topic Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW? in Wellness

ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Lindsays Grandma — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 20:54:33 GMT

About fifteen years ago a doctor told me I had arthritis on my knees because, as he said, they were swollen, news to me!! Well, two days ago I began to experience terrible pain and stiffness, particularly on the right leg. Back in 2000 and 2001 I had three back surgeries, all failures leaving me with back pain, sciatic pain plus hip pain from surgery in 2015, all centered in the right leg and that is probably why the arthritis pain is worse in that leg.

I know there must be arthritis sufferers here and I would like to know how it is treated. Unfortunately my pain management clinic can't help me with that and I won't be able to see my primary care doctor until the 20th of the month. In the meantime I am curious as what kind of medication is given to ease this new pain. Thanks to all of you in advance for your comments.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

patbz — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 20:57:16 GMT

Medical cannabis helps DH with RA.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Q4u — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:11:09 GMT

I think whomever can come up with a successful pain management without hurting the body or mind will be a millionaire.

I have it in both knees (years of sports and 3 operations) and when I overdo it (that means not sitting) my knees ache, feel like I have sharp things in them and they won't bend without pain. I use (rotating) Aleve, Aspirin, Advil or Tylonal. I try not using anything, but that's not always possible. I also swear by Tommy Copper (it's a specific brand that has copper threads in every thread in the item rather than sewing in little copper metal disks. I have them for my knees and hands (without fingers)... it gives me the compression my knees need and the heat I generate helps the copper activate and I do feel relief....

Good luck.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Moonchilde — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:12:58 GMT

If it is legal where you live, I completely agree with @patbz. There are many types of cannabis and many ways of using/taking it, and doctors who specialize in medical marijuana patients who can guide people to products. Using a cannabis product does not need to make you high.

There is also a derivative of cannabis called CBD. Pure CBD (without any psychoactive agents) is legally able to be sold and mailed to all 50 states. It also helps arthritis pain. It's not cheap :-(

I use both types because I am in California, and both types help me. I have a topical roll-on product that contains both. When my knees or ankles are hurting I apply it and within 15-20 min my pain is gone. I never feel a single thing but relief of pain. I was at a friend's house on the 4th. She mention that the time I'd let her use the roll-on for pain she had, she was without pain for *three days.*

Other than that, most doctors recommend prescription strength ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), but these are not great things to take daily over a long period of time for multiple reasons. Since I started using pure CBD and cannabis my Advil use has literally dropped 90%.

There are also various OTC and prescription creams and rubs.I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations for those.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Kachina624 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:34:34 GMT

The doctor you need to see is a rheumatologist. If you must have a referral to see one, ask your PCP on your next appointment. There are many things he might suggest to relieve pain after he evaluates your condition.

FYI: I recently read a study that said Tylenol has been proven ineffective in treating arthritis pain, which I always found to be true. In fact none of the OTC ointments or pills ever helped me.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Writer with Flair — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:37:26 GMT

I am sorry that you are having arthritis pain. I am not a doctor, but I can tell you some natural things that have worked for me personally.

First of all, eliminating Nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, eggplants, green and red pepers, and potatoes) really helps. I tried it for a week and could not believe the difference.

I try to eat anti-inflammatory foods like salmon and blueberries.

As far as dietary supplements go, I have found that Terry Naturally's Curamed or Curamin are very helpful as is Wobenzyme (enzymes). As with any supplement, you will want to get your doctor's approval before taking it. Like pharmaceutical NSAIDs, even natural supplements can cause problems like rises in blood pressure, stomach irritation, and etc.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

SeaMaiden — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:44:25 GMT

@patbz wrote:
Medical cannabis helps DH with RA.

@patbz yes! If cannabis had been available and LEGAL as it is now in the state of Washington back years ago when I was in dire pain from my knees and my hips I would have bought that rather than eat aspirin and ruin my stomach.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

nana59 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:54:54 GMT

I was diagnosed with 2 kinds of arthritis in 2002.....nothing has been successful with pain relief....i currently have $2,000 worth of Humira in my frig......that didn't work, either......i'm thinking about doing research on cannabis......

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Moonchilde — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:55:46 GMT

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@patbz wrote:
Medical cannabis helps DH with RA.
@patbz yes! If cannabis had been available and LEGAL as it is now in the state of Washington back years ago when I was in dire pain from my knees and my hips I would have bought that rather than eat aspirin and ruin my stomach.

It's very difficult to convince people to try it, when all their lives most baby boomers and the generation after have either been taught to regard it with horror, or remember only the uncontrolled, unregulated weed of the 60s. People are still positive that the only reason anyone would use it is to get high, and that if they use it at all they will soon be addicted or go on to harder substances.

