needing a boost from you,

seamonkey

Hi all,
Ive had a busy day today and am so tired. Ive not slept properly for nights as pain in shoulders keeping me up. I wake in early morning when have finally got to sleep because of pain in back and legs. Im petrified theyre going to tell me that I have arthritis in shoulders too. Ive not mentioned it to docs as too scared. In reality left one has been bothering me on and off for couple of years but now the pain has become really bad. Even though im on tramadol etc for Arthritis in back. Im down as have had to go on sick leave and miss my jobs. Im sick of being in pain again all the time shoulder bones are acheing all the time a knawing pain.
I use my arms alot to pull me upstairs crutches etc but have been doing that for years and hasnt caused this much pain before. I just wish my appointment with ortho was over with im so worried im making myself sick. Worried he tell me something worried he wont. Nearer its getting worse i get. I dont want to be let down again by the docs and told theres nothing wrong. Even though they saw nodules on spine xray i still doubt myself.
Didnt help my brother in law laughed when he saw me using crutches. Laughed in a disbelieving way. WHy oh Why do people be mean? Seamonkey

barbara12

Hi Seamonkey
I do feel for you, I have OA in my spine and hips, but just lately my shoulder has joined in, like you i am scared of them saying I have Arthur there as well, I sometimes put it down to pulling myself up from chair, and climbing the stairs.
It is natural to doubt yourself, lots of people on here have, and has for people laughing and not believing what you are going through, well yes that has well.
The thing with arthur is it cant really be seen, and only you know what the pain is like.
I do wish you well, we are always here when you want to talk or even rant, thats what i love about this forum.
Love
Barbara xx

tjt6768

You shouldn't be suffering like this.. When is your appointment with the ortho? You must be honest with them... I know how awful it is to be in a lot of pain even after all the so called pain killers..
I hope that you can get something sorted soon..
As for the narrow minded folk in this world, karma can be a bitch, that's the way I look at it... I think we've probably all experienced someone like him at some point..

Hope you are ok sm..

dreamdaisy

Not telling the doctors stuff is, ultimately, utterly self-defeating. Arthritis does spread, it does wander round the body, and those treating you need to know this. I know that there is not a lot they can do to help, but not telling them what is happening will only harm you more in the long run - and that is not a good idea. Often we hide from things, fearing the worst, but when the courage is found to tackle them we can find that actually things were not that bad after all, and that we can manage and cope better than we thought. The unrepdicatbility of arthritis is its most difficult aspect, I think. DD

jillyb1

Morning , seamonkey , hope you're feeling more relaxed today . I agree with DD , you should tell all about your aches and pains as even if it is what you fear ; the sooner you get some help and treatment going , the better . Jillyb

nearlybionic

Hi Seamonkey
I`m sorry to hear that you are in so much pain. I don`t know when your appointment is but understand your anxieties about going. It is a worrying time waiting to find out what they have or haven`t found. however, your pain is real, you know that.
Sometimes we try to hids how bad things are from peopel like doctors, but you can`t hide it from yourself. You really do need to tell them everything about your pain and where it is now. Then they can assess your thoroughly and hopefully ease your pain.
As for your brother in law- you could always leave a crutch lying around for him to trip over next time you see him!! ( :oops: )
Take care, and let us know when your appointment is xx
NB

valval

hi sea monkey you should have told doc i had loads of trouble with neck caused swelling in left hand could not move shoulder properly got widows hump ect physio sorted it for me took weeks as had left it so long but so much better still have bad neck but know how to calm most of the pain in that area down so worth talking about might be treatable i know we worry physio told me to mention it to rhummy did but all got from him was it not arther did not even look at neck lol they so up them selves sometimes good luck val

dorcas

Hi Seamonkey,

Hope today is better for you.

I can understand where you're coming from.... fear of arther spreading is a natural reaction and I guess lots of us have felt as you do and didn't/ don't want to acknowledge 'openly' that things might be getting worse. But keeping it to yourself isn't going to make it go away or get you help with dealing with the changes.

What the others have said is right, you do need to tell the docs about the pain in your shoulders. Otherwise they aren't getting the whole picture and therefore can't properly plan your treatment and pain relief.

As for your brother -in-law. :shock: he's an idiot! :x Please don't let him get to you. It's hard enough dealing with arther without the ignorance of others adding to the burden.

