Please help a 'first timer'

bluebell17

Hello to all from a 'first timer'

I have finally decided I need some help - with the pain, the seemingly 'endlessness' of it, and the growing depression I feel that, aged 59, when I was so looking forward to retirement, it looks as though I will gradually be more and more restricted in what I can do.
I came on this site for information etc and was amazed at how widespread this disease is! I confess I don't know whether this makes me feel happier, knowing I am not alone and could possibly find some support, or more down in the dumps that so many people are suffering like this in the 21st century :?
I live alone and need to work - for another year at least - and the only job I could find is very physical, and this is increasing my pain and the areas of it, but what can I do? I have to pay the bills, as we all do.
Please don't think I am a 'moaner' - I am very much an optimistic glass-half-full type of person, and I rarely mention my arthritis to people, (even when they bring tears to my eyes with a firm handshake!).
However, there are days when it just gets to me. Today was one of those days, and I found Arthritis Care. Here's hoping someone will have felt like I do at the moment and will know what I am talking about.
Best wishes to you all

bluebell17

Thanks for the lovely reply Lynn.

I am online at this time as I can't sleep - nothing new to you or others, I am sure
I was diagnosed with OA about 5 years ago and was more or less told by my GP of the time that it was a 'growing older' condition and sent away with nothing more than a pat on the shoulder.
I just forgot about it really as it didn't seem to be a problem for me at that time as it manifested itself only in mild pain/aches in my finger joints (which are quite knobbly now), - and boy did it hurt if I knocked them!
However, since I started this job 6 months ago I am in constant pain, my hands feel like they are on fire, my shoulder and elbows are also affected and I wake up in the night with pain in my arm that is unbearable and I am so stiff I have to grit my teeth for the pain I know I will have in moving to get out of bed.
I confess I haven't been to my GP about it as I imagined all he could do was give me anti-inflamatory drugs, which I can't tolerate due to a stomach condition??
I think it is this feeling of inevitability and hopelessness that gets me down the most. I am also very worried that continuing to work in this job for another year will make it worse when I do retire. I am just hoping the condition will settle down again once I can stop doing this work.
Thanks again Lynn. I am off to soak my hands in hot water for a while before trying to sleep once more. I am much cheered though.
I will be back!!!

bluebell17 wrote:

Hello to all from a 'first timer'

I have finally decided I need some help - with the pain, the seemingly 'endlessness' of it, and the growing depression I feel that, aged 59, when I was so looking forward to retirement, it looks as though I will gradually be more and more restricted in what I can do.
I came on this site for information etc and was amazed at how widespread this disease is! I confess I don't know whether this makes me feel happier, knowing I am not alone and could possibly find some support, or more down in the dumps that so many people are suffering like this in the 21st century :?
I live alone and need to work - for another year at least - and the only job I could find is very physical, and this is increasing my pain and the areas of it, but what can I do? I have to pay the bills, as we all do.
Please don't think I am a 'moaner' - I am very much an optimistic glass-half-full type of person, and I rarely mention my arthritis to people, (even when they bring tears to my eyes with a firm handshake!).
However, there are days when it just gets to me. Today was one of those days, and I found Arthritis Care. Here's hoping someone will have felt like I do at the moment and will know what I am talking about.
Best wishes to you all

elnafinn

Hi Bluebell,

Welcome to the forum and you have no need to feel alone with this now and we are all here to support and help each other. I have been on this site for a good three years and like to try to help others as it helps me too.

You do not mention what type of arthritis you were diagnosed with. Was it OA? I am 59 and have osteo arthritis in my hands and have had two total knee replacements in the past 2 years. I am post op 8 weeks with the second one. I have not worked for 5 years but I do have a couple of cleaning jobs that I have done since forever so I do know how demanding physical work can be. :roll:

There are medics out there who are helpful so you should perhaps see another gp and be referred on, for example to a rheumy if appropriate, a pain clinic, hand specialist, physio. Splints can be made up to help with hand problems and people on here say how beneficial they can be. There are day and night splints. An OT is the person to be referred to for that kind of thing.

