Advice on holding my head up please ....

[blondie120]

So im going back to work tuesday on dead late shift , bus driving , sphincter of oddi has calmed enough or so it seems .... but my neck is causing me probs , having real trouble holding my head up , my head just wants to flop down on my shoulder , i get a burning ache an hold it with my hand, neck crunching alot when i swivel it, facial numbness and in my arms an hands, weakness in my arms too, ive a rhuemy appt in may for the ra the mri picked up in my neck base of skull , what can i do to keep my head up ? I do long shifts , im on 5 mg prednisolone a day which helps wiv my hands knees hips back etc and codeine for pain is there anyone else wiv this prob , i get a weird sensation with the neck weakness and some shock like pains that shoot up into my skull all very bizaar really .

[JacquiThomas999]

I am sorry that you are having such a tough time. I don't know about your neck problem.

I have a couple of points, I am also a bus driver. I would be worried about going back when I have problems turning my neck and supporting it. You know that the mirrors on a bus aren't the best. The other thing is that you say you are on codeine, I would assume that, unlike me, it has no effect on your ability to concentrate.

I hope that you get answers soon.

Jacqui

[blondie120 in reply to JacquiThomas999]

Hi , im very used to codeine , my system is used to it, i take it when i cant bare the pain anymore , i tried tramadol but it made me sick , ive been driving double deckers 24 years now , i'll cope , if i couldnt id go sick again, nice to hear from another driver tho x

[Philip]

Put a tie around the top of head and fasten it to your trousers at the back and bobs your uncle and fannys your aunt, there you have it and don't make it too short and be careful when you scratch ya bum you don't knock your head of.

[Eiram50 in reply to Philip]

Haha!

[blondie120]

I feel sorry for you

[Hidden]

That's how I found out I have Severe Osteoarthritis.

Excruciating pains in my head, felt like I was wobbling about while walking. Crunching pains in my neck every time I moved my head, my head felt heavy to lift up, & shooting pains right across my shoulders. Bloody Agony!

Now on Gabapentin 300mg 3 times a day.

Happy Days.

Hope you get it sorted 👍

[blondie120 in reply to Hidden]

Did u xray or scan ? And thanks x

[Hidden]

MRI. This was after several months of failed acupuncture & acupressure, it was the physiotherapists who recommended i have an MRI to my GP. And luckily I have a very understanding GP.

[blondie120]

Oh i see , i had mri on neck for swollen salivary gland and it showed clinical assessment of ra in cervical spine , i looked up the gabapentin , sounds strong , gp recommended biologicals to rhuemy in refferal have to wait and see i guess thanks xx

[Philip in reply to blondie120]

Gabapentin, although sounds strong, it isn't and you build the dose up with your doctors help until you find a lvl that works for you,

[Hidden in reply to Philip]

That's exactly what I'm doing. My dosage has been increased 3 times so far. Because I have Severe Osteoarthritis, I haven't, as yet, found a comfortable level with the Gabapentin. Pain level is bearable, but not today.

So had plenty of rest in the lovely sunshine 🌞

[Philip in reply to Hidden]

I'm sorry to read your having bad day, I know the pains and they can be hell, I hope tomorrow is a better day.

[Frankie63 in reply to blondie120]

Gabapentin is really not that strong. It's very good for people with epilepsy but I started it for my head and neck ache and also restless leg syndrome! I would be worried about going back to work with your neck problem, especially as you're a bus driver! Surely it's going to make it difficult for you with steering, checking mirrors etc? Make sure that you're being honest with yourself about how you're really feeling! Wishing you all the best of luck and really hope you're feeling better, especially after your first day back..it could be a real confidence boost for you!!

[blondie120]

Im hopeful that my rheumy appt in may will sort some meds to help me , ive another 17 years of work to do , i dont like letting them down , the prednisolone helps just not enough xx