Swollen joints and slipped disc

[Tracy_K99]

I have been taking various drugs for a slipped disc and have had a steroid nerve block injection and will be having a discectomy soon. I would like to know if anyone has had swollen and stiff joints especially the fingers and worse in the mornings as a side effect from morphine (Oramorph and sevredol) ? Many thanks

[Ruth_lderry]

Hi I am totally new to this section. I have had a bad ankle now for some time, can't walk on it right and need crutch help me around. I am up now for a ultrasound scan on my ankle said could inject into it am guessing with something similar to u. Wot makes u get these pains? For me I have lupus and fibro.

Ruth x

[Tracy_K99 in reply to Ruth_lderry]

Hi Ruth, I was tested for lupus and was negative - I am now being referred to a rheumatologist to find out about the swelling but am under the care of a orthopaedic specialist. I have a slipped disc in my lumbar region which causes severe sciatica - the pain is terrible hence the need for morphine as it's the only thing that works. I was really asking if anyone experienced swollen and stiff joints as a side effect to the drugs as I am worried I may have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis but my GP said it just might be a side effect of the drugs but would send me to a specialist to confirm. Hope your ankle heals - thanks for your reply.

[Ang34]

Hi Tracy, I too have severe problems with 2 discs in my lower back. It has been ongoing for over 2 years. Iv had the injections 3 times now. They won't operate cause of my age and cause Iv a young family. They say it's too risky. I'm back at neuro surgeon tomorrow. My life is a living hell.

I too experience stiffness and swollen hands. I'm on MST and sevredol amongst others. Iv always put it down to side effects of all the morphine in my system.

I hope this helps. :))

Take care

[Tracy_K99 in reply to Ang34]

Hi Ang, thanks for your reply. How old are you if you don't mind me asking? I found the nerve block only worked a bit and is now wearing off - I was told you could only ever have 3 anyway. My consultant offered a discectomy to remove some (not all) of the herniated disc and this should greatly reduce my leg pain. There are other options such as spinal fusion too and I may need further ops if the discectomy doesn't work. I don't understand why they won't operate on you - I have a 6 year old? Was there a reason that was given as this pain is something that can be resolved if you get the right treatment. I am slightly relieved (although believe me, I do feel for you) that you also have the same problem with the swollen hands as this makes me think it may be drug related and will subside once my doses decrease or stop as it just adds to the nightmare that we already endure doesn't it - like adding salt to the wound?! this really is the worse pain ever and I am on antidepressants now as it has worn me down so much and I have had this for a year so my heart goes out to you as you have had this for twice as long. Can you not ask for a second opinion or get referred to an orthopaedic specialist? Or try a different GP who is willing to fight your corner for you - mine is great and I don't know what I would have done without her - she has helped me all the way and fought to get me the right treatment as she knew I had no strength left to fight. Can you also tell me what MST is? Is it a steroid treatment? Your post really has helped me - thank you very much and I really hope you finally get the treatment you need and maybe my reply has helped you too in a small way.

[Ang34 in reply to Tracy_K99]

Hi Tracey

I'm 34, Iv three kids 16, 7 and 4. MST is slow release morphine. I take 60mg in morning then 60mg 12hrs later. I take sevredol for breakthrough pain 20mg a dose. Also naproxen, duloxetine 80mg. This is partly for nerve pain and for depression. Diazepam as required for spasms etc. at first they said they would remove the disc then they decided that while I was still mobile they wouldn't do it. They said there is too much risk involved and could end up worse than I am just now. (I find that hard to believe)

They will do up to 3 injections a year if you are getting a decent amount of relief from them. My 1st one stopped the leg pain for about 3months. The 2nd one was done by different consultant in different place and left me in more pain. I had the 3rd one in September and that's the burning intense pain coming back now. They have never made me pain free. I'm just demented with my situation. I'm also worried about my mental health. As it's a struggle being in pain all the time and mobility greatly reduced. I can't walk any distance. Yet Iv my kids to see to. Luckily I have a very good husband. :))

Where about are you from, if you don't mind me asking?? I'm back to neuro surgeon tomorrow. I wasn't expecting this appointment think it was the pain clinic that referred me back. I'm really hoping they can offer me some kind of help. Otherwise I don't know how I'm going to carry on.

Xxx

[Tracy_K99 in reply to Ang34]

Oh poor you Ang - I really feel for you, I don't know how you cope with 3 little ones - you must have a great hubby so that's one thing to be thankful for - believe me it makes all the difference to have a close one to support you. I'm 47 and I live in Amersham Buckinghamshire and I'm under the care of The Spire hospital in Berkshire - I was referred there by my GP by way of a thing called patient choice - it's a private hospital that the NHS fund. I'm not 100% sure how it works but my GP is a true star, she saw that depression got a hold of me too so nominated me for this care but I think its part of the patient charter where you can choose where you want to receive treatment. If I was still only dealing with the NHS I would still be waiting for my fist hospital consultation - it's terrible. my GP dealt with all of it but discuss it with your GP and do some online research to see if there are any Spire hospitals near you that deal with this? Here is a link to follow to check the ones in your area spirehealthcare.com/find-a-...

