How do you cope with the pain

holmesi · 1. Aug 2009, 06:17

Hello,I have recently been diagnosed with OA of the spine in May 2009.I have been off work since March 2009,I have been out of pain for about 5 days in this time just dont seem to be able to get out of pain especially in the mornings seems to ease a bit after afew hours but is always there in the background.Works been talking about ill health retirement since about 10 days into my absence,and keep threatening me with it .Do I have to be registered as disabled to be covered under the DDA or is it sufficient just to have it.My emotions are running riot at the moment.Depression just hits me in waves up one day down the next is this normal.I have a very physical job[Postman] so its not looking good.Do they have to find you another job ,Deployment some where else or can they just retire me .
Thanks
Holmesi

elnafinn · 1. Aug 2009, 06:47

Welcome Holmesi!

Sorry to hear your story. I expect you are still reeling from the shock of all this and what the future holds. We have all been there but things do improve. Being a postie is hard work, so I can see where you are coming from. Are you on any meds to relieve the pain? A hot bath or shower can ease the aches and pains, faster on waking. Heat and ice packs can also relieve pain.

Your gp can refer you to a pain management clinic, physio, acupuncture. Steroid injections can be given if referred to a specialist and he thinks this is appropriate. This is not a permanent solution but can help for around 2 months. Have you had an mri on your spine? Why not ask to be referred to a specialist

Things will improve as you will read from postings on this forum and at least you have found us lot, who know where you are coming from as we are all in the same boat to a greater and lesser degree and are of all ages too, as "arthur" can strike at a very young age.

Have you looked at the Working Matters Zone as this has useful information about the other questions you ask with websites to look at as well.

There is also the helpline that you can call or email. Telephone number at top of screen.

Keep posting, Holmesi, (sorry about the pun :oops: ) we will try to answer your questions and if not will always offer sympathy, we are all very good at that.

Chin up,

Luv
Elna x

holmesi · 1. Aug 2009, 07:02

elnafinn wrote:

Welcome Holmesi!
Hello elnafinn ,Yes I have tried the acupuncture thats what gave ne the 5 days relief ,unfortunatly it looks like it was a one off ,Pain clinic in a couple of weeks time ,Physio next week I have seen a Spinal Physio/Nurse ,simple lipping and multiple osteophytes anteriorly,wont give me an MRI ."you shoulnt be in this much pain" Yeah Right.Tried Osteopath and sports physio all they keep saying is its your sacroiliac joints that are moving out of place or the pelvis is out of alignment.I wish someone could get to the bottom of it.
I am 48 by the way.
Thanks
Sorry to hear your story. I expect you are still reeling from the shock of all this and what the future holds. We have al been there but things do improve. Being a postie is hard work, so I can see where you are coming from. Are you on any meds to relieve the pain? A hot bath or shower can ease the aches and pains, quicker on waking. Heat and ice packs can also relieve pain.

Your gp can refer you to a pain management clinic, physio, acupuncture. Steroid injections can be given if referred to a specialist and he thinks this is appropriate. This is not a permanent solution but can help for around 2 months. Have you had an mri on your spine? Why not ask to be referred to a specialist

Things will improve as you will read from postings on this forum and at least you have found us lot, who know where you are coming from as we are all in the same boat to a greater and lesser degree and are of all ages too, as "arthur" can strike at a very young age too.

Have you looked at the Working Matters Zone as this has useful information about the other questions you ask with websites to look at as well.

There is also the helpline that you can call or email. Telephone number at top of screen.

Keep posting, Holmesi, (sorry about the pub :oops: ) we will try to answer your questions and if not will always offer sympathy, we are all very good at that.

Chin up,

Luv
Elna x

elnafinn · 1. Aug 2009, 08:10

Hi Holmesi

All the best with the pain clinic.

You may well get some joy there.
I am having a couple of steroid injections in my spine on Thursday under xray direction and hope that this gives me relief from sciatica (pain in the butt, burning/pins and needles, numbness sensations in the leg especially on standing for a length of time and walking) for a couple of months. If it does the specialist says there is a small back operation he may consider for me.

It feels like a constant battle sometimes and we do unfortunately have to keep on at the medics to take notice and refer us. We know what the pain is like and know our own body better than anyone else and don't let anyone tell you it is all in your head, which is what some peeps are told. It most definitely is not.

I sincerely hope you start feeling better soon both mentally and physically. Keep on posting on here. It is good therapy but can become addictive!! I am addicted!!

Hope the rest of the day goes ok for you,

Luv
Elna x

jaspercat · 1. Aug 2009, 08:19

Hi Holmes, I just wanted to welcome you, I am now 51 and had to quit my job as a care assistant, I went of my own free will as it became apparent that I couldn't carry on, it does make you reel as though is so much to learn and understand, I have RA and the only way I can cope with pain is Tramadol painkillers, a wheat bag, that you can warm in a microwave, is also a good idea love Jaspercatxx

debatat · 1. Aug 2009, 08:32

Hi, welcome to the site. I have Ra and lupus and know how awful costant pain can be. A hot shower in the morning is the only way I can get going in the morning. I find it helps the stiffness, and the pain. Heat packs are good as well. I take MST, which is slow release morphine and tramadol to help with the pain. I also take amitriptyline to help me sleep.

Have you been referred to a rheumy? The pain clinic should help you, other people on this site have been and had good results. I would push to be referred to a specialist. Also take some advice from CAB or DIAL or the helpline here there are laws to protect people who have illnesses. You can get your gp to help as well.

I hope you get some relief soon. Let us know how you get on.

Take care

Deb

lindalegs · 1. Aug 2009, 13:03

Hi Holmesi,

Welcome to the forums and to posting.

I can't answer any of your work-related questions but wondered if the Helpline Team could - phone number at the top of the page.

The others have given you some sound advice and to add to it I wondered if you were resting your knees too. One of my brother's is a Postie and I know how much you have to walk and the weights you also have to carry and this would have put considerable strain on your knees even though you've been off work since March. I'm not suggesting you retire to the sofa forever because we need muscle power to support our weight bearing joints but maybe just for a few hours in the middle of the day would help - if you can.

Luv Legs

valval · 2. Aug 2009, 07:19

hi my son is a post man so know how much mail u have to deliver he has 6 or 7 bags some days lol. u need to get sorted before u go back to work or u will set things off again while u r off try to do the exercises ,walk short distances and rest with feet up when u can

listen to what doc tells u . u will get good days and bad arth is like that messes with your head lotts of people on anti-depressants. if meds not working for u go back and get something different that does. as for work not sure u would have to ask union they will know what is possible but no rush for that get sorted first

How do you cope with the pain

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