@tbirdmunchkin @glinda, I am so happy to hear from you!. Happy belated 8th Heart Transplant Anniversary! I know that you have had a difficult 2018, and I hope and pray that 2019 will be filled with new blessings for you. You are fortunate to have found good support with your counselor, too.
I understand the inability to take anti inflamatory meds, but do you know whether the pain will ever become less severe? My experience is that I take longer to heal since my transplant, like when I get a sprain, or currently, plantar fasciitis. (which is nothing in comparison to what you have)
I thank you for reaching out and sending your update. Drop in when you feel up to it.

Hugs, Rosemary

@glinda Hi, I read your post with interest relating to arthritis and pain following trauma, as I have experienced similar issues. The "no anti inflammatory" medication ban is a tough one and I have looked extensively for alternatives. Some of the things that have worked for me are: #1 heat/cold, alternating or whichever works best for you. It helps with the arthritis either way. Cold reduces the inflammation and heat gives relief. My mother will only use the heat and gets the most relief from that. I alternate and use #2.
#2 Pressure. I have several rice filled pillows/pads/tubes that can be chilled or heated (seconds in the microwave and watch heat level carefully) that I place strategically.
#3 definitely exercise daily but only to the point of feeling it plus one so that you do not overdo. seven 7 - 100 step walks equals 700 steps. they do not have to be done all at once. make sure to go lightly if you are having a bad day, go - but lightly. this is a marathon, not a dash.
#4 use cushions/pillows/pads to position yourself for the best posture and relief when sitting and standing. I use a recliner a lot and have a memory foam mattress, they work well for me with my stabilizing adaptions.
#5 If you like cooking you can break prep steps into several sessions. I sort into chopping/slicing veges, protein prep, and spice prep. I use carrots, onions, celery, green peppers, cabbage and ginger often. You may have to do only one at a time. That is okay. Get them all washed up, slice, wash cutting board and knife and set aside for your next session. It took me 4 days the first time I was able to put together Corned Beef and Cabbage. This counts as standing and a little walking. It also works on your hand/eye coordination and balance.
#6 Massage from a massage therapist. I like deep tissue, but find the kind that works best for you. It is a treat and helps with soothing those angry muscles that you want to heal faster than fast.
#7 You might want to try pressure point massage or acupuncture. Pressure point from the deep tissue massage works for me but the acupuncture did not.
#8 If you are in physical therapy, you might ask about dry needling. it is similar to acupuncture but goes deeper and works on breaking up scar tissue and engaging your neurosensors. That really helped me the most and really kickstarted my physical therapy.
That is a lot, and just suggestions from my experiences. Try what you like and I certainly hope you find relief and forward advancement you need and are looking for. Blessings