Herniated discs

lucy91

Hi all I'm lucy 33 I was diagnosed at aged 8 with JIA so iv had arthritis most of my life I'm struggling alot lately iv now got 3 herniated discs in my upper and lower back and 2 bulged discs in my neck this is affecting my day to day life currently of sick from work I feel trapped in my own body I do listen to my body and no when I'm doing too much but I just feel help less I carnt even do any ironing as the repetitive movement causes me more pain iv also got health anxiety and worry about my condition getting worse I need to connect with people around my age that are living with the same I isolate myself alot and feel very alone I feel like my partner doesn't fully understand how my arthritis and my back affects me I'm feeling depressed I'm unfit for work I also have a child aged 11 I just need some tips or just to make friends with arthritis I'm currently on methotrexate 15mg and also try numerous medications gabapentin pregablin duloxetine and butec patch however the duloxetine and butec have have me adverse reactions and the other make me feel very sleepy or spaced out iv also tried nefopam codine and iburophen and due to this I was taking to many painkillers killers and was causing me side affects iv lost about 2 stone not sure why its either all the meds reducing my appetite or stress worrying about my health now the doctors have left me with no pain management for about 3 weeks now and I just feel like I carnt cope and I'm never going to get better

Ellen

Hi @lucy91

A quick welcome to the online community. I can see from your post just how isolated you must be feeling at the moment. In pain, no pain relief, not able to work and not sure your partner understands your struggle.

We have had a few younger people posting recently in their early 30's do read some of the recent posts. Of course none of us are in exactly the same position as each other, but there are similarities and possibly you can support each other @Disney1958 is one and @maddybaker too.

We do have a helpline here as well if you felt a chat to an actual voice might be useful?

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

Feeling low is just such a common issue here most of us can relate I am adding a link which might just have something for you:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2023/january/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-when-you-have-arthritis/

Finally I just wanted to say you aren't alone now, you have found a group of people who really understand.

My very best wishes

Ellen.

elsbel

Hi @lucy91

I'm 43 ans suffering with osteoarthritis badly the last few years but the last year has geared up. It's in both knees ankles.

Dr has just prescribed duloxetine for me to try. She's also diagnosed me with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome last week.

I have a 6 and 12 year old and a farmer so he's working 7 days a week and we are in a very rural location. Days can be really tough and isolating as I don't know anyone around my age that suffers with it.

Always happy to share ideas and chat with others in similar situations 😊 there has to be a way to manage this awful condition better surely 🤞 X

Anna

Hello @elsbel, just want to welcome you to the online community ( sorry for interrupting your thread @lucy91 )

It sounds like you really have your hands full with two small children and a husband working seven days a week as well as living with osteoarthritis in your knees and ankles. You’re among friends here who will understand though, so do keep posting, ask any questions you have and join in conversations when you feel comfortable.

Other members may have experience of taking duloxitine but while you wait here’s a thread from a couple of years ago where it’s being discussed:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/53914/duloxetine-side-effects-and-efficacy

Best wishes,

Anna ( Moderator)

elsbel

Hi Anna

Thank you so much - it's a blow a for sure after being active in work and home life until the last couple years.

Very up and down journey but pleased to have found this support network 😊

lucy91

Hello and thanks to every one responding I'm still trying to figure out how to use this site I really appreciate the feedback it's nice to actually talk to people who are I the same position