I think that if a person ever had to care for someone with terminal cancer or severe ongoing pain, they'd change their mind.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

SeaMaiden — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 22:03:02 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
@SeaMaiden wrote:
@patbz wrote:
Medical cannabis helps DH with RA.
@patbz yes! If cannabis had been available and LEGAL as it is now in the state of Washington back years ago when I was in dire pain from my knees and my hips I would have bought that rather than eat aspirin and ruin my stomach.

It's very difficult to convince people to try it, when all their lives most baby boomers and the generation after have either been taught to regard it with horror, or remember only the uncontrolled, unregulated weed of the 60s. People are still positive that the only reason anyone would use it is to get high, and that if they use it at all they will soon be addicted or go on to harder substances.

I think that if a person ever had to care for someone with terminal cancer or severe ongoing pain, they'd change their mind.

@Moonchilde And for pets in pain as well! Many companies are formulating cannabis for dogs and cats .

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Lindsays Grandma — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 22:13:13 GMT

Here in AZ I can apply for a Marijuana card which my primary doctor suggested several years ago. I am contracted with a pain management doctor who, as practically all of them, will drop you if they find the cannabis in your system. Should I go in that direction I will have to be weaned off the pain medication I am currently taking.

Combining cannabis with my pain meds would result in an overdose. I have seriously been thinking of going in the direction of cannabis and will discuss it with my doctor again at my next visit. Getting off the pain meds is not done overnight, it can take several months and I am willing to do whatever it takes if it will help.

What is the topical roll-on you use? Is it the CBD? Your post is very informative and I appreciate it, it is just a bit confusing, hence the questions. Thanks so much for your input.

@Moonchilde wrote:
If it is legal where you live, I completely agree with @patbz. There are many types of cannabis and many ways of using/taking it, and doctors who specialize in medical marijuana patients who can guide people to products. Using a cannabis product does not need to make you high.

There is also a derivative of cannabis called CBD. Pure CBD (without any psychoactive agents) is legally able to be sold and mailed to all 50 states. It also helps arthritis pain. It's not cheap :-(

I use both types because I am in California, and both types help me. I have a topical roll-on product that contains both. When my knees or ankles are hurting I apply it and within 15-20 min my pain is gone. I never feel a single thing but relief of pain. I was at a friend's house on the 4th. She mention that the time I'd let her use the roll-on for pain she had, she was without pain for *three days.*

Other than that, most doctors recommend prescription strength ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), but these are not great things to take daily over a long period of time for multiple reasons. Since I started using pure CBD and cannabis my Advil use has literally dropped 90%.

There are also various OTC and prescription creams and rubs.I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations for those.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

meem120 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 22:13:49 GMT

Hemp oil. It does wonders. Amazon

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Kachina624 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 22:20:10 GMT

@nana59 wrote:
I was diagnosed with 2 kinds of arthritis in 2002.....nothing has been successful with pain relief....i currently have $2,000 worth of Humira in my frig......that didn't work, either......i'm thinking about doing research on cannabis......

@nana59 My friend tried it and said it's okay if you don't mind going through life in a fog. The only thing that's worked for me is the NSAID Lodine.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Moonchilde — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 22:35:49 GMT

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Moonchilde wrote:
@SeaMaiden wrote:
@patbz wrote:
Medical cannabis helps DH with RA.
@patbz yes! If cannabis had been available and LEGAL as it is now in the state of Washington back years ago when I was in dire pain from my knees and my hips I would have bought that rather than eat aspirin and ruin my stomach.

It's very difficult to convince people to try it, when all their lives most baby boomers and the generation after have either been taught to regard it with horror, or remember only the uncontrolled, unregulated weed of the 60s. People are still positive that the only reason anyone would use it is to get high, and that if they use it at all they will soon be addicted or go on to harder substances.

I think that if a person ever had to care for someone with terminal cancer or severe ongoing pain, they'd change their mind.
@Moonchilde And for pets in pain as well! Many companies are formulating cannabis for dogs and cats .

Yes, very true. And like with acupuncture, there's no "placebo effect" in animals -f it works, it actually works.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

q-girl — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 22:41:29 GMT

@Lindsays Grandma I have recently made this journey. This time last year I was taking Oxycodone 30mg 4xday, OxyContin 20mg 2xday, Fentanyl patch 25mcg, along with Celebrex, Topamax, Savella, Zanzflex, and meds for sleep. I was taking these for Fibromyalgia and for Degenerative Spine disease which resulted in radiculopathy to both lower extremities, my right arm, and pain & numbness in my right shoulder, neck and face. Despite the meds I was in constant pain. I returned to my original Pain Management doctor (who I left in 2010 due to an insurance change) who felt that I would do much better on medicinal marijuana since the narcotics were obviously no longer effective for me. She placed me into the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program. From November until March we slowly weaned the narcotics until all that was left was Oxycodone 30 mg 3xday. At that time I started on the Medical Marijuana. I take in the form of a lozenge that dissolves under my tongue. It dissolves quickly, provides excellent pain control WITHOUT any " high" or the nasty side effects of the narcotics. Presently, I have continued to wean the Oxycodone to 15mg 3xday, I no longer take muscle relaxers or sleeping meds, and I take only half the dose of Celebrex as previously. I do not live in a fog.

