Confused, and some questions!

rach1986

Hi everyone, I posted this in the young peoples forum but only got one response. They advised me to post it here, that more people would reply, so fingers crossed.

My name is Rachael and I am 23 years old, and a few months ago after annoying my doctor for help, I had x-rays and was told I have "mild degenerative changes" in my wrist. When I asked what on earth that meant they said Arthritis. I've had problems with my wrist for years since I broke it, but one day, several months ago, it just started killing me, and I got to the point where I'd had enough which is when I went to the doctors.

All he's told me is to take 2 paracetamol, 2 ibuprofen, and a codine tablet. I tried the first two which are no help, but I hate the idea of constantly putting drugs in my system, which dont help with the pain anyway.
He hasnt given me any information, infact until I started looking online I didnt even know there were so many different types of Arthritis, let alone which type I have.

I've just had one physio appointment where she prodded my hand and wrist a lot, did some ultra-sound thing on it which was supposed to help, and told me some exercises I can do but I still feel lost. I dont seem to get much support from my family or friends, I'm sure they think I'm making a fuss over nothing so I dont like to say anything to them anymore, and as for work, I work at an off-licence and I've talked to my boss a bit about my arthritis and while she pretends to be sympathetic she comes out with comments like "oh i get a little bit of arthritis in my hands too", which makes me want to yell at her its not just a bit achy you know, it can be agony!
She allowed me to cut down my hours for what was supposed to be temporary but then turned permanent as they told me they needed to take on more staff. She tells me to get the other staff to lift the beer crates etc but but it makes me feel completely useless and like I'm getting paid for not fully doing my job.I would love to quit my job as it causes me pain, even with my shortened hours but my parents would kill me. They tell me to find another job first but I can't seem to even think of a job I could do that wouldn't hurt.

Sorry to rant at you all, I just need to get it out of my system, and there is more but I'm sure you dont need to spend the whole day reading.

xx

chris7

Hi Rach

So sorry to see you have joined us as such a young age. Do rant all you need too, even if we can't always help we do understand confusion and frustration and will send a hug. Glad you felt able to get this down.
I think Pixy is right the job centre should be able to advise you if you do need to consider another job, but why should you have too?!! No wonder you feel frustrated at the moment. I also felt it necessary to reduce my working hours some time ago.
One thing I quickly realised on finding this site is that you do need to keep pestering your GP until you get some answers and real practical support and pain relief.
Keep talking to your family and friends, it may be it is all new to them too, and they need to know exactly how you feel. Show them your post if you think it would help.
Am sure others will come along with similar health issues to you, and will be able to offer more practical advise. I have the dodgy hip and knees variety of arther so can't really help but do send sympathy and hugs. You don't have to feel so alone with all this.
Take care
Chris

jordan7j

Hi Rach, I agree with what everyone has said. Make an appt at the job centre, and pester your GP. There is also leaflets you can order from here which gives info aboaut arthritis, and you can show these to family and friends even employer.
So sorry you have to suffer this at your age, I would be so upset if you were my daughter. We are here to support you, and lots of people here cangive advice, so keep positng, love Jay

oneday

Hi Rach
sounds like a familiar start!....pain,doctors and tablets...its only when it persists for months that you tend to get referred somewhere like physio, then if that doesnt work hospital doctr,maybe some xrays,bloods and orthopaedic surgeon. It is frustrating when you dont have a label and dont know what to do. Do you have rsi? have you had blood tests? Ask the physio as much as you can, try the tablets....sorry bit negative but i think the majority of us on here have started the same way until finaly we know what we have,not that that takes it away but the support and some tips help especially when you get annoyed you are physically not always able to do things you want to. Take it easy but do try the physio exercises, good luck.

Starburst

Hello and welcome! I'm glad you found us but sorry you're suffering.

I'm also quite young (21) and I have inflammatory arthritis. I'm not too clued up, as I'm fairly new myself but, from the description, it sounds like you have osteoarthritis in your wrist. I'm sure someone here will correct me if I'm wrong. Are you going to be having regular physiotherapy? I was given a TENS machine, which has been good for pain relief. It might be useful to ask your physio or GP about it.

