Arthritis meds -private or pointless

[Suzi888]

Posting for traffic (sorry).
My mother is approaching 80, suffers with arthritis, cramp and shooting pains down both thighs.
She’s not able to have a hip replacement.
Any success stories for relieving the pain please?
She’s had codeine and paracetamol from her G.P. She’s had X-rays (it’s very bad/ arthritis going into her spine). She’s had steroid injections.
She’s very wary of taking medication as some of it has had an affect on her bowels and she can’t move fast!
Would it be worth paying privately or pointless ?

I have spinal arthritis along with many other pain conditions and I take co codamol along with nortriptyline which acts to deaden the nerves when used for pain relief

Keeping my spine moving is very important, I do yoga but could she try some gentle stretching?, heat pads could also help

I wouldn’t bother with a private referral to be honest, I do however use a private physio once a month

Thank you for taking the time to reply @Tomnooktoldmeto would you mind me asking if you are in the U.K. I haven’t seen heard of nortriptyline, I’ll have a google.

I take gabapentin for sciatica and hip arthritis

She could try a private physio who might be able to suggest some gentle exercise for mobility and pain relief. Why can't she have a hip replacement.

Hi @Suzi888 yes I’m in the uk, in a previous life I actually treated pain all day long

Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline are antidepressants but are commonly used in low doses for chronic pain relief, Gabapentin is an epilepsy drug also used for pain relief, I’ve used it in the past but personally am concerned about some of it’s possible side effects

There should be a pain team in the hospital that your mum could be referred to however the GP is able to prescribe Nortriptyline without referral

Sadly it’s likely your mum will have to accept some level of pain but it should be better managed than it is at present

Thank you all, I’ll look in to Nortriptyline. @Viviennemary her heart isn’t in the best condition, she also doesn’t heal well when she’s had breaks in the past. She broke her ankle and didn’t walk properly for two years, it had to be broken and reset again, it still swells to this day. She’s now too nervous to have surgeries and she’s left it a bit late now. The G.P doesn’t suggest surgery anymore. She already has a high pain threshold and I can see she’s really suffering now. I’m afraid of what the future holds for her, she won’t use a wheelchair, she can’t sit comfortably, can’t stand for long, has constant cramp in her legs and shooting pains. I’ll suggest a trip to the doctors and see if she can be referred for physio. It’s something that’s been mentioned, I think she just wonders how it could help her.

Would think it could be worthwhile getting a private consultation with someone who's specialist in arthritis and specifically in elderly.
No harm getting a second expert view anyway especially in view of her pain.

That is a shame. I know somebody who had a hip replacement at 90 which is unusual. I absolutely agree with getting a second opinion from a private specialist. They hopefully can advise the best way forward. Hope things improve soon.

Sounds a good idea, I’ll have to look into that @saoirse31.