Degenerative neck and spine disease and OA in knees

JBN
JBN Member Posts: 3
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:09 in Living with arthritis

Hi I new to this but feel absolutely desperate with my health and pain ..

i have has two nerve blocks in my neck which have not helped to well ….

I have been told I’m looking out a fusion in my neck as my discs are so damaged in my neck and spine which has with the arthritis has caused to crumble …

I walk with a stick and use a wheelchair on and off when I let my guard down …..

I was demanded through childhood trauma which has caused severe OA

I live in pain 24hrs and I am on fentanyl patches pregabalin and paracetamol….

to be honest I am at the end of my tether with pain anxiety and being more disabled

I’m not complaining buts it’s a struggle …..

I have the most amazing wife who helps me to stay independent….

thank you for reading x

Comments

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,851

    Hello @JBN a warm welcome to the Online Community.

    I read from your post that you are really having a very tough time with your Arthritis which is in your neck and also affects both knees. I hope I got that right.

    You are facing the prospect of having your neck fused as nerve blocks have failed to have enough impact. This is not a procedure the medical profession take lightly although there have been some people who have had similar surgery here in the past.

    I am going to attach a couple of links which might interest you while you wait for some of our members to come along and say hello.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/february/pain-is-not-something-that-people-can-see-and-difficult-for-others-to-comprehend/


    and this one might just have something you haven't tried yet:

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

    By the way I am so glad to hear you have an 'amazing' wife to support you.

    Finally please do take a look around the rest of the forum and join in wherever you like. Living with Arthritis tends to be the most popular after 'Say Hello'.

    My very best wishes I hope you will continue to post.

    Ellen.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,048

    Hello @JBN

    I am so sorry to hear how much you are struggling. You have every right to 'complain' it sounds as though you have been given a tough hand to play there.

    I do remember at least two members who have had neck surgery one being @dorcas who i don't think posts anymore, but she did do a thread about it and I'll try and remember who the other person was if I can.

    You do well to still count your blessings by appreciating your wonderful wife who helps you so much. I think she's wonderful too as are many of our other halves here. We are indeed lucky.

    I imagine you ha.ve tried many different treatments judging by the meds you are taking.

    Coming in here and having a chat listening to and helping other people can all help us too as individuals so i very much hope you will decide to hang around.

    Take care

    Toni x

  • Skinny Keef
    Skinny Keef Member Posts: 1,149

    Hi @JBN

    I am unfortunately in a situation very similar to yours. I have severe arthritis in lumbar and neck and have been on patches but am on tramadol at the moment.

    pain 25/8

    Its a real boring repetitive thing waking up and bang! Pain!!!! Isn’t it??

    The only relief I can get is from popping pills or patches. Gentle exercise helps a little as does a tenns machine but too much of either is an irritation. Trying to “remain active” as so many non sufferers advise results in a meltdown and crawling into bed for 24hrs.

    I have no magic help I’m afraid other than to say you are not alone.

    Try and take it easy and keep the painkillers topped up.

  • JBN
    JBN Member Posts: 3

    Thank you so much ..to have someone at there who understand is amazing I have felt so alone 😊

  • Larna
    Larna Member Posts: 4

    Hey

    Oh I know this disgusting pain oh so well!!!

    I'm on Gabapentine, codien ,morphine patch, and CBD oil 4800mg .

    I was also on Tramadol , but to many opoids, so I weaned myself off of those!

    If I don't have the oil , then basically I can't walk , I can highly recommend this for this type of pain., it has no THC in it so you won't get high, just pain relief.

    I also use Volterol, this helps aswell

    I've been booked for Nerve blocking injections , at St.Thomas in Feb 23, and I'm very sceptical to say the least. ( Any advice I'd be very grateful 🙏)

    But I'd urge anyone ,who isn't already using CBD oil as part of there treatment to include it as the difference , is pain relief and mobility!!.

    It takes away that raw sickening pain, it actually gives you some relief . 😊👍🏻

    Good luck guys

    Larna ❤️

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