hi..newly diagnosed..

scoobiedoo

Hi I am Emma , 41 and just diagnosed with cervical spondylosis/ostoearthritis of the neck..although I suspect I have had it for some time a major flare up over last 7 days i went to see my gp who exained me and thinks that what I have. I already have a disability after a road accident in 1994 and two further whiplash injuries in 97 and 98..which she thinks have contributed to my neck probs now. I am a wheelchair user as lower back probs after rta in 1994..partial lesion to lower spine..complex regional pain in my left leg, hip and pelvis too.. She thinks there is nerve aggrevation but not nerve root entrapment at present..in my neck..the pain is bad and actually makes me feel sick..my neck is very stiff and am getting headaches and dizziness too if i look up or move my head too quick..not that I can do that at the minute. Driving is hard due to limited rotation on lhs of neck and free wheeling in my chair is hard..i usually have a power trike but have been without it for 5 wks now and my gp thinks this has caused the flare up as walking my dogs on park freewheeling!!I ampretty active and fit and just want to get through this and manage this ..waiting for physio at gps but no work yet so having a private session today to see how I get on and get advice ..should I ask gp for xrays to confirm ..she will only refer me to specialist if things dont improve after physio..and even then she says there is not much can be done..she was quite blaze about it all but has given me diazapam to help at nite but cant take during day as wont be able to drive so taking naproxyn which I have to say doesnt really touch the pain..lol any help or advice would be appreciated..Emmax

dreamdaisy

Ooooh you poor girl, what a lot to contend with. I cannot relate to any of it, wrong sort of arthritis and never been in a car crash, but welcome to our merry little gang! There are a few about with CS and OA, I'm sure they will say hello when they spot this. I too am on naproxen but all it seems to do is give me oral thrush. Lovely. I hope you have some sun where you are, we do and it does make a change! DD

nearlybionic

Hi Emma
Welcome to the forum, its a brill place. Both for information and support.
Its sounds like you have a lot to deal with at the moment, but it also sounds like you have a good positive attitude eg keeping active etc.. I hope the physio helps and that you are able to get the pain and other symptoms under control.
NB

angie1973

Hi Emma,

I have OA in the neck (plus knees, lower back and hands), and I can understand your pain. I had severe headaches, dizziness, and nausea when I was at my worst.

I had 9 sessions of physio which helped to get the movement back and that was really helpful, so well worth going to, as they give you exercises to keep limber too.

I had chiropractor treatments too, but they didn't help me at all.

I know how painful it is having neck issues, so I hope you get some better relief from the physio.

They do tend to be blase about OA. Nothing they can do (it's what they told me too).

I got reading and came here, and have never looked back with the support you get on this site.

Welcome!
Ange..xx

skezier

Hi Emma,

Sorry you have had this diagnosis and really do hope the physio helped?

I have oa and spondy, mine causes vertigo and headaches but its quite well controlled now a days.

I think if you haven't had xrays then they are a starting point but actually wonder if an mri would be better as it would show what the soft tissue damage or potential nerve damage is.

Do you see a consultant cus they would be better at advising and sorting out tests and pain control. I know some gp's are very good but it might be better to see a consultant.

I hope you get some help and relief and that the physio will come through for you quickly and nice to meet you. Cris x

woodbon

I have oa in my neck and have the pain, dizzyness thankfully not much nausa, only on a very bad day. I've had an MRI and they found a osteophate touching the nerve. Exercise and pain killers are the only thing unless it gets worse as they don't like operating on the neck because its so easy to damage a nerve and end up with a worse problem. I also have ulner nerve entrapment and carpel tunnel, one operated on the other settled with a steriod injection. You can have steroid injections, which helped me.

You may find that the physio helps or, if its really not helping, she may refer you back to your GP with a recommedation to see a specialist. Good luck. Love Sue

scoobiedoo

Goash thanks everyone..great to be here..feeling a bit lost at moment but glad for your feed back..just got back from walking my 6 dogs..took it steady but not feeling great..lol Started diazapam last nite(2mg) and feeling a bit groggy still..certainly helped with muscle tension and spasm in neck but pain at base of neck was much the same on waking..:-(
Yes I think x rays would be helpful or mri as have not had my neck assesed since 2000..back to see gp on the 17th so will ask if can be refered then..had chriopractic treatment in past and it didnht help long term but could try again..maybe accupuncture too? I work for myself from home but this does involve using a laptop at times so will need to check with physio best positions etc and remember to take breaks..lol I think none of us have a crystal ball alas.. but equally I dont know what to think about the future..I live on my own..pretty independant and if things got worse..i guess I just need to know what I a dealing with or worst case situation..considering I already have mobility probs..my original accident was severe whiplash involving my whole spine plus(which was twisted in opposite directions as was not in a seat) closed head injury..resulting in lower back probs, retention of urine(3yrs after)..ooh and the physio gave me a walking stick which was 2 inches too short and I was unaware of this for two years until I pushed for rehab physio and they told me there.(this resulted in postural probs and.changed in my gait so walking was difficult so i left rehab and started using a wheelchair reluctantly but it has given me more freedome and mobility and kept me fit too)it was a tough few years post rta as I went througha compensation claim and i feel that directly affected the care I got on the nhs it was like no one wanted to know or get involved..so my treatment was not good or consistant at all..but my focus has been on dealing with what I have and seeeing things as positive and glass half full which I think goes a long way..being realistic about what i can do and my goals too..:-) some of my friends and people i meet on the park say i am inspiring but am just being me..

