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How Do I Improve My Worsening Chronic Arthritis?
Concerning severe chronic arthritis, lower back and hips, for over 40 years. Most recent prescriptions are Vicodin 50 mg, 1625 mg of acetaminophen, ibuprofen 2400 mg per day. Recently I have been receiving steroid (I think) shots in my spine, after 1st shots I felt real good, near pain free, for 3 days, then things went back to normal. 2nd shots about 6 weeks later, felt good for 7 days, then backwards. I have appointment for 3rd shots end of July, then I don t know what . My pain level is 0 at rest, 10 after only a couple of minutes of doing anything, walking, dishes, changing the bed sheets is brutal. Any suggestions? By the way, all my medical needs are from the V.A. I am 68 y.o. Regards, Earl
Mon, 8 Sep 2014
Hello,
I have studied your case and reports with diligence.
I will advise MRI spine to see for any nerve compression leading to severe persistent pain.
At old there can be degenerative wear of bones, muscles, ligament and facet joint arthritis, due to deficiency of calcium, vitamin D, VIT B12.so supplements of these nutrients can relieve pain.
Check your bone strength with DEXA SCAN and you can start medication according to level of osteoporosis,
And also check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
I will advise you to do regular physiotherapy and exercises as my patients find much relief by these therapies.
You may consult physiotherapist for guidance. He may start TENS, or ultrasound which is helpful in your case you need to take diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
You may get some relief after steroid injection shot.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
If you find this answer helpful do not hesitate to rate this answer at end of discussion. Wishing you good health.
Take care
I have studied your case and reports with diligence.
I will advise MRI spine to see for any nerve compression leading to severe persistent pain.
At old there can be degenerative wear of bones, muscles, ligament and facet joint arthritis, due to deficiency of calcium, vitamin D, VIT B12.so supplements of these nutrients can relieve pain.
Check your bone strength with DEXA SCAN and you can start medication according to level of osteoporosis,
And also check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
I will advise you to do regular physiotherapy and exercises as my patients find much relief by these therapies.
You may consult physiotherapist for guidance. He may start TENS, or ultrasound which is helpful in your case you need to take diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
You may get some relief after steroid injection shot.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
If you find this answer helpful do not hesitate to rate this answer at end of discussion. Wishing you good health.
Take care
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