Hi! Sorry for your suffering. I can relate, but not to the extent you have had. Just wondering....since there are so many other Anti-inflammatoies out there, why aren't they trying another kind? Ibuprofen didn't work for me. Naprosyn worked years ago for neck pain I had before I had the Cervicle fusion, but later when I started having more severe knee problems, it didn't work at all. I've been on Indocin for a few years now. It did make a noticible difference in the beginning. I can't tell now as my joint degeneration has progressed a great deal and I'm affraid to stop taking it to find out how I'd be without it. Especially since it takes several days to build up the blood level again.
Okay....don't laugh, but I do have another thing to suggest for a some relief that is temporary, but it has been my saving grace in my worst periods.
Have you tried getting in some water? I don't mean high test water aerobics but just floating around in a pool? There are only so many hot baths a person can take in a day, and getting in and out of the tub is an ordeal I am not up to anymore, but getting into a large pool that allows you to just float around a bit and move the joints has helped me a great deal. Since it is winter, I would try to find an indoor pool that may have programs for Arthritis sufferers. If you get a PT referral you may be able to get some financial help through insurance to pay for any cost involved.
Hope this was helpful!
Patty