Tramadol

@samiam1949 thanks, that really helps!

@carolesg Why not try diclofenac or meloxicam?

@laughlin1947 I do use a generic form of Diclofenac gel (Voltaren) on selected body parts as my osteoarthritis is advanced and throughout my body. I am not familiar with Meloxicam but will look into it. Also, buy way of explaining my presence in this group, I was dx with MGUS in 2004, visited Dr Morie Gertz along with other Myeloma doctors across the country, donating BMB tissue to be used in research. My paternal grandmother died from MM in her late 80s plus we have other family members who had blood cancers. I thought my tissue might be helpful at that earlier time. Big surprise. I did not advance but am still here as MGUS even after a total collapse of T12 last year. My biggest problem today is this dreadfully painful arthritis.

@barbarav1 Yes, I, too, have arthritis in my SI joints along with most of my spinal column. Supposedly, the only way the SI joints develop arthritis is via some type of trauma. That’s true in my case as I had a 30’ fall as an early teen landing on feet. My axial skeleton absorbed most of the shock but my lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) did fracture at the time of the fall. It took many decades for the full effects of the fall to present themselves (the SI joints). Best wishes to anyone dealing with any type of pain from whatever cause.

@samiam1949 That’s a great story of managing post operative pain and pushing through at times to reach a better place. I often hear of people similar to us who waited to have a knee replacement only to regret not having it sooner. At least in my case, the doctor made all the difference between my two TKRs.

@laughlin1947 some caution needs to be taken with Meloxicam use. I used it for many years but like ibuprofen, long term use can cause stomach issues.

Yes, that's true. I suppose the patient would begin to realize if stomach upset would start, but geez, almost every NSAID known to man can cause the stomach upset eventually. Once it begins, there's no switching to another is there? Maybe taking an antacid like Pepcid AC or alternated with Prilosec would be the answer. Somehow, this issue has had to be already resolved by one doctor or another.

@carolesg

I had a similar fall over 60 years ago and landed on my back with no apparent after effects. Some time in the past I developed osteoarthritis, but nobody has ever asked me about such things from my past. Hard to say if your fall would have been more stressful on the SI joints than mine. I have some SI issues, but I don't think that they re a significant contributor to my current issues. Will be seeing a new pain doc in a few days so maybe there is some hope yet.

MRI on 12/20/24.
L5-S1: Unremarkable.

@laughlin1947 Meloxicam is an NSAID which I can no longer take after 30 years of NSAIDs due to kidney issues.

True, you may be limited to very low dose Tylenol, or maybe some of the brand-new pain relievers hold some promise for you.