O/T Arthritis - How do you cope?

[icu81b4]

So as age catches up with me I have developed arthritis in the hips, and whilst it doesn’t bother me when I’m active, the pain kicks in when I’m sat down.

I do hip exercises 3 times a week and walk my dog an hour every day, and am hoping to get back on the golf course soon as I’m told it’s important to keep active, but wanted to know what any of you guys use to ease the pain? .

UTC.

[robclaret]

Hiya icu81b4 My knee used to swell with arthritus, so much so i couldnt get my jeans on. I'd have to have it drained. Big needle in the knee and not nice.(9 times) A new doctor took over until the other was replaced. He said he was going to put me on Leflunomide. It reduces the immune system. That was 10 years ago and i've never had a problem since. It doesn't bother me in the slightest. The only drawback is i have to get blood checks to make sure everything else is working ok. Hope this is helpful.

[beddie]

It's an awful pain is arthritis, especially in the hips. I have a it in my left hip and right knee. The left knee was replaced about 6 years ago as the arthritis had "eaten the joint away." The specialist suggested I take naproxen tablets, the doctor suggested rather than take them (two) when the pain's bad take one a day first thing, keeping it in your system, I've found that that really helps. I know the right knee will want replacing at some stage but I'm convinced the naproxen has definitely delayed that and allowed me to still do some decent walking. We walk daily and I use the road bike in between, it's important as you're doing to keep active. If you get to the point of the hip being unbearable then you'll need it replacing, a friend of mine had one replaced about 4 years ago and it allowed him to start golf again, when permitting he was doing 18 holes a few times a week. He said the replacement was the best thing he did. Keep that excercise going though.
Good luck with it.

[EricaJacko]

Lived with it since I was 19. Funny when some people talk like it's Arthur- who's this Arthur bloke?

Anyway... talk to your doctor. I assume you've done that before posting on here. Some people take 2.5mg of Prednisone (small brown tablets) that do the trick. Also mention Arcoxia - people with worn out A tend to take 120mg.

Exercise helps with hip oa - walk most days. Also do stretches.

[bfcjg]

I was advised last year to take a supplement of tumeric with pepper and I have to say so far I haven't had any flare ups and when I overdo stress on my knees for example after a long arduous fell walk I get some discomfort but ibuprofen gel takes the edge of it. Good luck it's a horrible condition if you let it control you.

[EricaJacko]

I was advised last year to take a supplement of tumeric with pepper and I have to say so far I haven't had any flare ups and when I overdo stress on my knees for example after a long arduous fell walk I get some discomfort but ibuprofen gel takes the edge of it. Good luck it's a horrible condition if you let it control you.

Forget those supplements. Buy powdered Turmeric and/or Ginger. You can get it on Amazon and about 100x better value when you look at the volume.

A supplement is hardly anything if you empty the contents. Powdered, added with milk and mixed up.

[Steve1956]

I was advised last year to take a supplement of tumeric with pepper and I have to say so far I haven't had any flare ups and when I overdo stress on my knees for example after a long arduous fell walk I get some discomfort but ibuprofen gel takes the edge of it. Good luck it's a horrible condition if you let it control you.

I'm trying Tumeric for a very painful shoulder injury...three weeks in it feels better,but mixing it with intense physio people swear by Tumeric as a brilliant anti inflammatory

[icu81b4]

Thanks for the tips and advice, I need to get back to the doctor’s and ask him why I haven’t been considered for any of these medications/supplements.

[boatshed bill]

Doesn't it depend on whether it's osteo or rheumatoid?
I have arthritic fingers and toes as a result of sporting injuries, I think that's "osteo" I've never found a relief, just learned to live with it

[ClaretTony]

I’ve been very fortunate. I was diagnosed some 11 years ago but my knees haven’t got much worse, certainly not pain wise, in that time. I don’t even take anything now although I know they are far from perfect.

Touch wood, my hips aren’t too bad but I watched my brother suffer with his. He’s had both hips replaced now.

[icu81b4]

Doesn't it depend on whether it's osteo or rheumatoid?
I have arthritic fingers and toes as a result of sporting injuries, I think that's "osteo" I've never found a relief, just learned to live with it

I didn’t realise the difference bb, but mine is OA.

[boatshed bill]

I didn’t realise the difference bb, but mine is OA.

I think rheumatoid is sometimes hereditory.
A few years ago I met a very talented young man who had spent several of his teenage years virtually unable to get out of bed because of it. He made what appears to be a complete recovery.

[Volvoclaret]

Slightly off topic, any one experienced a pulled/torn intercostal muscle ? Had real pain for past few weeks, would appreciate any advice how to help repair.