scoobiedoo

thanks Sue.ill bear that in mind..some say physio doesnt help or can make it worse but have an open mind..am seeing physio this afternoon..so will soon know..I hope to get my trike back soon to which should help and hope things will settle down..just not used to pain interfereing as much as it has over the last week or so..i live with pain in my back and leg all the time and keep busy etc but this is harder to work through and my usual cpoing skills etc are just not enough..::

julie47

Hi scoobiedoo

Welcome to forum

Hope you enjoy the chit chat with everyone and that like me you find their words of wisdom very useful.

love juliepf x
( i don't often say much but me hearts in the right place)

ironic

Hi Scoobie,
Welcome to the forum.

How did the physio go today? Hope there was some positive results.
Bet your tired now.

Lv, Ix

scoobiedoo

Hiya..thanks..yes physio was good..she was a bit limited at first as all the area around my neck was very sensitive to touch so she didnt do tuissue massage today but did evaluate me and used ultrasound, which i found uncomfortable. She showed me some exercises to do also and there seems to have been some slight shift in range of motion..but yes tired and a bit sore still..lol will see her next week as i doubt my gps physio will be in touch as yet..seems to take forever..despite me chasing them up..thanks..:-) did self referal on tues and no word yet..typical lol I think next time she may try laser at accupuncture points..not sure lol..hope i sleep better tonight..


quote="ironic"]Hi Scoobie,




Welcome to the forum.

How did the physio go today? Hope there was some positive results.
Bet your tired now.

Lv, Ix[/quote]

dreamdaisy

Morning scoobie, I hope you had some decent rest last night and are feeling OK this morning - perhaps a little sore after yesterday? DD

scoobiedoo

Hi DD...yes I think I slept ok..the diazapam seems to help a bit..had some odd dreams though lol that woke me..yes a bit sore and just done my exercises..ouch..still pretty stiff and lots of crunching/grinding going on in my neck which may be a positve thing not sure..still some nausea on moving my neck but a bit less than before..so fingers crossed..hope to get my powertrike back soon which will def help and my dogs love the speed at which we go..haha..:-)..the sun is out so thats good..taking it easy today
hows you today..??
Em

dreamdaisy wrote:

Morning scoobie, I hope you had some decent rest last night and are feeling OK this morning - perhaps a little sore after yesterday? DD

coco67

Hi , im glad you got some sleep, i hope you have a better day today x

dreamdaisy

Honest answer scoobie? Lousy. Rough night, little sleep, much pain. I am on the thin end of my humira wedge: it's a drug I inject fortnightly, and I've noticed that by day 10 of the fortnight I'm running out of steam! Roll on Monday. I hope you have a good week-end. DD

coco67

take it easy today DD i hope your feeling better soon, {{{hugs}}}

dreamdaisy

Thanks hun! I shall. I am facing the ordeal (!) of beer and curry tonight, you can bet your bottom dollar I shall rest up today to gear up for the excesses of the night! DD

frogmorton

Hi Emma

I am so sorry I missed your post :oops: Oh the shame of it

It iS good to met yo though

You have rather been through the mill havent' you? I read your tale with such shock - you have really been very unlucky I have just been diagnosed with cervical spond too earlier this year (have had back surgery in the past and have inflamatory arthristis too!) and by the heck it hurst :shock:

Nothing like it eh? :shock: I have amitriptyline at night (similar effect to the valium which does help), a butrans pain patch (ok once i got over the first day's 'morning sickness' and can take other pain meds for breakthough pain. Oh yes arcoxia is my naproxen.

I am glad you have found us and think you are doing briliantly. I look forward to seeing you around and about

Love

Toni xx

dippydoodah

Im sorry Im a little late in saying hello, I haven't been on for a little while.

Sorry to hear you're having a rough time but you couldn't be in a better place for support and advice, they are a fantastic bunch of people.

Welcome to the forum from me too x

dorcas

Hi Emma

sorry I missed your post too :oops: I've been awol a lot since Thursday.

wanted to say a warm welcome to the forum from me too.

You've had such a lot to deal with but seem to have a good doc supporting you.

Finding the right meds is a bit of a minefield so it can be a case of trying until you find the right one. I find amatriptyline good for nerve pain and helping with sleep but that may not be the right one for you...we are all so different!

It is important though for the docs to know exactly where the pressure areas are and what's causing your pain so I do hope you get an MRI soon.

Iris xx