Sue1823

Hi sue

yes  my story very similar I saw the consultant in July was told it would be 18 weeks and not heard a thing. I am still at work but doing part time mornings only as the pain is so bad after a morning walking around and the pain killers knock me out so I go all morning without tabs then come home have my tablets and a sleep and work from home in the afternoon.

i have been told the 18 weeks is normal and they stick to it but if I haven't heard anything by the end of next week I am going to phone my consultant I would advise you do the same. What pain killers are you taking?

 

Oh I forgot to say I paid privately to see the consultant cost £175 but I got to see him straight away and he has put me on his list but on NHs and he said the op will be in 18 weeks so if you can afford to pay for the consultancy I would definitely recommend so x

Hi Sue  i was also told two weeks ago i have OA phone your GP they may have your results   Best Wishes Sandra 

 

Hi Sue

I'm assuming you are in the UK? We have people from all over on this forum and its surprising the difference in treatment from country to country

OA is diagnosed by the hospital but treated by your GP

RA is treated my the hospital {Rheumatologist}

I've got O.A .......

My suggestion would be to ring your GP and ask about the results or if you cant get her ask the receptionist have they got the results in yet, if not when are they likely to get them. Failing that make an appointment to see your GP and talk to him, ask him what the next step is? If its OA he's the one should prescribe you with painkillers and antil inflammatories. If they dont work go back and nicely tell him they aren't working could you try another pain killer {although I call them pain dullers.....thats what they do...dull the pain.....not kill it. You should get some relief from them,

Its just after 6am so maybe I just didnt see it......did you mention where the arthritis was?

Love

Eileen

Hi Sue,

Sorry to hear you're in so much pain.  An alternative is to pay privately to see a consultant, usually costs about £70.  Appointments take about 10 days to come through and you can choose who you want to see.  When you see him you can ask for the treatment to be on the NHS.  Queue jumping's not for everyone but sometimes you have to.

Let me know how you get on.

Take plenty of asprin and muscle relaxers. ANTI INFLAMMATORIES...Hot tub soaks. & most importantly get a stretchy but firm Velcro back brace. Use microwave heat packs. Back brace Will take a lot of pressure off the beck. Treat with heat packs and rest. Lay on UR back with neck support and pillows under knees. Remove any pull or strain on UR back by using pillows. The pain will subside. I have had OA in my back for years. Heat and rest and back support helps a lot. It's going to take time for UR muscles and spine area to settle. Take it easy. Don't lift push, bend or pull. It's just temporary. PT has help me build up muscles to help support my spine.

There is always hope. 

GOOD LUCK

Hi everyone.  It took almost a year and a lot of blood tests, x-rays, MRIs, referrals etc., but I think that I might be on the right track.  Oddly, the pain and fatigue started in November 2013, and here it is September 2014,  I am 52, and my pain doctor tells me that I have osteoarthritis in my cervical and lumbar spines, lumbrosacral and cervical spondylosis and myalgia and myostitis.  That goes along with depression and anxiety and sleep disorder.  With that in mind, I still strongly believe that I have been truly blessed that I am able to live with my mother, who fortunately is in much better shape than I am.  Ironically, I live in New England, and have heard that it is a place that has a great medical system.  In any event, while I have had different presciptions, I have found that so far Nortriptylin at 150 MG as well as Hydrocodone has been the best dosage for me.  I also take Zolpidem at 10MG every night to sleep.  I have read the messages on this board, and I definitely, without a doubt, have deep compassion for those of you who have work that is physically demanding.  I honestly do not have any idea of how you all get the strength to work.  I feel my legal work is one of the only thing that gets me through life and the merciless winters that we have here, but am having difficulty with doing it now.   My heart also goes out to those of you who have the responsibility to take care of children.  I joke with my niece saying the value of our eggs must be dropping by the moment.  In any event, I hope that you all are able to stay strong and carry on.     

Hi everyone thanks ever so much for repley's and fab advice been and made an appointment with Gp this morning hope to get some better pain relief . Concerning my job I work partime at one of the leading supermarkets  (not allowed to say which) my job is nights stacking shelves is a heavy and physically demanding job and I know this makes my pain worse but very reluctant after 20 years to leave not because I love my job but the people I work with support each other through good and bad times. Do I think my employer would be sympathetic absolutely not my personnel manager is a dragon not going to inform them of my condition their attitude can't hack it then leave . But on a plus side everything you read about OA they say excercise well 2 nights stacking shelves is a fab workout ( muscles like madonna's) so for now going to stick with it.

All's I can say is that you have my sincere compassion concerning having to work at a job that has physical demands.

I can tell you one thing: in my state, a person could apply for what they call "worker's compensation."  While I have never practiced that area of law, as I understand it, it would basically try to connect your condition with your job.  In other words, that the type of work that you have been performing has worsened your physical condition.  Also, here you could apply for social security benefits based on your disability.  Note that this information pertains to Connecticut, and I have absolutely no idea of how the legal system works in your country.  I'm just thinking that you might want to consult with an attorney/barrister/solicitor? where you are to maybe try to relieve some pressure on you.