Ditto what she said Richard.  There are a ton of great people here who
are very willing to share their knowledge and all of us were new at one
time.

Ann

Richard,

I feel the same as the others. I  hope you are still here and give us
another chance to help you and support you.

I'm an occasional poster from UK, Richard, and I have severe OA too. I've
had both hips and both shoulders replaced, and my left knee replaced three
times within 20 months, so I have an idea what you're going through.

To answer your question, I deal with pain with NSAIDs, painkillers,
Glucosamine Sulphate and Cold Liver Oil tablets. What works best for me, as
you can't take NSAIDs, is a whole food diet - ie nothing processed, nothing
refined, just as nature intended. That means no coffee, no tea, no alcohol,
which can be a bit grim. It's worked for me on the occasions I've really
stuck to it - it makes my joints feel so much better, and I sleep better
too.

I'm not suggesting you try this at Christmas and New Year (I don't!), but if
you feel as bad as you describe, it will work.

Whereabouts in the UK do you live? I'm in southern England about 10 miles
from Guildford
Splodge