HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Suggestions?

Support Forums
>
Chronic Pain
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/21/2011 5:53 AM (GMT 0)
 I have been dealing with hip pain for a little over 5 years now. Slowly but surely the pain has got worse. I tolerated it and dealt with it with over the counter meds for a couple of years.  My mobility has also decreased over this period. This year I had to go thru a urological procedure which knocked me off my feet for a while. During this down time I noticed my hips began to lock up, there was much more pain and my ability to walk became compromised. While recovering from the urological and dealing with the lack of movement I developed blood clots/ pulmonary embolysms in both lungs sending back to the hospital for another 3 weeks. Thru all this my hips continue to get worse and the pain is severe and constant.

I was prescribed Tramadol about a year back and that just takes the edge off when I'm not moving around. I had also taken Indocin in the past for acute gout pain, this med seemed to work well right at the joint but I can not take it any longer. As of right now they have diagnosed that both my hips are in need of replacement, cartillage is gone in both hips and it's bone on bone. My problem is that because of the blood clots I will be on blood thinners for appx. 6 months so no hip surgery before then. Right now I am only taking Tramadol for pain and the blood thinners rule out other types of pain meds. Any suggestions as to other meds that would be appropriate for my pain and mobility issues.

Posted 5/21/2011 7:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Borimer~

And welcome to the Chronic Pain forum! I'm sorry you're suffering with so much pain and can't seem to get any relief. Two thoughts came to mind. One, have you been referred to a pain specialist? I would think they have the knowledge to give you the help you truly need. Also, ...please don't be offended by this one.... there are medical practitioners who are pain psychiatrists who counsel those of us who live with pain 24/7. Many members here have used their services with good results. They can help you deal with your situation emotionally and possibly suggest other treatments.

I hope you can find some answers from our members who have experienced a similar situation.

Hugs,
Chutz
Posted 5/21/2011 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Borimer,
if your not seeing an Pain Management doctor, then trying to find a good one may
take a little time but would be worth it. Only a good doctor would be able to find
you that right medicine combo, as some medicines can depress the respiratory
system so you need a good doctor to work with you..
Others will come by with better answer so pay attention, and remember we can only
offer up advice and support, but this is a good site, Welcome...
Well wishes
Posted 5/21/2011 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Borimer!

Welcome to the "Chronic Pain" forum!

Were sorry to hear of you're health issues, and when it comes to chronic pain, you have come to the right place for support! You will find the members warm and friendly, thats for sure! wink

It really sounds like Chutz and Chartreux have already given you excellent suggestions, and I agree with them. Your PCD or a PM will be the best source of the information you are seeking. While we are not Dr's, we can, and do share our personal experience's.

There are many pain med's out on the market that may be scripted, without thinning the blood. My wife just had surgery, and while she was asked to stop her aspirin, she was allowed to continue to take her Hydrocodone for pain relief, clear up until the time of surgery. Many people do well on Oxycodone, and several other med's for pain management.

Again, it's best, and highly suggested to visit with you're Primary Care Dr when it comes to dealing with these types of question's, as they are, and should be the most knowledgable with you're health history.

We would love to support you anytime you need it, so please do continue to become an active member here and engage the members. We really do!... extend a warm welcome to you, and are glad you sought us out here on the web. We simply believe we are the best source of support here on the internet when dealing with chronic pain.

I would also like to invite you to take some time and read the "Chronic Pain 101" located at the top of our home page! There are many excellent articles there, and were sure they will be of great interest to you. We also offer a set of forum rules, if you would like to read them as well.

Again!...we warmly "Welcome" you!

Take care,

SEwink
Posted 5/21/2011 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the suggestions. I do have a new Primary care doctor at a University hospital who I feel is very good, I may just not be explaining my pain issues to him well. I was seeing a neighborhood pain specialist prior, he is the doctor who originally prescribed my Tramadol. But he was not very good, he did not even diagnose the seriousness of my obvious hip issues or refer me to an orthopedic doctor. He saw my mobility diminishing over time but only seemed concerned that I come in for an office visit every 6 weeks so my RX could continue to be refilled.  I was fortunate to not need much medical care until this arthritis hit me, but too many years of sports and construction have left me hobbled and in pain. I've been too naive with my pain mgmt. and with this new doctor I would like to be better informed and doing all that is possible to ease my condition. I am glad to have found this resource and plan to make good use of it.  
Posted 5/22/2011 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
It seems a lot of times pain specialists are only concerned with treating pain and are not overly concerned as to the why beyond knowing what is causing the pain. They probably assume that the patient is seeing another doctor to treat the underlying condition.

Medicine has become very specialized which is both good and bad. The days of being able to see just one doctor for ALL of your health needs are rapidly coming to an end.
Posted 5/22/2011 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
A pain management doctor is just that , a pain management doctor. They do not diagnose what condition it may be that is causing the pain, they just treat the pain. If you want someone who can also diagnose your condition then you need to look for either an orthopedic hip surgeon or a physiatrist. A physiatrist specializes in determing the cause of pain, as well as treating painful conditions.
Your GP can make the referrals if you need to have them for insurance , but you can also locate those specialties in your insurance handbook. They usually have a listing of participating providers and their specialties in medicine.
Best of luck to you,
sandi
Posted 5/23/2011 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
I’m sorry to hear that you are in pain and having mobility problems. There’s also another way to help you relieve your pain naturally aside from taking medications. I actually have a long history of physical pain. I was having migraines about 1x a week for years. Sometimes less and sometimes more depending on several factors. Before, I used to rely in taking medications, but it doesn’t give me a relief rather my condition got worse. When I start practicing Yuen method which I learned from Paul (YM practitioner) I realized that I was not having migraines but was just trigger with my stress and being negative in life. There are instances that I still have migraines but when I start doing the Yuen method and at the end of my practice my migraine was gone. Then after the clearing and corrections, I see to it that I am doing Yuen method daily to help me relax and improve the concentration of my mind and body. The benefits of energy medicine really gave me a better perspective in life.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply