OA now in my back?

kayoswald

Hello everyone,

I have RA and Osteoarthritis in my hands and feet and have just had an x ray done on my back as I have been in a lot of pain. The doctors receptionist has just called me to say that I have the onset of OA in back and need to go back to see my physio with the x-ray who will explain what that means to me?? She told me "its only wear and tear" nothing to worry about?
I just don't understand, am I over reacting? I am 42, got "wear and tear" in my hands and feet and now my back? Is it the RA that causes this? Will it get worse, will I one day not be able to walk?
If its just normal, why haven't all my friends and family got it too????
I am not due to see the physio until next tuesday, can someone put my mind at rest and tell me I am just being silly?
:sad:
Thank you xx

dreamdaisy

Oh dear, kayoswald, what a bother this all is and I do empathise. I started with PA in one joint in 1997, now it's thirty five. Due to the PA damage I have OA in at least two joints (my knees) and judging by the pain it's now in my ankles too. Arthritis does this, it finds new places to irk and aggravate, no matter what sort it is it likes to spread. I imagine it like lichen spreading over a stone wall, it creeps along and covers more and more as the years pass.

The RA drugs are designed to slow the rate of spread, and sometimes they do, but for the OA there is nothing but the dullers and exercise. Joint replacements can be an option once the damage is severe enough but that won't apply to an OA affected back - well, not yet. It's all well and good for her to day it's nothing to worry about - wait until she gets arthritis, I bet she'll change her tune then.

As to the walking, well who knows? Everyone's arthritis is different in how it affects each individual, I clatter along with my stabilisers for about five minutes then a rest is required, but even so I do eventually get from A to B. That's what matters and I will keep doing that for as long as I can, no matter how demoralising it is. This damned disease is not going to best me, not ever. DD

lavenderlady

hi Kayoswald, I am withy ou in that my OA is in every joint, I had 19 xrays a while back and every single joint was damaged by OA this did not include hands fingers wrist and toes as these were already known to be damaged in fact have had a TWR and big toe removed a plate was put in but it snapped so its now still unfused but a lot less painful, it aches still but not like it used to be, I was told my right hip and knee was bad and I was surprised because nither was bad I spoke too soon as my knee always painfree is now playing up which in turn affects my right hip, I also have spondelothesis in my back and SMA in right arm and back, I know my thumbs need doing and spoke to the DR who did my wrist op and he said he will probably arrange to do it when I go back for my wrist check up in April,
most of us have multiple bad joints, you think I'm feeling better today and then bang it hits you yet again, as for age mine was diagnoised in my 30's its heriditery my mum and nan have it as well, all you can do is look after yourself as best you can dont feel you must keep up with everyone else believe me you'll only pay for it the next day, good luck and theres always someone on here who knows whats going on and to give you advice michelle

elnafinn

Hi there

So your receptionist said "it is only wear and tear, nothing to worry about." I cannot believe she was so flippant. How can she spurt forth some utter nonsense. There are so many variants of back problems. I am 7 weeks post op from spinal surgery - top end. I am angry for you! Oh dear, she has surely ruffled my feathers. :roll:

You are not being at all silly and I am sure that if you get on with your physio and are working as a team she will help you. That receptionist needs a talking to by someone, can you give me the number and her name and I will have a word with her?

Hugs
Elna x

barbara12

Hi there
Sorry the receptionist has been so flippant, she has not got the RA or OA..so hasn't a clue how it can effect people, I do think that anyone that works for the NHS should be sent on a course to learn how to talk to and try and understand what there patients are going through....I have OA in my spine....so I understand some of your worrys, they really are normal...some mornings I get up and think the same ...how fast is it spreading..will I be in a wheelchair....so no you are not being silly...with OA exercise can be a big help..you have to keep those joints moving, so I am sure your Physio will be a bog help to you
You take care and dont forget we are always here if you want to talk

suzygirl

Hi, I have inflammatory arthritis and OA in my neck and spine. I hope you get a good physio who will explainthings to you properly. I agree with your sentiments on why hasn't anyone else got it, if its normal I am 39, and my Oa is so painful and causes me as much trouble as my inflamed joints.

The physio can give you exercises to stregnthen your back. I wish you well.

frogmorton

Hi Kay

l am sorry you got OA in your back too.

Obviously l have no medical training, but did have some 'wear and tear' on an xray when l was about 20 in my back. Had surgery on it aged 39.

I'm guessing that it's just bad luck that some of us have this...l wasnt aware of my inflamatory arthritis when l initially had my back problems at all. That has been far more recent.

What l can reassure you on is that you will be ok to wait till Tuesday to chat to your physio if you trust him/her??

Hugs to to

Love

toni xx

kayoswald

Hi all,

Thanks for you kind words, you all made me feel much better yesterday. I spoke to my rheumy nurse who thinks the "wear and tear" maybe from where I have pain in my feet and am walking awkwardly! So for now it looks like keeping up with the excersies the physio gives me and keep popping the painkillers .

Thanks again xx