New to site

dreamcatcher

Good Afternoon

I suppose I should start with the fact that I had an early Menopause starting when I was 28 finally being diagnosed at 32. I have suffered with lower back pain and sporadic foot pain since my late 30's being told general ware and tear as the reason when scans have been done, however this always came with the statement we don't normally see this in a person of your age and nothing else. I must admit that over the years I pretty much gave up on GP's and learned as I am sure many others have to live with the constant pain and overwhelming fatigue.

The last 4 years have seen the start of multiple joint pain in my hands, knees, ankles with my feet getting much worse with a diagnosis of Osteoarthritis in my right foot and Osteoporosis in my spine just before covid hit. Most recently I have been told my Thoracic spine has Osteophytes through out and that I have a Tarlov cyst on S2. When I spoke to the GP about this he told me that I maybe need to come to terms with the fact that I have Arthritis as now it seems I am riddled with it. After discussion he is going to assess my feet and ankles to rule out Neuropathy due to the cyst with an actual face to face appointment and will organise Physio for my spine.

I feel so frustrated with my body and so very alone with my disease sometimes, as I am sure may of you understand.

Thank you for letting me vent.

Poppyjane

Hello @dreamcatcher and welcome to the online community.

You have found us after a number of years coping with pain and fatigue that you first became aware of with the onset of early menopause. More recently you have developed multiple areas of joint pain as well as being recently diagnosed with a Tarlov cyst on your spine. The frustration you express is very real, all of us living with arthritis feel this at times but now you have found us you don't have to feel alone again. We are a peer led group of people affected in some way by arthritis and this is a safe place to "vent" all that frustration and to share with and learn from others in a similar situation.

I attach some links which I hope you will find helpful ,

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/october/hand-osteoarthritis-do-female-hormones-play-a-part-your-questions-answered/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints

There is a strong emphasis on exercise helping to relieve some of the aches and pains and when you have had a chance to talk with the Physio you will be able to work out a personal set of exercises that will suit your particular condition. If you can view the Lets Move video it will give you an idea of just how much or how little you can manage. Numbers of us have tried the course and found it fun and adapted it to suit ourselves. I hope as well as the links you will be able to browse round the community discussions and join in.

I hope that you do not have to wait too long for your appointments, do let us know how you get on. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Take Care

Poppyjane