Hi Louise,

You seem to be pretty well drugged up already. I can suggest a few things - forgive me if you have already tried them

Have you tried any of the NSAID's like ibuprofen and diclofenac? They will give pain relief AND are anti inflammatory.

I use paracetamol and MST Continuus (morphine in a slow release form), topped up with codeine when needed and oramorphine when the going gets really tough

Have you tried a TENS machine? I had an awful night last night and right now, as I write this, I have one stuck to my hip and pulsing away. It treats the same neural pathways as acupuncture which is another pain relief method I use. You can get really good TENS machines from your local pharmacy. I got one for about £25 from Lloyds. It's a four pad unit which means you can treat both hips simultaneously, or five one hip a real blast with four pads. Right now I am doing my left hip with two pads. It's very versatile.

What about heat pads? The wheat based pads that you can heat in a microwave (and sprinkle some lavender oil on to ease the mind while the heat eases the body.)

For some people, heat is not effective but cold is - so the good old standby of a packet of frozen peas wrapped in a thin tea towel. Great thing about that is you can re-freeze them as many times as you like - just make sure you mark the packet to stop someone cooking with it! :)

Does your hospital have a pain clinic? If so ask your GP for an urgent referral.

I hope that helps - good luck.

When you use the TENS machine you want to adjust the intensity to the maximum you can without it being very uncomfortable. Don't be surprised if, while using it, the pain doesn't stop - it's the after effect that you want - the glow that comes from the release of endorphins into your system.

The great thing about TENS is there is no upper limit to the number of times you can use it.

Just be careful to fit the pads in a way that avoids bony areas like the top of your pelvis. Use the soft tissue above it instead. I put the other one on my buttock.

Did you try it Louise? Let us know how you got on.

Hello Louise

Sorry you are having hip pain.
I just wished our rheumy/GP could prescribe us a holiday in a hot country over the winter months because I'm sure the cold and damp flares things.

Are you able to go to a hydro pool/spa pool? Somewhere where the water is warmer.

I go to Bath spa and enjoy the hot spa water and gently swim or chill! (That is a lovely pick me up)

Take care
Jane
Xxxx

Louise....I think you should phone your rheumatology nurse or consultant's secretary as maybe you need your drugs looking at again. I'm sorry you're in pain. It's no fun at all. I take Tramadol plus cocodamol 30mg x2 when needed to top up the pain relief. Hope this helps xx