Osteoarthritis

Has anyone had clarification of the degree of osteoarthritis and if so how was this diagnosed.  Were you allowed x rays to confirm the degree of damage.  I struggle more and more at work and would like clear diagnosis of where and how much osteoarthritis I now have in my body.  I have it in both hips and the bottom of my spine but with increasing pain I would like to know exactly how much I have.

I have severe osteoarthritis in both knees pain in lower back spondylitis and hip pain, does not matter if I stand sit or lie in pain 24/7 had to cut hours at work, walk with a stick, why wont doctors give knee replacement I'm desperate 56 but feel like 86 some days.

Hi ChristineAnn .Because of osteoarthritis ,I first had my left hip replaced in 2004 , and my right knee replaced in 2011 , but because of continuing pain across the lower part of my     back , my consultant authorised an MRI scan , which diagnosed degenerative of the lumbar spine . I have actually lost 5 ins in height . I have just come out of hospital after 2 months with an infection in the lower spine. The main painkiller given me was morphine , both in hospital and to come out with, but my own GP has prescribed pregabalin as being a more uptodate and effective painkiller . I would recommend that you obtain a referral for an MRI scan to detect how far your osteoarthritis has progressed .

It's 5.30 am and I am battling pain. The Tramadol is in the drawer here and I do not want to take them as I find they effect my mental abilities. I was scheduled for Orthoscopy last week however when I went for pre assessment they discovered Hypertension and now I have no idea when the surgery will happen. Steroid injections gave me two days in pain and three days relief. I sympathise with all of you as we have a condition with no cure other than surgery and painkillers.

I have just recently started taking tumeric capsules.  They seem to be helping. I have actually had a couple of good night's sleep. The tumeric is supposed to have anti inflammatory properties.  You can use it in cooking but I use capsules. There is also a paste you can make with tumeric,  coconut oil and black pepper  called golden paste. Worth a try?

Thank you Nessie1954.  Thank you for your advice.  I am due a visit to the doctors soon so will try to go down this route.  I feel that I need to know the extent of the osteoarthritis as my mobility is becoming increasingly difficult.  The only medication I take is codeine phosphate which does help quickly but can be addictive so I use sparingly.  Take care.  Thank you.

Hi My name is Lorraine I am 57 yrs old i was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both knees back in 2009. I am on tramadol/naproxen paracetamol/omeprasol and i hve cortisone injections in both knees evey 3 months nothing works realy they only take the pain away temperarely when its at its worst it knocks me right off my feet. My Doctor said im too young for knee replacements. it hurts getting out of bed in the mornings it hurts getting up of the settee ane getting up and down the stairs is a nightmare. I can no longer get in or out of the bath so its showers only now. It hurts if I stand for too long it hurts if i sit for too long.

Hi carol here X thank you to everybody who answered my post I have just nearly died I just got to hospital in time I went down to theatre 3 times and the last time I went down I was down for nearly 8 hours I had a blocked Duoderman X and I still in so much pain with my knees as it is affecting my back now I feel absolutely useless when I'm on the better side after Christmas I will try Aqua Areobics I'm also going to try the Vicks vapour rub later. I thank everybody for there thoughts I would be lost if it wasn't for this site so may I just say may you all have a Merry Christmas the best way you all can xxxx

I suffer from this painful condition in my feet,hands,knees.I Am 68 years old and have suffered for at least fifteen/twenty years.I had a accident and fell injuring my left ankle,this left me unable to walk or work for approx. twelve months.During this time while in phisiotherapy l suffered great pain,carrying out so called getting back in condition for work.I had two X-rays to check the progress,the first approx. Three months after the accident,to which I was told sometimes it can take a little longer to recover.After nine months it was decided to X-ray my ankle again,but this time an extra X-ray  was taken from through the bottom of the foot,and then the permanent damage was shown.I was told by the consultant,sorry to tell you the bones are somewhat fused together and the damage is not repairable.'But' there are two things that we can do for you.The first is you will be registered disabled and not be able to work on construction again.The second thing we can do for you is make you a special pair of boots that will help you walk,these boots were made with padding to stiffen the ankle sides.After some years past my knee developed swelling along with my hands.That was diagnosed as Osteoarthritis.I have taken medication of tramadol,anti inflammatory drugs for years,which keeps the pain level down.I have asked my Dr. for a knee replacement twice in the last tem years,examined by others,but told that not every knee replacement is successful.Really this right knee as compensated for the left ankle,that does not move as it should,due to the deformed shape,which starts to crack like electric shock.After a short period of walking the ankle swells which causes severe pain.I find that I now have to attend a medical interview the third time in three years to prove that I have a permanent injury,and unable to'work' at 68!This medical is to claim PIP.It is usually carried out by a registered nurse through an agency called Atol.The interview takes around fourty minutes,no examination at all,just questions that can help them make decisions of your capability to walk,and be called disabled.It is truly demeaning,to attend these interviews every year, as if by some miracle my bones will be healed,and revealed fit to walk and work again.My brother who is a consultant,and has attended these medical interviews,agrees.There that's off my chest so to speak,time to take my medication!! Best wishes to all who have read my rant. Merry Christmas,including all muslims.