Bad day!

kentishlady

Hi everyone. Am having a really bad day and am so fed up with myself. I went out on Saturday - a lovely outing which I really enjoyed - but as a result of the 'extra' walking, coping with steps etc have been suffering since I got home on Saturday night. Had very little sleep Saturday night as back and knee were both going 'full pelt'. Eventually got up just after 4 a.m and took tablets (paracetamol) not strong enough I know but are the only ones I can take. Plastered on the so -called pain-relieving gel too. Couldn't do much at all yesterday and although have managed to do a couple of essential chores this morning, myb ack is now in one of its moods where it hurts like hell if I'm sitting, the same if am standing and even lying down makes no difference and if it doesn't ease up soon I think I shall climb up the wall - well, would if I was in a fit state to do so!!!

I know a lot of you suffer with the same problems but I feel as though I am so useless because I cannot do what I want to do or ought to be doing. Because we make the effort to do things and/or go out, we then have to suffer so much afterwards.

Sorry, moan over. Hope you are all having as good a day as possible.

By the way, does anyone know if OA can and does spread? I keep reading articles that say that it doesn't, but am sure I have seen messages on the forum from others who say that it does.

Beryl.

GraceB

Beryl,
sorry to hear you're on a bad day. I really believe the weather doesn't help.
I can only speak from my own experience re you asking does OA spread? Yes! would be my answer. I've seen it creep over my elderly father; my older half-sister and now it's creeping steadily over me. I started with OA in my right knee (partly replaced 2009) - I now have it left knee (which I suspect I'm just about to be referred for a replacement in); my left ankle (apart from 'brutal and bone destroying surgery' nothing can be done and I can't undergo that surgery at the moment); my back (L4 & L5). I also have a trace of it in my right hip, left thumb and right ankle (all dormant at the moment although I'm not counting on that lasting for too much longer)!
Can you not get back to your GP and ask for 'proper' painkillers? I agree the gel is utterly useless.
Try applying hot and cold - start and end with cold. It may help. Or get under your shower - whatever helps you.
In the meantime, I recommend the following: one large glass wine or cup of tea/coffee, and a huge bar of chocolate. Wash the chocolate down with the drink. Chocolate - when taken in a medicinal way - is both calorie and sugar free!
Hope everything settles soon for you.
GraceB

LignumVitae

Don't be fed up with yourself, paybacks for enjoying life are the nature of the arthritis beast. It shouldn't be too much to ask that we're allowed one normal day now and then where we don't have to be careful and sensible! I hope you feel better soon, a hot bath and some time out (not trying to get your usual stuff done) will hopefully see you better so tomorrow can be a good day. Big hugs, LV xx

stickywicket

I'm sorry you're having such a bad time with payback, Beryl. It's very tough when you don't know which way to turn to get 'comfy'. (I use ther term loosely :roll:) I think it might be worth asking if there's anything else you can take.

As for OA 'spreading'. I'm not sure it spreads as such ie I don't think it travels round the body but, yes, other joints do join in.

It will often stop you doing what you want to do but there's no such thing as 'ought' when it's bad or when you know in advance what the result will be. You can only do what you can do and it won't be the same as what you used to be able to do. When planning an outing take that into account and decide in advance whether or not it's worth it. I'm sorry, I can't remember if you use walking aids. They would help.

dreamdaisy

As Simon and Garfunkel didn't sing:

Hello Payback my old friend
It's pants you've turned up once again

This is what happens - we have a grand time, enjoy ourselves and then we pay the price for daring to just that. It will ease, Beryl, it always does, just pamper yourself as much as you can, keep up with the dullers because they can have a cumulative effect and just pace yourself a little better next time. I wish you well. DD

kentishlady

Thanks for all your replies. Will take note of the chocolate remedy and try not to feel too guilty!

I know it is something that so many of us suffer from on the forum. We go out, have a lovely time and then spend 2, 3 or even more days trying to recover and get back to some level of manageable pain.

By the way, hope things are improving for you DD and that your OH is continuing his recovery. You really have had a rough time recently and deserve to have a little respite from everything that has been thrown at you.

Love to you all and thanks again. Beryl

frogmella

Hi Beryl,

Sorry to hear that you are having a rough time, but I am pleased that it is as a result of having a good time. As the others have said we all do too much and pay the price at times.

I have taken note of the calorie reduction of medicinal chocolate. My grandad always said there were no calories in broken biscuits/mince pies etc too, just so you know!

I hope your pain gets easier Beryl. ((()))

suzygirl

Wishing you better days soon.

barbara12

Hello Beryl.
I am sorry you are suffering so much, Im afraid the only advice I have is rest, but I find if I sit to long then I seize up....so something in between, and Im sorry to say that OA has spread.....I have asked my consultant about this and the answers is they dont know why...even though all your joints are the same age it shouldn't be so rapid.... :?
I hope you feel a little better very soon (((((())))xx

constable

I'm sorry you are having a bad time at the mo. It's hard when you cant sit for to long and then on the other hand you cant stand for to long.

I know with me, it has spread, started in my left hip, now in right hip and back lower and upper. And my shoulder and elbows have been giving me a hard time recently.

You need to re-visit you're gp and get something stronger to help with the pain. Paracetamol is useless in reagrd to arthur.

I do hope you can get a good night sleep tonight. Make sure you give yourself plenty of rest. The chores will always be there another day.

Again, I hope that you start feeling better very soon. And sending you some gentle hugs to be getting on with.

Numptydumpty

I'm sorry you're feeling so rough, and I hope it doesn't last too long.
We all over do it from time to time. Is it worth it? Yes, some times I think it is.
Thinking of you,
Numpty

kentishlady

Hi. Thanks for your replies Numpty, Karen, Barbara, Constable, Suzygirl and Fromella. I took note of the chocolate idea and acted accordingly - and enjoyed it too!! Pain has eased off just a little today so maybe it's just getting back to it's usual 'chronic pain' level instead of going off the richter scale! I just get so fed up (as we all do) that when we make an effort and go out somewhere and enjoy ourselves, we then have to suffer ten times over for doing so, or so it seems. However, 4 walls lose their appeal somewhat at times and it's lovely to go out so that's just something we have to put up with I guess.

Hope you are all having as good a day as possible.

Beryl ((()))

stickywicket

Good. I'm glad it's easing up a bit, Beryl. I guess we have to be thankful for small mercies :roll:

frogmorton

Beryl

I am so sorry to be late on to this thread :oops: I am so sorry.

How are you feeling today? I hope you are recovered completely from 'overdoing it'.

Sun's shining

Love and ((()))

Toni xxx

dreamdaisy

How are things today, Beryl? DD

dreamdaisy

Hello again, I hope you are feeling better in yourself and have been resting. DD