It's very hard when you have an invisible illness, especially when you're young and meant to be healthy, at the prime of your life. Would it help to give your boss and family a leaflet on arthritis or the name of this website, so they can understand?

If you ever need a friendly ear, feel ree to message me anytime.
~ Sophie

valval

hi u must feel so fed up i know it hard at the start so frustrating not knowing what to do for the best . but stick with it things will get better but will take time the exercises can help but u have to do them regular and the meds take a while to work so u will have to be wait work for as long as u can let them lay u off do not just leave as u will loose money and u will need it in the long run. take some one with u when u go to see doc and make sure u tell them how much it is interfearing with your life good luck fingers r crossed for u

woodbon

Hi, As the others have said, it may well be caused through the injury you had, but that dosn't mean that you can't be helped to get better. I have splints and they do help a lot, mine came from the occupational therapist, but, you can buy them. The only thing is, they are expensive and their are different types, which can confuse, if you get them from the Occupational Thearapist, they don't charge. Also, a talk with one may give you some ideas about ways of working and other aides you can have to make life easier.

Also, the jobcentre do have people to help, so its worth asking them, as the others have said and it is confidential.

Don't think of the worst things you've read on the internet, as it can frighten you and is not always accurate. This site is a good place, and I'm glad you've found it! Love Sue & Happy New Year!

lucymum

hi hun glad u found some better responses I hope they have helpped you a little!!!!

joyful164

Hello Rach.
You have lots of useful advice already. What more is there to say
I would advise that you do see the Job Centra asap. If you haven't already left you job, you need to get an Access to Work assessment done at your place of work. If you have left work, then it is possible they can help you with possible benefit.

I think you need to see your GP again, or see a different doctor and get a referral to a Rheumatologist, an Occupational Therapist (you will get free hard and soft splints and hopefull a sleeping splint this way) Get a referral to the Pain Clinic. They can help with getting medications sorted.
If you wanted to go down the natural way, then a Chiroprationer will help and advise on Natural Products, but ask your GP to refer you to one on the NHS if possible.
If you are able, purchase a TENs Machine from Lloyds. You can get them quite cheaply On Line. Just put Lloyds Chemist in.

Have sent a PM to you
Joy

rach1986

God I dont even know where to start with thanking all of you for your helpful and caring replies, you have helped me quite a bit, and made me feel less stressed.

I think its definitely job centre for me on monday, I need to do something about my job situation as I cant continue as I am. I'm still working at the shop, but its a small family business, and while the owners used to be great to their staff, over the last year its like they dont care at all, as long as we do all the work. Infact three staff left within a few months if that gives you a clue. So the work assessment thing some of you mentioned wouldnt really work out there.

I am going to make another appointment with my doctor, and I'll sit down and write a list of questions to take with me. Usually I just sit there nodding while he just instructs me to take tablet after tablet.

One last thing (well maybe lol) these TENs machines, I understand what they do, and I thought about them a little while ago, which of you use them yourselfves? And do they work at all? completely or a little?

Again thank you to all of you, I'm happy I've found somewhere to talk it all out.

xx

trisher

Rachael

Stick with us and we will help you out.

It would be a good idea to ask for some leaflets explaining about arthritis you can ask on here, they will send you them.

love Trish xx

lucymum

Hi i have used TENS on and off since I was 14!! They do help but it does depend on the person, the pain and the placement of the probes.
It's always worth a try hun, most things are when you are in pain.
Good luck with it all x x

skezier

Hi Rach,

Can't help you with the Job side cus I have been self employed for so long I don't know much about that bit I am afraid. As well as the leaflets you can get a lot of info up the top of the AC site pages. The one that says about arthritis has some really good info you can download.

One thing I promise you is it does get easier. I also wonder if you could go and talk to your gp and maybe change your pain relief would help? Good luck and these people here are always there if you need them Take care Cris