New to all this.

LolaCrayola

I have cervical spondylosis, is this arthritis? I am in pain all the time, referred pain, is this what I just have to live with? I take codeine, paracetamol and amytriptiline. I can't take NSAID. I have my doctor this week and a specialist appointment in 2 weeks. I use a tens machine, without the drugs the pain is unbearable. I know that complete pain relief is an unrealistic expectation, but sometimes I feel sick with the pain.

CJHunter

Hi Lola, welcome to the forum

I do not have a clue about your condition, sorry. Talk to your g.p about other pain meds, there are more out there than what u r taking :shock:

Before sttending appointment it might be an idea to keep a pain log, Anky has a good system which she is usualy happy to share.
And remember, Write everything down, if you are anything like me you will forget

Nice meeting you.
Clare xx

helpline_team

Dear Lola,

Thank you for your post to Helplines. My understanding is that your condition is osteoarthritis affecting the neck (upper part of the spine). I realise this can be an extemely painful arthritis. I am attaching a link to some information here.
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis_information/arthritis_types__symptoms/neck_pain.aspx

If you private message or email us your full name and address there is a lot more information we can forward to you. Many people their day to day wellbeing can improve by using self management techniques. We run classes covering these
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/LivingwithArthritis/Self-management

On the forum you can find good day to day support (I wonder whether you've posted on 'Living with arthritis' yet?).

If you'd like to talk about how things are, then please feel free to ring us.

I hope we can help further.

Guy