Osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia

Nanna

Hi

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia about 6 years ago. Its hard to know which is causing the most pain. I have diagnosed osteoarthritis in my neck, spine and toes but suspect its more widespread. I am 54 next week, live in Norfolk with my husband. Just looking to meet people who understand and generally to say hi.

Thanks

Poppyjane

Hello @Nanna and welcome to the online community

It is great to meet you and to see that you are already reaching out to other members of the community with your support. That is what we are all about giving and receiving support from those who are experiencing living with arthritis.

I attach some links for your information but since you have been diagnosed with OA for some years it may not be new to you. However the links to the exercises maybe be a valuable asset to your coping with the pain you feel.

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

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

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

There are a number of videos which many of us find really helpful so I hope you get a chance to look at them and at the host of discussions and tips from our members. We are a friendly group and offer a safe place to share your experiences, so we hope to hear from you again soon.

Best wishes

Poppyjane

Nanna

Thanks Poppyjane

I'll have a look x

Mikelfc

Hi new here no exactly how you feel the pain is horrendous at times, my osteoarthritis is in my lower back with spinal stenosis middle of spine , most of my facet joints effected are in lower back so I get burning pain in my buttocks thigh area .

hannybev19

hannybev19

Hi, just joined but I have got Arthritis but it's due to having Hemoacromatosis, yea so don't know if I can get any help with mine…the doc took my bloods, and I don't have any markers for Arthritis, so was left for years in horrendous pain anyway got to see a bone doctor and had a scan, and I am bad, I KNOW.… SO RALLY NEED SOME HELP WITH STUFF TO DO AND TAKE. ANYWAY, HOPE ITS OK I JOINED. XX

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Jools71

Hi Nana

I have had osteoarthritis in hands, knee and spine for years.Im 53. Recently diagnosed with Fibro aswell.

I work full time for a charity with kids. I'm a single mum with 2 boys aged 21 and 18.

I try to be active but after work I'm knackered! I swim at weekends in cold water in Scotland. I'm not long back from the Algarve where I walked miles with my friend.

I am in constant pain. Nothing helps. I cant take NSIADS . I take duloxetine, paracetamol and Tramadol daily and amitriptyline ( 1) at night.

I currently have piroxicam from the Rhumatologist which doesn't do much!

The cortisone injections help but I have to beg for them here in Scotland. Dr never keen to do them.

I am currently having some kind of flare up as my pain is so bad. I'm.going to call Dr tomorrow. I'm looking for anyone that can relate.

I need to work and I love my job. But it's tough. This flare is making me extremely tired! It was my sons 18th 2 weeks ago and I did drink copious shots of alcohol ect. I know this flares joints but not usually for 2 weeks!!

The pain can ease when I go walking on my knee and spine but nothing seems to help hands. Certainly this typing is not!

Please feel free to offload to me!

Jools

Nanna

Am in so much pain. The arthritis in my neck has flared up. Lump in neck is causing the worst headache. Don't know what to do with myself. Hurts ro sit or lay down. Tried heat, Co-Drydomol, ibuprofen. Can't sleep.

Nanna

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/724748#Comment_724748

Hi Jools, sorry for such a late reply. You sound very similar to me, thank you for sharing. Credit to you for still working, it's very hard.

sue302

Hi I'm new her osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia,I have had both for several years but I've declined noticeably over the last couple of years the pain is bad but I find the stiffness really hard to cope with,I've stopped meeting friends because after only 30/45mins I'm so stiff and struggle to stand and steady myself I'm on cocodomol which does very little GP Won't prescribe anti imflamatories because they say they destroy the stomach lining ,I was referred finally to the hospital,I was given a steroid injection which worked miracles,I'm been seen in 6 months but the consultant said I'll probably be discharged back to the GP for future care afterwards,the thing I really miss is a nice hot bath it is impossible for me to climb in or out I am 71 yrs old and just wonder if the professionals just think it's my age and to accept it,I feel so depressed

noddingtonpete

Hello @sue302 and welcome to the Online Community forum. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

Glad the steroid injection helped - can they do another? Also is it possible to get help from Social Services or whatever they are called now? You could ask for some adaptions to help you and maybe even get in to a bath. They have hoists (my uncle had one) - worth pursuing. I think your GP would need to refer you.

Also have a look through the following.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

Arthritis can get us all a bit down from time to time, but you are among new friends here who will have similar experiences to you and can relate to what you are going through. Hopefully some will connect with you soon.

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on

Best wishes

Peter

Ellen

Hi @sue302

I totally agree with everything noddingtonpete said and just wanted to pop this link in in case your research hasn't already taken you to it:

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

Follow the links in blue to find help for changes to your bathroom as he said there are lifts which can get you in and out of your bath.

My best wishes

Ellen.