RA. OA. FIBRO. SPONDELOSIS

[lifeboatann58]

Been to the rheumy nurse.  She was asking where was sore. So obviously I told her. It was my shoulder and neck. She said it would be my Spondelosis. Has anyone got that problem?  You don't know what illness is causing the pain on that day?

[nomoreheels]

I have spondylosis in my neck & lower back (cervical & lumbar), it's OA & it sounds as though it's playing havoc. My neck goes into spasm from time to time & is having a right go at the mo causing cervicogenic headaches & they are literally a pain. Is your pain relief adequate Ann? My Rheumy asked my GP to manage my OA & since I've had appropriate meds it's been far better but I still get what I can only describe as flare ups, particularly my neck & not yet found the one med that stops it in it's tracks. I mentioned it today at my Rheumy appointment & he said to see my GP about pain relief. Well I'd already made an appointment for next week, it's not with my GP but I need to see someone.

I'm not sure any of this helps but I can certainly empathise. I'm sitting here typing with my electric heat pad wrapped round my shoulders & neck & my swollen feet up it's easing it a bit but you know when you need something more, that's how I feel. Have you tried heat on it? x

[lifeboatann58 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hya. I'm on 10mg morphine, Tramadol and Paracetamol, but at the moment nothing is helping. I've got my wheat wrap on my neck. We're you at Clifton hospital? I was there yesterday. I went to the meeting last month, were you there. Mr Jeffries was giving a talk.

[nomoreheels in reply to lifeboatann58]

Well you have pain relief but maybe see your GP again & see if there's something more specific to work on you neck. I've tried gabapentin & got up to 1800mg but it didn't help, just made me vacant so I tapered off it. I've not tried anything since because it settled but like you I need to have something. No, not Clifton this time, LPC, still closer than Vic & still not my Rheumy but I'm being seen again in July & then again in Oct. No, didn't go the the meeting, don't know Mr Jeffries, what was the talk about?

[lifeboatann58 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hya.My back has eased of a bit today. Thank goodness.  Dr Jeffrey is a Rheumatologist,  he was giving a in depth talk about RA. Was interesting,  he is a bit of a character.  I'm back at Clifton at end of July. X

[nomoreheels in reply to lifeboatann58]

I've not come across him & he's not on the Consultant's directory, is he reasonably new? I may be at Clifton in July but the appointment hasn't come through yet so not sure yet. x

[lifeboatann58 in reply to nomoreheels]

He is Young, tall, has a beard and wears glasses. Think he must be new. Ive never heard of him before, but definitely knows what he is talking about. X

[Philip]

RA attacks small bones only I believe, maybe the nurse right but should have told you So that you didn't worry perhaps.

I hope the pains ease off for you very soon.

Philip

[PFKAAde in reply to Philip]

Hi Philip

I haven't heard that before and with a primary diagnosis of RA can certainly vouch for the fact that it is not just my small bones affected. I'm assuming we don't class hip and knee as small? It affects me in my feet, knees, hips, fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulder. Just the one. Thankfully as that is the most painful out of all my RA related issues (mainly because it is damaged beyond repair 😩😫😖). 

Slightly relevant to the OP, I was told by my spine surgeon (a long and very, very painful story not apparently connected to my RA issues) that RA itself only ever affects the first vertebrae in the neck (C1 in medical parlance), a fact confirmed to me by my rheumatologist. I would (and have) trusted both these men with my life.

All the best.

Ade

[lifeboatann58]

Thanks Philip. It can be bad for days/weeks then it will disappear.  Hopefully it's very soon. I've had it in my spine for years, but now with the RA and Fibromyalgia I never know what's causing my pains. Lol. Xx

[flow4]

Yup. My diagnoses are now psoriatic arthritis, hypermobility syndrome and osteoarthritis. I'm often not quite sure what's hurting and why.

[linda-5502]

Yes i have a pain in my neck all the time and been told the same as you so rhuemy doesn't do anything about it apart from pain killers. When i turn my head both ways I get lots of clicks and creaks, i don't know whether I should see my doctor or what can anyone suggest things please ???

[nancyj615]

Hi, I have been diagnosed with both RA and  OA.  I have been dealing with for more than 20 years and my doctors are still needing to adjust my medication. Sometimes they work sometimes not so well  the key is to talk with them. I have had ankalosing spondylitis for 20 + years, spondylosis and recently cervical spinal stenosis. Good luck 

[lifeboatann58]

Oh what a mess we are all in. We are not content with one Chronic disease.  We multiply them. Lol. Luckily enough I am feeling a bit better today. Neck is still clicking away quite merrily, so i know how you feel Linda. but at least I can cope better today. I have a very good Dr Nancyj  which helps a lot,  XX