Pain relief

[chutch]

The pain started in my lower back and hips in my late thirties.  Ten years later I was finally diagnosed with osteoarthritis after an ex-ray showed severe degeneration of the spine.  The disease had now spread through my entire body.
After many visits to various specialist the only treatment they could offer was in the form of  :Paracetamol 500mg / Dihydrocodeine 20mg to control the pain.  I have been taking 6 to 8 tablets a day.  the pain never goes away but it does make it more bearable.  
My concerns are for the addictive properties of this medication and if the flu like aches and pains I experience, when the medication wears off, is due to my condition or the medication.
I would be glad to hear foam other sufferers who use different forms of medication if they also have this type of pain.  I have been on this medication for so long and suffer too much pain when I miss a dose that I don't know if it's side effects or typical symptoms of the disease.   Any advice from other sufferers or their experiences with medication would be very welcome.























paracetamol

[chutch]

I had a blood test for Reumatoid Arthritis earlier this year when bones in the the sides of my feet started to swell and were very painful, they still are a bit, but it was clear, that was with my new doctor.  
I used to have cortisone injections in my spine and hips but they will not give me any more as they say long term they do more harm than good.
I am a patient at the pain clinic in Eastbourne and will be starting a pain management course in February next year, I hope that will help but in the mean rime I will go back to my doctor and discuss alternative forms of medication.  Having read up on Dihydrocodine  I would like to come off it and find out exactly where I stand regarding pain caused by my condition versus withdrawal  symptoms.  Thanks again.

[NewLeaf]

I took the liberty to read your MedHelp home page and noticed you are in the UK and recently moved which more than likely means you have a new primary doctor because of the move. Hopefully a new doctor will have a fresh look, new opinions and treatment options. Don't be a fraid to talk about the symptoms you have if you miss a pain med.

Find out if it really is Osteo versus a Reumatoid type of arthritis since you mention you now have it all over. Osteo generally is only from wear and tear repetitive motion and/or weight bearing and doesn't move to all over your body. Most of us here know where you are and understand the pain and frustration you are going through.

Take care and I wish you all the best - Good to see you here on the forum. Keep in touch.

[chutch]

That's the problem, I don't know if my OA or side affects.  I think I will talk to my doctor and see if there is an alternative medication to control the pain and discuss withdrawal with him.  I know there are medications that can help with that.  I know I couldn't go cold turkey.
My previous doctor said I would just have to find the right level of pain control versus side affects and offered no alternatives.  But I have a new doctor who may be more helpful as the pain is getting worse and the tablets less effective.
Thank you NewLeaf for your time and advice.

[NewLeaf]

Sounds like your flu like symptoms may be addictionn withdrawl symptoms if you have been taking this medication for so long. Don't beat yourself up over this, you have a grave debilitating condition and if I were you I would talk to my doctors and see if there were any other medications that you could take as well as getting a better picture of the disease process that may be happening.

Perhaps a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and medications that may also help stop the degeneration process if they are available.  Wishing you all the best.