Newbie! Needing Advice! SI joint Pain!

weerosie · 12. Mar 2009, 05:38

Hi everyone,

I just found out last week that I have arthtistis in my SI Joint in my lower back. I'm 27 years old, and super active, however when I was about 13 I sustained a injury to that area whilst doing sports - and boy am I paying for it now!

I ended up going to A&E last week because the pain was so severe, and thats when I found out that Arthritis had set in. The Doctor has refered me to the orthopeadic surgeon, but goodness only knows how long that will take. He also gave me Diclofenac, tramadol and lansoprozale. (sp!?) The tramadol takes the edge of the pain, but it makes me all dopey (well more so than normal!) I've made an appointment with my own GP, but the earliest app I could get is the end of march!!!!! I've tried to battle on and go to work and just ignore the pain, but its all getting too much. I'm pretty much in agony all the time, and im hardly sleeping - this just isnt me!

Do any of you lovely people have any advice or suggestions on what I should do?!?! I hate to cause a fuss, but I really feel that I just can't go on like this!

Thanks. xx

[Deleted User] · 12. Mar 2009, 17:26

Just moved this to the LWA forum where I'm sure you will get some help and advice soon

Moderator

vonski · 12. Mar 2009, 17:42

Hi

Welcome to the site. Sorry that you have to be here though The hardest thing is try not to panic, this can make the pain seem worse. I'm sure you are still in shock.

Can you ask your GP's surgery to let you know if there is a cancellation or maybe see any Dr. Heat or Ice packs can help, different for each person. The diclofenac builds up in your system so may take a while, the tramodol doesn't really work for me and I use tylex instead. Has the hospital mentioned a slipped disc if they did cancel the heat advice as it may make things worse. Hopefully things will settle down soon but in the meantime try and keep moving around a bit.

Hope this is some help.

Love
Vonski

woodbon · 12. Mar 2009, 18:34

Hello
You'r having a really hard time. I agree with the last post,

I have problems with my lumber spine. I like heat but others prefer cold packs on the back. Have you tried phoning your GP? My GP will phone after surgery if you phone before 10.30. That may help you with pain medicaion and he may move your appointment sooner if you explain just how bad you are.

Glad you've come to this site, and I hope we can help a bit. Sue

elnafinn · 12. Mar 2009, 18:54

Hi rosie

Welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear that you are in so much pain. You say that you hate to cause a fuss, but I strongly feel that if you are in such discomfort and as you say, cannot carry on like this, then now is the time to make a stand.

Unfortunately you will read on here that time and time again we have to fight to be listened to, to get an appointment, get the meds we need to meet the pain and inflammation and be referred.

You need to see someone in the medical profession. You must get an earlier gp appointment than the one offered. You cannot continue to struggle into work especially if you are not sleeping. If you do not get help soon, you will be off work anyway and need a doctors certificate, then you will need an appointment pretty quickly.

I wish you well,

Luv
Elna x

magenta · 12. Mar 2009, 18:57

Hi,
I agree with Elna here. You have to get another appointment much, much sooner than the end of March. Hope you get one

Magenta

Elna, hope your mum is doing ok? x

joanlawson · 12. Mar 2009, 19:07

Hello
So sorry to hear of the pain you are in.
If you use the word URGENT when making an appointment, it usually works wonders, because they don't want to be accused of negligence.In my opinion, you do need to see someone urgently if you are in severe pain, so you would only be telling truth.
Joan

skezier · 12. Mar 2009, 19:23

Hi,
I'm sorry you are in that much pain. I have fully finished OA from L3 down and L1&2 are joining in with speed. It can hurt and if you have to bend and sit S1&2 are bad ones. My Ortho who did my original decompression told me they are the 1st to go. Mine were on the way at 28 but he intervened from L1 down extensively and I'm sure its how I continued to work.

The pain side we are all different and if you can get a urgent appointment, like every one else has said, as the gp could find something that suite you.

Can you just lighten your load at work for a bit and try and avoid the things that set it off? back them for me it was sitting. I got one of those weird chairs and it helped no end.