I like heat on my hands too and I find wrapping a heated microwaveable wheatbag around my hands comforting.

I do hope you will stay with us and join in. I will look out for you on the different zones.

Chin up,

Luv
Elna x

trisher

Hi Bluebell

Well, a big warm welcome to you from me.

You seem very depressed at the moment which is not surprising. Constant pain does pull you down, we all understand that. You do not have to feel so alone anymore either.

You do not say if you are seeing a Rheumatogist for help and treatment for your arthritis?

There are many different drugs they can try, sometimes it is all trial and error at first, so your medication may be changed if it is not helping you. Some meds slow arthritis down as well as help with the pain.

So if you are not seeing anyone, why don't ask your doctor if you can be referred to a Rheumatologist.

I fully understand the crying with pain in your hands, Arthur jumped in my hands as well as other places when I was not looking :shock:

You are not moaning either so please don't think you are. You are going through a bad time at the moment. Having to hold down a job is not helpful either.

There are many many good friendly people on here, we all try support one another, giving advice and swap tips.

If you have any questions about arthritis you can either post it on the LWA site and more people will answer them there. The helpline team are so nice as well so you could ask them. They can send you leaflets about arthritis too.

We do like to have relax and have a laugh too. We mostly do that on the CChat site.
When you come home from work why don't you go to the cafe and have a cuppa, you would be very welcome, bit of company too for you. There is always someone there.

I'm sure you will have many friends before long, wherever you post. There will be more peeps come to say hello to you soon.

In the meantime, you take care and a (((()))) for you

love Trish xxx

dorcas

Hi bluebell ad welcome to the form from me too.

you do not sound like a 'moaner' at all...quite the opposite! as other peeps have said arther gets to us all from time to time and we have to have some outlet from the pain and frustration of it all. :roll:

the forum provides just that outlet! and I hope you find us a friendly welcoming bunch that you can talk too. It's a two way street bluebell and we support each other so that each of us has the help we need when we need it but also can support others when they are going through a bad time. It's a wonderful site and has made a huge difference to me...I hope you'll find the same and not feel so alone with arther.

I'm 59 too..and have had some difficulties at work because of the PA arther in my hands, knees and feet....but am just about managing to stay in my job.

It's important to get your meds regularly reviewed so that you get the right level of pain relief....OT and physio can also help with giving advice, splints and exercises to help maintain and protect the joint(s) movement and dexterity..x

Look forward to chatting with you some more
Hope you managed to get some sleep.

Iris x

maria09

Hi Bluebell
Welcome to the forum everyone on here is great they offer wonderful support & good tips on managing Artur!
Im nearly 47 & have had OA for 7yrs still managed to work but only 2 days a week.
I know what you mean abt the pain getting you down & it can make you really depressed.
When im having a really bad day I find coming on here lifts my spirits & makes the day bearable
We all know what your going through you have our support
Take care
Mariax

tkachev

Hi Bluebell....

A big welcome from me.Everybody has already said what I would say to you so I wont repeat. I do hope you will keep on posting here so you do not feel so alone.

Take care
Elizabeth

cutieclaire

Hi Bluebell,

Welcome to the forums. I found this sight amazing. The people are so supportive and loving and gives me the half pint full feeling when I am in a lot of pain and an emotional wreck!!!

I would see if your doc can refer to a Rummy and hopefuly you too will get some pain free days with medication.

You know I recon most of us as very possitive but we are all real human and long term pain is very wearing and can bring you down. That and not being able to rest a lot due to work and not sleeping, life can sometimes get on top of us.

Well I hope you have a good day today and able to get to see someone and don't ever feel like you are moaning, even if you do, people on here wont judge you, they are really supportive.

Hope to chat very soon. Take one day at a time and take it easy on yourself.

