Hip arthritis
Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2016 11:52 am
I have severe arthritis in my hip & will have a replacement when I've lost enough weight, hopefully within 6 months. My primary source of pain relief is Matrifen patches at 52mcg. I also take paracetamol 4 x daily & naproxen x 2 daily & use an electric heat pad. I have severe pain the moment I put any pressure on my leg. My joint moves & 'slips' frequently & the thigh muscle at the front is in painful spasm most of the time. Most days are 'bad' days now when I can hardly move from my heat pad.
I've had physio & am currently having hydrotherapy but that will end soon (I can only have 6 sessions). I could register to use the hydro pool independently but it'll take a few months on the waiting list & is expensive. I can only have 12 sessions & then back on the list. I've been to the pain clinic & used to manage some exercise but it's too painful now. I use a tens machine occasionally, which helps but only after hours of wearing it.
My quality of life is poor. My question is is there any other pain medication I can take to enable me to function better until I have a replacement? In particular, can I take a higher dose of matrifen? What about morphine patches?
I've had physio & am currently having hydrotherapy but that will end soon (I can only have 6 sessions). I could register to use the hydro pool independently but it'll take a few months on the waiting list & is expensive. I can only have 12 sessions & then back on the list. I've been to the pain clinic & used to manage some exercise but it's too painful now. I use a tens machine occasionally, which helps but only after hours of wearing it.
My quality of life is poor. My question is is there any other pain medication I can take to enable me to function better until I have a replacement? In particular, can I take a higher dose of matrifen? What about morphine patches?