I really hope you get sorted as when they get the pain relief right it isn't as bad. Take care and get your gp to see you asap.

colinone · 12. Mar 2009, 19:57

Hello Rosie
First of all welcome to the site its nice to meet you and sorry about the circumstances. Well there’s not much I can add to what the ladies have said, I would contact the GP again and tell them its urgent. I’m sorry to hear you are in so much pain and I do hope it eases up on you soon take care and keep your chin up.
Colin

frogmorton · 13. Mar 2009, 02:51

Hi Weeroies
Ouch!
Firstly can I welcome you to the site. I really feel for you and am sorry you are in such pain.
As the others have said hassle that there GP. It is a bit urgent. you might end up trapped somewhere!!! i did a few times, in my car, at the school gate etc!!!
Other than that have you tried heat pads (wheaties)? they can really help and lying on your side in bed with a pillow between your knees?
If the heat helps you can but heat pads that you can wear all day under your clothes which might help you at work. they don't take it all away, but they do ease it a bit and make life bearable.
Hope you feel beter soon
Take care
Toni x

weerosie · 13. Mar 2009, 05:39

Hi everyone,

Firstly thank-you all very much for your kind words and support. This site is truly amazing.

I've booked a few days off work, so I'm just lying in bed and resting, and this really helps the pain. I've also got a hot water bottle constantly attached to me - i would'nt say it eases the pain, but the heat is comforting. I am going to see how I go over the weekend and if the pain is still as severe then I will ask for an emergency appointment. Scary thing is I'm running out of the painkillers that the Doctor in A&E gave me! I think at the moment I'm still thinking that I only have a sore back - that arthritis isn't in the equation.... Did anyone else have issues telling people when they were first diagnosed? I have hardly told a soul - and I'm not sure why I can't get the words out! I think I'm still in disbelief!

Anyways, thank-you all again for putting up with my rant, and I hope you all have that friday feeling!

Love Weerosie :P

collettem · 13. Mar 2009, 06:17

Hi there,

I also have si joint pain and am currently recovering from a hip replacement at 35. At present Like someone else mentioned I am using heat patches all day and they really help. I stay away from tramadol as it made me sick and sometimes masks the pain and you can end up doing more harm. I found physio and acupuncture helped and once I recover plan to get a few sessions of bowen as it is said to help. I have had steroid injections in the area in Jan and they have helped.

denpen · 13. Mar 2009, 07:02

Hi weerosie
Welcome to the forum you will get great support from everyone here. I started with my back pain 15 years ago when I was 38 it took them 2 years to find out that I had worn discs and I was in incredible pain one piece of advice my doctor gave me which helped me throughout was to keep "gently mobile", because if you rest all the time you will stiffen up, at first I used to go swimming 3 times a week and that kept me flexable. Nobody at the time or since mentioned OA with my back problem, I also have worn discs in my neck, now my hips have gone and I was diagnosed in Jan this year with Osteoarthritis and need a hip replacement, I was in complete shock when the consultant told me. So whats the next thing we do we get on the internet and research and find all the lovely people on here that will support you whenever you need it. Tell the receptionist at the GPs its a medical emergency and you will get a appointment same day.
Denise

weerosie · 13. Mar 2009, 07:02

Kath - you really sound like you have had such a time if it. You must be a very strong person.

Collettem - Si joint pain is just such a horrible thing. I've been getting the pain travelling across to the front boney part of my hip too. It kinda feels like my joint will lock when I'm walking, so I sort of do this hunchback limp shuffle thing to get around! I shouldnt laugh - but if i didn't i would cry! I find it hard to weight bear on the right side.... I hope I can avoid surgery - a hip replacement at 35! wow! I feel like I have no right to moan at all - you have all been through so much!

Love
Weerosie :roll:

collettem · 13. Mar 2009, 09:57

Oh I think everyone on this site has the misfortune of aches and pains. I know what you mean about the locking that used to happen me and the joint is such a small one. The exercises I was given for it I am actually doing at the minute for recovery and do help the si joint.

One is to stand and lean on a chair and move the leg slowly out behind you a wee bit. I did this in the pool as i found it easier, got a few strange looks but sure it kept people entertained,

There are a few others I think i got them on a website called spine health, It is quite good for info as well

collette

Newbie! Needing Advice! SI joint Pain!

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