[ClaretTony]

Doesn't it depend on whether it's osteo or rheumatoid?
I have arthritic fingers and toes as a result of sporting injuries, I think that's "osteo" I've never found a relief, just learned to live with it

An auntie of mine had rheumatoid arthritis - that really is horrible. She was never without pain.

Mine is osteo and I have it in my fingers too (serves me right for trying to keep wicket for years I suppose).

[boatshed bill]

.

Mine is osteo and I have it in my fingers too (serves me right for trying to keep wicket for years I suppose).

Same here, wicket keeper and goalkeeper.... plus a bit of boxing which I should never have done

[EricaJacko]

Very very surprised people don't know the difference. Osteo is wear n tear which happens over time. It's down to cartilage joint surface wearing out. RA is down to the immune system. Very different. RA is also different from person to person as some people have it really mild and some can be in intensive care when it starts.

[kentonclaret]

FLEXISEQ gel is very good in alleviating joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.

The gel is absorbed through the skin and lubricates the cartilage in joints to relieve pain and stiffness and improve impaired joint function associated with all stages of osteoarthritis.

[what_no_pies]

A close friend of mine has some complex health issues partnered with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Some days it's completely debilitating. Many prescription drugs are inappropriate due to the other health issues and the stuff they have been able to prescribe has often been more hindrance than help. This person now largely controls the flare ups using cannabis which reduces inflammation and helps to manage the pain. The sooner medicinal cannabis is made widely available in this country the better.

[Wile E Coyote]

Slightly off topic, any one experienced a pulled/torn intercostal muscle ? Had real pain for past few weeks, would appreciate any advice how to help repair.

I did in mid december, agony aren't they? doc said around six weeks to begin to feel pain free. I felt physically sick with the pain. I felt a fraud, but reluctantly took to my bed until the worst of it settled down. Trying to just get on with it became impossible. For me it worked, I woke up one day and the discomfort had eased. I wasn't optimistic, and the pain returned intermittently. but eventually it faded. bog standard brufen and paracetamol. hope this makes some sense.

[claretpipe]

My wife has Rheumatoid Arthritis and I have a little Osteo Arthritis in my wrist, my wife would rather have mine and I would rather not have hers. Trust me there is a huge difference between the two conditions, RA can attack anywhere in the body not just the bones, the immune system is on hyper sensitivity and defends itself against itself vigorously. As stated previously it is horrible and debilitating, she is in a world of pain most of the time and the medication makes her extremely vulnerable to infection and cancer. She had that last year on top of everything else. Naproxin does help a little and bizarrely has reduced the migraines which she also suffers from. Sorry to go on but just wanted to share my thoughts.

[Clarets4me]

Same here, wicket keeper and goalkeeper.... plus a bit of boxing which I should never have done

20 years of decent junior Club Rugby .... one hip replaced, waiting on a date for the 2nd and right knee knackered ! Strong Co-Codomol and on bad days, Tramadol . Even with Tumeric/Black Pepper supplements, the pain's always there ...

The plus side is a host of memories, some of the best mates you could wish for .... these days the conversation's not so much, " Dream motors or pretty girls ", but rather more " Grandchildren & whether your parents are still alive " !!

[bfcjg]

FLEXISEQ gel is very good in alleviating joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.

The gel is absorbed through the skin and lubricates the cartilage in joints to relieve pain and stiffness and improve impaired joint function associated with all stages of osteoarthritis.

I've heard a out that does it really work ?

[GordonvaleClaret]

I don't cope too well with pain relievers, so over 5 years I've made adjustments to movement and developed strategies to manage the hip pain. Got one hip replaced last August and the other this February. Pain gone. Brilliant. Now I don't need to bother with those adjustments and strategies. Trouble is, my head doesn't seem to want to let go. As the saying goes "you can't teach an old dog to forget new tricks".
I was hoping to become a man of steel, but all I got was ceramics. Thinking of changing my name to Albert Doulton.

[icu81b4]

FLEXISEQ gel is very good in alleviating joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.

The gel is absorbed through the skin and lubricates the cartilage in joints to relieve pain and stiffness and improve impaired joint function associated with all stages of osteoarthritis.

Thanks for the reply, Some questions then...
1.Have you also tried the ibuprofen gel? I’m just wondering if so how it might compare

2. Can you get this on prescription?

[Volvoclaret]

Thanks Wile

[icu81b4]

I don't cope too well with pain relievers, so over 5 years I've made adjustments to movement and developed strategies to manage the hip pain. Got one hip replaced last August and the other this February. Pain gone. Brilliant. Now I don't need to bother with those adjustments and strategies. Trouble is, my head doesn't seem to want to let go. As the saying goes "you can't teach an old dog to forget new tricks".
I was hoping to become a man of steel, but all I got was ceramics. Thinking of changing my name to Albert Doulton.