Love Claire
xxxxxx

bluebell17

Well, this is proof of the power of the mind! The lovely and supportive replies I received to my post 'please help a first timer' have both amazed and delighted me - and my spirits are sooo lifted.
Thank you all.
I have now made an appointment with my GP (thanks Lynn, your 'lecture' was welcome and worked hehe). I have to wait till next week but hey, another 10 days won't matter.
I am an optimist usually, except in the painful early hours, so I am now going to get as much information as I can, get (and even demand ) as much help as I can and give and receive as much support as I can from this truly wonderful site.
I have not made it into work today - and with me it is no work, no pay - but tomorrow may be better .
Speak soon - and thanks for the tip about the cafe on here, I will pop in later.
Thanks again, you wonderful people.
Mary x

breane

Hi Bluebell,Welcome from me too.I was diagnosed with OA and RA just over a year ago at the age of 62 and like you,there has been times when I've sat and cried with the pain. It does take a while to find the right meds which will suit you best but in the meantime you will get lots of support and help from those on this forum.I have found it a great help and everyone's so friendly.Hope you will keep on posting and that things improve for you soon.Take care,Love Breane.

cutieclaire

Hi Bluebell,

I am glad you have a gp app and taken some time for you today. It must be really difficult not getting paid but when I started becoming poorly I would always put work first but having a young family I really needed time to get better for myself and my children and hubby. You can get so much info from this site. Like claiming DLA whilst working etc and I didnt realise Tax cred if you work over 16 hours for people who have disabilities!!! Have a look at the working forum, its great 2.

Hope you have a relaxing day. Take care

Love Claire
xxxxx

maria09

Glad we can all be of some comfort. I have found this site a godsend. Hope you get reffered to a good Rheumatolist mines worth his weight in gold! Except when hes injecting my joints! Ouch! Does this damp weather effect you? It plays havoc with my aches! X

cutieclaire

Hi Maria,

I am ok at the mo with this weather but I am really dosed up with steriods at the mo and lots of other stuff. Normaly I cant move and in so much pain in this weather. I used to hate the heat but love it now. How things change
xxxxxxxxx

maria09 wrote:

Glad we can all be of some comfort. I have found this site a godsend. Hope you get reffered to a good Rheumatolist mines worth his weight in gold! Except when hes injecting my joints! Ouch! Does this damp weather effect you? It plays havoc with my aches! X

sharmaine

Hi Bluebell

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear that you're feeling so low. The pain of arthritis does get you down at times - you are certainly not alone there. I gather that you have arthritis in your hands (so have I as well as shoulder, knee etc) - do you have it anywhere else?

When was the last time you saw your GP with regards to reviewing your medication? Have you had X-Rays recently to check the progress of your arthritis?

My advice to you would be to try and keep ahead of the pain (with meds); rest when your body tells you too; don't over stretch yourself - pace jobs around the home etc.

I have lots of aids to help me in the home; ring pulls for cans; automatic tin openers; a perching stool etc. The Occupational Therapist put in some handrails up the stairs and in the shower to help me around the home. If you haven't seen one before you can contact them directly through your local Social Services.

Some of the things I have are: a triangular cushion that I use to either prop my back up or to elevate my feet; wheatbags; heat pads - I could go on! Last year I bought a memory foam mattress and pillows - these have been a real aid as they cushion my aching joints.

Don't be worried about telling people about your arthritis - I think people need to know how disabling this condition really is. They may be more understanding if they knew. You could ask to see your work's Occupational Therapist to see how they can improve your work conditions. My husband has to take on tasks around the home that I used to do ....he's even had to take on the garden - the garden means a lot to me and I so miss silly things such as being able to do the weeding!!!

I haven't (as yet) read the comments from my fellow arthur sufferers on the forum but I'm sure they'll come up with some good tips for you. Remain optimistic and I look forward to reading your future posts on the forum.

Take care.

