New to OA!!!!: Hi I have just been... - Arthritis Action

Arthritis Action

7,517 members2,106 posts

New to OA!!!!

Birchy profile image
6 Replies

Hi I have just been diagnosed with OA in my neck and more severe in my lower spine.

The onslaught of this was in early October when I was admitted to hospital as I was very stooped and couldn't straighten up. Also I lost complete bladder control which was a bit embarrassing to say the least.

I had an MRI scan and this was the outcome. I have now been referred to a Neurosurgeon and see them on 5th Jan next year which I can't wait.

I have good days and bad days and when it's bad I take Tramadol but they make me drowsy so only try and take them at night time so I can sleep.

My GP doesn't want me to return to work until I have seen this new consultant and hopefully together we will plan a course of action etc etc.

I had to go into work last week for a chat with my boss as I work on the checkouts in a supermarket and cannot physically do my job as I cannot lift anything heavy like a 17KG bag of dog food or a large box of beer. I have explained the situation and they understand for now. Maybe that's because I have only worked for them for 3 years and have run out of company sickpay in November and am only receiving SSP.

I don't know what the future holds and quite honestly it scares me. I would like to return to work in some capacity but the job I am employed to do is a definite no for the time being. Maybe when I have seen the Neurosurgeon he will perform a miracle and I can go back to work doing the job I love.

Would love to hear from fellow sufferers.

Kind regards.

Written by
Birchy profile image
Birchy
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
popsmith1874 profile image
popsmith1874

Hi hopefully when you see the consultant after the year he or she fix things out, regarding the work they have to help you as it's the law but I know what your going through as I've been medically retired from my job with a local authority as it was just too much and I couldn't do it anymore and the last year I've been off and finished up in July but the last year was a worry because I didn't know what was going to happen , I've got RA,OA and angina , but I'm on a new Bisomar treatment called Benepali and it's made a big difference I hope you get sorted out

Birchy profile image
Birchy in reply to popsmith1874

Thank you. It is a worry the future. I think I could do a sit down office job but there are only 4 in my store and nobody who does them is leaving!!! Also the office is near to the loo as I don't pee myself now but do need to get to a toilet within a couple of minutes of feeling the urge!!!

If the worst comes to the worst they can't pension me off as I didn't join the pension scheme as I'm 54 and want to retire at 60 and as I only work 22.5 hours a week didn't se the point. At the mo I'm on SSP but have been told I can only get that for 26 weeks so my visit to the consultant in Jan means an awful lot. I have a mortgage and bills to pay!! Anyway thank you for your help.

crispym profile image
crispym

Bless you, I hope your consultants appointment goes well and they are able to do something for you. I too have OA and Reactive Arthritis. I work in an office but find it difficult as my hands are affected quite badly and typing is difficult, I find Naproxen helps a lot on bad days as it doesn't make me feel drowsy or spacey like Tramadol.

As Popsmith1874 said work have to help you. I would check out your employment rights as you've been with your employer for more than 2 years they can't get rid of you that easily.

Birchy profile image
Birchy in reply to crispym

Many thanks I think I will ring my union USDAW they should know what my rights are!!! I am on SSP at the mo and can be for up to 6 months but after that I'm not sure what I will be entitled to as I have never been on benefits in my life.

arthritis_action profile image
arthritis_actionPartner

Welcome to the group Birchy and thank you for sharing your story.

We are sorry you have been having a difficult time, and we hope you find the fantastic supportive community on here helpful. If you want to read more about arthritis and our Self-Management approach, as well as have a look at our upcoming events and training courses, our newly redesigned website is: arthritisaction.org.uk

Wishing you all the best,

Despina

Arthritis Action Communications Officer

Birchy profile image
Birchy in reply to arthritis_action

Thank you I certainly will have a look at your website. It has come as a bit of a shock to say the least and I really don't know much about OA apart from there is no cure so I am sure your site will be very helpful. Thanks again and kind regards.

You may also like...

The best pain releaver for osteoarthritis ( OA)

Also my toes on both of my feet have been achy and hurt to bad to bend them. Any advice would be...

knee OA

pain diminishing I was told by a Dr that I might have the odd good day but strangely I ve had a...

OA spreading

becoming more frequent and occurring mostly at night when sleeping on my left side but also at odd...

OA best pain relief

go to pain management for my other conditions and have morphine but it doesn't help. I'm due there...

OA in fingers and cramp

my GP. I have started to get really bad cramp-like pain in my fingers. One or more of them seize up...