OA OF NECK & SPINE

CLARE-M

Hi I posted this message on the helpline forum and its been suggested I write on this one too - thanks x

Hi, I'm new to this site and just wonder if anyone has any advice for me. I'm a 41 yr old female & last week dr told me I have OA - from viewing xray a significant amount of arthritis in my lower neck & spine (xray only taken of my neck area so far). I've been in real pain now for the last 8 weeks at least. I've also been experiencing pain in the area of my coccyx on & off for the last few years too but put this down to my job. I'm a little concerned this may now all be connected. My dr is writing to the consultant so I'm just waiting for an appt.

At the time I am popping pills constantly to help with the pain but its not really helping. I've been Gabapentin 100mg 3 times a day, Ibuprofen (should be 3 times a day but feel like i'm constantly taking them)! & co-codomol which i cant take as its knocking me out which is impossible with a small child and working to manage! I'm feeling tired but as i work shifts its difficult to figure out if its work / pain / medication causing the tiredness.

My dr was very sympathetic and I'm seeing her again next week to see how i'm getting on with the pain management. I'm just curious if you have any other suggestions to help me manage this.

Also my dr said this is a "flare up" - does that mean the pain will eventually go - but possibly return? I dont know much about this and if i'm honest just gutted I've been given this diagnosis & the thought of dealing with this pain constantly is not something i cant comprehend right now - but i do know it could be worse so staying positive through the pain!!! x

frogmorton

Hi

Welcome to the forums from me

So sorry yo are in so much pain and the meds are knocking you silly with little persons to look after:(

First of all it might not be this bad for ever - a flare up means things might settle down and be a lot better than now. Might not go forever or even completely, but l think that is what the doc means.

Meds....l felt sick and dizzy on meds like yours too - l now have patches for my pain which mean no sudden does which makes me sicky followed by it wearing off too quickly. You can also have some mesd on slow release which has a similar effect.

There are other pain options like tens machines and even heat pads can help or ice packs. I never underrate these two things - they can be surprisingly effective at reducing inflammation and pain.

I will let the others chip in with their ideas and hope that you find the forums as helpful as l have

Love

toni xx

dreamdaisy

Hi clare, I hope your day has not been too bad. It's been very quiet on here today, I think the cold is getting to everyone! I hope those with similar experiences to yours spot your thread, and can help or advise - with provisos, of course! Take care. DD

jennylynn

i can second the advise with regards to the tens machine. I use mine on my back for my PA in my lumbar region and it really does ease the pain. I even take it to work with me or wear it to bed so if i'm feeling a bit stiff it eases it.
I take cocodamol as well, and when i first started taking it, it did make me very drowsy but i think i am more conditioned to it now.
Getting your pain management right to begin with is so tricky, so i hope you manage to feel less achey soon.

Jenny x

bubbles

Hi Clare and welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear of your current problems.
I have exactly the same diagnosis, cervical and lumbar degeneration, which causes a range of problems. Along with other problems, which I won't bore you with.
There are a wide range of medications that your Dr can try, sometimes they take a while to work and regulate, to find out what is a tollerable level for you. Pregabalin is another alternative to Gabapentin, each has its own followers and one works ok for one person and not another. You obviously need a carefully managed dose, as you are working and have little ones to look after, but it is good that you have a supportive GP and they are taking the time to keep an eye on how things are working.
Personally, I am no lover of Ibuprofen, as it can irritate the stomach lining, but, that's just my choice. There are better alternatives.
Let us know how you get on with the Drs visit, will be looking forward to your postings and do join us in the lovely cafe, for calorie free mince pies (and any other cake you like).
Take lots of care, keep safe. XXX Bubbles

speedalong

Hi Clare and welcome,

sorry you are in so much pain, if you are anything like me this weather wont be helping. As well as pills are you applying heat packs when ever you can?

If the co-cods are knocking you out, try taking one with a paracetomol - so you are taking total max dose of paracetomol each time ie 1000mg but half the codeine element which is knocking you out.

Are you taking anti-inflammatory tablets? They are my main line of defence.

Speedy

frogmorton

ah yes and Speedy you can buy the 8mg ones over the counter instead and start on them! Never thought of that!

Hope you are doing ok today?

Love

Toni xx

Airwave!

I agree pills are a nuisance when they make you drowsy, its hard to get going isn't it? Heat and tens machines are a great help as are so many other non-medicinal methods. Even digestives and a cuppa Yorkshire tea have their uses! As does a smile from my grandson, a special moment between us. So, whether newly diagnosed or a hardened arther hater, we all have so many ways to enable us to get on with life. x:rudolf

x:)) Its a xmas grin, honest!