Sharmaine

bluebell17 wrote:

Hello to all from a 'first timer'

I have finally decided I need some help - with the pain, the seemingly 'endlessness' of it, and the growing depression I feel that, aged 59, when I was so looking forward to retirement, it looks as though I will gradually be more and more restricted in what I can do.
I came on this site for information etc and was amazed at how widespread this disease is! I confess I don't know whether this makes me feel happier, knowing I am not alone and could possibly find some support, or more down in the dumps that so many people are suffering like this in the 21st century :?
I live alone and need to work - for another year at least - and the only job I could find is very physical, and this is increasing my pain and the areas of it, but what can I do? I have to pay the bills, as we all do.
Please don't think I am a 'moaner' - I am very much an optimistic glass-half-full type of person, and I rarely mention my arthritis to people, (even when they bring tears to my eyes with a firm handshake!).
However, there are days when it just gets to me. Today was one of those days, and I found Arthritis Care. Here's hoping someone will have felt like I do at the moment and will know what I am talking about.
Best wishes to you all

sharmaine

Hi Bluebell

Re: stomach condition

I take diclofenac which is an inflammatory (it is specially coated) and I have a hiatus hernia. I ensure I take my hiatus medication regularly (can't take omeprazole as it is too weak I'm on rabeprezole). I urge you to see your GP immediately. I very foolishly suffered in silence for years (only because they mistakenly told me I had sciatica) and by then my OA was full blown in both knees. I recently had a total knee replacement surgery and will need in on my other leg.

Lately my shoulder has started to get worse. I find propping a cushion or pillow under my arm helps at night - as well as a heat pad.

Do take care.
Sharmaine

bluebell17 wrote:

Thanks for the lovely reply Lynn.

I am online at this time as I can't sleep - nothing new to you or others, I am sure
I was diagnosed with OA about 5 years ago and was more or less told by my GP of the time that it was a 'growing older' condition and sent away with nothing more than a pat on the shoulder.
I just forgot about it really as it didn't seem to be a problem for me at that time as it manifested itself only in mild pain/aches in my finger joints (which are quite knobbly now), - and boy did it hurt if I knocked them!
However, since I started this job 6 months ago I am in constant pain, my hands feel like they are on fire, my shoulder and elbows are also affected and I wake up in the night with pain in my arm that is unbearable and I am so stiff I have to grit my teeth for the pain I know I will have in moving to get out of bed.
I confess I haven't been to my GP about it as I imagined all he could do was give me anti-inflamatory drugs, which I can't tolerate due to a stomach condition??
I think it is this feeling of inevitability and hopelessness that gets me down the most. I am also very worried that continuing to work in this job for another year will make it worse when I do retire. I am just hoping the condition will settle down again once I can stop doing this work.
Thanks again Lynn. I am off to soak my hands in hot water for a while before trying to sleep once more. I am much cheered though.
I will be back!!!

bluebell17 wrote:

Hello to all from a 'first timer'

I have finally decided I need some help - with the pain, the seemingly 'endlessness' of it, and the growing depression I feel that, aged 59, when I was so looking forward to retirement, it looks as though I will gradually be more and more restricted in what I can do.
I came on this site for information etc and was amazed at how widespread this disease is! I confess I don't know whether this makes me feel happier, knowing I am not alone and could possibly find some support, or more down in the dumps that so many people are suffering like this in the 21st century :?
I live alone and need to work - for another year at least - and the only job I could find is very physical, and this is increasing my pain and the areas of it, but what can I do? I have to pay the bills, as we all do.
Please don't think I am a 'moaner' - I am very much an optimistic glass-half-full type of person, and I rarely mention my arthritis to people, (even when they bring tears to my eyes with a firm handshake!).
However, there are days when it just gets to me. Today was one of those days, and I found Arthritis Care. Here's hoping someone will have felt like I do at the moment and will know what I am talking about.
Best wishes to you all

elnafinn

bluebell17 wrote:

.
I have not made it into work today - and with me it is no work, no pay - but tomorrow may be better .Mary x

Hi Mary

I am sorry that you have not been able to get into work today. I know what you mean about no work, no pay, same with my little cleaning assignments. I just went back to one 8 weeks after not being mobile enough and it was in a terrible state. Usually it takes me 40 - 50 mins and it took me 2.5 hours. :roll: :roll: Similar scenario last time, 2 years ago, when I was unable to do that job for 8 weeks. It was the same person that covered for me this time. Oh well, it is back to how I left it now

Look after yourself, Mary and I hope you are well enough to work tomorrow.

