Young with back issues

jennistewart442

Hi

My name is Jenni, I’m nearly 35 and just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the lower spine and hips. I’m not obese but I’m not slim either. I work as a nurse so I am on my feet for long periods of time. It’s so bad in the morning and when I’m having to doing to medications at work. I get pins and needles in my feet after a while and my foot goes numb. Painkillers don’t work and the amitriptyline is not really working that well. I’ve told my GP and it was horrible. I have been referred to the pain management service and physio but what can I do in the mean time? I have to mask my pain like 95% of the time. Anyway, hello that’s me

Tom

Hello @jennistewart442 and welcome to the forum.

I understand that you are a nurse with a recent diagnosis of OA, affecting the hips and lower spine. You suffer from pins and needles and foot numbness.

Here are some links to what I hope will be useful information:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-hip/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-spine/

If you have a good browse through the forum, you will find stories from others who have similar experinces.

Good luck and do keep in touch to letus know how you are getiing on.

Tom

Moderator.

jennistewart442

Thank you. I only found out this morning. I’ve had my mini mental moment and now I need to look forward to what I can do

Tom

The initial shock is the worst. This may help:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

The other tip is to be patient and like you indicate, don't regret the things you can no longer do, but welcome those you can.

Tom