Arthritis -v- Tinnitus

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JeanieEB
JeanieEB NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 8
edited 11. Nov 2010, 09:22 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi

I have osteoarthritis of the spine which is getting worse as I find I can no longer take Celebrex because of my tinnitus. I also have problems taking anti inflammatories such as Voltarol which again exacibate my tinnitus.

Help, is there anyone out there who can help me with this very large problem. I am informed that 10% of the population have permanent tinnitus, so this must be a problem that has come up before.

Any suggestions would be very gratefully received.

JeanieEB

Comments

  • skezier
    skezier NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Janie,

    Welcome to the forum and this lot are very good so you found the right place.

    I can't really help you flower but someone, I think it was Wonky for some reason, posted a link to the tinnitus people and maybe they can help you?

    There is also a very good helpline here and they are so good at both telling you about available help and how to get it so might be worth you calling them? I think they are 10-4 weekdays only but they are very good.

    The oa in the spine I can sympathise with cus I got it as well. Its rough at times flower but hang in there and nice to meet you. Cris x
  • JeanieEB
    JeanieEB NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Delboy and Skeizer

    Thanks for your replies but it's not the tinnitus that worries me, well only insomuch as I cannot take the Celebrex and antiflammatories that I need for my osteoarthritis, 'cos they exacibate my tinnitus.

    For tinnitus I would recommend meditation - I did a Mindful Meditation Course pioneered by the Royal Ear Nose & Throat Hospital in London. It works insomuch as instead of trying to distract the brain from the din coming out of your ears, it trains the brain to perceive as less of a threat and gradually it takes less notice. That's the idea anyway and I have found it helped me no end.

    TTFN
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi jeannie, it's a tough one, isn't it? The stuff that could help makes the tinnitus worse. Not having OA I don't really know what to say - are the creams such as Voltarol any good? They are anti-inflammatory in their effect, I believe, would they exacerbate things any further? How long have you been affected with the OA and what have you tried to date? Knowledge of that will stop us suggesting things you have already tried! I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Jeannie, I would just like to welcome you to the forum. I hope another member or the helpline can advise you further. Not being able to take anti inflammatories, must be a nightmare. Have you tried several different ones, just in case one suits you better than another.

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • queenfan
    queenfan NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 563
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Jeanie & welcome to the forum,I used to take celebrex for my OA & other anti-inflammatory Meds, But like you I was taken off them all because of having a damaged kidney, :( So I know how you feel, I am now on Durogesic patches & tramadol. You need to go back to your doctor to ask what other meds they can put you on, There is a lot your GP can try, keep your chin up you will have lots of people on here that are always on hand to to listen, & be of help :wink:

    TC Sue
  • woodbon
    woodbon NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello, I am glad that you have joined the forum and I hope that it will help you a bit. Everyone is supportive and very kind.

    As for the tinitus, a lot of painkillers can cause this problem. I used to work in the ENt Dept at a hospital and we had a clinic to help people with this problem. This is 20 odd years ago, and things will have changed a bit since than, but I would think that your GP could arrange for you to attend something for people with this problem. Maybe if you go along and have a chat with him, he will know just how much it is effecting you life and arrange for you to see a specialist. I hope that things go well for you and you find some relief. Love Sue
  • bubbles
    bubbles NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 6,508
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Jeannie, tinnitus is a real problem for so many people, I too have it, from years of taking aspirin and other long term medication. Trying to tune it out seems to work a bit for me, having some background noise does help, not blasting rock anthems, but the tv, radio, etc. It often seems worse at night, when things are usually very quiet, so I always have the tv on timer, while I nod off.
    There are other things that can help, Have a loot at this site, which has some ideas. xx Bubbles http://www.tuneouttinnitus.org.uk/home
    XX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).
  • woodbon
    woodbon NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    HI One of the things that we used to suggest to tinitus patients was having another sound to listen to, so that it distracts you from the unpleasent one. A ticking clock, a radio, anything you can think of really. I've just thought of it as I re-read this post.
    One thing about trying to get releave the tinitus with background noise is that you can try it and it won't hurt you or cost very much! Love Sue