What do you take for arthritis? Does it help?

peanutcat said:

Gel

I wonder if Voltaren Gel will help Degenative Disc Disease. I just had an MRI Thurs and that is what is causing my back pain. My primary refered me to another doctor. I'm waiting for the appt. Right now I'm taking Perciset which I don't want to stay on. What do you think?

Cathy

Hi, I also have degenerative Bone/joint disease..I'm a bit curious about your MRI..I just had one 2 months ago..I have 2 bulging discs..what did they tell u about your MRI?.I've had back issues for 20 years..tell me your story

sweetvickid said:

just remember prolonged use

just remember prolonged use of ibuprofen can damage the stomach and intestines.  Don't take any longer than 2 weeks with a two week break before taking again.  I find accupuncture gives me the best relief.  Also don't use hot compress.  It doesn't work on inflammation.  Use cold compress for like 10 minutes and take it off for 20 before using again.

I've taken ibuprofen for pain after working outside too hard Vicki and found that if I took it over several days, that my stomach would get upset, so, I watch my taking of it now. 

jnl said:

I was wondering too if

I was wondering too if naproxen is a prescription or if I can buy it over the counter.  My doctor has recommended physical therapy and pain pills for now, but, I don't want to take the pain pills often.  He also said he could do some outpatient surgery for me that if I was a candidate, would help me for about 6 months possible.  But, I don't want to have to keep doing that if the pain comes back and he said it probably would.  Kind of lost..

Leeza

I have a friend that has physical therapy for pain and she says it really helps her Leeza.  I hope it helps you too, so, you don't even have to consider any surgery.

Hugs, Megan

RozHopkins said:

Arthritis

Apparently I have arthritis in both shoulders and top of spine enough that it showed up in bone scan.  Makes it very difficult to exercise, even Yoga.  If I put a hot or cold pack on for even a few minutes when it starts up it helps me.  It's a daily thing now sadly.  I have just bought one of those spray on heat treatments and haven't used it yet but I will tell you what I think.  I also don't want to take more pills of any sort if possible, there is always the injections they can give if in the joints if very painful which I mostly hear work well.  Good posture may help, hence the Yoga.  They say oily fish such as kippers, sardines etc are good.............  Anti Inflammatories, but they are more tablets.  Hope you become more pain free one way or another.

Are you feeling better?  Is the pain better for you?  I understand you don't want to take pain pills.  Maybe just if you have a day that you really hurt, you could take one.

gagee said:

Hope not to late with suggestion...

My sister uses Wellesse. It is a liquid and you mix it in some thing. Well i am not sure if she mixes it or drinks it straight but she swears by it. You can get it at CostCo and Sam's Club. Probably other drug stores also.  It is not really expensive if you buy it on line through CostCo. You acturally get almost twice the amount for half the price.  

Wondering how you're doing with the pain, is it better?

jnl said:

Thanks Doris!  The voltaren

Thanks Doris!  The voltaren gel sounds like it is something that I want to discuss with my doctor.  I've never heard of it. 

That's why this board and you pink sisters are all super amazing!

Leeza

I am going to see a pain specialtist doctor today because I've had a stiff neck for about a month now and can't get rid of it.  And, it's only one side.  Anyone else have this?

pegalina said:

MRI

Hi, I also have degenerative Bone/joint disease..I'm a bit curious about your MRI..I just had one 2 months ago..I have 2 bulging discs..what did they tell u about your MRI?.I've had back issues for 20 years..tell me your story

A girlfriend just got diagnosed with a bulging disc and she is taking steroid shots.  Are you doing that?  She says they help a lot, better than surgery.

Lynne

desertgirl947 said:

I just do Ibuprofen 800s as

I just do Ibuprofen 800s as needed. I have to be feeling more stiff and sore than usual to get myself to take the Ibuprofen.  (Mine is by prescription, which saves me $$ with what I have with my insurance.  Also, it is better to take the 800s 2-3 times in a day than the ones that are only good for 4-6 hours.  The 800s dissolve more slowly.)

Do be careful of taking too many Ibuprofen and never on an empty stomach.  They are great to take for pain, but, can do a lot of damage to your insides if not taken right.