Chronic pain in from osteoarthritis & stenosis

Redosage: I take one tablet every six hours either just after a meal or with a bit of bread. I tried two pills and my blood pressure went way up. I have cut back on salt in meal preparation becasue the amount of sodium in Aleve is very high. Good luck

@jaldog Is there a reason why you are not having hip surgery (I assume you mean hip replacement) to relieve the pain?

@rochesterminnesota I'm aware of that, that's why I only take it when I'm having a really bad day pain wise.

Dear @borwin98
You need a pain specialist doctor. He could help you with your pain. I have a lot the same thing as you have. I have my pain specialist and he gives me shots in my back and gabapentin for my pain. I really don't think I would be functioning if it weren't for him. You want your pain specialist to be young with the new training, they are wonderful!

If it was me I would have not lasted with your doctor even one appointment past him saying he doesn't believe in pain pills. He doesn't have the type of pain you and I have so, what does he know or care. Dump him!!! I don't suffer fools.

I have a lot of doctors and they all sympathize with my situation and the extreme pain I have. All of them try to work together to help me as much as possible. That is what I wish for you. Very best of luck.

@rochesterminnesota, welcome. I look forward to learning more about you. Are you a Mayo Clinic, Rochester patient? Caregiver?

I have osteo, sciatica, Degenerative disc and a handful of other problems. Everyday I just try and "soldier through" the pain. When the pain hits 10+++, I will take Advil. With seeing Orthopedics, Pain Management, Chiropractors, and Primary care, for well over 20 years, they all could only offer drugs, shots, or pt. I have accepted that no one is going to "fix" me. Don't want shots. Cortisone is very bad for your body, and the longer you use it, the harder it is on your body. Drugs are drugs that can have serious side effects on major organs, plus being addictive. So I keep walking, stretching, and not giving in. The pain is better than dialysis!

@blue717 I am in a similar situation. Dr. after Dr. after Dr. sent me on my way with a prescription or PT. I have been seeing the same therapist on and off for five years. After I got a referral to Neurologist. I am part of a small healthcare system. After I shared my back x-rays he shared another Dr's contact information. Dr.B's specialty is children and adults with scoliosis and degenerative disc diseasse and other specialty's. Our first meeting took place quicker than I expected. I have so many x-rays, CT's, bone density studies x2, and 3 MRIs. As he looked at results he described each study I cunderstood what's wrong in my back. We scheduled another appointment where he explained his surgical plan for correcting my deformaties. Dr.B. told me to start taking Avenity for at least three months. He needed to treat the osteoporosis to be sure my bones strong enough to support his plan. After seeing Dr. B for exactly 2 thirty minute appointments a year ago. I am having a 3 stage surgery starting next week. My husband and I decided on surgery is because that my back will never get better, only worse. We are young (65&63), we have plans for our future and we have a Grandson that needs spooling.
Surgery is a huge and radical step; we want to be more active than we have had in the past.

@brokenlady62 I wish you the best of luck!

@blue717
It’s NO fun! I have been able to keep it at bay by taking about 2-3 MAX of lowest dose Vicodin/hydrocodone. Have been able to do this for many years and never increased it nor needed to. Some days I take only 1-2. I have had 3 spinal surgeries and though it’s been suggested another on my neck I just refuse and handle it this way.

@wisco50 I'm so sorry you have to deal with that. Its a heck of a way to have to live. I dont think I would agree to surgery again either. I wish you well.