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Posted 10/7/2012 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
I finally got in with a rheumatologist. She ordered X-rays of all of my joints. I knew I had oa in both knees but the X-rays revealed that I also have it in my si joint.
I can't take NSAIDs because of kidney issues. She didn't prescribe me anything yet. She said she wanted a more recent kidney test. I'm curious to see what methods you all use. I have my knees pretty well figured out (they've been arthritic over half my life) but the si joint is causing more pain in my lower back and my heating pad and ice don't seem to be helping.
Posted 10/7/2012 12:48 PM (GMT 0)
Ask for a physical therapy referral. A PT was able to teach me some gentle stretching exercises to help ease the pain. Sometimes I have to do some exercising before I get out of bed in the morning.
I find it helps to be sure my hips and knees are always supported and my knees flexed when I sleep. I use a pillow under my leg when I sleep on my side, and move it under my knees on the rare occasions I turn to my back. Laying on my back with legs straight out is a ticket to si pain and back spasms for me.
Heat helps when I'm having a bad day. I like the stick-on heat pads because I can move around with them on and wear them all day. Cold always makes it worse for me.
Strengthening my abs also has helped. When my back starts twinging, it reminds me to tighten my core to help support the back.
Tylenol arthritis taken two to three times a day can be helpful. Remember that it takes effect more slowly than NSAIDS; for me it takes one to two hours to be effective, so I tend to take it routinely to try to prevent the pain.
I have Tramadol to take for arthritic pain not eased by my other meds. It does help a lot, but makes me sleepy so I usually hold it until bedtime.

Of all the measures I've used, I believe the exercises and core training have helped me most. I hope you find your combination soon to relieve the pain.
Posted 10/7/2012 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
AV,

I am glad to read you had an appointment with a rheumatologist and you have identified exactly where all  your trouble spots are.  I have been fortunate as so far I do not have problems with my knees.  My OA is in my joints of finger and toes as well as my spine but I do well as far a pain control.  I do have pain meds from my Dr. should I need them but usually get by with Motrin.

When you have other medical problems it makes it tougher to find what works for pain and what you can take safely.  Although Tylenol  may be a suitable analgesic choice, this determination should be made in consultation with  your  doctor or pharmacist to consider other factors such as your current medical conditions, other medications you may be taking, and any potential need for monitoring.

Great idea re physical therapy consult. My husband, who has OA, benefited immensely from exercises he learned through physical therapy. 

Happy Sunday to you and I wish you the best in finding what helps with your pain.

 

Posted 10/9/2012 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
My rheumatologist suggested core training and adding light weights to some of the exercises I do for my legs. The problem we are running into is because of a genetic condition I have my tendons and ligaments are not always where they should be. This can cause me to accidentally injure them while performing even low impact exercises. My dr has ordered an MRI to help with this.
I've been using a heating pad and a muscle relaxer at night to help with the muscle spasms and that seems effective. I've Al's incorporated some stretching right after I wake up.
I think I'm pretty adjusted to having pain at all times. I've had oa in my knees since I was 12. My hips are just knocking me through a loop because my normal bag of tricks (heat, ice, Tylenol, low impact exercise, hot baths with Epsom salt) aren't helping. I'm wondering if some of this is from the bone spurs we found on my hips in the X-rays.
Thank you for the pt idea! I hadn't thought of asking for that and I'm sure a therapist knows things that may help! I'm going to call my rheumatologist and ask. Overall, I just want to say thanks for the support. :)
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