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Osteoartritis

Posted , 5 users are following.

lyn65518
lyn65518

i have had osteoarthritis for 20 years now, I have severe low back pain and flank pain, I also get dark urine some times sore throat headache, As soon as I wake in the morning I feel ok no pain, but as soon as I start to move and do just normal every day housework my back and flank are really painful, it's ok if I don't do anything but I can't just sit there, I try to do yoga nearly every day, but it is not helping, I take ibroprofen 3 times a day but it don't do much, has anyone else have these symptoms, there is so many different types of arthritis that I am not sure if the doctors have diagnosed properly,  any help and support would be appreciated....

2 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Jan999
    Jan999 lyn65518

    Posted

    Hello lyn. I've recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in several joints, my shoulder, knees, hands and feet and like you wake up pain free. It's when I get up I'm stiff and in pain. I also wake during the night in pain. I take Naproxen with daily Omeprazole to protect my stomach, codeine phosphate and Nefopam. Did you have X-rays to confirm your diagnosis? My osteoarthritis was confirmed by the Xrays only recently.
    • lyn65518
      lyn65518 Jan999

      Posted

      I had ct scan 16 years ago which had severe degeneration of lower back going back then it felt not to bad but 2 years ago confirmed severe osteoarthritis by x rays. There are times when I have had sever neck pain my hands are bad and lower arm pain comes and goes, have had pain between shoulder blades left shoulder my left thigh and hip also had pain in my heel for 2 months but that has gone, I think that covers nearly all the body.
    • Jan999
      Jan999 lyn65518

      Posted

      Oh lyn I do feel for you. I read about osteoarthritis and think it's only in one or two joints. But we have disproved this however. This means we always have joint pain! 
    • lyn65518
      lyn65518 Jan999

      Posted

      Last September I moved a load of wood I ended up in walk in centre next to hospital they said I had some kind of trauma they did urine sample and it was quite dark with trace of blood, I had bladder checked and kidneys with a camera but they said everything was fine have not been same since, the consultant Said he thought it was some kind of spondylitis....
    • loxie
      loxie lyn65518

      Posted

      I have OA in several joints - one ankle and both thumb joints.  The thumbs apparently are commonly affected in post menopausal women as its a direct result of hormone levels reducing.  Hadn't heard about OA causing urinary issues though.  There is a form of arthritis called reactive arthritis which apparently results from an infection and is known to affect the urinary tract - might be worth questioning the diagnosis or it could be you have several different issues, ie OA and something else causing the urine problems.  Could the urine problem be related to medication ?  I often have  bladder issues taking NSAIDs (eg naproxen, ibuprofen, etc) and even paracetamol. I end up having to drink gallons of water to rectify it.  So sorry you are in such pain matron and lyn, it's so exhausting.  I have recently developed fibromyalgia too - I get so downhearted at times when the whole body hurts and nothing seems to help. xx
    • Jan999
      Jan999 loxie

      Posted

      Hello loxie I'm so sorry you've developed fibromyalgia. I've heard that is very painful as well. The problem is with these conditions there isn't a cure. They can only treat the symptoms in our case the pain and mobility. I was told last week at my hospital appointment I have OA in my thumbs. The consultant said she could tell just by examining them. I did have Xrays as well. 
    • bronwyn97278
      bronwyn97278 loxie

      Posted

      Hi Loxie, yep I am in same boat as you, but have been on Stronger Meds for nearly 10 years, but have never had the pain symptoms that Lyn is describing.  I feel it may be more in-line with kidneys??? as loin pain and dark urine (although dark urine could also be bile from her liver, which maybe a result of liver having difficulty breaking down meds??) I once pulled/strained my loin muscles about 18 months ago, by trying to likft something that was too heavy for me...rest and physio assisted this, but I am also on Nerve Pain Meds (Neurontin and Endep), perhaps you may need some Endep/Neurontin for your Fibromyalgia, as this is all I can get relief from the Nerve Pain which is coming from the Muscles/Fibromyalgia (the Endep also works as an anti-depressant for my emotions)....best of luck...Bron
    • loxie
      loxie bronwyn97278

      Posted

      Hi Bronwyn, thanks for the advice on meds, I am not finding much help from otc pain relief - ie paracetamol etc.  Anti inflamms help with the arthritis pain but not for the fibro and I've been unwilling to push for any of the opiates, eg tramadol, as I really don't want to get reliant on such nasty and addictive drugs.  There comes a point however when I'd willingly cut an arm off just to stop the pain sad  I was at a conference yesterday, hours of sitting in the car in traffic followed by hours of sitting on a hard chair, today is not a good day - everything hurts, my neck, shoulders, arms, back and knees and I'm so fatigued I cant think straight.  Took codeine this morning just to be able to get out of bed to get to work.  I'll probably have rotten stomach issues later because of it but to be honest I didnt care earlier, I just wanted it to stop.
    • bronwyn97278
      bronwyn97278 loxie

      Posted

      Hi ...just read your last piece...yep I agree re Osteopanadol (not seem to help me much either...but Rheumo insists)...I also have severe Fibro, and yes, I can understand your concern re the Stronger stuff...however, after putting up with the pain (and anger,misery etc) agree with my Rheumo and started on the Oxycontin...also find that Endep (amitryptaline) has really helped my pain and emotions..I also take 7.5 - 10 mgs of valium each night to assist with the neck/shoulders/arms/knees/fingers/toes/back/muscles/jaw joints.....stiffness..if I don't, I only get an hour of sleep at a time and then have to get up, have a cup of tea...masage/hotpacks (and yes, even 2 aspirin even though I am also on Voltaren with Pariet)...so maybe somewhere amongst that list, you may find something to help you...I do think maybe try some Endep, as I feel that is the best move I took, after trying lots of others (including Tramol...which did nothing)....as for protecting stomach, that's why I take the pariet, as I did develope an ulcer (the  "biggest bloody ulcer"  the surgeon had seen...and Voltaren is better than Brufen/naprosan etc......keep in touch, as I am thinking of you....Bron
    • loxie
      loxie bronwyn97278

