Hello newly diagnosed

Dennyc

Hello I have just been told by my GP that I have OA through my whole spine. I have had 2 flare ups in 3 months , both meaning on some days I could not walk. I am waiting to see the physio. Prior to this I was attending the gym doing strength training and walking everyday. I haven't been able to even consider the gym for the last month and the amount I walk has been halved. This has devastated me as I was on the road to recovery from Oesophsgeal Cancer, surgery and 2 9 week rounds of chemo. Chemo, the gift that keeps on giving. Because of the surgery which turned my stomach into my osophageous I cannot tolerate large doses of pain medication for too long. I will be watching the forum avidly for pain management tips x x

[Deleted User]

Hi Dennyc and welcome to the forums.

Osteoarthritis flares can be totally debilitating and end all normal activity whilst they take their course.

If you haven't seen it, we have pretty detailed page on osteoarthritis:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis/

You are definitely not alone, as this very recent thread on the "worst flare of my life" can testify:

https://arthritiscareforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=50891

As posted on the thread, there is a pretty comprehensive page on our website on pain management, hopefully with a couple of things you might like to try out now, plus some longer term strategies for when things get a little easier:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

I also love Grace111 list of suggestions on coping with severe flare ups.

Do join in the forums, take a look around and keep us up to date with how you get on.

All best wishes
Brynmor

stickywicket

Hi dennyc and welcome from me too. You've had a rough ride but seem to be anxious to do your very best to overcome your problems. Good for you!

Some time ago, we had a thread on the Living With Arthritis forum asking people what they did for pain control. By far, the most popular answer was 'distraction'. Anything that takes our minds off it is good. However, exercise is also very important but it has to be the right kind or we can do further damage. I'm sure the physio will help once you get there.

In the meantime you might find this page on coping with pain interesting https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/. And also this one on exercise https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/exercise/. But do go gently with it until your physio has told you what's best for you personally. The gym might be a step too far right now.