hello from a newcomer

evabuk
evabuk Member Posts: 108
edited 16. Aug 2009, 13:36 in Say Hello Archive
I'd like to introduce myself to what looks like a really friendly bunch of people.

I'm 62, always been quite healthy, except for gradual development of back problems because of slight scoliosis.

I've had arthritic degeneration in the neck for a few years, which wakes me up with pain when the muscles go into spasm after I've been lying down for some hours (not every night..I'm lucky)

Just recently start with an acute episode in lower back, MRI shows disc degeneration at L4/5 and arthropathy at L4/5 and L5/S1 in the facet joints.

This has been causing me relentless pain which no pain meds would touch and I'm now on slow release morphine, which still doesn't do it all of the time.

I was able to see a spinal specialist privately (via AXA PPP) for the diagnosis - had MRIs and scans - and he suggested facet joint injections, which I had done last Wednesday.

So far, it hasn't worked, and although I was told it might take a few days to kick in, I was hoping for some relief by now.

I feel dreadfully depressed and sorry for myself, as I'm sure everyone on this board has at some point...can't see a way forward, can't see how I'm going to live with this pain - can't sit down, can't lie on it as body pressure hurts, even standing aches.

Also, of course the private health insurance is not going to help me in the long term since it's a chronic condition.

Thanks for reading this far, for those who have, and sorry to start off on such a whingy note - this has come as an enormous shock to me as I've always looked after myself, eaten well, exercised, etc etc.

I'm sure I'll be around more!

Comments

  • heather1
    heather1 Member Posts: 75
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi and welcome to the forum. :)

    I am sorry to hear you are feeling so depressed and in so much pain.
    Unfortunately chronic pain does not discriminate so even though you have looked after yourself we are suseptable(sorry about the spelling)
    All we can do is learn all the techniques we can to not let it take over our lives and to make it manageable.

    I am fortunate that i have been through all the stages,depression,anger,hopelessness etc. and have come out the other side.

    There are lots of lovely people here who can give you there experiences and relate to you however you are feeling good times and bad! :)

    Best wishes
  • evabuk
    evabuk Member Posts: 108
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks for the welcome, Lynne and Heather - I look forward to "getting to know" everyone :)
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    i am being kicked off the computer by the children but just time to say welcome.
    Hope to see you postin on the forums

    Regards,hugs and best wishes
    Tkachev
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Eva
    Sorry you have arthur but pleased to belatedly welcome you to the site from me! I look forward to seeing you posting
    Take care
    Toni x
  • psyart
    psyart Member Posts: 600
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi to you - I am quite a newy on this site but everyone is brill - there are lots of fun things that go on as well as people who are willing to listen and understand! this site is a comfort to me - does make you feel that you are not alone!!!

    L x
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