Out of the frying pan...

[Mrs-Darling]

I've not been in here for ages as my mental health was becoming sorted with the right combination of meds at last and I thought this would improve my mobility as I was starting to want to leave the house. I was so happy about this as I desperately want to start to shift some of the weight gained since I've been taking Mirtazapine, which I know impacts on my mobility. I've tried getting out every day, even if just to the coffee shop around the corner and walk to the doctors which is half a mile away, taking several breaks to rest. I couldn't understand why I wasn't starting to feel more mobile and why walking even just a short way was leaving me in severe pain and standing for more than a couple of minutes leaves me in agony then I got my results from my MRI on Friday. They show severe degenerative disc disease and arthritis. I cried when the locum read them out to me and she said surgery is likely and she's referred me to an orthopaedic surgeon as an urgent case. In one weird way I'm relieved that my pain is explained and I feel justified for all those times I've said 'ooh me fecking back'. But I've got new concerns now as I was just getting ready to go back to work after being off sick with a severe mental breakdown. I don't know what this means for me now. The only way I can get relief is by taking strong pain relief and lying down. Standing hurts, sitting for any length of time hurts and I feel pain just about everywhere. I feel like an elderly person, stooping when I walk, shuffling along and generally feeling ancient and very unfit and sore. I'm so pissed off, I get my MH

Just about sorted and then this. It's bringing me down again.

[lowlife]

Hi, unfortunately most of us end up with some wear and tear with our bones which is also a form of arthritis. And yes it does get us down because it hurts and stops us doing the things that we've been doing all these years. In your case it must be pretty bad to have to have an operation so i really feel for you. And whats worse still is seeing people older than you looking much fitter and you wonder what the heck you've done to deserve this. Am i right? We all feel this and life just isn't fair. But it could be worse. Hopefully your op will help to get you back on your feet with less pain than before so that you can plan your future. It's good that there trying to do something to help you as there is far too many things that they can't fix and we have to just get on with it. Try and think positive and let us know how it goes. X

[Zellbelle]

Hi, I have CPRS for ten plus years and arthritis. One helpful aid for me has been staying mentally positive. As lowlife mentioned, you can rationalize that it could be worse, but for me I need to even think positive thoughts for those others. I also get involved with small projects like crafts and painting. Today I painted two picture frames that will be made into mirrors, for example. My time then is devoted to manageable, creative, and positive work, leaving my aches and pains aside at least for the short time devoted to this project. Venting through positive activities sure has helped even on the most painful days. Hope this tip helped you think about a positive direction you can help control your pain.

[Calceolaria]

I have DDD, which isn't actually a disease. Its common as we age, as is arthritis, which I also have. Most MRIs will show these conditions. My neurosurgeon told me that GPs should not interpret scans and it should be left to the specialist. Your locum may have jumped the gun, so take a deep breath and wait to hear what the orthopod has to say.

[Mrs-Darling]

I've got a badly damaged disc too which is probably why she thought surgery was on the cards. We'll see when I've seen the consultant.

I'm now on 52mcg Buprenorphrine patches plus 10mg oxycodone 4 times a day. I can't stand for very long and even walking to the shops at the bottom of my road is a great struggle these days. I'm actually starting to hope that they do offer me surgery as I can't go on like this.