Hi Sherry,
I posted here a couple of days ago and I also have degenerative disc and joint disease. I have had 2 hips and 2 knees replaced and 4 spine surgeries. I had a titanium fusion on L4-5 in '97. I went to a Rheumatoligist for the first time yesterday and was told there is nothing we can do for our pain EXCEPT pain management. He is sending me to pain management also. I have been in pain management before, several years ago and that really just involves them regulating your pain meds.the Rheumy Dr. upped my vicadin yesterday and said "if" it was RA it would be treatable. I know how much pain you are in! I have suffered Osteo And/or Degenartive joint disease for many years and I am only 57. I am having both shoulders operated on this month due to spurs also.
I HAVE taken the shots. some of them lasted 4-5 months and some lasted 2 weeks.
I am on Medicare now also. have you had more than one opinion? I went two years with a hip replacement that had come loose and became infected, saw 6 different doctors and had MRI's, Bone Scans, Sonograms. and I was at the end of LIVING when I finally tried ONE more Specialist and it took him 45 seconds of looking at a simple xray to confirm my hip was loose. spent 4 months in hospital on strong IV antibiotics and 2 more surgeries.
Please seek another opinion before giving up Sherry. I am praying for you.
Good Luck and HUGS,
Patty