Don't know where my brain is sometimes...I had totally forgotten about the TENS Machine I have when nothing else works... It delivers electrical stimulation to the problem area and blocks the pain....Need to work with the doctor to make sure you put it on correctly and don't get your wires crossed LOL....Here is a link. You can also Google it and find lots of info....

http://arthritis.about.com/od/assist...g/tensunit.htm

I have taken Nabumetone and Sulfasalazine (an old antibiotic for inflammation) for several years now. Usually after a few years they stop working and I have to change meds. I was diagnosed 21 years ago at 32 years old with rheumatoid arthritis. I have done it all, including gold shots. Have had two neck surgeries, four foot surgeries, and four knee surgeries, including a complete knee replacement, because of arthritis. I've learned to put my feet up whenever I get a chance.

I am having an incredible PAIN DAY from Gout (arthritis form) today. I cried with every step to the bathroom after waking with the pain at 4AM this morning. I am not some one to cry or complain about pain, but I have it in the ankle and foot ont he left and this morning the worst case I have ever had in the large two joint of the right foot. Now I am parked on the couch and cannot walk.Called the doctor, they called in Hydrocodone and a Mobic Pack, I hope I don't have any reaction to the mobic....sense it is a pack, do you think it will be ok on my kidneys? Husband just left to pick up my relief...I hope...this is just awful, hurtful pain. I can't imagine you ladies having this round the clock.
My heart goes out to you.
Diana in TX

I feel so sorry for you Diana. Put some ice on your hurting spots, in a towel, of course.

Yes, my worst pain is in my neck, and I had a discectomy and fusion because a disk had disintegrated so far I had "bone on bone" and pinched nerves. This showed up as "moderate arthritis and stenosis on an x-ray but was much more serious when detected on an MRI. I didn't get as much pain relief as I hoped for so now I'm going to get a steroid injection. The operation helped my hands and arms. The rest of the neck has arthritis and one disk is bulging, but not pinching nerves yet.

I've been taking Tramadol for a long time, and it helps my nerves, but not the pain so much. I hate the side effects if I try to quit taking it though, it's like having the flu! This is even if I try to go 12 hrs. without taking it. It is a synthetic opioid and although it used to be considered non-narcotic it is being, or has been, reclassified. My new Dr. does not like to prescribe it, so I am going to try to wean off it again.

I may try Neurontin (Gabapentin) again, since I had some success with it previously, and no side-effects. It is used for many symptoms off-label.

90% of the pain I had in my joints and lower back went away when I quit gluten.

I take Mobic & gabapenten (neurontin for neuropathy). Sometimes I have to add 1/2 lortab or an ultram (tramadol). Voixx helped me more than anything, but it's off the market. I have had numerous surgeries associated with the arthritis. Heat helps at night - also Voltaren gel - but NOT when use use heat.

Try Bio-Freeze. It's a gel that you rub onto the affected area. Surprisingly, it provides relief almost immediately. Aspirin and Ibuprofen etc. upset my stomach, so this is a good alternative:-)

I do the same thing I fill my own capsules with the turmeric and it does work. A friend told me about it last year and have been using it ever since. Can not take the medications out for arthritis since it is destroying my jaws. It started making my jaws bones break off in little pieces and work out thru the gums. there is nothing to stop this so would not want to start back on any of those.

Oh my...whoever said that getting old is not for sissies was really right on!!

I realize how lucky I am that my aches and pains are so minor compared to many of you. I take turmeric which you can get from health food stores in capsule form. I also use it as a spice in things like chili (it is cumin). Where do you get the capsules you fill?