ive had osteoarthritis sonce i was 21 im 81 now doctors just say use pain pills what else can i do i
ihave had arthritis all my life i have no cartlege between 4th and 5th vert-- in my back i am very active but i am 81 years old i cant hardly sleep over3 hrs at nighti weigh 193lbs as long as im on my feet my back is hurting i have taken about all kinds of drugs for this but doctors have taken me off every thing but pain medicine such as ultram and tylnol im now afraid this medicine is going to damage my body elswhere, i take sometimes 3 ultram and 4or 5 tynol aday whitch helps some but i hurt most of the time anyway xrays show no nerves pinched doctors say aarthritis all up my spine is there any thinh more you can suggert, would a specialest be a proper move thank you
Lonnie---I have similar problems with OA in my back---I seldom take pain pills because they don't seem to help, they are masking the problem, and many have side effects that I don't want. Have you tried the warm water therapy pools available at many YWCAs, YMCAs, and Health clubs---they also have classes designed for your challenges. I've also found that when the pain gets really bad, I sleep in my reclier chair which seems to take the pressure off some of the painful joints. I've also found that putting pillows under my knees when I'm on my back in bed seems to relieve the pain somewhat. Try calling your loca lArthritis chapter for class schedules---they can really help!!!---Good Luck!!!
Pattye Snyder
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