Luv
Elna x()

skezier

Hi Mary,

Welcome from me as well. Tis a good place this.

Glad to see your feeling a bit brighter and that you are seeing your gp cus, well I think some decent pain relief would help you so much here. There are some types of anti-inflammatories that shouldn't effect your digestion and tablets to counteract the types that can so maybe they will come up with a decent combination for you there.

You know I know exactly where your coming from (though maybe not how you feel exactly) I also have to work, no matter how unwell I feel cus I am self employed, broke and have a few animals to tend to and can't afford to employ anyone cus the arthritis has had a big impact on my ability to earn money...... Oh I hate it! For so many reasons

See what your gp says but there are a lot of tablets out there and for me when the rumo gave me pregabalin it gave m back a whole chunk of life I thought was gone....... still can't let me dig though (I was a small holder).

Good luck, don't think your alone cus well this lot are always about and for me they have become a real solid and true life line.

Keep in touch with us and with luck the gp will be helpful. Hang in their and let us know please what they say. Cris x

dachshund

Hi Mary.
i'm pleased you've found this forum.
the people on here are lovely and they will help you and they will tell you the right way to go.
Mary when you go to the doc's why dont you write down what you want to ask him in case you are like me and things go out of your head.
take care and its lovely to meet you.
joan xx

sanmar63

bluebell17 wrote:

Hello to all from a 'first timer'

I have finally decided I need some help - with the pain, the seemingly 'endlessness' of it, and the growing depression I feel that, aged 59, when I was so looking forward to retirement, it looks as though I will gradually be more and more restricted in what I can do.
I came on this site for information etc and was amazed at how widespread this disease is! I confess I don't know whether this makes me feel happier, knowing I am not alone and could possibly find some support, or more down in the dumps that so many people are suffering like this in the 21st century :?
I live alone and need to work - for another year at least - and the only job I could find is very physical, and this is increasing my pain and the areas of it, but what can I do? I have to pay the bills, as we all do.
Please don't think I am a 'moaner' - I am very much an optimistic glass-half-full type of person, and I rarely mention my arthritis to people, (even when they bring tears to my eyes with a firm handshake!).
However, there are days when it just gets to me. Today was one of those days, and I found Arthritis Care. Here's hoping someone will have felt like I do at the moment and will know what I am talking about.
Best wishes to you all

Hi Bluebell, Welcome!!

I have only been using this forum for about a week, but already feel like one of the family!
If I'm struggling or just fancy a lighthearted chat - this is the place to be!! Though I warn you...there are some real nutcases on here ....thank goodness!!

You take care, and we're all here for you,
Love, Sandra xxx

bluebell17

Hi folks

I am totally truly overwhelmed by the responses, good wishes, and helpful tips I have received in a few short hours. You have (almost) moved me to tears, so you have.
I say 'almost' cos crying is something I try not to do as it feels like giving in, if anyone can relate to that!
All my life, when faced with adversity, I have found tenacity and determination to be my secret weapons, which is probably why the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness this chronic pain gives me at times are so scary. It is just not ME!!!!
The tip about having a list of Qs for my GP is a good one, I will certainly do that lol, he will have to refer me somewhere just to get rid of me
I was a journalist for 20 years and and I am thinking of writing a warts 'n all and (hopefully) amusing progress report as the weeks/months go on (just for me, not for publication lol) as I think that would be therapeutic as well.
Well, onwards and upwards - albeit slowly and creakingly!
Mary x

