Hello ☺️
Thank you for accepting me into this community.
After years of grumbling knee pain, I was diagnosed with OA in both last year aged 39.
I've also had years of intermittent back issues, spasms and the like, but earlier this year I suddenly was waking up with lumber stiffness, stiffness in the ankles, shooting pain in lateral lumber back and pelvis. I've spent 6 months trying to establish what the chronic pain and stiffness is.
It's quite alarming when you don't know and suddenly can only use your energy for work and work is too hard.
An mri a few weeks ago diagnosed facet joint arthrtis lumber vertebrae 2 -5 mostly mild degeneration with lumber 4-5 moderate. 3 bulging discs, one of which has an annular tear and L5/S1 nerve abutment.
I limit my activity to my 40 hours work but I'm very grumpy, and easily emotional (privately) and cannot do much of anything outside of work.
My GP uses the term 'normal wear and tear' and I understand we all develop this degeneration over time but I still need to work and manage the pain. The physio sadly couldn't attend my appt today to discuss Conservative management and my results so his assistant went through knee exercises and achilles tendonitis exercises instead until I can be seen next week by physio.
I'm wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation? Debilitating pain but still able to work but inefficiently as your used to and the condition being referred to as normal. I'm not being negative to gps as I understand this is a normal part of the aging process but I still need to work and I would like a life outside of this if possible.
I appreciate anyone's time reading this. And I look forward to being part of this community.
☺️
Comments
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Good morning @abee welcome to the online community.
I see from your post that you have recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in your knees and in your back too. It is frustrating when GPs refer to osteoarthritis (OA) as wear and tear especially when you are in your late 30's and as you stay still very much needing to work.
This post by @aucuparia struck a chord with a few people here a week or so ago
"Wear and tear" Grrrr! You have to laugh... — Versus Arthritis
I am very glad to hear you have been referred to a physiotherapist and presume that is for your back.
In the meantime while you are waiting to see them is this any use to you?
This too posts on the subject of lower back pain:
I am really pleased you have found this community.
Best wishes
Ellen.
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Hello Ellen,
That is wonderful. Thank you for your support and I'll take a look at these links now.
I'm so chuffed to be part of this community as I can see already how supportive and understanding everyone is.
🤗
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