New to forum and Arthritis

birgitbee50

Hi, about 2 weeks ago I saw my gp because I was having severe pain in my left foot when walking, I thought it was going to go from under me. I also told her that my whole body ached some days particularly my bones.

She sent me off for a foot extra and scan then a nuclear whole bone scan and a bone density scan. The results showed significant arthritis on the top of both feet particularly the right one and moderate to severe every other bone in my body. The bone density scan showed whole body.

I also suffer with severe peripheral the cause of this is unknown. The last week or so I have been struggling to walk as the pain my lower back is excruciating. I saw a physiotherapist earlier in the week, she massaged my lower back and hips and a bit of relief. Presently I it really difficult to decide if the pain that I’m getting is neuropathy pain or arthritic pain.
At the moment the pain is so bad that I’m taking SR Palexia twice and Entrip at help me sleep.
I saw a pain specialist two weeks ago and he has me down for a spinal injection and I’ve agreed to pain exercise group. I’m doing very little exercise at the moment because it’s just so hard to walk without feeling like I’m going to fall over..

I’m 75 years old, live with my husband who is doing the of work around the house. I’m feeling very helpless and lost.
Can anyone help me with I’m open to suggestions.

I should add I’ve had a knee replacement about five years ago due to oesteoarthritis
Birgit

PJoanne

Hello @birgitbee

Welcome to the forum. It's great to have you here with us. Sounds like you have received timely diagnostics and are under the right person for pain care. Well done for signing up for the exercise, there is evidence that it is very helpful for pain, and hopefully you will find it enjoyable. If your husband is happy and able to take on the house work that is great. Perhaps there is a neighbour or family member who could also help? My aunty has a lady who does a couple of hours a week for her and it's a big help for us all.

It's difficult to cope with pain that the pain relief meds are not controlling. Maybe discuss this with the pain specialist? I have ice packs that I have made out of frozen peas and those zip lock plastic food bags. My top draw in the freezer is full of them in various sizes and this is has been a big help when I have taken all of the medication and am still in pain. A heated pad or blanket is worth considering as they are very comforting.

Keep us updated and all the best. Joanne