I wonder how common this is. diclofenic is very very helpful for me, but my fear is getting used it and the last line of defense being lost.
reading your own experiences is a great blessing, one is not so isolated. as far as walking goes, one has to be responsive to the body and not to the desire to walk great distances. again finding the balance is essential here. my instinct is always to follow where my feet point and simply keep on going.

best wishes and I will keep reading these posts,

Nick

just an update on this topic. I took some diclofenic and for some reason the aches and pains have eased a great deal. I read the post about letting the medication build up in your body, which goes also for paracetamol. very helpful indeed, I wonder if this is the best track to follow. I am thinking of a week taking the diclo, then having a rest from it then taking it again. this may allay any side effects, and so far it has little effect on my stomach.
I was bad yesterday and before,, the hips really sore, and worked through it as I am installing a new kitchen, and want to get it finished. today the aches have almost gone,

best wishes,

Nick

airwave

best wishes and I will keep reading these posts,

Nick[/quote]

Nick,
The doctors response seems to be fairly common, 'heres some pills, go home', you may have read of my rants about them. If doctors don't know and can't prescribe or refer you then a blind comes down and they show you the door.

OA and perhaps arthritis in general needs its own 'drop in' clinics, my own OA varies a from day to day and it surely won't get better.

I do note that things I do have a bigger impact on OA than anything the health profession does. I have started swimming x2 a week which helps my shoulders, I have been on a Expert Patient Program which helps me cope with the emotional difficulties that are caused by the long term condition, I hope to go on the Arthritis Care one soon. Research on the web answers you more than any doctor will and you can ask the right questions when you do visit. And....having a rant and getting things out into the open with like minded people does help you to decide that the pain you're experiencing is arther playing his tricks on you and its not all in your mind.

So, keep smiling, stay cool and don't let arther get you down!


8) Its a grin, honest!

nickynysmon08

airwave wrote:

best wishes and I will keep reading these posts,

Nick

Nick,
The doctors response seems to be fairly common, 'heres some pills, go home', you may have read of my rants about them. If doctors don't know and can't prescribe or refer you then a blind comes down and they show you the door.

OA and perhaps arthritis in general needs its own 'drop in' clinics, my own OA varies a from day to day and it surely won't get better.

I do note that things I do have a bigger impact on OA than anything the health profession does. I have started swimming x2 a week which helps my shoulders, I have been on a Expert Patient Program which helps me cope with the emotional difficulties that are caused by the long term condition, I hope to go on the Arthritis Care one soon. Research on the web answers you more than any doctor will and you can ask the right questions when you do visit. And....having a rant and getting things out into the open with like minded people does help you to decide that the pain you're experiencing is arther playing his tricks on you and its not all in your mind.

So, keep smiling, stay cool and don't let arther get you down!


8) Its a grin, honest![/quote]


reply,

after some thought, and reading what has been said, I am back to taking the tablets on a regular as opposed to an ad hoc basis. this s what I was first told by a lady doctor who diagnosed my osteo. I am taking eight 55mg of paracetamol on the basis of building up the levels. also raking diclo thrice daily. it has made a huge difference. I am very reluctant to habitually, take medication but see the value of it. it will be interesting to see of the flareups come back or if t stays at this now comfortable level. few aches and pains this morning, -- and back to installing the new kitchen.

best wishes,

Nick

nickynysmon08

nickynysmon08 wrote:

I will look at all these replies with great interest you have been most helpful. the one thing about osteo or any other form of arthritis is the basic helplessness to change what is a natural degeneration of the skeleton. it is frustrating having the aches and pains, - for me in recent months, my hips have gone really bad, that walking round a supermarket is quite unpleasant- feels like they are half dislocated!!!. It is the lack of any form knowledge and being left with the feeling of just getting on with it that is the hardest thing.
I do take to mentioning this condition to strangers as though to get something out of my system, I wonder how common this is. diclofenic is very very helpful for me, but my fear is getting used it and the last line of defense being lost.
reading your own experiences is a great blessing, one is not so isolated. as far as walking goes, one has to be responsive to the body and not to the desire to walk great distances. again finding the balance is essential here. my instinct is always to follow where my feet point and simply keep on going.

best wishes and I will keep reading these posts,

Nick

just an update. after going back to the regime of taking my tablets and diclofenic regularly, it is much better now, but still seems to be on the downward side of things. the diclo stops the inflammation but the symptoms are the same. I am very very wary of taking paracetamol in its full dosage of eight a day which is maximum, as I fear taking too much and it can be fatal. if we overdose. still, keep taking the tablets, .........at least the weather is coming warmer,

Nick