Hello, I've just joined this website after having just visited my gran.  She is 84, a very lovely lady, very clever, funny switched on, likes a joke, she is the lifeblood of our family and everyone loves her - from the old to the very young, one of those very rare kind people everyone likes without question!  She has had a pretty hard life but never complains about anything - she is now a widow and lives own her on but likes her independence!  She has very very bad rheumatoid arthritis pain in her back, hands and leg.  So much so that she cried (very unusual for her) when I visited her (she tried to conceal it and did a pretty good job).  Unfortunately I am in London whereas she is in Lincoln so I dont see her as often as Id like.  She has only been prescribed paracetamol and some vit. D tablets - they are obviously not working.  She tried some stronger ones some time ago but they made her sick.  I've just contacted a couple of private health companies to see what they can do - I dont have much money but will take a loan and pay whatevers necessary to try to stop her pain, it is really awful.  Please could anyone who has or knows of the same problems give me their advice?  Very much appreciated, Kate

Hi  I've just been reading some of the posts and saw you had had no replies yet.  I applaud you for being such a caring granddaughter.  A lady suggested for another subject and post writing to the person's GP.  Could you find out the GP's name and phone him or write a letter on her behalf and then persuade your Nan to re-visit her GP.  I think you would find that they would give her a far more powerful pain ***.  I'm sure you'll find a solution without it costing you anything

 

Sorry to hear about your Gran, she sounds a gem.

 

OK – several things I'd suggest trying.  As Jonquil suggested, you could try persuading her to re-visit the GP?

 

A lot of the stronger, prescription only strength medicines can make you feel quite sick and dizzy, but her GP might prescribe a different type but equally effective pain relief to try and see how she goes. 

 

On top of that, it might be worth asking the GP if your Nan could be referred to Physiotherapy and / or Occupational Therapy.  

 

The Physio's would give her exercises which can often do a lot to help with arthritic conditions.  The OT's would carry out an assessment at home and if necessary, provide any aids for her to use at which might help make things that bit easier (such as kettle tippers / dressing aids / grabbers etc)

 

Until you can arrange to do all this, I'd advise her to try using some heat therapy in the form of something like "Deep Heat" cream and wheat / heat packs.  You can buy these in any pharmacy for a few quid.

 

They are very helpful in reducing inflammation and pain with things such as arthritis.

 

Glad to hear she has such a caring and supportive Granddaughter!  Folk like you are few and far between.