Hello, having a tough time

louise74

Firstly hello

I'm 38 and had a diagnosis of OA and polyarthralgia for several years now affecting wrists, hands, right shoulder (a.c. joint removed), left knee, cervical and lumbar vertebra. I am a member of my local A.C. group who are fab but they also recommended I pop over here too.

For several months my lumbar vertebra has become steadily more painful, I have also had several falls as my balance seems "off" in addition I've has some pins and needles and slight weakness in my left leg which I blamed on bursitis in my hip. I have been having physio on my back on Monday they carried out tests on my reflexes, balance and strength the results all point to me having developed nerve damage in my spine I now have see a specialist Neuro physio for further tests. I am obviously feeling worried and apprehensive about this and very overwhelmed while trying to keep things in perspective and remain positive.

Thank you for reading my waffle

dreamdaisy

Hello, it's nice to meet you and I am sorry about the tough time you are facing. I am very lucky in that I don't have to deal with anything like this (my arthritis has so far avoided my spine) and I can't begin to imagine the difficulties. You have certainly come to the right place to let off steam about it all, we all do it from time to time and a valuable release it is too. It's good that you are already in an AC group and I hope we can offer useful support too. It's no wonder your fretful about these tests - everyone does when they are facing appointments, tests and results - but if these lead to answers so you know where you are then that is a good thing (albeit a heavily disguised one). I wish you well and please let us know how you get on. DD

stickywicket

I'm glad you've popped over to join us, Louise. Mine's essentially RA and I don't really do the back thing either (virtually everywhere else but not the back) but there are plenty on here who do and I'm sure they'll be along shortly. It's good to have you on board.

Numptydumpty

Hi and welcome from me too.
I'm sorry you're having such a bad time. We are all here to listen to you, and offer any advice and support we can.
I have RA, and like Stickywicket and DD, my back is not really affected.
I wish you well,
Numpty

kentishlady

Hi. Poor you, I know just how you feel. I have OA with my back badly affected and struggle with the constant pain and difficulty in doing essential things. Hope you will manage to get some meds to help you. Hope you find this forum as helpful and supportive as I do. We all understand the problems faced so just log on and get the support to help you cope. It certainly helps me.

kentishlady

Hi. Poor you, I know just how you feel. I have OA with my back badly affected and struggle with the constant pain and difficulty in doing essential things. Hope you will manage to get some meds to help you. Hope you find this forum as helpful and supportive as I do. We all understand the problems faced so just log on and get the support to help you cope. It certainly helps me.

bubbadog

Hi Louise, glad you took your local AC's advice and joined us and welcome! I have Osteo-porosis, I'm so sorry you having such a bad time of it and I know it's hard to stay positive but know that we are all here for you if you need some support or if you need to chat to someone. You did the right thing coming to the forum.

frogmella

Hi Louise,

I am a spiney too, only lumbar though. I know that hearing "nerve damage" is scary but try not to worry too much yet. It doesn't have to be permanent. Have you spoken to your GP? There are quite a few meds to help with some of the nerve pain - amitriptyline and gabapentin are often mentioned. Both have side effects but if they work it tends to be worth it. I only got hold of these by asking though.

It is a nice forum on here - people are really friendly and helpful.

Helen

LignumVitae

Hello

Welcome from me, I have inflammatory arthritis but hypermobility has meant my spine is wibbly wobbly at best whilst inflammation in the Sacro Illiac joints (from the arthritis) added to my problems as has a bit of inflammatory arthritis in my spine at times. The thing I picked up on there was your balance was off...I know after a couple of bad flares my balance was shocking. I did lots of core stability work, including hydrotherapy which enabled the nerves to regain their composure and work out where they were and where they were supposed to be thinking about. It made a huge difference to me, gave me back a lot of control, I can even walk in snow and ice without falling about like an old lady now! On a really good day I can also rock climb and am miles better at that than ever before now I have that core stability...hope you feel much better soon.

LV xx

louise74

My A.C. group was so right in recommending me to cove over here thank you for your fab replies they have really helped and encouraged me. I doing hydrotherapy/aquufit with my A.C. group who offer safe swimming sessions

tjt6768

Hi Louise, welcome from me too hun. I'm a mixed bag, sero negative in hands, wrists and elbows, possibly knees too.. Osteo in lower spine and knees, recently been told the neck has joined in as well, woohoo lol... Golfers elbow and partial carpal tunnel too. Greedy eh lol.

A few months ago I had my four nerves in the lower spine put to death with radio lesion treatment. It wasn't a fun procedure but has had a decent affect on my pain in the lower spine so far.. It still aches and I know it's hurting but can't feel it if that makes sense?

Anyway, that's enough wittering from me lol.

Hope tonight is a good un for ya.

villier

Hi Louise

Welcome aboard, I have not been here very long but this forum has been my saving grace and I am sure you will find this out for yourself. I have OA in my hands(getting worse by the minute) not as much as everyone else has to contend with Arthur wise, but with a neurological condition on top I can relate to how much chronic pain everyone has on a daily basis. Hope to seeyou around...............Marie