This was a life changing experience in a positive way for me. I live with minimal pain, I sleep through the night, I am no longer cranky every day.

I hope my experience sheds some light on this issue for you.

Wihsing you the best with this . . . .and hugs !!

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Moonchilde — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 00:38:53 GMT

@meem120 wrote:
Hemp oil. It does wonders. Amazon

Beware when "shopping." Pure CBD oil is sometimes advertised as "hemp oil."

"CBD oil is the short form of the term cannabidiol oil. Cannabidiol is a natural component of industrial cannabis or hemp. CBD oil is cannabis oil that has a significant content of cannabidiol. It is made from the flowers, leaves and stalks of hemp and not from its seeds like hemp oil."

Pure CBD oil is extremely, extensively purified and concentrated from the whole plant (and nearly all is lab-certified as to content), not just the seeds as "hemp oil" is. That's why it's so expensive. It's a specially-grown, highly purified hemp oil.

Hemp oil that isn't processed properly, on the cheap, will not give the results that a well-processed pure high-content CBD oil will. If the price is too good to be true, there's a reason. It's also grown organically for medicinal purposes, not industrial purposes, to have especially pure, high CBD content. If indeed industrial hemp seeds only are used to make an oil, it will be much less effective than the good stuff.

Key words:

- Whole plant

- Organically grown

- Lab/quality tested (third-party)

- CO2-extracted

- Includes natural terpenes & phytochemicals

Edited to add: The reason companies are sometimes insistent that the word "industrial" be included is because it's DEA legal only when classified as an industrial byproduct.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Moonchilde — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 23:01:26 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
@nana59 wrote:
I was diagnosed with 2 kinds of arthritis in 2002.....nothing has been successful with pain relief....i currently have $2,000 worth of Humira in my frig......that didn't work, either......i'm thinking about doing research on cannabis......
@nana59 My friend tried it and said it's okay if you don't mind going through life in a fog. The only thing that's worked for me is the NSAID Lodine.

There is no "fog" unless you choose for there to be one. I can do that if I want to; 90% of the time I don't want to (ain't got time for it). It's just as effective without, so there's no need unless you want that.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

Moonchilde — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 00:21:53 GMT

@Lindsays Grandma, I've read that about pain management clinics before. It makes no sense to me. There's no real reason cannabis and other drugs can't be used together (in the symbiotic sense, not at the same time). I personally think the MDs are worried about drug-seeking patients and patients likely to OD on narcotics. They don't want to be responsible legally if a patient uses both. There has never been a documented case of "death from marijuana."

There are roll-ons with just CBD. But it's widely known that the good effects of CBD work better with a little THC (the psychoactive part of marijuana) mixed in. The one I use has just enough THC in it to kick the CBD into high gear. I don't "feel" anything at all from it except pain relief.

CBD actually counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC. There is a fast-growing segment of the MMJ (medical marijuana) industry that creates combinations of THC with CBD so that you get the benefits of both without ever feeling high.

Here in the Wellness forum, there are two different threads with "CBD" in the title that I've contributed to. They're fairly long now ;-) with a lot of information. They're both off the front page but I think one or both of them would be on page 2-3, for anyone who wants to "study" ;-) I'm happy to answer any questions.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

SilleeMee — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 23:49:05 GMT

I have a lot of joint inflammation all over from scleroderma. I do not take any rx meds whatsoever. I take standardized turmeric. It works well on my inflammation and pain. Most credible sources say to take 1500mg per day, divided into two or three doses with food. Make sure that the turmeric you buy is standardized and that it contains piperidine (black pepper) which makes the actives absorb in your gut which would otherwise pass through without effect. It can take several weeks for some people to feel any effects, so be patient.

Re: ARTHRITIS PAIN, WHO KNEW?

kermiefrog — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 00:09:54 GMT

I am using KT tape on both of my knees. Lots of runners and tennis players and other athletes swear by it. I am definitely not an athlete, but I have two bad knees. My daughter uses KT tape for her shin splints so I decided to see if it would work on my knees, and it did. I can wear a strip of it for several days as it stays put regardless of sweating, swimming, bathing, etc. It might be worth researching it on Google. I have also begun seeing tv commercials on it. Good luck!