I’ve finally seen my RA consultant, first time since 2019, my recent spine X-ray done last December due to severe lower back pain has shown osteoarthritis, I’ve also had a scan for osteoporosis which I apparently have as well.
The consultant has recommended amitriptilene for pain relief which I’ve agreed to give it a go as nights are worse for pain and the slightest movement causes excruciating pain.
I called my RA nurse yesterday to confirm the prescription and she said the pain is neuropathic. Still don’t understand what this means. Can anyone here shed a bit more light on the subject please?
Take care one and all. X
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Freddiefan
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Yes , particularly the ‘electric shock’ kind of pain. Pain can also go down my leg like sciatica. If I sit for a time , like to watch a film my lower back and bottom can go numb.
Good MorningI too have Oa in my spine. I think you will need something more than Amitriptyline. That drug is good for night time but daytime requires more.
I have multiple joint RA, and Fibro.
Over a period of 7 or so years I have gone from Codeine, to Tramadol to Butec patches ( worn 24/7).
I am also topped up with Ibuprofen. When I am really unwell the Gp prescribed the dreaded OraMorph which is good but doesn't suit me too well.
Well hey there Freddiefan I take Amitriptyline prescribed by GP before I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis as I hobbled when waking everyday. However it can wear off as I have been this way the last few days therefore have asked for mine to be increased to 40 mgs. For me helps with zzzz most of the time and I take mine around 7 pm. Really hope it helps you take careX
Neuropathic pain is nerve pain, maybe from a slipped disc, diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoartharthritis that is creating pressure on nerves, the pain you get from dental decay is also neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain tends to be shooting, sharp and stabbing, sometimes it feels hot too.
The other type of pain is nociceptive pain usually caused by injury...a burn, a broken bone perhaps. You can also get nociceptive pain from osteoarthritis where a nerve is not involved. This type of pain tends to be throbbing and achy.
If it doesn't settle I would push for a MRI. I had the most awful neuropathic pain which came on suddenly around 11 weeks ago... sciatica ...I couldn't move. A long story which I wont bore you with....a MRI showed a slipped disc ...I'm going for surgery on Tuesday 🤞. Most slipped discs don't require surgery, but they do need to managed with adequate pain relief.
And it's important that the spine is kept moving. It's been shown that bed rest makes it worse! I find that the osteopath is more help than pain killers, but I know it varies for people depending on how much pressure is on the nerves from the OA in the spine.
I have neuropathy, unknown type and cause unknown. I’m not diabetic. Nerve pain stinks but I can imagine how painful it is in your back and or your leg.. Mine started in my neck, one side, where I got zaps of electric shocks. Then it went to my face, one side, with the shocks, the burning sensation and the numbing. The numbing happens now mostly in my hands/feet. I’ll take any numbing over the shocks and burning. So I can imagine how awful it is for you in your back and leg.
Have you seen a neurologist? If it’s a compressed nerve, it can cause permanent damage, so please have a neurologist check it out. Hope you get some relief soon. Take care!
Hi Apparently I’m being referred for an MRI scan , and have also this afternoon received a physio appointment. My osteoporosis scan has confirmed that I also have that, so seeing a specialist about that in 2 weeks after yet another blood test. I feel like I now have a full complement of conditions and am more than happy to stop there. Haha x
Hi! That’s good you’re getting an MRI and a specialist in a few wks. Yes I’m sure you’d prefer not to have anymore conditions. You definitely have enough as it is.
Gone through exactly the same problems, Ametripiline did nothing for me other than make me ill. On strongest co- codimol which is only partially effective. Not managed to see my consultant since February 2020, even though 3 notes of urgency have been sent by my doctor who I have only managed to see once in the last 17 months. The best relief I get is from massage with Arnica oil.
Hi regarding your back pain I would request a scan, I bent down to pick a heavy dish up and felt something in my back , had scan , and MRI shown six fractures , collapsed veterbrae, now over 2 yrs -7 months no further forward , was due a phone call yesterday and it never happened, I am now thinking of taking a private medical loan as I have been totally forgotten about , sometimes I have to borrow a wheelchair to go out as the pain is terrible . I begged for everything and still here waiting. 👍
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