Osteoarthritis

I’m afraid that our initial consultation will always be with a GP and in general they know nothing about joint problems.

MarieElla - the topic is Osteoarthritis , not Osteoporosis !!

crazyH

MarieElla - the topic is Osteoarthritis , not Osteoporosis !!

I mentioned requesting a Dexa scan too because the pain could be caused by osteoporosis and Mazgg said
I saw the doctor yesterday because of pain in my lower back. Without examining me she said "I see your fingers are misshapen and you have osteoarthritis in your hands. It will be in your hips too

The GP made a cursory examination and sent her away with a suggestion of paracetamol and ibuprofen gel.

Really, this needs further investigation.

I saw a GP for painful hands, referred to physio, who took one look and said I cannot give you any exercises, they would be too painful for you. Knowing what the waits were like I asked for a private referral to a specialist hand surgeon. Lovely chap, showed me the x-rays, no cartilage left at all, joints were just bone rubbing on bone. He recommended replacing two PIP (finger) joints, the worst ones, one in forefinger and one in ring finger.

I had those done 16 months ago, and am now virtually pain free in that hand, only pain when something knocks against one of the other fingers. Excellent movement and have got my strength back in that hand.

I am now in trouble in the other hand, at the base of my thumb. On Friday I am going in to have two joint replacements there. Life is now more complicated in that I am a 24/7 carer for my husband, who has had a bleed on the brain, and therefore am having to employ a live in carer to look after him as I won't be able to, and in fact will need someone to look after me.

I would say, if you are in a lot of pain, don't hesitate to opt for surgery, it can transform your life, especially if you are having to haul your husband around on a transfer stand!

Hi MayBee70,

Yes, in Europe these treatments are more common. I’m from Romania, and retired people with mobility issues can access them at reduced cost through the National Health Insurance.

What I love about them is that they work on the whole body – improving general wellbeing, sleep, and energy – using therapies and thermal mineral water, without relying on medication.

Am I right in thinking that Romania was way ahead of the UK when it came to treatment for autism too? We tend to think our NHS is the best. And Australia is very good for sports injuries. And there’s one country, ScandinavianI think, that actually prescribes holidays for some problems.

No. You are not correct in Romania being ahead of us in treatment if Autism.

Aveline

No. You are not correct in Romania being ahead of us in treatment if Autism.

I’m going back a long time. Decades in fact.

I agree. I am wrong. I’m thinking back to when my niece was working with special needs children but I can’t remember the details.

I am still really concerned that lower back pain was dismissed as osteoarthritis without even an examination. Lower back pain can be a symptom of many things. The GP is not doing her job

I am pleased I am 82 and not 28.

We are not shuffling off this mortal coil quickly enough, and not in large enough numbers to make a difference.

Another trick is knowing one needs surgery, one is shuffled to yet another 6-monthly appointment to waste time.