Keep your chin up SM... we are here for you and do understand what you're going through.

Iris xxx

puffin

Hi Seamonkey,

Sorry to hear the pain is unbearable and causing not only loss of sleep but more worry.

You mention pulling yourself upstairs and using crutches. Am not sure if you are using the crutches, if at all, on the staircase. Are you having to haul yourself up using the banister and somehow taking crutches upstairs?

With crutches sitting in your armpits, shoulders inevitably take some strain. I wonder whether they are forcing the shoulder joints upwards towards your neck. It could be that you need advice from a physio. on when and where to use them. Apologies if you have already had this.

Shoulder pain can also come from using your arm(s) too much/in heavy work/ repetitive ways/in overstretching. These can result in nerve irritation, inflammation, etc.

I bought myself crutches when the standard NHS issue of aluminium stick with its thick handle proved awkward to grasp. However the crutches caused shoulder problems. I still have them in a cupboard for any future use. At present I am using one, sometimes two sticks, with narrow handles which fit in the palm of my small hand.

Do get your doctor to check your shoulder. Then treatment can be decided.
Puffin.

seamonkey

Hi all,
Thanks for all your replies. You all tell it how it is and thats easier to take when you know they understand. Today ok pain wise and my crutch ive only had for 3 weeks and is the type that has a bit on the lower part of your elbow, not under arms. My shoulder has been sore well befor crutch so i dont think it that but may be making it worse. My OH is coming to appointment with me on the 7th of feb to see Ortho. He will tell the truth and because hes saying it i wont feel like im making it up etc.
Ive had a good few days again mobility wise which is great.
Although im not so great in the head! Doc said i might have trouble coming t terms with it. Just never said what to do if i am.
My daughter was in hospital last night with stomach pains. Luckily nothing was found and they sent us home with gaviscon. Up most of night so im tired today. Not the best when struggling.
I have an MRI on thursday and im worried about spending 8 hours in aberdeen on my own when if feeling off and what if my mobility is really bad. Ill take my stick but im dreading it.
Thanks all your great. Seamonkey

puffin

Hi Seamonkey,
Glad to learn that your crutch is not a high one. Silly me forgot about that type. :roll:

You will be in the care of the hospital staff when you go for your scan on Thursday. Tell them your fears about your mobility and lack of stamina straight away--as soon as you 'clock in'.
Am sure you will be met with nothing but understanding and kindness. They are used to folk coming all the way from the Orkney and Shetland, and other far-flung places. They will have experience of people who face the long journeys back and will, I think, know of people who could help, ie. perhaps a Red Cross/WVS volunteer who might escort you back in taxi to ferry/airport.
In fact why not ask around your neighbours for their experiences or phone hospital itself and ask for patient liason ( can't think of best dept. just now) and explain your worries.
I take it you don't know anyone in Aberdeen.

Take care meantime and don't overdo activities if at all possible.
Love Puffin

puffin

Hi Seamonkey,

Have just looked on web. NHS Grampian website has a thread for travel and transport to A. R. Infirmary for people in Orkney. (There is of course a separate one for Shetland folk.)

It tells you your Surgery will have a travel pack. Perhaps this has already been put in the post to you.
You will have your travel plans no doubt but this will probably give you extra information.

Also on website is a downloadable list of accomodation for relatives. If for any reason you could not make it back the same day, then this list would be helpful. It can't just be for relatives. (there won't be someone at the door checking your status. )

Once you have relaxed a bit about availability of help I think you will have less pain from tension.
Puffin

frogmorton

Hi Seamonkey

sorry I missed your post :sad: I do hope you are ok today now? I think you are doing really well with it all you know. The elbow crutches might help with some bits , but not others hence you not being sure about them and whether they have affected your shoulders.

I do hope you will be ok with the MRI you are 100% right to take your crutches with you.

