hello from a newcomer

evabuk

I'd like to introduce myself to what looks like a really friendly bunch of people.

I'm 62, always been quite healthy, except for gradual development of back problems because of slight scoliosis.

I've had arthritic degeneration in the neck for a few years, which wakes me up with pain when the muscles go into spasm after I've been lying down for some hours (not every night..I'm lucky)

Just recently start with an acute episode in lower back, MRI shows disc degeneration at L4/5 and arthropathy at L4/5 and L5/S1 in the facet joints.

This has been causing me relentless pain which no pain meds would touch and I'm now on slow release morphine, which still doesn't do it all of the time.

I was able to see a spinal specialist privately (via AXA PPP) for the diagnosis - had MRIs and scans - and he suggested facet joint injections, which I had done last Wednesday.

So far, it hasn't worked, and although I was told it might take a few days to kick in, I was hoping for some relief by now.

I feel dreadfully depressed and sorry for myself, as I'm sure everyone on this board has at some point...can't see a way forward, can't see how I'm going to live with this pain - can't sit down, can't lie on it as body pressure hurts, even standing aches.

Also, of course the private health insurance is not going to help me in the long term since it's a chronic condition.

Thanks for reading this far, for those who have, and sorry to start off on such a whingy note - this has come as an enormous shock to me as I've always looked after myself, eaten well, exercised, etc etc.

I'm sure I'll be around more!

heather1

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I am sorry to hear you are feeling so depressed and in so much pain.
Unfortunately chronic pain does not discriminate so even though you have looked after yourself we are suseptable(sorry about the spelling)
All we can do is learn all the techniques we can to not let it take over our lives and to make it manageable.

I am fortunate that i have been through all the stages,depression,anger,hopelessness etc. and have come out the other side.

There are lots of lovely people here who can give you there experiences and relate to you however you are feeling good times and bad!

Best wishes

evabuk

thanks for the welcome, Lynne and Heather - I look forward to "getting to know" everyone

tkachev

i am being kicked off the computer by the children but just time to say welcome.
Hope to see you postin on the forums

Regards,hugs and best wishes
Tkachev

frogmorton

Hi Eva
Sorry you have arthur but pleased to belatedly welcome you to the site from me! I look forward to seeing you posting
Take care
Toni x

psyart

Hi to you - I am quite a newy on this site but everyone is brill - there are lots of fun things that go on as well as people who are willing to listen and understand! this site is a comfort to me - does make you feel that you are not alone!!!

L x