Arthritis pain

Has anyone had a severe arthritis flare up come out of nowhere? Two months ago I woke up and couldn’t walk. I’ve been to the doctor, had cortisone shots, physical therapy and some prescription meds that didn’t do anything. It wasn’t a narcotic. I asked for something stronger and was told no. Is this my new “normal”? Any tips or suggestions would be most appreciated. I’m 69.

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dragonfly46 · F

I am diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in both hips. So debilitating I became bedridden. By the time it was diagnosed I was past shots, pain meds and PT. On the pain scale I was a solid 8-9 24 hours a day. I've been through some bad stuff in life, I mean the worst you can imagine. This situation was the hardest thing I've ever been through. To be active and then not...

4 weeks ago I had total hip replacement on my right side, left side by the end of the year. It's been a challenge. But I'm on my way back! Light at the end of the tunnel. Pain on that side is only a healing from surgery pain. Bad days a 3.

Don't know your situation but if a candidate consider surgery. Not sure if it's your hip or knee? Then a few things.
Get a good Surgeon that you trust completely. Have anterior if you can, posterior has more restrictions and healing time. If it's your hip.
Get a surgery date asap. Seems like a lot of people need it, first available was 3-6 month wait!
Go to the dentist and get any and all issues resolved. You'll need dental clearance. Infection in the mouth causes rejection of the new joint.

Good luck, I feel your pain, literally.

Mbingh01 · 61-69, F

@dragonfly46 so sorry to hear of all your pain that you’ve had. Best wishes an your upcoming surgery on your other hip🙏

dragonfly46 · F

@Mbingh01 Thank you. Hoping your flare up gets better. When ready, do the knee surgery. It's really rough, but it was the best decision I've ever made. My OA got bad real quick. I had a fracture of my femur by the time I was rolled in for surgery.

hunkalove · 70-79, M

@dragonfly46 How much did that cost?

dragonfly46 · F

@hunkalove I had a small copay. They classified it as outpatient but I ended up staying a few days. I think, not sure yet, my total out of pocket will be under a thousand. If I had left that evening or early the next morning it would have been under 200 dollars.

dragonfly46 · F

@Mbingh01 Also, there is no pain medication that can safely take away that pain long term. I eventually ended up with oral Voltaren. Took the edge off only. But without it, it was beyond excruciating.

Mbingh01 · 61-69, F

@dragonfly46 I use the Voltaren gel right now. It helps a little. A friend gave me a lortab recently and that was the only thing that really helped. I retired from hospital pharmacy and I know the strict rules and regulations. It’s almost impossible to get anything. A friend of mine that is a physician assistant told me unless it’s for cancer pain or postoperative they can’t write for anything that is controlled.

dragonfly46 · F

@Mbingh01 Switching over to oral might help. I was also given the muscle relaxant Meloxicam. Not together. Either or. Oral Voltaren only thing took edge off long term.