Wellness

[Starpolisher]

I have Osteoarthritis and Osteopenia. I have been to the doctor and have also been tested to rule out Rheumatoid Arthritis.  I've had my wrists, ankles, shoulder, knees, right middle finger(r-rayed recently, it hurt so bad, I thought it was broken) and back x-rayed. All have Arthritis. I have a benign tumor in my right wrist(encondroma) caused by Arthritis. I have bone on bone Arthritis in both my knees and get Cortisone injections every three months which makes the pain manageable. It used to be that my Arthritis mainly bothered me when the weather was humid outside. Lately, it's starting to bother me more and more on a daily basis. My whole body aches some days and I can hardly stand the pain! The doctor gave me Meloxicam but I find myself having to take two Bayer Aspirin(500mg each) also to manage my pain. I also use a white liniment lotion which contains Camphor and Turpentine. It also helps. What else can I do? I'm starting to feel like an old bedridden woman! I'm 68. Anyone who has Arthritis with suggestions would be appreciated! 

[ThinkingOutLoud]

My first thought is do things that reduce inflammation (ie diet, turmeric supplement).

from google:

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties may ...
Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for a number of health conditions, including reduced pain and increased ease of movement in people with osteoarthritis. One study found that taking turmeric extract three times daily was comparable to taking a 1,200-milligram dose of ibuprofen daily.

[vsm]

I truly feel for you, @Starpolisher . As someone who has arthritis (though not as severe as yours) as well as osteoporosis, my orthopedist has also prescribed meloxicam for pain. I have two suggestions. First, meloxicam is very powerful and sometimes has adverse interactions with other drugs; I woudn't take aspirin with it (especially a full gram daily) unless my doctor okayed it.  Second, if your doctor is not an orthopedist, you might want to consider seeing one.  I wish you all the best.

[catmama]

I have both Osteoarthritis and Osteopenia.  The Osteoarthritis is not severe enough to warrant taking medications.  I have been using Turmeric and Glucosamine/Chondrotin for several years to hopefully ward off any any increase in the arthritis. So far it seems to be working.   I heard that collagen is helpful, but I haven't added that to my regime.

I hope you find something that eases your pain as I and millions of others who suffer from this understand what you are going through.

[chrystaltree]

I do have arthritis in several body areas but my pain is not as severe as yours. I suggest that you go to your doctor, explain your pain and ask for a referral to a Pain Control specialist.  

[Snowpuppy]

I agree trying dietary changes. Sugar and some artificial sweeteners are triggers for me.

Tumeric and Voltaren did nothing for me. Neither did Tylenol or aspirin.

I do get relief from ibuprofen but use it sparingly. Epsom salts baths work. Handful in the tub is enough. 

For topicals, I found a combination of pure camphor oil first, then apply Ben Gay Max Strength over it. I purchase from The Plant Guru. They also offer a blend for Muscle Relief.  I wanted to stay away from turpentine.

[tends2dogs]

@Starpolisher  My sister was recently diagnosed with RA.  She uses topical CBD roll on and Voltaren....not at the same time.   She said they have helped give her relief especially at night.  She also takes a low dose prednisone (10 mg) as needed and hydrochloroquin (sp?).  It has helped with her discomfort.  She refused the biologics for now and her doctor is okay with that. 

I hope you find something that works for you and gives you some relief.

[Forbidden Fruit]

A lot of good suggestions already given.  If you can, I would give acupuncture a try.  

Edited to add: Also, try looking into cold laser therapy. 

[ECBG]

I am so sorry that you are dealing with this.  Praying that you will find a workable solution.

[Kachina624]

@Starpolisher    I have the same arthritis in pretty much the same places as you.  Those cortisone shots lose their effectiveness with time so you can't depend on them for on-going relief.  For years I saw a rheumatologist and tried a variety of NSAID medications until I found one that was very effective.  If you're not seeing one, I'd highly recommend you do so.  Getting the right meds is a lot of trial and error.

For years I took a NSAID called Lodine (generic Edolac) and functioned normally with minimal discomfort.  After about 30 years of use with constant monitoring, it started affecting my kidneys and I was ordered off of it.  I've tried various alternative, none of which has been satisfactory.  I refuse to take narcotics.  Now I'm in the same boat you are except you have options whereas I do not.

If the medication you were prescribed doesn't work, ditch it and insist on trying another.  There are plenty available but a rheumatologist can give you the best guidance.