copy this link into your address bar and search for a hospital in your area as they really should offer you some treatment you are much younger than me and the nerve block hasn't worked well enough! If you can find the strength please speak to your GP once you have a bit more info and demand a referral or see another GP - I'm pretty sure you are within your legal rights to do so - it's just the NHS does not want to fund it too freely or everyone would be going for it but you are a genuine case, you suffer from depression and you have 3 kids to look after - like the saying goes "The squeaky wheel gets the oil" I was also told to come off Diazapam and take Gabapentine as it does the same job and is less addictive - also I found the slow release morphine not that great and take Sevredol and Oramorph. Oramorph is the best - it's liquid morphine and works after about 10/15 mins and I found it is the most effective and I've tried everything. Have you had an MRI? If not ask for one of these and then get referred to an orthopaedic surgeon at one of the Spire hospitals as they are fantastic there - great staff, very clean and efficient and reduced waiting lists - I have never been treated so well. I hope this info leads you to some sort of help - hang on in there Ang and fight if you can to get some proper treatment as it's out there just sounds like your GP is unhelpful and sending you to the wrong people. I really do know how bad this all is and the pain would bring anyone down - it did me and I thought I was a strong person so just letting you know you are not alone and there are people out there who really understand what you are going through.

Good luck and all the best

Tracy x

[Ang34 in reply to Tracy_K99]

Thanks for the advice Tracy. I'm stay in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. I think our NHS works a bit differently. I went private to see consultant the first time as there was 10 month waiting list!! I'd already had MRI. I got first injection private within a fortnight of seeing the consultant. Of course it cost me a lot of money. I now see the exact same consultant under NHS. It's crazy

Iv had 2 MRI , the 2nd showing more deterioration than the first. It's been a year on from my 2nd. So I dread to think what it's like now. In fact I know cause I can feel it.

I'm just back from taking my daughter to nursery. Iv had to lie down as pain in my leg so severe. I find when it's as bad as this if I lay on side it seems to ease off. I get to park in school car Park and nursery door is a minutes walk at most. Yet to me it's a marathon. In the last year Iv put on 6 stone. I wasn't over weight before my back trouble. Between lack of mobility and all these bloody tablets. Of course this doesn't help mental state!! What can I do???

Enough about me.

Do you know when your getting your operation? I'm glad (not that your in pain) that the care plan you have sounds positive. Iv been on gabapentin and pregablin but weren't effective enough. Consultant told me to stop them. I only take diazepam when I basically can't straighten my back or lift my leg properly. It's a last resort but handy to have when needed.

It is a worry getting addicted to all these tablets. If they sort my back I will happily go through withdrawal.

It would be nice to stay in touch with you. If you would like? It does help speaking to someone who knows what it's like.

Xxx

[Tracy_K99 in reply to Ang34]

Hi Ang, I can see 4 Spire hospitals in Scotland so worth a mention next time at the GP's?

I have to collect my little one soon and dreading the walk - there are no buses on the route, I cannot drive and it's over 2 kilometres there and back, then there's dinner etc etc to do before I collapse in a hot bath -my big treat for my poor old bones

I actually lost weight with all this - plummeting to 7st 6 lb (I'm 5ft 6 ins) and was classified anorexic! Not in the making myself throw up as I thought I was overweight but it was just the clinical term for the dramatic weight loss as I lay in bed for a couple of months literally unable to walk and lost my appetite due to the drugs and pain. I'm up to 8 st 6 lb now so that's a vast improvement. I looked awful, my skin was literally hanging off me.

My op will be in early march as, my consultant has to do jury service (they have changed the law making Dr's exempt) I had to have a tooth removed (that was a fun day - not) and they had to put the op off until that had healed to avoid any infection so my Feb booking was cancelled but it's not too far away so fingers crossed for then. Thanks for your kind words Ang and I do hope you resolve your problems. I'm new to this site but will try to message you privately (if it can be done on here but will try) my email address to keep in touch - I'll try it now but take care for now - speak soon.

Tracy xx

[carol1964 in reply to Ang34]

I'm new and read ur reply,I had back operation but was unsuccessful was wondering if you had been offered operation and how you are now! Carol x

[Tracy_K99 in reply to carol1964]

Hi Carol. Yes had the op March 2nd and it's been a roller coaster ride. Although the pain is less I still have pain but was told to be patient as it can take up to 18 months to get the full picture but I have a gut feeling that I am left with some pain unfortunately. I have stopped the morphine and gabapentin which was really hard as my withdrawal wasn't managed properly and was almost left to my own devices without any guidance except being told I must stop! ....and now only take cocodomol and antidepressants. I was in so much pain after the op including terrible muscular pain - I felt like I'd been hit by a bus for ages. The extreme pain I felt for so long prior to the op has left me shattered mentally and physically - it's almost like post traumatic stress. I have started work again and struggle a bit along with juggling home life and a 6 year old but felt I had to join in on life again somehow. I still feel a little lost in the woods but trying to come to terms with body I am left with and also trying to feel grateful that my pain is reduced. But it's hard. Was your op not at all successful? What did you have done and what's the plan now for you?

