Hello Everyone,
As many of you already know I have been diagnosed with UCTD. My Rheumy says to my face that it is Lupus but for some reason (that I can’t get to the bottom of) he won’t put that on my official diagnosis.
I have an MRI coming up in July and an appointment with a difference Rheumy on the team who specialises in Vasculitis and Bechets.
I’ve posted before about the aching and stabbing pains I get in my back (just at the base of my ribs) which sometimes wraps around my side and into my lower abdomen. Mostly the pain is on my left side but sometimes I get the same stabbing pain mirrored on the right side of my back (same spot - base of ribs). When it gets really bad I often get cystitis like burning pee.
I saw a physio a couple of weeks ago who confirmed the pain wasn’t a muscular or skeletal issue. He gave me a side stretching exercises to try but I think this just makes things worse.
I’ve been taking morphine every day for the pain for about 9 months.
I’m really struggling with this pain. I don’t even know if it’s linked to my AI.... the Rheumatologist says I need to get off morphine but he doesn’t say what I would do about the pain. I’m at a complete loss.
To make matters worse I have a whole host of other complaints: my legs and ankles are swelling badly atm; I have several large plasters covering my weeping bleeding sores; my joints ache; my malar rash is red and hot; I’m peeing all night; my tummy has swollen up like a watermelon; and I could sleep for Britain.
My dad has suggested that I try hypobaric oxygen treatment. It is supposed to help with AI disease. I’d need a month of daily sessions.
Can anybody relate to these back pains at all? I feel like I could cope if it weren’t for this.
Love to you all x