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Arthur-itis

(39 Posts)
Newquay Mon 28-Mar-16 16:23:10

Anyone here got experience of arthritis? Out of the blue I needed a hip replacement a couple of years ago which was brilliant-without it I would have now been in a wheelchair the pain was so bad.
However. . . . Since then I seem to have developed arthritis in every joint. The pain come and goes, is sometimes v sharp. Continual Lower back pain since surgery is miserable-That's there all the time, makes turning in bed painful as well as getting up from chair and loo. I do the exercises given me, keep walking and keep my keep fit classes going. Also after a scan I now have osteopenia toosad so taking calcium tablets. My DM and her DM had osteoporosis before there was any treatment-not nice at all!
I asked GP if I could be referred to a Rheumotologist to keep an eye on things but he says not.

tanith Wed 30-Mar-16 14:13:05

Sorry LullyDully ROM= range of movement , and THR=Total Hip Replacement.

LullyDully Wed 30-Mar-16 16:25:59

Ah thanks

yogagran Mon 25-Apr-16 16:11:24

I've come to this thread rather late after putting in a search for Turmeric as I have been wondering if it would help my increasing hip pain.
I was diagnosed with osteopenia a year or so ago and prescribed Alendronic acid. After taking this for about four months the pain got progressively worse to the extent that I was unable to walk without a lot of pain. I took myself off the Alendronic acid and the pain slowly got better. After an appointment with a specialist who insisted that I "needed" Alendronic acid to stop the deterioration of my bones I went back on it and the pain increased again. I'm now off it for good after researching it online (Yes - I know we shouldn't do that!) and discovering that it's a known problem.

Charleygirl Mon 25-Apr-16 16:55:15

yogagran have you tried Ad Cal D3? You should get that on prescription from your GP. Alendronic acid is usually prescribed if one has osteoporosis and not osteopenia. It ia worth a try rather than taking nothing. You could have a word with your local pharmacist and see what price they are charging to buy the Ad Cal D3 or if he has any better suggestions.

annodomini Mon 25-Apr-16 17:03:26

My rheumatologist recommended annual infusions of Zolendronic Acid - same family as Alendronic. I had the first one in December and briefly had some aches and pains, but these were all over within about ten days. I do hope that they stop the osteoporosis advancing further. Is AA really necessary for osteopenia? I also take AdCal and have done so for almost 5 years.

Newquay Mon 25-Apr-16 17:13:09

Oh yes I take adcal for osteopenia. I thought alendronic acid is for osteoporosis.
How did you get on Tanith?

LullyDully Mon 25-Apr-16 17:39:25

I have to admit I stopped taking turmeric in favour of some rather strong painkillers from my GP, for arthritic hip. Pain helped but doesn't go away.

Doing physio, not sure that helps either. How bad does it get before you get to see a consultant???????

This is a life changing bore I could do without. Had hoped to celebrate 40th wedding anniversary but all's on hold ( wow sorry didn't mean to have a moan. It just came out. )

yogagran Mon 25-Apr-16 18:28:42

Yes Charleygirl, I do take AdCal when I remember, but I've also read of problems with that! As it's a tablet that you chew I've read that it can be bad for your teeth. Honestly - what do you do. This getting older is certainly not for wimps

tanith Mon 25-Apr-16 18:42:47

Newquay I have an app re the back/numbness problem in June and I have to go back to the GP for result of the xrays on hips, haven't managed to get there because of being on jury service for two weeks so have to go after I get off the jury service . In the mean time my pain isn't good but just tolerable.

Andyf Mon 25-Apr-16 18:59:15

Newquay, I was recently told by an orthopaedic consultant that everyone has a right to a referral. I told my son this ( he had recently been told no by his GP).
He went back with this knowledge and was given one! ( apologies if I am repeating what anyone else has said, I haven't read all the comments)

Iam64 Mon 25-Apr-16 19:29:59

I have osteopina ,osteo arthritis and inflammatory arthritis - luckily I'm prescribed good treatment for the inflammatory arthritis which keeps it from taking over my life. I am prescribed AdCal d3. I can't take turmeric because I'm on warfarin, which also means I can't take anti inflammatories. Tedious isn't it.
I find yoga and walking help with pain and stiffness and also keep me (a bit) sane. In extremes I take co codomol at night.

Newquay Tue 26-Apr-16 08:08:42

Morning. Thanks Tanith and Andyf. Just wondering what a rheumatologist can do that GP can't which is what he said? Glad lam64 you've got good treatment-glad it exists!
Spoke to someone yesterday whose wife has PD. Son paid for her to see someone and she's now taking a different drug which is making a difference.
It really feels like do it yourself health care these days doesn't it?

Iam64 Tue 26-Apr-16 08:13:34

Inflammatory arthritis can come and go and affect every joint, which is what you're complaining of Newquay. Many people struggle on for years before referral to a rheumatologist - they're experts in their field, GP's are not, they are general practitioners. I absolutely agree with you, it does feel like do it yourself health care. the NHS is being privatised at a real rate of knots.