T xx

[carol1964 in reply to Tracy_K99]

Hi,did you get my reply yesterday? Think I might have pressed wrong button☺

[Tracy_K99 in reply to carol1964]

Yes it's here above x

[carol1964 in reply to Tracy_K99]

You should ask your GP to refer you to pain clinic if pain do sent get any better x

[Tracy_K99 in reply to carol1964]

Yes I think that's what I will end up having to do.

T xx

[Dukey]

I have had prolapsed discs and had a large discectomy,my sciatic nerve root was rubbing up against the scar tissue from a previous operation,although the discectomy was done I still have problems with my back and legs,I was told that after 2 operations the scar tissue grows thicker and can rub up against or pinch the sciatic nerve,see a physio afterwards and receive some stretching exercises to stretch the scar tissue,if you are able to run,lol do it on soft grass you must try and build the muscle in your back were the injury is as this will give support,but a good physio should give you the information you need better than I can.

[Tracy_K99]

Thanks Dukey, Yes I have been warned about this by the surgeon and a previous physiotherapist said my ligaments have scar tissue already. I have spondylosis of the lumbar vertebrae so there was no actual injury just wear and tear but like you a disc is pressing on one of the spinal nerves and causing so much pain .... but just expressing that to people who understand the pain on this forum is a relief as other people will never truly understand how bad it is. My surgeon has also told me that I am supposed to massage the scar site quite firmly after the operation to minimise the scar tissue and I have been told to increase my core strength and stability to avoid future hernias. I used to swim quite a lot when I was younger so I might take that up again afterwards or yoga/pilates has also been recommended. It seems that a discectomy might not be the "cure all" I was hoping for but it is the route I have to take for now - I know I will always have a problem with this now and that does get me down, but out of curiosity Dukey, are you on morphine and has it affected your joints with the swelling etc? Thanks for your advice it is much appreciated.

[Hidden]

I had swollen and painful fingers, knees,and hip joints when I was on Oxycontin, when I came off the problem resolved itself within a month, I have some finger tenderness now, but have a family history of osteo- arthritis and so I'm putting it down to that. I have had a new disc inserted and a three level fusion done, I consider myself very lucky that both surgeries have alleviated my constant pain, but I know for some it's not the answer, I do however have anecdotal evidence that Micro-Discectomies are very successful.I wish you the very best of luck getting some resolution to your pain.

[Tracy_K99 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Kitty - Yes I am having just part of my disc removed (micro discectomy) so will not need an implant at this stage but the outcome for people is all so varied I just have to wait and see how it works for me but yes it does seem a little less risky than other procedures so that is making me optimistic and also useful info about your swollen hands - I'm starting to think more and more that its the meds which is comforting as it appears that Oxycontin is also an opioid. It's good to hear that you have had success with your surgeries and you have come out the other side smiling thanks for the comforting info and good wishes - take care x

[Hidden]

I have been on morphine patches for over 12 months now for osteoarthritis in my hips. I also have two slipped discs at L4/5 with Sciatica. My other joints (knees, ankles and especially hands) have come out in sympathy. I did not think that the pain in my hands was a side effect of the meds, so I find this very interesting. I have ended up wearing wrist / hand splints overnight as the pain was keeping me awake. They worked well for a while but the tips of my fingers still hurt. I have considered the options for my back and really do not fancy invasive procedures as there appears to be no guarantees. I am in enough pain at the moment without risking anymore.

[Tracy_K99 in reply to Hidden]

Hi DWT66, Yes it is interesting that some people have answered my post and agreed that the morphine has a side effect of swollen joints. I have looked around on the web and nothing was reported on any medical sites but I just had a gut feeling that it was connected as it was the only drug that I have been taking continuously and prior to the swelllings. I have stopped some of my other meds except this as I can't go without it and as I say it's the only one that I took before my problems occurred so I'm convinced it's linked. Like all treatments, it is the choice of the individual but I have opted for surgery as I cannot continue life this way - I cannot work, look after my child properly and all my independence has gone. The discectomy I have chosen is only partial removal and the outcome does seem favourable - the nerve block has simply not worked well enough or for any considerable time for me to consider more. I feel like I have lost a whole year of my life and the strain on my family has been huge along with this unbearable pain - I feel like it's my only option. I too have an L5 disc hernia (just the one) so watch this space and I will tell you how my operation turned out in march if that will help at all. In the meantime we can see if anyone else posts on here regarding the swelling for which I am also seeing a rheumatologist for in early feb. Knowledge about this seems to only come from the sufferers and not from any medical trials or data - maybe the drug companies would rather it was swept unde the carpet? Either way it seems to be the only drug that controls my pain so I will continue to take it and hope I can wean myself off it if the op is a success. Thanks for your reply and I hope you find an answer for your problems too. Take care.

[Hidden]

Thank you for your response, Tracy. Good luck with the treatments and the operation.

[Hidden]

Thank you for your response, Tracy. Good luck with the treatments and the operation.