Had anyone else's RA affected their spine.

[Rahelp]

In 2002 I had a hip replacement. It was urgent as the Dr. At the pain clinic said that my hip had turned over on itself and it was damaging my spine. Since then my spine as deteriorated with ever vertebrate I my lumber region being damaged. I also have cervical deterioration. I was wondering if anyone else's RA had affected their spine to the point that walking is almost impossible. So at times is standing sitting or lying.

[BoneyC]

Yes, both cervical and lumbar spine are affected. I had subluxation of C3 onto C4 and cervical myelopathy in 2002, ended up having neurosurgery (laminoplasty & fixation) with titanium plates from C3 to C6, can't move neck. I have a constitutionally narrow canal - spinal stenosis too. Apparently some people just have. Over the last couple years I've had lower back pain which Rheumatology ignored for over a year but eventually had MRI and it revealed stenosis, moderate to severe due to problems at L4/5, and facet joint arthropathy throughout my lumbar spine with erosive changes at L1/2 and L3/4.

They offered facet joint injections but changed this to lumbar epidural which I didn't have because my left ankle is now in need of a replacement, but the surgeon wants me to hold off as long as possible given my relatively young age (52) and finite life of 10 years for ankle replacements. Now I can't walk much at all, have to be pushed in wheelchair outdoors which is easing my back pain.

Standing in a queue aggravates my lower back as does walking, but I can't do much of that because of ankle pain, so its catch 22 at the moment. The best position for my lower back is sitting, slightly slouched, to open up space in lower back, but not good for heart and lungs!

Hope you find a solution to your back problems.

[Rahelp in reply to BoneyC]

Thank you I thought I was the only one. My RA specialist sees it as a mechanical back problem and has nothing to do with it. I have tacit joint injections in my lumber region. But was told by spine Dr that they would not operate unless/until I have lost control of my bowel or bladder. Something to look forward to.

[BoneyC in reply to Rahelp]

My Rheumatologist also dismissed my lumbar pain as mechanical, unwilling to scan etc. until I saw a locum. They always ask about loss of control of bladder/bowels, but lets hope it doesn't come to that.

[Rahelp in reply to BoneyC]

Did you see a locum ra specialist or a locum go. I have been spending a fortune having manipulation from an osteopath. He is very good and helps things to stay relaxed and moving. My GP just gives me loads of tablets. Which don't seem to do much. I feel my world is shrinking all the time as getting about is so difficult and I spend a lot of time resting even when I have done very little as the pain is so bad.

[BoneyC in reply to Rahelp]

It was a locum Rheumatologist that ordered the MRI of my ankle. On virtually every visit to hospital, its a new doctor, usually locums and they all have totally different ideas. The head Rheumatologist on occasions speaks to me in the corridor and asks "do you want a chat", I'd rather have the whole appointment with him, not just a chat with another stranger! I know what you mean, I'm currently forced to sit as my ankle has had enough for today. Hope you find some help soon.

[Rahelp in reply to BoneyC]

It do sent feel like it and to be honest it feels like my world is closing down and getting smaller. No one wants to know or do anything. The osteopath is great. He helps. The drs. Just give me more pills and morphine which I don't want. I know it's not their fault. But it's not mine either I am not going out because of the pain and feel I will be in a wheelchair soon which is not where I want to go.