I'm new!

Hi to all. I ran across this site by accident looking for new material on arthritis and I have found the posts to be interesting and informative. I do not have insurance so my options are limited. I had a wonderful family doctor who retired a few years ago who would give me narcotics for occasional pain if I need it, which was once every 5 years or so. I tried nsaids and it landed me in ICU for 2 days with a GI bleed, so for pain the PM gave me Tramadol which helps only a little. My new family doctor 'don't give pain meds'. Last week I moved furniture so now I am paying for it! I may try some of the herbals mentioned on this site. I work part time and am on my feet during that time, which really aggravates the pain but I have to work. It does get so depressing to deal with the constant pain in addition to everything else we have to do, but such is my life. I have long ago given up hope that my life will ever get any better. Just needed to vent. I am glad to have found people who understand.  

Linda, I too suffer from DDD and OA with occasional sciatica so I know some of the pains you're suffering. One suppliement I suggest is geletin capsules. They're very cheap and do help me. Walmart carries them for $3. You must take them for a couple of weeks to start seeing a difference, but it helps.