How do you cope with osterartheritis of the spine?

[Dexmar13]

[Vonnie257]

Get as much medical help and advice and follow it, that's all anyone can do with any chronic health problem,dont dwell on it [easier said than done],find things to do that do not cause discomfort to yourself,but give you enjoyment,like a hobby that's not too physically challenging. Enjoy life as much as you can and get friends and family to help and talk about it and how you feel.

[thenunn]

Remember even when its really bad ,there is always someone worse off..it helps me to be humble,takes my head off 'woe is me' . Agree with Vonnie257 comments totally.Dont be afraid to use meds..i was i had so many side effects with so many of them..then i just couldnt cope any more as i was barely walking and when i did EVERY step was painful,my stride was non exsistent and this got me down,so went to see gp discussed options ,agreed i really didnt want to go opiates so said id give gabapentin another go(seeing as i was no longer working the drowsiness would not matter as i didnt have to drive) ..two weeks later im so glad i did it helps a lot with leg pain..hasnt totally got rid of it or any of the other pain BUT its eased enough that i can walk more normally and for a bit longer and that to me makes it worthwhile :)))

[Tearsofaclown]

I agree with both Vonnie257, and thenunn, as it is easier said than done, to be happy & cheerful all the time, so discussing this situation with all those closest to you, will help enormously in the long-term. I use Gabapentin, but also take the opiates, which don't cause me so many side-effects as thenunn. Having a chronic condition is hellish, quite often, and no-body could prepare you for the way it can take over your life sometimes. If you just take small steps, one at a time, and don't expect too much of yourself, or others, then you'll be doing the best you can. Rest when you need to, and do regular small exercises, and don't give-in to any feelings of this being the worst thing that could happen to you. It isn't, and there are many worse things that could have affected you, so in that respect, you are fortunate. It's a learning curve, that involves this kind of personal thinking, and a life change to accommodate the long term. Never be afraid to ask for help, as you'll be your own worst enemy, if you don't ask when you need it. Understand that occasionally, the people you rely on will also be tired, so if they raise their eyes or sound grumpy, it isn't a personal rejection, and is more about themselves feeling tired. Hope this will help you, on this new challenge in your life.

[Dexmar13]

Thank you all for your reply's i work full time and sometimes struggle with the pain and think about giving it all up, i take 400mg of gabapetin 3x a day 4/5 mls of ketamine and have a morphine patch that i change every 3 day's god knows why i still have pain... i normall get through the bad days but think i have hit a brick wall at the moment.. now i have a lot of pain my thumb and docotor thinks it could be tendernitis or arthritis i know i probley sound like a winge but sometimes it gets me down. Thanx for tghe advice iam sure il sort myself out and get back on the saddle and start over.