Painkillers for arthritis?

[windywillow]

Is there a painkiller I could take on a regular basis to ease the discomfort of arthritis? I have it in my hands, hips and knees.

My OH takes Diclofenac, he has suggested I ask my doctor to prescribe me some. I'm not sure that Diclofenac is a painkiller though.

Also, if Diclofenac is a painkiller, would it be safe for me to try a couple of his tablets? ... I take medication for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and digestive problems.

[Sqad]

Diclofenac is a "painkiller"

What are you taking for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and what are your "digestive problems" and what medication are you taking for them?

[windywillow]

I take Felodipine for blood pressure, Simvastatin for cholesterol, and Lansoprazole for digestive problems.

I was prescribed the Lansoprazole after telling the doctor about persistent heartburn, she prescribed Lansoprazole, saying that this would sort me out if I had an ulcer, so I am not sure if it is for digestive problems only.

[Sqad]

There should be no problem with Simvastatin or Lansaprozole., but there MAY be, just MAYBE with Felodipine.

Before going ahead "taking a couple".....just check with your doctor.

[Francis Asis]

Or the pharmacist at your local chemist's shop.

[rowanwitch]

you can buy low strength diclofenac over the counter now voltarol pain-eeze the tablets are 12.5 mg rather than the usual 25mg or 50mg and if you wanted to try them ask the pharmacist but it might be a gentler way to start...but Ibuprofen is in the same family of pain killers but all have the same side effects of increasing the risk of gastic irritation etc so they may make your heartburn worse...(the lansoprazole should protect from this though)

[windywillow]

Thank you very much for replies.

Would it be okay to take Co-codamol? on a regular basis? I have plenty of those. My OH thinks that Diclofenac will be a stronger painkiller, as it is only available on prescription.

[Sqad]

If Co-codamol works, then why change it?.It will be fine on a long term basis.

I am never sure why the Pharmacist is so often recommended rather than the doctor.

[rowanwitch]

Sqad.....my mum worked in a pharmacy for years....not a pharmacist but spent a lot of time in the dispensary...two or three times a day they would need to phone GPs to advise them of errors on prescriptions either incorrect doses or because of interactions between drugs the patient was already taking and the new prescription... with gp's having so little time for each consultation mistakes were inevitable computerised prescribing systems that automatically flash alerts for interactions/exceptions to recommended dose etc will hopefully eliminate this.
But even the DOH recommend and have had tv campaigns encouraging people to 'ask your pharmacist'

[Sqad]

rowan...mmmm!

[windywillow]

Thanks rowan. I didn't realise Diclofenac was available without prescription now.

Sqad, I am not sure how effective the Co-codamol is. I still get the discomfort, it doesn't take the pain away completely. I am wondering if a different (stronger) painkiller would be worth a try.

I know I should discuss this with my doctor - I just feel uncomfortable as I get the impression she thinks I am a hypochondriac. Also, the surgery is always extremely busy with patients who are much worse than me.

[Sqad]

windy ;-) O.K then try the Diclofenac.

[LoftyLottie]

Windywillow. I wouldn't take anything before seeking advice. I am an arthritis suffer and also have IBS which causes some digestive problems. For some months now I have been only taking Paracetamol for the pain and I have problems with most anti inflammatories. (This on the advice of the doctor who has told me if I can manage without he would be a lot happier).

I do appreciate how you feel. Arthritis is horrible. I have suffered for years.

You could try Ibuprufen, which could help a lot. And you can take Ibuprufen and Paracetamol together if you are really in pain. (Ibuprofen is an anti inflammatory and paracetamol a pain killer) But do see your doctor and discuss things.

I must say that Pharmacists are excellent with their knowledge of drugs and reactions etc, but I would see a doctor initially.

Hope things improve for you.

[windywillow]

Thanks Sqad. :-)

[LoftyLottie]

Didn't see your last posting before I posted my comments. Please don't think you shouldn't see a doctor because there are people with worse problems. Arthritis might not be a killer but it is serious and can really take away your quality of life. Even hypocondriacs can get ill and need doctors. (Quote by my doctor)!!;o)

[rowanwitch]

one other suggestion windywillow.... no confirmed scientific trials but recommended to my mum who has bad arthritis by a pain consultant two herbal type remedies ginger in its modified form sometimes sold as zinaxin or just eat the ginger itself or drink ginger teas and curcumin did seem to help...apparently there is some evidence that ginger has anti inflammatory properties.

[windywillow]

Thanks Lottie. I guess I am being over-sensitive about discussing it with the doctor.

Last time I mentioned the pain with my arthritis, I was told that most people get arthritis when they're "getting on a bit" - the doctor then held out her hand and said, "look - I've got it too".

She then said that if I lost some weight, my problems wouldn't feel so bad. It sort of gave me the impression that I should just "put up and shut up" if you know what I mean.

[LoftyLottie]

She is right about the weight loss! However, her flippancy about arthritis is not acceptable in my opinion. Yes lots of people do get it as they get older - wear and tear, but that doesn't mean it should be shrugged off. I try to live with mine without complaining, but sometimes it is very difficult when the pain gets too much.

[LoftyLottie]

(And I have had it since my teens)

[windywillow]

Many thanks for replies, all.

Rowan, that's interesting about the ginger, I've not heard that before and it's not something I would've thought of.

Lottie, sorry to hear you've had it for so long. :-(

[angiealf]

I use a "Tens Machine", it sends a mild electric current into the joint. It's only a tempory releif so you need to use it regulary. You can not over dose on it. Give it a go.