Hi Jules, If you do think that fibromyalgia may be the issue, it's a condition that seems to be helped by self - management. So in this case gentle exercise and healthy eating, but paying particular attention to a lifestyle that supports you sleeping well (you can look up sleep hygene on sites such ...

Hi Skyblue, If your GP does think your knees are worn (osteoarthritis) then the guidance is to keep moving and eat sensibly to keep your weight under good control. If your feet are affected comfortable, shock absorbing shoes are really helpful. https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/what-is-arthritis/reso...

Hi Harryetta, Thanks for your post. I'm sorry to hear about the pain and functional problems you are living with. I'm not sure how much you've been exploring self-management, but a physiotherapist could help you talk that over with you. You may find some value in discussing lifestyle - healthy eatin...

Dear Eileen, Thanks for your post. I can appreciate that this is a complicated situation for you as you are dealing with several health issues. I don't know if you've had a thorough assessment and guidance over a number of sessions with a physiotherapist, but this is often really supportive. A physi...

Hi SteveC, I just wondered whether some general information about managing pain might be helpful? https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/managing-arthritis/coping-with-pain and making contact with local arthritis groups, and self-management programmes is often really worth considering https://www.arthriti...

Life can be tough when you have a complex medical history – it may present problems in diagnosing new problems or tracing symptoms to causes. It doesn’t help matter that some types of arthritis – inflammatory or autoimmune types - can be hard to diagnose even without any other conditions present. Yo...

Walking can be painful, as you have experienced, when OA of the knee is bone on bone. There are some options for managing the pain that you could explore with your GP, including a review of your pain-relieving medicines, applying heat or cold to the knee joint and wearing knee braces. Your GP may su...

Hi Tracey, I’m sorry to read that osteoarthritis (OA) is making life so tough. Exercise can help (preferably with some initial guidance from a physiotherapist) as can medicines but I understand that the situation is complicated if you cannot take opiates or NSAIDS. I wonder if your GP has ever discu...

I’m sorry to read that you’re living with pain in your neck and shoulders. You mention that you’re seeing a physio. This sounds like a positive move because getting the right kind of exercise is one of the most important ways of managing osteoarthritis (OA). Getting the right balance of exercise and...

Hi jabax1824 I’m so sorry to hear that your still experiencing pain and that you now feel your pain is being dismissed by the GP. I can hear and understand your concerns regarding whether or not things will get worse, for a listening and supportive ear you may like to give us a call on our Helpline ...