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[yorkshiregirl44]

Hi everyone,

Just recieved xray results of lumer and thoracic spine.

It says there is bridging osteophyte formation anteriorly at T0-T10, could this be resonsible for my burning tio upper back and shoulders and weakness to my arms.

Thanks

Christine

[nomoreheels]

We can't diagnose Christine, I think you're going to have to wait & see what your Specialist makes of the result. I do know that osteophytes are bone spurs & relate to arthritis though & obviously could cause pain, maybe that's presenting itself as the burning & weakness you describe. Have you been prescribed anti inflammatories & if so do they ease the symptoms? If they do & I was in your position I would keep on taking them until you have your appointment to discuss the results of the x rays. If nothing's helping maybe see your GP & see if he can prescribe something more appropriate for the interim.

Let us know how you're getting on & what comes of your appointment.

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to nomoreheels]

I dont have a specialist, it was doctor who sent me for xray, now hes off for 4 weeks. I cant take anto imflammatories due to other medical condition.

I dont have alot of faith in the docotrs anyway, when i got the results they just said no further action needed.

Thanks

Christine

[nomoreheels in reply to yorkshiregirl44]

Oh! So nothing further to help you? Did they not even say to discuss pain relief of some kind, even if it's a TENS machine, they do work for some people even if they don't for me. Is there not another GP in the Practice you could discuss the results of the x rays with, 4 weeks is a long time to be in pain, or maybe a pain clinic referral could be an option for you if you can't take anti inflammatories on medical grounds? Surely they can't just leave you in pain that doesn't seem right.

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to nomoreheels]

Its not right....My daughter wants to go back to the GP with me but im not sure i can face it all again, the coming and going and tests done and then back to square one.

Sorry for the moan, a vert bad day for me.

Christine

[nomoreheels in reply to yorkshiregirl44]

You're not moaning Christine. It's been a frustrating day, you've every right to feel as you do, especially as they've said no further action yet you still have unexplained pain & weakness. I've said before something's causing it & the only way you'll receive a diagnosis & appropriate treatment is to be persistent. I know you feel like giving up but sleep on it & see how you feel in the morning. Maybe if your daughter goes with you you'll feel that bit stronger to continue pushing to find the cause.

I'm sorry, it's easy for me to say but please don't give up. I don't know what your other medical condition is but do you think it could be related, a connection that's been overlooked? It might be worth having a rootle around the internet to see if the two could be related.

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to nomoreheels]

I do have crohns disease, but the doctor says i have osteo and there is no connection. Your right myabe tomorrow i will have the strength, inner strength i mean to tackle it.

Thanks

Christine

[nomoreheels in reply to yorkshiregirl44]

I also have osteoarthritis as well as RD & my pain has been relieved greatly with amitriptyline & hourly release buprenorphine patches, both prescribed by my GP not my Rheumy, so it's worth asking for alternatives to anti inflammatories for you, pain relief is more useful in my experience. Obviously your Crohns will be a consideration but your GP should go through your options with you. I really hope you find that inner strength.

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks for your encouragement

[earthwitch in reply to yorkshiregirl44]

If your doctor doesn't know the connection between inflammatory bowel diseases (like crohns) and spondyloarthritis, then they need to do a major refresher course on rheumatology. Go back with your daughter, and strongly request a rheumatology referral.

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to earthwitch]

I know, irs just unbleievable they just dont seem to make a connection between anything. My sister a few years younger than me is following the exact same pattern, she has crohns and now lots of back and joint problems.

[earthwitch]

Bridging osteophytes (ones that go in a vertical direction, rather than the usual bone spurs that grow outwards) are a classic sign of ankylosing spondylitis, where the spine is starting to fuse. Are you still under a rheumatologist? Maybe you could ask your GP if its worth being referred to an AS clinic (rather than a general rheumatologist) if you are having so much problem with your spine - if it does happen to be inflammatory spinal arthritis, then that will get treated quite differently to osteoarthritis, so I would think AS really needs to be ruled out.

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to earthwitch]

Thanks.....i just dont know where to go next. What i do know is that with the pain sometimes i become so hot and overheated with flu like symptoms. Im havng to use my stomach muscles to lift even light objects as iv no strength in my upper body.

What you have said is really helpful

Thanks Christine

[allanah]

Just to say thinking if you and I hope the doc does get you sorted sooner rather than later. Get some rest, things might seem brighter tomorrow xx

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to allanah]

Thank you,,,resting but not sleeping, my minds working overtime.

Christine

[allanah in reply to yorkshiregirl44]

It's so hard I agree, have you done any relaxation before eg imagine yourself on a warm beach etc, if you search the internet there are some good ones! I know your mind will keep going back to your worries but it will relax u in between .

I think they have left you with not a lot of information expecting you to wait a full month? I would agree with your daughter and go back And chat longer with the gp and get him to write to the hospital for more advice.

Now get that lavender oil out xxxx

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to allanah]

Good advice finding a way to relax. Iv got a real fire and i find that sitting in the dark with just the fire for light helps, its warm soothing and it makes me sleepy....then i wake up when i get to bed

Christne