Date: 20.12.2014
From: Susan
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Subject: Just been diagnosed
Hi , hoping people on here may be able to give me some advice. I am 51 and have had pain in the bottom of my back, with bouts of sciatica for years but 4 weeks ago my left hip started to get painful when I was going from standing to sitting and vice versa. I went to my gp and he sent me for x Rays.
9 days ago it went from bothering me a bit to absolute agony, where I can't weight bear and and am now on crutches. My gp said the X-ray showed signs of osteoarthritis in my hip and lower back but it was mild. He has referred me to a specialist and has upped my cocodamol to 60mg. He offered me tramadol but that makes me really sick. He has also got me on gabapentin as I have previously had trouble with a trapped nerve. The pain is awful and I am only pain free when lying down or sitting leaning on my other side. The pain has now spread down to my calf, like a cramp pain, but assuming that is from the way I have been walking. I am back at my gp on xmas eve so he can see how I am doing. Is there anything I can do to help it ease? I am usually out every day and quite active, and not being able to do anything or go out is getting me down as much as the pain. Thanks, Susan
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Date: 22.12.2014
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Just been diagnosed
Hi Susan, I don't have OA but know about the pain. Hopefully, the gabapentin will kick in soon and you will get your referral soon.
Have they suggest ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories?
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Date: 23.12.2014
From: Susan
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Subject: Re: Just been diagnosed
Thanks for the reply. It is slightly better now, so the gabapentin must be starting to work. My GP said anti inflammatories won't make a difference with osteoarthritis, not sure if thats correct but was taking ibuprofen and paracetamol before he prescribed the codeine and it wasn't touching the pain. Have another appt to see him tomorrow so hopefully he might have an idea of how long I will have to wait for the specialist.
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Date: 23.12.2014
From: rhona
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Subject: Re: Just been diagnosed
He is probably right Susan, if there is no inflammation in the joints then they probably wouldn't help and they can cause stomach ulcers. Hope you get on well tomorrow and have a pain free Christmas. x
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Date: 24.12.2014
From: marlene
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Subject: Re: Just been diagnosed
Hi Susan, I am an OA sufferer and have been for a long time. Sciatica seems to be one of the things we all get. I have had surgery on my back and so has my husband. The pain in the back remains but the awful pain down the leg goes. I am not suggesting that you need this yet and they don't operate lightly.
Your Gp seems to be looking after you very well.
I find hot water bottles on the painful areas work very well.
I also sit the same way as you I have been told not to but I just say it is ok for them they have no idea. Find a comfortable way of resting for you. It is something you will learn to deal with. Life is still good just different.
Make sure your GP sends you to see a Consultant as you will get more tests done MRI Scan CT Scan normal X-rays can miss so much.
There are steroid injections to the joints you can have and I find them very good. I had some in my shoulder and elbow two months ago and I am still relatively pain free. I have mine at the Drs surgery but I have had them at the Hospital also.
I hope this all makes sense I am trying to remember all the tips I can give you. You can have anti inflammatory pills I don't take them as I have Asthma. Take care and just ask me if there is anything else I can help you with. XX
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