Arthritis Awareness

Cosmic

Hi,
Thankyou from the bottom of my heart, finally I have people I can talk to, who understand.
Arthritis awareness is non existent, unless you are unfortunate to have to live with it.
The attitudes I have encountered is that if you can’t see it, its not there.
I was diagnosed 12 years ago, aged 36 with arthritis in my spine, I have prolapsed discs and bulging discs. I was told that my spine is the same condition as a 70 year old. I was devastated as I was told it is degenerative. My youngest had just started secondary school and I had planned my future. Also I worried as I was a single Mum bringing up 2 young children.
It isn’t just an old persons disease.
I have had facet joint injections (injections directly into the spine), Pysiotherapy for 12 weeks, 5 x 30 minute sessions of Acupunture.
I was eventually told there was nothing else that could be done and That pain management was the only option.
I am now taking on a daily basis:
Lansoprazole - 15mg -1 per day
Clonidine - 25mcg - 2 per day
Tramadol - 50mg - 8 per day
Naproxen - 500mg - 2 per day
Amitriptyline - 50mg - 1 per day
Amitriptyline - 10mg - 1 per day
Sertraline - 50mg - 1 per day
I have constant pain in my spine, neck, shoulders, hips, legs and now my arms and now having to deal with the Work capability Assesssment Centre again, as Obviously I cannot work.
But they have decided that although I have all the evidence to prove I’ve had treatment etc, that my Gp and myself have made it all up and that there is nothing wrong with me. Basically because I don’t cry and complain about the pain constantly. But I dont do self pity, I am a fighter and will not give in to this disease which is why now I can barely walk.
There are days when I think just take all my tablets and the pain will be gone as I don’t have anyone to talk to.
Unless you live with Arthritis you can never truly understand how soul destoying it can be.
BUT THANKS TO THIS SITE, THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.
I now have people to talk to that DO UNDERSTAND.
A BIG THANKYOU FROM ME.