barbara12

Hi bluebell
A very warm welcome to this friendly forum, I am also 59 and OA i quite a few joints.
I am so sorry you are in so much pain, have you been referred to a pain clinic, I find them very helpful, I do hope you get some relief very soon, we all get down now and then, so dont think you are on your own, we all support one another on this site.
I do hope to see you posting more very soon.
you take care
Love
Barbara xx

dippydoodah

Hi Bluebell
Just wanted to say welcome to the Forum from me too, Im still a newby myself really and you couldn't be in a better place for support.

Im 32 and newly diagnosed with OA and have found this website to be wonderful for concerns, questions or just support.
Ive also found that its a great relief to be able to come on here and feel more upbeat and ready to crack on with the day when I log out.
Everyone is entitled to a 'down' day/week or even longer but this really is the best place to air/vent.

Take care
Caroline x

penfactor

Hello Bluebell from me too!
I think you have already found out how amazing this forum is as I did when I joined about a year ago.
It really sounds as if you are having a flare-up of symptoms at the moment probably due to your strenuous work. That happened to me in my hip & knee last year (OA) & I had to give in & buy a walking stick.
Glad you are seeing GP again - I have same probs with any drugs, they really make me sick so understand you there. There are so many new ones coming out all the time though, maybe just try to see if one suits you better?
I am 50 & had a hip replacement 5 months ago but also have OA in knees.
love Pennie X

bluebell17

Thank you Penny. I am sorry to hear of your problems and hope you manage to sort things out with your knees.
One thing I am already finding on here is how much worse off so many people are than me, and my heart goes out to you and all facing operations etc.
I have not had any proper assessment or meds for my OA from a GP yet. I truly believed a GP 5 years or so ago who diagnosed the condition but then said it was just 'age', not a lot he could do and that strong painkillers would make my recurring peptic ulcer problems flare up - how naive was that!!!
At that time the pain was quite mild but as time has gone on and it has got worse and worse, I still thought I had to 'just put up with it'.
Now thanks to browsing this site, I know different and am seeing my GP next week (NOT the same one, thank goodness).
To be honest, I feel a bit stupid not going earlier but I have always been active, fit and healthy and visits to the docs have been a rare thing for me.
Best wishes to you, and thanks again.
Mary x

sharmaine

Mary

I cry at the drop of a hat these days - I must be weak! Glad that you're feeling brighter. There are a great bunch of folks on this site.

A journalist.... now that would be one way of letting the public know how painfull and disabling this condition is.

Having arthur as a constant companion makes me realise (a) that I'm still alive (maybe not kicking); (b) I'm not alone (the forum).

Take care.

Sharmaine

bluebell17 wrote:

Hi folks

I am totally truly overwhelmed by the responses, good wishes, and helpful tips I have received in a few short hours. You have (almost) moved me to tears, so you have.
I say 'almost' cos crying is something I try not to do as it feels like giving in, if anyone can relate to that!
All my life, when faced with adversity, I have found tenacity and determination to be my secret weapons, which is probably why the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness this chronic pain gives me at times are so scary. It is just not ME!!!!
The tip about having a list of Qs for my GP is a good one, I will certainly do that lol, he will have to refer me somewhere just to get rid of me
I was a journalist for 20 years and and I am thinking of writing a warts 'n all and (hopefully) amusing progress report as the weeks/months go on (just for me, not for publication lol) as I think that would be therapeutic as well.
Well, onwards and upwards - albeit slowly and creakingly!
Mary x

penfactor

Hi again Mary!
Yes, a blog about it all would be brilliant! Let us all know if you decide to do one & post us the link. Meanwhile, I hope your days rest has eased your joints a little & you feel much better tomorrow. Very good idea to find out about some possible help from Occ Health at work. Now you have us lot to back you up don't forget!
love Pennie X