Glad you managed to get it sorted, do you mind me asking if you had the replacements on the NHS or did you go private (if so where) ?

[kentonclaret]

icu81b4

Sorry for the delay in responding to your query.

What is Flexiseq?

Naturally occurring phospholipids play a key role in the proper functioning of joints. Daily wear and tear depletes the body of these vital lubricants, eventually leading to reduced mobility. Flexiseq contains billions of plant-based phospholipids in a convenient easy to apply topical gel. The gel is thinly applied to the area surrounding the affected joint, and because the key ingredients in the gel are attracted by moisture, they are easily absorbed through the skin to the affected joint. Once applied the correct amount should take roughly 10/15 minutes to air dry. Flexiseq is drug-free so you can use it alongside any existing medicines. Note that this treatment is for Osteoarthritis NOT Rheumatoid arthritis.

I have used it on my knees, hips and very effectively on my big toe when it has become inflamed and swollen making it very painful to walk. I have also applied to the area surrounding both thumbs when they become stiff and painful.

I don't think that you can get this medication on prescription but Lloyds pharmacy have it on special offer at the moment resulting in a big saving compared to Boots prices. Especially on the larger 100g tube.

Ibuprofen gel is a completely different medication altogether and is basically the painkiller and anti-inflammatory Ibuprofen in gel form.

Flexiseq can take 2-14 days to start taking effect depending on the individual as with any medication or treatment.

[icu81b4]

icu81b4

Sorry for the delay in responding to your query.

What is Flexiseq?

Naturally occurring phospholipids play a key role in the proper functioning of joints. Daily wear and tear depletes the body of these vital lubricants, eventually leading to reduced mobility. Flexiseq contains billions of plant-based phospholipids in a convenient easy to apply topical gel. The gel is thinly applied to the area surrounding the affected joint, and because the key ingredients in the gel are attracted by moisture, they are easily absorbed through the skin to the affected joint. Once applied the correct amount should take roughly 10/15 minutes to air dry. Flexiseq is drug-free so you can use it alongside any existing medicines. Note that this treatment is for Osteoarthritis NOT Rheumatoid arthritis.

I have used it on my knees, hips and very effectively on my big toe when it has become inflamed and swollen making it very painful to walk. I have also applied to the area surrounding both thumbs when they become stiff and painful.

I don't think that you can get this medication on prescription but Lloyds pharmacy have it on special offer at the moment resulting in a big saving compared to Boots prices. Especially on the larger 100g tube.

Ibuprofen gel is a completely different medication altogether and is basically the painkiller and anti-inflammatory Ibuprofen in gel form.

Flexiseq can take 2-14 days to start taking effect depending on the individual as with any medication or treatment.

kentonclaret

Thanks for your detailed reply. I’ve ordered some from Amazon before reading your reply.. will check Lloyds too

Cheers

[joey13]

Flexiseq Works well for me ,it’s expensive but worth it

[kentonclaret]

icu81b4

If you are going to try Llloyds for some reason they keep the stock in the pharmacy rather than on open display on the shelf like Boots so you may need to ask for it.

Hope you get some benefit and relief as arthritic pain can be very limiting on what we can do, day-to-day tasks can suddenly become almost impossible.

[Wirvine]

It's an awful pain is arthritis, especially in the hips. I have a it in my left hip and right knee. The left knee was replaced about 6 years ago as the arthritis had "eaten the joint away." The specialist suggested I take naproxen tablets, the doctor suggested rather than take them (two) when the pain's bad take one a day first thing, keeping it in your system, I've found that that really helps. I know the right knee will want replacing at some stage but I'm convinced the naproxen has definitely delayed that and allowed me to still do some decent walking. We walk daily and I use the road bike in between, it's important as you're doing to keep active. If you get to the point of the hip being unbearable then you'll need it replacing, a friend of mine had one replaced about 4 years ago and it allowed him to start golf again, when permitting he was doing 18 holes a few times a week. He said the replacement was the best thing he did. Keep that excercise going though.
Good luck with it.

Not sure that taking Naproxen everyday is a sound long term solution. They can do you more harm than good.

[Wirvine]

It's an awful pain is arthritis, especially in the hips. I have a it in my left hip and right knee. The left knee was replaced about 6 years ago as the arthritis had "eaten the joint away." The specialist suggested I take naproxen tablets, the doctor suggested rather than take them (two) when the pain's bad take one a day first thing, keeping it in your system, I've found that that really helps. I know the right knee will want replacing at some stage but I'm convinced the naproxen has definitely delayed that and allowed me to still do some decent walking. We walk daily and I use the road bike in between, it's important as you're doing to keep active. If you get to the point of the hip being unbearable then you'll need it replacing, a friend of mine had one replaced about 4 years ago and it allowed him to start golf again, when permitting he was doing 18 holes a few times a week. He said the replacement was the best thing he did. Keep that excercise going though.
Good luck with it.

