How do I cope with arthritis pain?

[madamspud169]

I suffer from psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis which is especially bad when the weather is cold. It affects both hips, knees, my lower & upper back & my fingers & feet.
The pain is becoming unbearable and constant.
Has anyone any ideas as to good effective ways to handle the pain as I can't get to see my doctor till January.

[dot.hawkes]

Go and see one of those Chinese health shops that seem to have appeared in the high street, I saw one for my lupus symptoms and he was excellent, it isn't as cheap as Boots but very useful, expecially for pain relief and life style advice.

[bednobs]

what medications are you currently taking? I find regular pain killers work best, and give you a more constant level of pain relief. Aee you taking any nsaids? if you arent and cant get to the doctor you can buy ibuprofen over the counter. Then add in regular paracetamol on top (no more than two tablets, four times a day. I use dihydrocodiene on top of this and find it useful. Last year i had some acupuncture for joint pain and that worked really well (although if you cant get to the dr', can you get to a pharmacy/acupuncturist?) when you say you cant get to the doctor, do you mean your rheumatologist or gp? If the former, make an emergency appt witht he gp. gp's often see joint pain and are very well versed in treating it. You may need something stronger than the above. Are you sleeping ok? Joint pain can seem worse if you arent. Are you feeling depressed? Again, feeling down often makes my joints hurt worse. Are you able to get in a bath? when i was able to, i found that very helpful, along with ice/heat packs. Are you taking any supplements? Glucosamine puports to be helpful in joint pain. Have you tried cutting things out of your diet?

[bednobs]

http://www.arc.org.uk/about_arth/booklets/6030 /6030.htm

[bednobs]

http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/GetInvolved/Wi nterhints tips on coping with winter

[bednobs]

sorry to spread it out so much, i keep thinking of other things: These leaflets are absolutely great (especially the how to manage emotions and how to have a sex life when all you want to do is lie still in a ball and cry) http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/Publicationsan dResources/Booklets/Livingwitharthritis

[beryllium]

Hi madamspud169,

If your pain is going to be too unbearable for christmas then you insist on seeing a doctor or at least speaking with one over the phone.
If you can hang on till January then this drug is very good. You will have to insist on it I'm afraid and it's by private prescription only and you'll probably find your GP has never heard of it and would prefer to stick with stomach rot drugs like cocodomol, and ibruprofen etc. I cannot take those drugs at all, nor Tramadol nor codeine. Gives me agony in my stomach.
Here is the link to a drug called SATIVEX. Read it and see what you think. You may have to approach the company to see where the drug trials are for it. I have it for M.S :-)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3790227.stm

[beejaybee]

If yor pain is unbareable, just turn up at the doctor`s & insist you see someone. You`ll have to wait until the end of surgery, but at least you`ll see someone.

[madamspud169]

Thanks for all answers, I'm currently trying a tens machine and just plain old ibuprofen, I've found a few new things to try thanks to the links bedknobs sent through so hopefully I wont be in too much pain when the weather gets even colder.

[bednobs]

dont forget to take ibuprofen with food. try adding in something simple like regular paracetamol to imrove analgesia

[Scarlett]

Try taking Devil's Claw. It is a natural anti-inflammatory. It has REALLY helped my dog's arthritis! Seriously!