I have been in my current situation since July last year when I started having pains in my Right Knee that caused me to start using my crutch and a walking stick whilst at work.
Since then, things have gradually gotten worse and worse, My employer was incredible helping me, I would have regular meetings and they would always ask me if there was anything they could offer me to get me back into work. They offered me a place at 2 other branches, where I would be able to sit down behind the till all day, however the problem was that I would not be able to get there let alone work all day, So once my sick pay ended, They decided that it would be better if they let me go.
I haven't got a problem with their decision, as it frees up my position to give to someone who can help them out (There are only 5 staff in the store).
Since the problem fist started, I have had pain move from my right knee, ive had it in both knees, right side of my hip, lower back, shoulders, neck, elbows and sometimes wrists.
I have had 2 MRI scans, one on my right knee which didnt show anything, and one on my lower back and hips, which showed a slight bulge on my discs.
I missed an appointment with a rheumy in Jan and am still waiting on the next one. Ive been on Co-Codamol for months and besides feeling pretty sick or spaced out from them, they do little to nothing for me.
Ive also had spells where I feel like im walking on a wall, my head spins and knocks me off balance completely.
To be honest, its hard as I have 2 young boys who I would love to just take to the park, yet when my wife isnt here, I cant do much. When I can go out, I do and it hurts for a day or two after.
Some days it really depresses me because I cant even take my boys to the park when the weather is good.
My wife keeps on about something that shes been told about, a herbal remedy that someone swears works, apparently it will take all the pain away and get me walking properly, however, I cant help but feel that its utter nonsense. however I cant blame her for trying lol
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NobleExcalibur
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That's a shame you've had to give your job up but it does sounds as though your employers did all they could. Anyway it gives you time you concentrate on getting yourself sorted without worrying about letting them down.
I take it you're still without a firm diagnosis? It's a shame your last appointment was missed but have you asked your GP if he can chivvy them up & bring your reappointed date forward, if you've received an appointment that is? You're 3 months plus on now from when you should have been seen & obviously not coping at all well with pain relief that just isn't suitable. It maybe worth asking if a milder analgesic & an NSAID to work on inflammation may be more helpful. Surprisingly when taken regularly paracetamol can work well in some. My h can't tolerate strong pain relief & he's been managed on 1000mg paracetamol every 4 hours with some success following a heart op & subsequent sternal dehisence reconstruction op, until recently that is but that's another story but he's under investigation. If you note down all your symptoms & ask if there's something else he can prescribe, I suggest you request a double appointment that way you won't be so rushed. I don't think now is the time to try alternatives, not without a firm diagnosis, hopefully that won't be long in coming & you'll have an appropriate treatment & management plan but definitely push to be seen, it's becoming a matter of urgency.
My employer were great. Very understanding. I've not had any swelling so I don't know if the nsaid would work, however I did go to physio and they said there's nothing they can do to help lol.
I did go to my doctor about the appointment amongst other things last week and he's pushing it for me.
I may have to make a list or maybe a diary of what's going on as I'm finding that I am forgetting things more and more often.
My mom has fibro and she keeps saying that I've got the same as her, which after reading up on it, I'd hope not cause I would love to be able to help my boys grow up rather than being stuck on crutches
sorry things are so rough at the moment. Your idea of keeping a diary is a really good one and something that we say to people to do all the time. I hope you manage to get a diagnosis sorted soon.
It's tough when you've not got a diagnosis, let alone any idea of a treatment plan. And it does get you down, especially when you can't see any way forward. Personally I wouldn't waste my money on unknown treatments, but focus my energy on other things.
You sound quite resigned to what's happened to you, which is great in one way as there's no point stressing yourself out by cursing your bad luck. But not so great in other ways as if the medical world isn't helping then you need to find maybe a bit of anger to push to get answers and to make sure you're doing everything you can to help yourself. And question everything. Personally I don't like co-codamol and think there are better pain treatments that maybe wouldn't make you feel so weird. So nag your GP, and maybe ask to be referred to a pain management clinic.
The other big problem is that it can be a downward spiral, and the less you do the less you are able to do. So it's very important to keep moving as weak muscles don't protect your joints and mean you can feel more pain. Swimming is a great exercise when you have painful joints. Sometimes GPs will offer a prescription for exercise like free swimming sessions.
And eat properly. Again if you're feeling down it's easy not to bother, but it's important. Just a straightforward healthy diet can help loads, and make sure you're the right weight - not too thin or fat. Your boys want to play with their dad as much as you want to play with them - so push hard to do what you can.
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