Your BIL was very unkind to laugh at you like that. Let us hope there never comes a time when he needs any sort of mobility aid eh/

Love

toni xx

seamonkey

and relax,
Now the day is nearly here im more relaxed about the trip to aberdeen. Ive found out about a ex work colleague that is going to same hospital as me and on the same flights so some one to talk to in airports. The kind ladies at the docs here have booked a wheelchair to take me from the plane in aberdeen to a waiting red cross bus which will drop me at the hospital. I am having a very mobile day today and am hoping it stays that way for tomorrow. Fingers xd the MRI shows something more positive than doc has been thinking.
Exciting day today, my sis in hospital having her 6th baby! should have news soon. That will be 15 neices and nephews for me!
Thanks for all your research you are all so much more organised than me. It must have taken you some time so thanks again.
Your words of wisdom are invaluable to some one just starting out. Oh and i also got offered a job yesturday. when i explained about arthritis they were still keen. If ortho says its ok for me and it still open its mine!
Hope your all having a good day,
best wishes
seamonkey

julie47

Hi seamonkey
late with a reply i am sorry to say ....but I am glad you are feeling better today.
Wow 6 children i think thats brilliant. How exciting for you another niece or nephew.
Good luck with the mri tomorrow
.
Take care
juliepf x

puffin

Hi Seamonkey,

Glad to hear you have some confidence about tomorrow and have had two bits of very good news. These will be such a boost. Hope your sister's baby is now in this world.
That's some birthday card list you have got!

Wishing you all the very best for tomorrow's journeys and appointment. That's some expedition!
Do tell us about them when you have recovered.
Puffin

ironic

Hi Seamonkey,
I just wanted to wish you luck for tomorrow. I will be a long day for you so I am glad that parts of the journey will a bit easier than you thought. It will make a difference with having someone to talk to on the journey too.

I hope your sister has some news for you soon.
Great news about the job too. Good luck with everything. Fingers crossed for you.
Lv, Ix

dreamdaisy

Morning seamonkey, I am just popping in to wish you the very best for today - I know it's going to be a long one for you, but I hope all goes smoothly - at least you will be able to 'relax' in the MRI machine (depsite the noise!). Thinking of you. DD

julie47

Good luck seamonkey
Juliepf x

seamonkey

Hi all,
My trip to aberdeen went better than id hoped. Using the wheelchair in the airport was embarassing but i do think it helped. Sitting waiting was horrible though. Too sore to walk around and seats were so uncomfortable.
MRI went fine results on 7th. Thank you all for your kind words and your words of wisdom. I will say that staff in the airports were wonderfull as were the staff at aberdeen bon accord centre when i went for something to eat. I managed to get kids a little present each with the aid of taxi dropping me right outside primark.
Am keeping my fingers Xd for a good relult on 7th.
Hope everyone is having a good day
X seamonkey

caterina57

Hi seamonkey
Glad that it went ok for you. Know what you are going through I have back neck shoulder wrist probs and currently off work due to a bad flare.Hope your MRI results are good and that you can get some good treatment to help. I am off for a physio assessment on Wed (that should be fun!)
Try to keep positive - How is the new babe?
take care
Cath

seamonkey

Hi Cath,
Im sorry to hear youve got a flare up at mo. Think I may be just coming back from one myself! finally.
My sister has had a girl. Shes lovely, such a darling.
Im off work myself due to back and legs. Im seeing a way past it all now though that im not in so much pain and so stiff all the time. Best thing is being able to get up myself in the morning. I hate relying on others.
i hope you have lots of support to get you past this.
all the best, seamonkey X

puffin

Seamonkey,

Glad to hear your trip to Aberdeen was a better experience that you expected. Also pleased the safe arrival of your new niece has lightened the hard days.
Sorry to hear you are off work. Take care and rest up---you need it after last week's exertion and worry.
Puffin

dreamdaisy

Hi seamonkey, well that all went well, yes? I am glad you were able to cope with it and that people were helpful. Let us know the results if you can, and where you go from there. Take care. DD

seamonkey

Evening all,
Just to say is there no end to the wonderful support the OTs can offer? They came past today and installed the blow up matrass lifter on the bed to let me sit up by myself with out help. This had been getting easier but with this im not dreading the mornings so much! I hope every ones doing ok, in order to take things easy ive taken to sewing in my days off which has been productive. Kids jumpers all mended and curtains now have an extension so they reach the floor.
Last week off now so hoping doc will sign me back.
Have to go now and put other kids to bed before i hit mine!
All the best
seamonkey

tjt6768

hi seamonkey, it at least sounds like things are improving..
That's good news, hope it continues to do so...
Best wishes, take it easy and look after yourself..