ARTHRITIS AND RADIATING PAIN?

[opus88]

hi...I would like some feedback on some issues, I do have arthritis(osteo?) of the hips and DDD disease of the lower spine. I have terrible leg and thigh pain and take gabapentin for the neuropathy..this helps some..some days more than others. I have noticed when I take my celebrex(try not to use)..that the pain in my hips of course is less but also the thigh pain...so what I'm wondering does the inflamation in the hip joints radiate to the thighs?????
this pain(thighs) somedays is excruciating.
Any thoughts?

[opus88]

NSAIDS have a bad reputation for heart disease and stroke and he is totally against there use.
cortisone also has its risks...injury, precursor to diabetes and perhaps alot more.
And if the benefits only last for a few weeks whats the point also I think they will only do 3-4 shots a year.
So for me I must use the NSAIDS for some control.
thx for your reply

[txsilver]

Did your doc say why he does not recommend NSAIDS?  Cortisone shots have to be used carefully as they do leave you at risk for problems with tendons.  I have to say, they have made a huge difference for me when I have had them.  I got some in my back for pain into my hips and I was able to have a fab time on vacation and almost forget about my conditions.  Unfortunately, the effects do not last forever.  
Either bursitis or DDD could cause your leg pain.  I think a doc will have to determine which is the source.  I do hope you get relief soon.  

[opus88]

thx for the reply. I see a pain doc specials and he recommended NO NSAIDS however I have had to use at least 100mg a day. We are also trialing cortisone shots to the hips, I only had one so far it helped alot with the hip pain but only for 4-5weeks and really didn't help at all with the thigh/leg pain...I will go again in Sept.
I am also on 20mg oxycontin which really doesn't work that well but I refuse to up the dose unless I absolutely have no choice left......I think its more for my back pain anyway, I don't think opiates do alot for inflamation unless maybe in very high doses.
So I guess what I reallly need to find out............is the thigh/leg pain caused by the bursitis in my hip or is it from the degenerative disks in my back?
thanks again

[txsilver]

Bless your heart.  Is there something besides celebrex you can take for the inflammation and take it more frequently?  It sounds like you need some regular anti-inflammatories to keep things under control.