Degenerative L5 problems - OA? Acceptance issues.

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Comments

  • LignumVitae
    LignumVitae Member Posts: 1,972
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I know what you mean! I remember feeling really shocked at myself for feeling down the first time arthritis got to my brain as well as my body. It was such a surprise to discover there were dark holes in my head and it scared the life out of me. It confused me and I didn't know what you did (wish I'd known about this place back then). I cried quite a bit and just stared glumly in to space trying to work it all out. I don't think I ever did, I think I just learned to tiptoe around the edge of the holes.

    It is hard staying positive when the news never seems to come back with a yippee in it. Keep posting on here, we'll listen and see you through to spring (if it ever comes). As for the toilet pleas, I'm mean, the answer is 'cross your legs' in my house :lol:
    Hey little fighter, things will get brighter
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I'm regularly 'done' by a neighbour who is a sports masseuse. She leaves me tired and wonderfully relaxed. She worked wonders yesterday on my blasted hip and was able to give me some guidance on self-maintenance to help my hip and neck. She starts gently and interprets my yelps and yells for guidance about how hard to press. :wink:

    If you are feeling achey and fluey without the 'flu then that sounds to me as though you could possibly be both 'bugged' and flaring which is a nasty combination (but I am not a doc). Rest as much as you can, keep hydrated and why the hell shouldn't you be grumpy for a little while? You're dealing with a lot of angst and aggravation, uncertainty and discomfort. Grump away. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Mat48
    Mat48 Member Posts: 1,075
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thanks DD I will phone the sports centre and ask if they have anyone qualified in this capacity. And I will also grump with alacrity :wink:
    Mat x
    If you get lemons, make lemonade
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Believe me, it's therapeutic at times but shouldn't become a habit. The only answer to 'Why me?' is 'Why not?' but every now and again that question has to be asked even though no-one has an answer. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Mat48
    Mat48 Member Posts: 1,075
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    But I never do ask "why me?" DD. I just think it isn't happening to me at all that's all :lol: I'm a "why on earth NOT me?" sort of person who generally just counts her blessings that this didn't start when I was younger and at least it isn't cancer or MS or Crohns or Lupus.

    I do genuinely feel I'm lucky in the sick list scheme of things. When I told my oldest friend about it she just commented "you've always been unlucky with your health really so I just see it as an extension of that" - wasn't sure what to make of that really because I've never felt particularly unlucky?

    I just booked a massage for tomorrow at the local sports centre with a man who apparently is used to working with "arthritic type folk"! Wish me luck.
    If you get lemons, make lemonade
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I'm sorry, I probably muddled you with someone else on the 'why me' front. :oops: I'm very tired and not quite like my usual self.

    Don't be afraid to tell him to ease up if he's being to firm, the general process is to start gently so that things begin to loosen then pressure can be increased. My girl's satisfied when the bits she's worked on are glowing warmly red. I hope he can help, I can do without my massages but not for long. Good luck! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Mat48
    Mat48 Member Posts: 1,075
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thanks DD I will enter into this new relationship with caution and limited expectations. Hope you feel less tired and more yourself again soon. Mx
    If you get lemons, make lemonade
  • lizzieuk1
    lizzieuk1 Member Posts: 302
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi mat, regards seeing ur doc could you ask for a double appointment explain that 10 mins is not really enough time for you to ask everything you need to, our surgery offers this but only if u ask.
  • frogmella
    frogmella Member Posts: 1,111
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi! I have had massages BUT I am careful to tell them not to touch the joints themselves - mine are so sore that the pressure on them from sitting in the car seat hurts. It is quite a good way of telling if it is OA in the facets - to poke them that is! Releasing the muscles is good though because one of the main reasons it hurts so much is because all the muscles go into spasm around the joint and that travels all the way up the back. My probs are in the bottom and this morning even my neck hurt!

    Enjoy your massage. :)
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    You are wise to be cautious, Mat, there's nothing worse than having high expectations only for them to be dashed. Please let us know how you get on, yes? V advises me to drink at least a pint of water after a session with her to help my body flush out the toxins she may have released and to rest for a while too. Neither is a hardship. :) Please let us know how you get on. DD

    PS Oh Frogmella, necks. :( Mine was dreadful this morning but then I'm not sleeping as I usually do. It's a miserable pain, isn't it? But yes, getting the muscles around the joints softened and relaxed is a great help.
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Mat48
    Mat48 Member Posts: 1,075
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I'll let you know how I get on then :?
    If you get lemons, make lemonade
  • Mat48
    Mat48 Member Posts: 1,075
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    The massage was really good - thanks all for your advice. My back is still hurting a lot and everything else is still aching but he stuck mainly to my upper back and shoulders and wasn't rough and it didn't hurt too much - it just felt as if my shoulders and upper back were being unraveled and smoothed out and all the oil made me feel like I, the Tin Man, was having a right good lubrication in those stiff and clicky upper joints :lol:

    The rest of me could probably have done with same but 30 minutes just flew by! Mat x
    If you get lemons, make lemonade
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I'm glad it helped, Mat. I haven't contributed to this thread earlier because I didn't have anything useful to say (I know, when did that ever stop me :roll: ) but I am pleased that others have been able to.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I am pleased it was of some use - might it be a habit worth cultivating? DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Mat48
    Mat48 Member Posts: 1,075
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hmm that's what my husband is worrying about! Mx
    If you get lemons, make lemonade
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,322
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Mat

    I am so very glad your massage was good :D

    You deserved a bit of pampering!

    Love

    Toni xx
  • frogmella
    frogmella Member Posts: 1,111
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Glad to see your massage helped. :D