Chronic pain in from osteoarthritis & stenosis

I have those exact same things. I am 68. I’ve been suffering since I was 38. The doctor said at 38 he didn’t want to put me on narcotic pain reliever because I would be taking handfuls of pills at 68. This turned out to not be true at all. There has been a a slight up to over 30 years. I’ve gone from December and June being my aggravating months to every day of the year and gone from 2 half pills a day, 2 pills a day (4 halves). Percocet is a legitimate treatment for chronic pain associated with what we have. In the past because of the political situation I’ve had to bring in the research from the CDC to the doctor. Then there is no problem. The line I suggest using is “I am suffering. How are you going to alleviate my suffering?“ When I was 25 years younger, the military NSAID me right into the hospital. Ibuprofen and the associated pain relieving medication’s are toxic on an ongoing basis and my body rejected them. They attending hospital. Doctor said never to take NSAIDs on a regular basis. So after that, I was put on the Percocet and there I comfortably stay for the last 25 years. If your doctor is not alleviating your suffering in an acceptable way, then you are going to have to get help in advocating for yourself. I wish you good luck in the matter and I hope you have help to get what you need. I have had many surgeries because I know that in a few more years, the doctors won’t be willing to do the surgeries anymore.. I’m I’m sure at 96 that is an issue for you too. sometimes my life becomes all about my pain and I can empathize with your position. See if you can find an advocate, a case manager or a ombudsman.

@gypsyblue Thanks, I will keep searching.

@megroberts it does help some more than others. The problem is that you have to keep using it. It helps to bring good blood flow to improve healing and circulation. As a nurse, I used it many times for wound healing and neuropathy. It has been around a long time. Medicare actually paid for the therapy for wounds and neuropathy. I think the devices have improved a bit over the years. I can’t speak to pain relief with arthritic pain but it couldn’t hurt unless you are using it over undiagnosed conditions or lesions. People are purchasing the red light face masks for wrinkles etc. however, if you have undiagnosed skin cancer for example, you wouldn’t want to nurture it to grow. Like anything else, check with your doctor first.

@borwin98 I know it’s not easy. I hope you have someone to help you. Fortunately I am a nurse and always take care of my father at 93. He’s still independent and lives in our family home. Our healthcare system is not what it used to be. I worked in geriatrics over 25 years. You really need someone to advocate for you and help you find a physician to treat you, improve your quality of life and not just look at your age. You deserve better!

@loriesco I agree 💯 %! I had JRA and have been suffering with arthritic autoimmune diseases and AS for years. I’m 58, the last 2 years my chronic pain has exacerbated and has become debilitating at times. I’m not a candidate for biologics due to multi organ histoplasmosis. I had been taking Percocet as needed for years. With the new flare, I had to take 10 mg every 6 hrs. That started to fail. My doctor is compassionate and always trying to help me. He started me on Xtampza ER twice daily and Percocet for breakthrough pain. It has really helped me a lot.

@borwin98 Are you in the U.S.A.? Canada is very tough to get any help.

@gypsyblue I’m so glad you’re finding relief! Never give up and keep it going. The gout and the insulin resistance came as quite a shock because I controlled them so well the doctors did not continue to focus on them. For example, sugar is considered inflammatory. I did not have an inflammatory reaction (even though I cut sugar out of my diet for the most part, if not all of my diet at times.) . It was the same with the gout. I never saw Atlantic farmed salmon as an inflammatory problem. The doctors of course did not point it out. I would only read about it. Eventually, as I started to get a handle on things after 30 years all of a sudden, I could see an inflammatory reaction from eating sugar and eating farmed salmon. It’s because the rest of me was getting so lean, honed, and minimal that finally I could feel the effects of what was causing the inflammation! It only took 30 years, but now I am 30 years younger on the gout medication and the insulin resistant medication. There is pain that will never go away with my table bone and my piriformis disorder so basically a place that’s a non-surgical and muscles that stay in spasm. But I can deal with that as long as I have my life back from control of debilitating inflammation. Because it didn’t fit into the nice neat box of a rheumatology disorder. They just would shrug their shoulders and say it’s not rheumatoid. And then let me go downhill with no concern. I don’t have an answer except for there is an answer and you just have to keep advocating for yourself Until that answer becomes apparent.!

Wow, I have the same issues, but I'm only 72. After trying all pain medications out there, the only thing that ever helped me was Fentanyl. Unfortunately, the DEA in my town only wants physicians to prescribe for patients who are terminal (i.e., cancer). Right now, I have an upcoming appointment for a possible neurostimulator system.
It doesn't sound like you have a Pain Management Doctor in your area. Even if you did, you'd need a referral from your Doctor. How does your Primary Doctor feel about referring you for Medical Marijuana? There are various options there, from cookies to gummies. If your Primary is willing to prescribe Medical Marijuana, that will provide you with some relief. If your Primary won't even prescribe Medical Marijuana, you could go to a regular Marijuana Dispensary. You won't need a prescription there, but the items will cost a bit more. I know it isn't easy to switch Primary Physicians, but your health is paramount. Find a new Primary who will refer you to a Pain Doctor for help.

@gypsyblue Thank you so much! I have just gotten an MRI after months of being put through PT that did not help, and being offered injections or surgery. I am going to be discussing which red light/far infrared device I should get with my primary care physician, IF I can get her attention. Appointments are now being scheduled out weeks and months in advance around here. Meanwhile, I am sure this condition only progresses, and I am living with constant pain, as I try to continue with my life. I just turned 70 and retired from an intense academic position this past year. I have been very active all my life as a professional theatre maker. I had planned to go back to pursuing professional work in "retirement," but this pain is exhausting me, and trying to find the right treatment among doctors who simply do not listen to my concerns has been equally if not more exhausting. I am hoping with the MRI results, I can finally choose the right pain management/pain relief path. Your response is very helpful!