      Posted

      I've heard others say that they had good results from amitryptaline - particularly for fibro as its often stress related.  I'll try getting my GP to listen to me next time and ask about taking that.  He prescribed naproxen for the OA pain and it does work to a certain extent for any inflammatory pain but it does zero for the fibro.  I cant take SSRI's, eg citalopram etc., as I had an allergic reaction to them but maybe amitryp will have better success.  I do hear what you say about just giving in and taking anything and everything - I find aspirin very effective and I know it shouldnt be taken alongside voltarol etc., but there are times when I'd take arsenic if I knew it worked *smile*
  • bronwyn97278
    bronwyn97278 lyn65518

    Posted

    Hi Lyn;  you didn't mention if you have a regular GP/Rheumatologist?  If you do, it could be a good idea to vist your GP, and provide a urine sample for Pathology, as dark urine is a sign of Many issues....dehydration, but also could be bile from Liver?  I always say, if concerned, speak to professional (medical),and it always is a good idea to have a regular GP/clinic where they have all of your records and can follow through on your condition and medications.  I also have Osteo, but my Rheumatologist actually suggested Pilates over Yoga, as more gentle of joints/muscles...I also understand re the Need To Be Doing Something, as even if our bodies don't co-operate, our minds need stimulation, hey?? and this is very frustrating....I always worked in a busy profession, and not being able to go out and contrubute to the household income/meet up with my co-workers etc, is limiting and there are times, that I wish that it were not so....As for your Ibropfren, if not helping, maybe that also may need reviewing (by a Rheumatologist), as there are other NSAIDS, plus also recommended is 2 x Osteopanadol, 3 times per day, as a start for pain control....and osteopanadol can be bought without a prescription, but my Rheumo says the panadol is the primary medication ....I am concerned re your Loin Pain, as this does not sound like anything to do with your Osteo, though.....so, please, visit your GP, and find that cause....an ultra-sound of kidneys is a start, with bloods done for Liver Function, and Kidney Function, plus other routines...good luck and keep in touch....Bron
    • lyn65518
      lyn65518 bronwyn97278

      Posted

      I have had blood tests done, I have seen a kidney bladder consultant, have had camera in bladder nothing is showing up, kidney specialist said it could be some kind of spondylitis, I only used to get severe low back pain but I get it in my knee hip thigh neck top of back I have had the heel pain which is quite normal with arthritis, my bones crunch and grind all day... I am fine when I am resting but doing anything is painful it don't stop me I just keep going, my hands are painfull as well. But spondylitis can affect the bladder and bowel...
    • loxie
      loxie lyn65518

      Posted

      so sorry you're suffering so much Lyn.  I really feel bad for you.  I had a friend with ankylosing spondylitis and I recall how much discomfort she had too.  I hadn't realised until I joined these forums just how many people are in total agony continuously, it makes me very sad to read of their distress and ongoing difficulties.  Arthritis in all its forms seems to be very much a forgotten or hidden disease and generally all we get from doctors is 'take a pill'.  I get so frustrated with my pain and reduced abilities and mostly with what seems to be total lack of interest from my GP.  I hope you manage to get a verified diagnosis and suitable treatment. xx
    • bronwyn97278
      bronwyn97278 loxie

      Posted

      Thankyou Loxie for those kind words:  yes i agree...Osteoarthrites is a very debilitating disease, which gradually progresses and worsens....and as it has been around for so many years (eons) that we do feel that the Researchers have given up...move onto something New...I have a very strong history of Arthrites in my family, going back for as many generations on my father's side, with all just being bed- ridden for last years with No pain relief sufficient to alleviate their pain.  Only in 2006, my aunt of 86 decided to have a knee replacement as she Couldn't Stand the Pain any longer, but never came home as she was too incapacitated with other joints to do the necessary Physio, and developed a blood clot which ended her life with a blod clot in brain (stroke...major bleed).  Not looking for sympathy, but trying to enforce your's and other's stories re  this disease .  I have been more fortunate in that I have a very understanding GP, and had worked with my Rheumatologist, who have both known me for over 30 years, and if I say "there is a new issue", they believe me and assist...I have joined the Australian Arthrites Foundation who send me regular updates on treatments/medications, or just a check-in...do any other countries have similar Groups for assistance?  Joining this forum has also kept me on the upper, knowing that others do have same issues, and understand...Thankyou again....Bron
    • bronwyn97278
      bronwyn97278 lyn65518

      Posted

      Oh Lyn...you have been through the wringer...and still going through it by sounds of it !!!  I am so sorry that you can't find the answers to satisfy you...and do understand how "down" you are and feel for you...I don't have as many issues as you, and still find it hard...however, by just getting on this computer (and yes my fingers suffer for doing so) and this site, helps me to vent my emotions, as I feel that all understand, as all have Something in their lives, like you, that keeps me going...don't stop blogging, as I have learn't so much, of so many illnesses, from others, that it helps me (emotionally and mentally).....Bron
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