A bit of advice needed please

rugbygirl

Hi all

Yes I know I have been missing in action for quite some time but things have been going pretty well for me and I have been quite busy. I have moved into a converted bungalow and into a lovely peaceful village.

I am back working full time and just been made permanent although I had one bad day on Friday. I spent the day in the sun yesterday but this seems to have triggered a load of different things.


Both my hands have decided that they dont want to work properly to the point that I can barely grip anything at the moment. Picking up cups and using cuttlery is near on impossible but i have no pain until i try to do this. I can type at the moment but I dont know how long that is likely to be for.

I am also finding it more and more difficult to drive because of my back giving me issues but I dont know what to do. I feel as if I am becoming a burden on those around me because I cant do the stuff that I have been doing. Even wanting to tidy up is a major issue. I cant sort things out for myself anymore and I am feeling more and more frustrated.

I am getting pain in both legs, shoulder blades, feet, elbows and to top it off my new doctor has stopped one tablet because they cause strokes and heartattacks but the one he has replaced it with (naproxen) is making me feel like a space cowboy all the time.

I am now back to living on gabapentin, co-codamol and anti depressants because I cant take anything stronger.

Can anyone suggest anything I can do? losing weight, exercise and swimming are very much a struggle. I am finding it totally impossible to lose weight having an underactive thyroid.

dreamdaisy

Arthritis does this, it lulls you into a false sense of 'security' while it behaves itself then it likes to remind you it's still there, lurking, jeering, thumbing its nose. :roll: Damned disease.

Although some things have improved (I envy you the bungalow!) working full-time is going to be challenging. I know exactly the frustration you are feeling about not being able to do what you used: we are having some decorating done next week and Mr DD is upstairs clearing a room of stuff. In the past I would have helped, now I can't and I can hear him swearing and getting in a temper. I'm sitting here with my guts in knots due to shame and embarrassment. It's tough at times, isn't it?

Obviously the thyroid trouble is not helping matters for you and I don't know much about it. Do you take medication for that and does it affect what you can take for the arthritis? (I can't remember if you're an OAer or one of the other sorts, I apologise. :oops: ) The meds themselves can cause us problems (sometimes they harm more than they help) and it can be very difficult to find the combination that works the best. Sometimes it does all get too much and finding the way out is complicated. I'm sorry, I havent been that constructive but if I get any ideas I'll come back. DD

stickywicket

Welcome back, rugbygirl. Good news about the bungalow and work but bad news about the arthritis. Like DD, I’m unable to remember what flavour of arthritis you have. If it’s an auto-immune type I can only suggest you ring your rheumatology helpline and talk to them. However, your list of meds makes no mention of DMARDS or anti-tnfs so I’m guessing it’s OA.

There’s no reason why you should stick with naproxen if it spaces you out: there are other anti-inflammatories about. Exercise doesn’t have to mean running, badminton or squash :shock: AC produce a booklet on exercises suitable for us which can all be done at home and are tailored to the muscles that need strengthening.

As for ‘being a burden’ – I’m sure your family don’t feel that. I think we tend to be more aware of not pulling our weight than they do. Just explain the circumstances and delegate jobs, at least temporarily. In some instances there might be other things you can do in lieu that are easier for you. And our ‘Simple Ideas…’ thread might have a few useful tips for you on how to find alternative ways of doing things.

In the first instance, though, I think going back to the GP is the way forward.

tillytop

Hello Rugbygirl - and welcome back.

I am so sorry you are struggling so much but I agree with what the others have said that a trip back to the GP would be a good first port of call. Not all anti-inflamms work for everyone and, if Naproxen doesn't suit you, then there are others for you to try. In terms of stopping the one which was helping you because of the risks - well my view is that the doc should have discussed this with you and worked with you to weigh up the risks and benefits. And, if you were happy with the risks maybe you would be able to carry on taking it - unless it's a drug which has actually been withdrawn and can no longer be prescribed.

I don't have any words of wisdom on the other things I'm afraid, but I am thinking of you and really hope things improve for you soon.

Tillyxxx

Soretoe2

Hello rugbygirl. You sound amazing. I am sorry to hear how you are struggling at the moment.
There's not much I can add as others have said it all. However you mention your underactive thyroid and weight. Do you think you are on the right dose? I take 100mcg a day, Mr Soretoe takes 175mcg a day and we are both not carrying any extra weight. I have taken Levothroxine for over 30 years after having Radio Active Iodine treatment. It took a while to get the dose right and my weight went up and down for a while.
A friend of mine who also has the same problem was very overweight for years, her gp refused to keep doing blood tests to check her T evels. A new gp came to the practice, did the test and upped her dose. She lost 4 stone in about 6 months. She also feels less lethargic and has much more energy and became much happier too.
Only a suggestion. Perhaps your anti depressants and the Gabapentin dose could also be tweeked a bit. If you've been on them for a long time something different may help as our bodies get used to them and they become less effective.
Do hope you get some help and relief soon, life is so hard sometimes.

barbara12

Hi Jaki
Sorry I cant add anything to what the others have said, but I am so glad you are now settled in your bungalow, it sounds so lovely, just what I need really..oh well maybe in the near future.
You take care xx

bubbadog

Hi Rugbygirl, I wanted to say Hi and you sound like what I have been struggling with last few weeks! My right hand swelled and I could not move my fingers and to top it all off I'm right handed! Now I've all ways been under the impression I had Osteo-porosis and now my symptoms sound more like inflamertory Arthritis! But all I can say is there's nothing you can do except take your meds and wait for it to ease! As an old friend once said to me You have to listen to your body!
Glad you have a new home, and I think your amazing to be holding down a job and living with Arther!

dachshund

Hello Jaki
its nice to hear from you again i'm pleased you haave a bunglow.
yes i think you should go back to see the doctor. i had naproxen for a long time untill it stopped working.
good luck.
joan xx

julie47

Hi Rugbygirl

Everyone has given good advice I just wanted to send Hugs(((()))) and hope that you start to feel well again soon.

Love Juliepf x

rugbygirl

Hi all

Thanks so much for the support and advice. I have been back and forward to the doctors since my last post and I have undergone lots of blood tests. Unfortunately the doctor I saw didnt seem very sympathetic about my situation. Fortunately I made an appointment to see another doctor about the aches and pains. I had a blood test last week and he phoned me on Friday to say there was something wrong with my bloods but he needed more tests to find out what it was. I have got my appointment in half and hour. Once I have any idea I will let you know what is going on and if there is any update on the arthur.