Pain management help!!!!?

Question

I have severe osteoarthritis in my hips and knees. I am not allowed to use and NSAIDs such as advil - no anit-imflamitories. This leaves me with Narcotics, which I hate taking, because I am afraid of addiction and can not drive when I take them. My pain is severe and often brings me to tears. I am looking for any ideas that might help me.

Answer 1

When used appropriately, any substance that is potentially addictive actually improves the quality of life of the user. That's because it allows the restoration of function, it allows you to live your life as well as possible. When it's abused, the quality of life of the user goes down the drain.

This is the way that pain doctors distinguish between medical use and addiction.

I have multiple types of arthritis and as a result, I'm a chronic pain patient.

BTW, driving is overrated.

Answer 2

I too suffer from osteoarthritis in my knees and right hip. For the past ten months niether one of my legs has striaghtened totally so I totally know where you are coming from, plus like you, I am unable to take NSAIDS because I have Crohn's disease. This has left me with narcotics. My doctors did tell me that my body would become dependent to a certain extent because of the way they work, meaning, I may need more and more. I made a decision a long time ago that I wouldn't expect to have total pain relief from the drugs because that's unrealistic so in addition to my pain meds I take hot baths and use heating pads. The pain Medication I use right now is methadone and percocet for break-through pain. I have also tried others such as morphine(which i later found out I was allergic to) and codiene. I also tried a med called Ultram but I can't use it because I am epileptic and it makes me violently ill. If it's a matter of you just not wanting to mess with narcotics then you might try asking your doctor for something called a Tens Unit. It utilizes electrical impulses to sort of "cover up" the pain. I've used that for my back before and it does help. There are also injections of steriods like cortisone which can be very helpful. I would suggest sitting down with your doctor and bring up these concerns you have because he or she may be able to put your mind at ease. Narcotics get a really bad rap because of abuse. And abuse is how people get addicted. I wish you the best of luck and God bless.

Answer 3

I don't want to tell you this because I live in Miami, FL, but if you move to an area of the United States where the weather is warmer or "hot" you will have less joint pain. Don't know why this is but I can't make it five minutes in Chicago without my knees hurting. It is strange...when I am back in Miami and warm...everything is OK. Hmmm...maybe I am nuts and this was not the answer you were looking for.

OK for real though. You should begin by getting X-rays to see if there are any signs of bone deformation or deterioration such as osteoporosis. Maybe you just have some water on the knee. If your knee really hurts like you say it does you need surgery. You should also ask about artificial cartilage replacement for knees...it works like retredding an old tire...out with the old cartilage in with the new. You'll feel right as rain if you get that surgery. Not sure what is really the matter though. There is not much going on in that area of the body so it can only be a few things...best of luck to you OK.

Answer 4

I guess one question I have is what caused this issue to begin with. At your age it is very unusual to have tendonitis that to this degree. Do you do something that requires repetative motion.? The first thing I would do is to start wearing braces when you are at rest and especially when you sleep. The routine that I used for my tendonitis was to use IcyHot and massage it in completely, then used my braces that also kept my thumb at the correct angle (according to my Physical therapist). Then would use my Rice Pack first heated for warmth and then would use the packs cold. The braces can be bought at Walmart, and the physio should be able to set the angle correctly. Some one else suggested you get a second opinion and I agree. The issue is that the DR. has said nothing about the braces and that is the first thing most of them go to. Also have you tried muscle relaxers like Robaxin? And one thing my dr did was to use Lidocaine injections which does not leave the scaring taht coritisone tends to do.. Also I did not find the injections unbearable, painful but they did give me weeks of relaxing time off from the pain. The thing with pain pills is you do not want the pain to be completely gone because you may be doing something to aggravate the injury. Again I am very curious as to if you have any idea what caused the injuries. If you would care to chat some more about this, my email and IM are on my profile page. God Bless ReggieR The pain medication in of itself is not that big of an issue as long as that is not the only thing being done at your age.

Answer 5

Heating pad. Ice first for 20 min. Soak in epsom salts bath, advil three 200 mg., take a multivitamin and mineral suppliment to build up your immune system. I have chronic pain and take narcotics. I drive and I feel no effects from them, they are timed released and do not effect the way I drive or get me high or anything. They barley control the pain, I still have to take advil twice a day and all the rest. I wish you luck and if you can get the Dr. to write for timed released ones they are good and don't make you as sick at your stomech, that's why I couldn't take most of them. Good luck.

Answer 6

Tramadol (generic Ultram) is a decent non-narcotic pain medication. Steroid injections or Synvisc can be very effective as well. Also, topical balms such as capsaicin can help. Good luck!

Answer 7

This could be because of muscle fatigue or dehydration. Try exercising all parts of your body. It also sometimes is due to disuse atrophy. Try out some home remedies. You can also look for information in the web that give you home remedies. I found this website very useful. http://aches.in/cramps.html

Answer 8

You first try acupuncture, it is the only treatment for all chronic pains. You should loose your weight also, so that knees will be less loaded.
If possible you can think visiting us, otherwise replacement is the option for you.

Answer 9

willow bark is a natural arthritis reliever , I too am a sufferer , have been for over 20 years , 3 years ago I moved to Mexico because of the warm dry climate , it has helped immensely , my pain is 50 percent of what it was I take tramodol now only it makes me itch

Answer 10

depending on your age, you may need to look into total joint replacement. The surgery is a bear, but the pain relief is very good.