Just need some help

[musicdude565]

I am a 49 year old male. I developed degenerative joint disease back around 2000.{ Yes, I was only 37} I have since been through 4 surgery's, and have been on very strong narc patches, lortab 5's 7.5's and 10's. Right now I am taking 7.5's. Before my first hip replacement I was on the patches. When I came off them I thought I was going to die. I have arthritis pretty much everywhere, and to be honest, I'm not sure that stopping this med is even possible for me. On the other hand I know that taking them for this prolonged period of time has got to be killing me. I am open to any suggestions. I am reasonably sure that if I were to stop, I would have to be hospitalized. I have ran out a few times, and believe me, I become an unhappy camper. Thanks for taking the time to read.

[tulsa1966]

I was tested for years b4 they gave me a dx of lupus. And I still think they are wrong. I do have some of the traits but they also mimic rheumatoid arthritis. I too feel hopeless and some days just downright picked on and isolated. But since i started here I feel a little better. I am glad that you are here. Stick around.

[musicdude565]

  Hello,
   Thanks for the response. I have had both hips replaced. First one was 5 yrs ago, and the second was Oct. of last year. The scientific name for what I have is avascular necrosis. The bad part is that now my left leg is 1-1/2" longer than my right, and now my back is all messed up. Still wearing a shoe lift part time, but doc wants me to give it up in hopes that things will adjust themselves. I'm no doctor, but I don't see that happening. I hate to sound full of doom, but I think I'm doomed. Oh well, at least I'm walking again for now. They have ran a bunch of tests on me attempting to find out why this happened to me at age 37, but they haven't been able to tell me anything yet. Well, thanks again for the comments, and I hope you get better soon.

[gnarly_1]

hey you guys we have a pain management forum that may be helpful to both of you here is the addy
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Improve-MedHelp-Suggestions/Pain-management-forum/show/536301

[tulsa1966]

You said first hip replacement. How many have u had? How were you diagnosed? I don't mean to be nosy, it took almost five years to diagnose me and til then i was told to lose weight by a 4'10" 89lb doctor. At the time I thought it must be in my head. Then got mixed up with the pills vicodin. two weeks ago i quit and all hell broke loose. All of my joints started swelling.  I finally relented and started taking just one in the am and one in the pm. So far so good. You should just know two things. 1. You came to the right place for support and like minded people. 2. You do have options.

[tulsa1966]

Hi I guess what you have is the male form of Lupus, that is what i have and am going thru simular crap. I tried to give up the meds only to have to go back on. The joints won't allow me to be off them. But now i only take as directed or less. This sh** is the worst. Just got an email from doc today with MRI results that says it is now in my back. What else can go wrong? I can't tell ya what to do but at least try and go back down to be able to tolerate the pain of the joints.