osteoarthritis and work and life

Of the spine Sandie?  I have that too but I'm 66 and have retired which makes the work thing easier. That's a hefty bunch of painkillers you're on and bound to make you feel grumpy.    I religiously do my back exercises which is painful but does seem to loosen things up a bit and help with the nerves that get pinched.  That is the most painful bit for me so I try to keep moving.  No other advice I'm afraid but I'm sure you'll be getting more replies.  Good luck with the MRI and I hope they can do something to help    

Hi Sandie,

My Goodness!  If I was taking a cocktail of pills such as you are, I think I'd be a total zombie and probably no use to man nor beast so  you have my sympathy!  I have multiple osteoarthritis but, whilst it started about your age, it has only gradually affected other joints as I've aged and I'm now 82.  However, I'm still mobile - which is important - and able to enjoy my life within limitations so don't worry about your future.  At present you have a lot to contend with, having children and a job, so I daresay there's a fair amount of tension in your muscles and joints which only add to the pain.  I cannot offer any advice I'm afraid but do try to keep positive and hopefully the scan will reveal the cause of your problems and the best way to deal with it.  I would just suggest you don't sit too long at a time as everything tends to seize up and getting going is more difficult - rest a bit then move a bit, etc. I wish you all the best.

 

Hello Sandie, i can relate to your pain and frustrations. I started with Septic arthritis at aged 11 then at 39 had first knee replacement then replaced again at aged 52, i was diagnosed with Osteo arthritis in the spine at aged 40. I now have Osteo arthritis in my other knee and currently having a type of heat treatment for that. I take a cocktail of drugs, gaberpentin, naproxen, nefopam, codeine and parecetamol and still get pain. I have had amitriptyline in the past. Amitriptyline is good for helping with sleep as it as a sedative effect, thou it makes you tired next day. Coedine as a similar effect. The best advice i can give you is to keep mobile as much as you can. Stretching exercises in the morning is helpful as your spine seizes up when asleep over night. Don't sit too long get up and move about. Do everything in moderation, if you can walk a gentle walk each day is good. I am not able to walk much now because of my knees and i am in constant pain including nerve pain. I am only 58. So everthing in moderation. I hope the mri scan doesn't show too much damage. Anytime you want to talk you can pm me as i have now had arthritis for 47 years most of my life, there is not much i don't know about this debilitating condition.

Best wishes.

Elizabeth.  

Hiya . I got my MRI result today. I have osteoarthritis of spine two herniated discs which are pressing on nerves causing sciatica and numbness in toes I also have a cyst on my spine and degenerative disc disease. I am 49 and basically there is nothing that can be done unless I have spinal surgery but even then I have to wait for the leg pain to become severe and the surgery will ease the leg pain but not the back pain. I take the occasional voltorol when it's really bad .

Thanks very much everyone. Im just very down at the moment. I work in a call centre with hard targets and being off regularly doesnt help as if im not in work i dont get paid - stuck between a rock and a hard place. Just dont know what to do with regards to work - i have an appt with the doctor later so going to chat with him x

Thanks again