Hi Guys

sandysue
sandysue Member Posts: 25
edited 27. Sep 2011, 08:23 in Say Hello Archive
I'm Sandy, I started with Arthritis in my late teens, back pain and sciatica (which includes episodes when my back 'goes off') by my early 20's, Cervical Sponylosis by my mid twenties. I am now 40 and the pain has finally got the better of me, the OA is worst in my knees but the CS in my neck causes me a lot of pain and sleep problems. I've just recently had an MRI Scan on my lower back as I couldn't stand the pain and could barely do anything around the house, and was told I have Lumbar Spondylosis with a disc protusion/posterior disc prolapse, my GP also said there was nothing that could really be done for me. I was a very slim active teenager but both my parents have Arthritis and back problems so I suppose it was inevitable. It's difficult as I'm an extremely independent woman and my son has to do a lot for me, but I'm lucky that my closest family and friends are great and are very understanding. I'm currently on about 6 types of pain medication and meds for high blood pressure. I wish I'd found this site years ago, it's great and hopefully will give me some good advice on how to manage the pain.

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi sandysue, it's nice to meet you and I am glad you have found here, it is a good place. I am under the cosh at the moment (PA and OA are mucking me about as per usual) so I'm not around much, but please post again on the LWA forum as more people hang around on there and you may get some more replies. The forum as a whole is pretty quiet at the moment, due to the holidays I guess, but there is usually someone around! I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • sandysue
    sandysue Member Posts: 25
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks DD
  • Ankyspond
    Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi sandy,

    Nice to meet you this is the right place for support and a few laughs and lots of great advice along the way.

    It really sounds like you are having a rough time at the minute, I hope you have a good rheumy team around you cos although general doctors are good they not specialists. I too have been battling arthritis for a long time but only got diagnosed four years ago, I am 43 now and it took me over 18 years to get sorted out. I have Ankylosing spondilitis and my biggest fear is that my children will get it. Hah the slim teenager I remember that too but if you struggling to be mobile that not going to last, hydrotherapy is really good for arthritis they also say Tai Chi. Take. Some time to look around old posts and pick up tips and ideas, or ask me if you need anything. I know there will be others to say hello as well but as DD said it's a bit quite at the minute.

    One of the main things to surround yourself with a good support network of friends and family and it sounds like that is already in place for you. You can still be N extremely independent woman but you may have to tweak a few thinunderstanding way. Everyone on different meds and always someone to give you some advice if you give a shout out.

    Have you grief heat for the pain, i have microwave wheat bags they work for me.
    Also don't push your body listen to it, I tell people this but not good at doing it!

    Stay with us and if you feeling low let us know always here to support. Xx. :grin:
    AS Sufferer
    Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!
  • weejean
    weejean Member Posts: 346
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hey Sandy

    I just wanted to pop in and say welcome. You will get loads of support, advice and a lot of laughs from the guys here. I joined a few weeks ago and it was the best thing I could have done. I hope to see a lot of you around in the near future and look forward to having a good chat. Have a great weekend xx
    Big Hugs
    Jean xx
  • sandysue
    sandysue Member Posts: 25
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks ankyspond, I don't see any specialists only my GP but he's always been great and sympathetic. Yes I find heat good esp for my cervical spondylosis, I use one of those microwave bag things plus it also supports my neck a bit which helps (would be perfect if it was a bit longer). I'm still very independent in some ways, I used to have too much pride but that's long gone now. I've got a bit used to my family and friends helping, but I still won't accept outside help. I've been having a quick look around the forum and had a really good laugh, I think I will enjoy this forum very much. I don't know anything about ank spon so can't say anything intelligent or supportive, but understand the worry about your children. Thanks also to weejean for the welcome. Hope you all have a nice night :smile:
  • Ankyspond
    Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    sandysue wrote:
    Thanks ankyspond, I don't see any specialists only my GP but he's always been great and sympathetic. Yes I find heat good esp for my cervical spondylosis, I use one of those microwave bag things plus it also supports my neck a bit which helps (would be perfect if it was a bit longer). I'm still very independent in some ways, I used to have too much pride but that's long gone now. I've got a bit used to my family and friends helping, but I still won't accept outside help. I've been having a quick look around the forum and had a really good laugh, I think I will enjoy this forum very much. I don't know anything about ank spon so can't say anything intelligent or supportive, but understand the worry about your children. Thanks also to weejean for the welcome. Hope you all have a nice night :smile:


    Hi,

    Don't worry about not know anything about anky spondylitis I know it all and there are very few wise words of wisdom, with any arthritis you have to accept it (which can take years) then learn to live with it. And always remember things could be much worse.

    Glad you like the forum keep chatting. Xx
    AS Sufferer
    Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    A basic neck support is a rolled up hand towel: you could roll your wheatie up inside it too, the heat would last longer and the both together should support the neck quite well. I learned about the towel tip on here, passed it on to my mum and she now walks around looking like a boxer - but a comfy boxer. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sandysue

    Great to meet you!

    Sorry for the late welcome l hang my head in shasme...or l would except for the cervical spond!!!

    Seriously though this site is great perfect for you and l hope you decide to join us. We are a friendly bunch and a hive of useful information.

    I myself have inflammatory arthritis, but also the neck and have had back surgery on my lowers spine due to a couple of discs and a small fracture. Back like yours as a young-un :wink:

    Love

    Toni xx
  • sandysue
    sandysue Member Posts: 25
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Guys and I will defo try that towel tip. Sorry it's taken me so long to respond but had a hectic time of late, My son decided to decorate for me before he went to uni, then there was a lot to do getting him ready for uni, then I needed to recover lol. Hope u r all keeping ok.