Hello

Charlotte

Just diagnosed with osteoarthritus in my spine. Waiting to see a specialist and really scared about the future.

noddingtonpete

Hello @Charlotte and welcome to the community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I understand that you have osteoarthritis in your spine and waiting to see a specialist. Have a look through the following from our website - hopefully they will be of some use.

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

and

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/your-experiences/your-questions-answered/your-questions-on-pain-relief/

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I hope you get your appointment soon

With very best wishes

Peter (moderator)

Charlotte

Thank you so much, I have been at a loss of how to start processing all the questions in my head.

I feel better already for doing something positive and reaching out.

TLee

I understand the fear. In the past few years I have been diagnosed with chronic lung disease, heart arrhythmia AND osteoarthritis (I am 62). In a way, I have had to come to terms with my own mortality. Medical science is wonderful and will probably keep me functioning reasonably well for many years. Medication keeps me breathing comfortably & keeps my crazy heart under control. My arthritis pain is mainly in my hip right now, and that can be replaced when I have the courage, but there are signs of degenerative disease in my lower spine and pelvic area as well. Basically, I've begun to realize that parts will wear out! At first, I started pricing cemetery plots & writing farewell letters to my family, but when I didn't die immediately, I began to see things differently. I'm aging, not dying, and I'm mostly OK with that. I don't enjoy pain, and some days are worse than others, but I find things that help, like doing something that I love to take my mind off it, or simply coming to a site like this and venting about having a crappy day. Things are different--I used to enjoy long hikes, now I choose easier walking routes, rest more often and usually bring my trusty cane--different but still enjoyable. Of course, a day spent curled up with a good book or a classic movie is also enjoyable! I'm not saying that you are wrong to feel afraid or worried or sad. I still do at times. I'm just trying to let you know that life will go on, and it's not all that bad.

PS--If you are just now being diagnosed and can jump (ha!) right into physical therapy & stay active, you should do very well.

frogmorton

Morning @Charlotte

Of course you're scared about the future being told something like that is very scary.

I hope it helps to know that there are many others here who are on the same path as you and have been for many years.

What I mean is, now you know you are not alone with this, please just ask us anything if we can help we will.

Take care

Toni x