Recently Diagnosed

Chunkle

Hi My Name is Anne-Marie 54 years

Firstly I apologise if this post has already been seen, only I couldn’t see it anywhere so have re posted. I’m new to this so wasn’t sure if I had completed correctly.

I’ve recently been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in multiple areas, although I’ve been suffering for years resulting in a spinal fusion of multiple levels 6 years ago.

The surgery was a success in the fact I became more mobile again and was able to lead a satisfactory life style in comparison to the months leading up to my operation. I was made aware that there was also wear and tear at the top of my neck and that later I would probably notice other areas giving me problems as time progressed.

I started to notice I was struggling to move my right shoulder and arm a couple of years ago and had key hole surgery due to impingement. Although this helped with movement again, I noticed over the following months I was increasingly having issues with other areas of my body, and experiencing high levels of pain again. As as result of this was referred to a Rheumatoid Consultant but was advised it was Osteoarthritis I had in multiple areas. These areas being, Neck, right wrist/hand/thumb, right hip/knee and ankle. I was referred back to the GP for management, and advised that it was not something that could be reversed and sign posted me to here for more support. Osteoarthritis has been something most the females within the generations of my family has had to live with so was at some point expecting to be advised I had, but I was seriously not expecting it to dominate my life so much as it has over these past 12 months.

Im currently on medication that seems to take the edge off the pain some days but not others, however it’s a viscous circle. I find if I take the medication it dulls the pain but I can’t then function properly as I feel drunk and not in control fully but if I don’t take it I can’t function because I’m in to much pain and just want to stay in bed and wish the days away. I have been referred to a pain management clinic by physiotherapist as they felt due to their being multiple areas it wouldn’t be the right support for me.

To top it all off due to the amount of time I’m having to take off work I’m now looking at being being finished on capability grounds, something I’ve been dreading. I’ve been there for nearly 29 years and worried with my restrictions I’m going to struggle to be in a position to work properly again, and was wondering if anyone else is or has been in this situation that may be able to give some advice please.

chrisb

Hi @Chunkle (Anne-Marie),

Welcome to the versus arthritis forum.

You underwent a spinal operation some years ago but have more recently been diagnosed with OA. You are suffering with pain in multiple joints and your medication has side effects that make it difficult to function at work. As a result, you believe that you may be let go and are worried about the impact upon your future employment options. You’d like to hear from any members who have been through a similar experience.

Well, you’ve come to the right place to ask for input. Whilst you await some feedback you may find the following links to our website useful:

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

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

You may wish to post in the ‘Chat to our Helpline’ section of the forum or alternatively give them a call:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/get-help/helpline/

I hope that you receive some useful advice.

Best Wishes

ChrisB (Moderator)

Chunkle

Thank you Chris, I will have a look through the information links

stickywicket

It must be a worrying time for you. As if pain itself weren't enough!

I can't really help on the work front. My RA flared badly after my first son was born and I never got back to work. My husband wasn't on a great wage but we always managed. Making do becomes a way of life. But it's been a good life.

I have found, very occasionally, that some physios take one look at me and are afraid they'll break me but the good ones are brilliant and exercise is so important for us. Did yours not advise any exercises at all? That would seem a bit extremè, and unhelpful. I hope the pain management people can help but, the problems you describe with pain meds do apply to most. On here,we do understand the difficulties, though so good luck with it all.