New to diagnosis of arthritis

angrypoet123

I was diagnosed with arthritis in my lower spine recently, but am wondering if I have it all over my body. My hands and fingers get stiff as well as my knees. I've come to this website to find others who are also suffering. It's hard when you're 26 years old and can barely walk when you wake up at times.

stickywicket

Hello angrypoet123. Well, you've come to the right place We have many people with spinal problems. I don't (much. Mine is RA) but I do remember waking up barely able to walk or function at all when I was 26.

What sort of arthritis do you have? What do you take for it?

If you post on Living With Arthritis more people will see it and I'm sure some of the 'back' people will arrive. They might not see your post on here.

maria09

Hi
I have had back pain for at least 25 years at first I thought it was related to the job I did as I had lots of lifting bending twisting and reaching ( my that's sounds like some new tangled dance routine)
For the lat 10 years I've been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and roughly 4 years with a type of inflammatory arthritis
The best thing I found that helped my back pain at the time apart from painkillers was my good old hot water bottle only thing was I couldn't take it to work, I've never tried those instant heat pads but they may help when you are at work but before you go spending your money just try the hot water bottle, some find heat helps and for others it cold compress
Have you been referred to a Rheumatologist yet and have they taken blood tests to see if there is anything inflammatory going on, saying that my inflammatory markers are always normal, my rheumatologist always goes on the history I give him regarding pain and stiffness father than just relying on my blood results
Oh by the way welcome to the forum
Maria

angrypoet123

Thanks guys! Heat does help and I've been using a tens system. I take aleve for the pain too. I don't see any doctors because I did lost my health insurance. I used to see a chiropractor and that helped. I forget what kind of arthritis it is. It was in the beginning stages I think. I also find yoga helps sometimes. Some days are better than others.

barbara12

Hello and welcome to the forum
I have spinal OA but am much older at 63, I do feel for you young people..but you have come to the right place for any questions you have and lots of support..x

dreamdaisy

Hello, it's nice to meet you but I am so sorry you have had to find us. Arthritis has no respect for the age of its hosts, I think the youngest 'member' of the forum was eighteen months old and we cover every decade onwards. No matter what the age, it sucks.

All forms of arthritis are progressive and degenerative but the rate at which it progresses and degenerates is as unique as each of us. I began with an auto-immune arthritis and, after a few years that led to OA in both ankles, both knees and now my right hip. I was cross when it was just one knee - now I would love to go back to those very easy times.

What meds have you been given? If you have OA then there isn't much apart from pain relief and maybe an anti-inflammatory drug. If it's another sort then other meds are employed. Who is treating you, a GP or a rheumatologist? Knowing these things will help us to better target our support. I wish you well. DD

amelia

Hi,

I have been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. I am 37 years old and I am really struggling to accept this. I have a very supportive husband but I am so angry and I take it out on him and then I feel bad because he does everything to support me.
I have not been able to wear heals for 7 years. My toes and fingers are swollen. My mother suffers from RA but she got it really bad when she was 60 and I feel that at the age of 37, it's far too early.
I have been put on methotrexate and leflunomide. Side effects of these medications scare me. I have young children and I don't want something else to happen to me as a result of these medications.
All my friends are fit and healthy, they are enjoying time with their children, they go to gym, go out and have fun while every single move I take is a struggle. I am worried what will happen with me in 10 years time if I am like this now. My husband works full time. If my children want any food that e.g. involves potatoes, my husband has to peel them before going to work so I can cook food during the day to our children. I hate being so dependant, I hate being unable to do things. I envy my friends for being able to enjoy their lives, for being able to do things while I can't do many basic things. It's unfair. I have always had a healthy lifestyle, eaten well, never smoked, drink extremely rare...why did all this happen?
My children don't deserve a mother like me. Every child wants a happy mother who can do things with them. My husband deserves a happy wife but I am constantly in tears. I don't know how I will accept that the rest of my life will be like this or worse, I don't know how I will move on, I don't know how I will ever be happy again.
sorry just had to write this somewhere.