After fracturing several vertebrae and a rib, developing arthritis and degenerative disc disease as well, I’ve been through countless MD’s (orthopedists, neurologists, urologists, rheumatologists, etc). I’ve tried chiropractors, physiatrists, physical therapy, TENS, facet joint injections, and RF rhizotomy, without achieving any relief. I’ve used every anti-inflammatory med in the book, and worked my way through pain management programs to the point where they’re pumping me full of oxycontin. The drug, which pharmacists are reluctant to stock, barely addresses the pain and cause a range of unwelcome side effects. I’d just as soon ditch it if I can find something that works. Earlier this year I went through a trial for a morphine pump, at my doctors recommendation, but again, the side effects were monstrous, and I vetoed the idea of committing to a lifetime of drug dependence with a hockey puck sized lump in my belly that would require an abdominal injection of meds every 6-8 weeks.

My pain management MD is referring me to another Doc thursday. Any suggestions as to what I might ask him to consider as an alternative treatment? (alternative as in so far unexplored; I have no faith in herbal remedies, aromatherapy and the like). Don’t know what to do at this point; both the pain and the side effects are unbearable.
I’ve tried accupuncture and Celebrex (as well as a dozen different new and old NSAIDS) without any benefit.

The side effects of the oxycontin include a general mental cloudiness, which I could overcome, but also a common side effect, which is profuce sweating. I can’t sleep through a night without changing my clothes twice since I’m drenched with sweat. I know this is a also an effect of withdrawal, but it happens whether I take my regular dose on a regular basis or try to go without.

I was just wondering if anyone else experienced this sudden onset of symptoms? he will walk and then all of a sudden – bag legs wobble and he is unable to continue – and stops. He does not seem to be in any pain and is eating and everything as normal, aside from this symptom. I will be bringing him to the Vet on monday, but just wondered if anyone had anything like this happen ? I do not believe it to be arthritis as it was SUDDEN, and he is not very old. He’s always been very healthy and was just at the vet for a yearly check up last week, all was normal then too.

All of my life my legs have been the strongest part of me. I have walked many many miles all my life even to my mid 40’s. At that time I had gained some extra pounds and started dieting. I lost about 60 pounds. Actually I lost more weigh than I should have. I was strong at that time and used to go mountain climbing and also roller bladed.
I stopped my different physical activities for a few months and found I didn’t even have the strength to peddle a bicycle. After a while I noticed that when walking after a short distance my legs began to hurt unbearable. My left hip felt as if it would break. Also on inclines and uneven surfaces my legs would hurt really bad. The odd thing is sometimes my legs would just stop hurting and walking short distances were ok and then the next walk I would hurt really bad again. I have pushed myself walking everyday hoping this would go away and the exercise doesn’t seem to help. Im only 54 and my leg muscles are very strong but still I cannot walk very far without miserable pain. My mom had arthritis , is it possible I have the same thing or is this something that might be worse? I have experienced these same symptoms for at least 10 years and exercise doesn’t seem to help . Thanks for your help in advance

He is a 92 lb male german shepherd. 18 months. He already had elbow surgery so his front legs are week. the vet does not guarantee the surgery.Nor does it prevent arthritis.

I have juvenile rheumatiod arthritis in my knee and ankle and I reaaaally don’t want to take medicine because it upsets my stomach! I know I should do excersises, which I don’t really do because I always forget. Are there any foods that help? I’ve heard that cherry juice helps, but it tastes disgusting. And does icing the joints help? Or putting heat on them? Thanks

Its hard to have two baby gates i have to climb over every day when i have arthritis…

I was just diagnosed with a narrowing of the spine, bone spurs, slight bulging disk and ddd. I am only 33 and have never been in an accident or hurt myself or anything. Is this normal in someone so young and what do I have to look forward to in my later years? I am really scared that my whole life is going to be full of pain and surgeries! I have 2 small boys that need their mom to be strong and healthy!

My dog is 119 years old in human years and is in bad shape. He can’t see,hear or smell. He walks around whimpering all day and night because of all the pain caused from arthritis. I don’t want to shoot him or cut his throat or strangle him. Can anybody tell me something to put him asleep and not wake up?