2 x decompressions with residual pain and arthritis in the hips but no one can give me any answers

Crackers

Hi sorry to have to ask questions but I just cant seem to get any answers or help from any one else. In 2018 I have a cervical decompression and fusion but was left with residual pain and numbness and in 2021 i had a lumbar decompression ,I did get some feeling back in the top of my left leg but still had a lot of pain and pins and needles .I was in an office job but this was making me very depressed so I changed job to working at Tesco as a personal shopper. I started off on 5 shifts a week but after only a few weeks this was too much and I could only manage 2 days then had to have a day off due to the pain .Also after finishing a shift i have to go to bed as I'm so knackered and in pain so thats my day done. In the last 4 weeks or more i have been waking up with a pain in my arm that runs from my shoulder down my arm and into my wrist hands and fingers this does wear off after about 20 mins but aches for the rest of the day and I am finding my feet are hurting more and more while I am at work. The doctor gave me a blood test but said i had no markers for RA but has referred me to a rheumatologist they called today and told me my appointment is in April . I'm finding everyday is getting harder and harder and I'm starting to feel more and more down. I'm on 900mg Gabapentin 3 times a day and tramadol morning and night also taking paracetamol 2 times during the day . I cant afford to reduce my hours any more or I wont be able to pay my bills or eat but the doctor hasn't actually said what i have or if its a disability so I dont know if there is any help I can get ,So here i am if you can help i would appreciate it .😪

Tom

Good Morning @lisahut , and welcome to the community. I understand from your post that you are having great difficulties as a result of your arthritis and related conditions. You are waiting an appointment with a rheumatologist , your back surgery not having totally resolved your pain, despite pain medication. To add to your concerns, work is proving difficult adding financial concerns to the mix. I have found the following links from our website which might help:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/work/

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

You may also find it helpful to contact our Helpline on 0800 5200 520

I hope you find that the Community can help you through contact with others who have experiences akin to yours.

Keep posting and let us know how you get on.

Tom, Moderator

Crackers

Thanks tom i have had a look at these and they are great ,but as I am already working although off sick but as I'm a night shift shelf filler which is not really suitable for my hands what do I do .