Not sure that taking Naproxen everyday is a sound long term solution. They can do you more harm than good.

[ClaretTony]

Not sure that taking Naproxen everyday is a sound long term solution. They can do you more harm than good.

I was prescribed Naproxen seven years ago when I had an attack of gout (and that is painful). I had to take some other prescription with it too because of the potential stomach problems.

[icu81b4]

Well here’s an update’ the Flexiseq arrived on Tuesday and already seems to have made an improvement on my hips, so I’m well pleased with this product.

Thanks to kentonclaret for the tip, I owe you a beer.

[brunlea99]

I was prescribed Naproxen seven years ago when I had an attack of gout (and that is painful). I had to take some other prescription with it too because of the potential stomach problems.

That would be Omeprazole. I have just completed a course of Naproxen and had to take it as well.

[beddie]

That would be Omeprazole. I have just completed a course of Naproxen and had to take it as well.

Or it might be Lansoprazole, which is the one I take along the Naproxen to help the stomach.

[ClaretTony]

That would be Omeprazole. I have just completed a course of Naproxen and had to take it as well.

It was Omeprazole

[Steve1956]

Well here’s an update’ the Flexiseq arrived on Tuesday and already seems to have made an improvement on my hips, so I’m well pleased with this product.

Thanks to kentonclaret for the tip, I owe you a beer.

That's great news ICU,dont you just love the power of advice we all offer each other on here?

[joey13]

Just noticed they now make a Max strength Flexiseq , so got some on order .

[ClaretTony]

That's great news ICU,dont you just love the power of advice we all offer each other on here?

It's when this message board is at its absolute best.

[Lowbankclaret]

So as age catches up with me I have developed arthritis in the hips, and whilst it doesn’t bother me when I’m active, the pain kicks in when I’m sat down.

I do hip exercises 3 times a week and walk my dog an hour every day, and am hoping to get back on the golf course soon as I’m told it’s important to keep active, but wanted to know what any of you guys use to ease the pain? .

UTC.

I know several people who take CBD oil for it and it has helped them a lot.

[Steve1956]

It's when this message board is at its absolute best.

It certainly is....... but some think they know a lot more than they really do.
You can ask anything you want on here....someone always has a solution,If I'm ever having problems the wife first words are.."ask your buddies"

[CnBtruntru]

RA and taking injections for 7 years now, have to change every so often as the good effects wear off, was bad from December to a few weeks ago, change injection and back to feeling ok, take co-codomol now and again when gets bad, take nerve pain relief as well as have had both knees replaced discs gone in neck and two in lumber area, but still working as a truck driver, I do think it makes a difference to keep moving as much as possible, good luck anyway hope all works out for you.

[kentonclaret]

icu81b4

Glad to read your post that Flexiseq has arrived and that you seem to be getting some instant benefit from using it.

[tim_noone]

RA and taking injections for 7 years now, have to change every so often as the good effects wear off, was bad from December to a few weeks ago, change injection and back to feeling ok, take co-codomol now and again when gets bad, take nerve pain relief as well as have had both knees replaced discs gone in neck and two in lumber area, but still working as a truck driver, I do think it makes a difference to keep moving as much as possible, good luck anyway hope all works out for you.

Always Keep Moving is Key

[Steve1956]

Always Keep Moving is Key

Agreed on the keep moving,but during the night and first thing in the morning when you are relatively still the pain becomes unbearable...how do we over come that one Dr. Pimple Popper?

[tim_noone]

Agreed on the keep moving,but during the night and first thing in the morning when you are relatively still the pain becomes unbearable...how do we over come that one Dr. Pimple Popper?

Yes agree with your bedtime scenario ...painkillers and firm mattress "possibly" the only answer . Next patient please.......... and I still reccomend the Hemp.

[Steve1956]

Always Keep Moving is Key

It would be difficult for him not to move....he drives a truck!

[tim_noone]

It would be difficult for him not to move....he drives a truck!

Ahhh...actually being stuck behind the wheel for hours and you Seize up. I'm lucky at the minute I'm more or less pain free.. my severest pain comes unbelievably from Rollering... on painting jobs.

[Steve1956]

The wife always says to me you have to manage your pain,she has had both her knee's replaced so she must know what she's on about,she never enlightens me though....how do you manage pain fella's?