Arthritis Help

[TheOtherHalf]

XRays have just shown I have mild arthritis is both hips which has what has been causing me so much pain to walk lately. I had an inflamed hip joint I was told on my first visit to GP. Although I am walking a bit better now, the pain is still always there but I cant sleep on my right side at all.
is there anyone with or had a similar problem and can give some advice on how to stop it getting any worse than it is or what I can take to help relieve the pain or stop it getting worse
Appreciate any help or advice

[chrisgel]

Has your doctor prescribed you anything?

[TheOtherHalf]

On my initial visit she gave me Codine Phosphate for a week, which has helped reduce the inflammation, and said just to take Co Codomol where necessary which I can get on repeat prescription, but it doesnt help much. When I phoned up for the XRay results this morning, I asked if I needed to see the GP again to have them explained to me but receptionist said " No need, unless I have a major problem with the pain again ". Its not a Major problem at the moment, just annoying

[mazie]

Have a look at this ToH

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1053045/Sir-Ranulph-Fiennes-I-beat-arthritis-vinegar-cure-passed-mother.html

[TheOtherHalf]

mazie- that article is very interesting. I may give it a try. I have heard that Cider Vinegar can work wonders for some thing so perhaps this can too

[chrisgel]

A couple of months ago I was in such pain in my hip and knee that I went to my GP. Like you I had difficulty walking and sleeping was a problem as well.

My GP prescribed Naproxen tablets plus Omeprazole (Gastric)
I took 2 a day and within a week I was fine. (Still got 14 tablets left) and I have been ok since.

[mazie]

Hope you get some relief ToH x

[TheOtherHalf]

Glad to hear that Chrisgel. I dont really want to be on any kind of drugs for the rest of my life if I can help it. I know there are some small clubs and oganisations for these kind of things where people can talk together about their issues. i wonder if it might be worth finding out about them.

Thanks both for your help

[mazie]

I know how you feel about the drugs ToH.. I have it in my hands, it's not that bad yet so I don't take anything...

[Sqad]

You have very little choice if your have X-Ray appearances of mild O.A.

If the pain is not too bad....then suffer it OR take mild analgesics.
If that doesn't make life tolerable then you need non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs ( Nsaids..e.g ibuprofen)
If they control your pain for a few years then fine, but if the pain gets worse you will need a hip replacement.

From hereon on you will be taking tablets until your hip is replaced.....there is no alternative, so get used to the idea.

[TheOtherHalf]

gee thanks Sqad. straight to the point !! I now feel as if Im on the scrapheap already !! LOL
You dont give any indication of how I can help myself apart from drugs, which is what I would like to know. I would like to have seen my GP but you know what their receptionists are like !

[Sqad]

TOH..there is little that you can do......exercise will just accelerate the "wear and tear"

What had you got in mind?

[anneasquith]

I have OA in my lower back. paracetamol and bruffen help, but mostly rest, sorry not much help.

[Eve]

My arthritis is inflammatory but I had problems with both hips with inflamed bursa. Someone suggested to me sleeping with a pillow between my knees which sounds a bit random but it really did help! I also trained myself to sleep on my back for that and other reasons.

[TheOtherHalf]

Hi Eve

Yes, I have slept with a pillow between my knees before now when I had a knee problem and it did help. I will try that again. I think my right hip must still be inflamed as its still very tender to the touch. The left one is fine and I didnt even realise a problem with it till the Xray. Ive never been able to sleep on my back, but maybe I will have to train myself too. Thanks everyone