Can there be any relief??

[winnieann]

Hi all!  I am new to this forum and have been reading all of your messages.  A lot of you are just like me...wanting to find something to help with the pain.  I am 58 yrs. old and take Celebrex for a disc problem in my back.  Then, a few months ago, I noticed that my hip was paining, then my wrist, then my shoulder...My hip has become the worst - it keeps me from sleeping most nights since that is the side I sleep on.  Celebrex does half the job, but I end up using Tylenol Arthritis in addition many days.  My doc tried Ultram, but it made me sick.  I haven't been back yet, but want to make another appt.  I have tried some natural things.  They really don't work. Have any of you tried any that do work?  I retired from work last June to sit with my new granddaughter - and these aches, stiffness, and pains really do put a cramp in my fun with her!  I am really afraid that if this keeps getting worse, I won't be able to watch her anymore.  I don't need to tell you how that would break my heart!  I don't want to take things for pain when I am watching her, and there are some days that I don't even need the Tylenol, but there are days when I need something to help me get thru the day and night.  I wish there was something that I could take that wouldn't make me sleepy during the day or so (constipated) sorry! - that makes a whole other problem.  I guess what I am asking is if anyone knows of anything or has used anything that I can talk to my doctor about?  Thanks for listening, Linda

[txsilver]

Hi!  I am glad you posted as many are searching for alternatives to relieve pain.  Dnmh has written great suggestions - I am a huge fan of Biofreeze but when I cannot find it I use StopPain which is comparable.  I also have had moderate success with arnica montana.  It is an herbal remedy that comes in both oral and topical forms.  Another solution I have used are the heat patches and wraps.  Most last 8 hours and help me get through the night.  Only a problem when I have hot flashes :)

[Dnmh]

Hello, and welcome to the arthritis community! I too am a grandmom, raising my 3 yr old grand-daughter, so completely understand your dilemma!  I have OA in my lumbar region, and I hate taking prescription meds myself. I get relief on bad days using cold packs and taking Ibuprophen. For me at least, the pain is caused by inflammation, and those two remedies help bring it down. Another alternative is Biofreeze. It kind of works like Icy Hot, only in my opinion, better. Plus, the smell goes away really quick. Some people benefit from Capsasin creams as well. One other thing that can help is prednisone. Temporary, short term usage has little to no side effects.

Hope other post their solutions soon!