Saw the Spine Dragon who said my spinal stenosis was worse and injected it. It was mortal screaming agony and I levitated off the bed. After a week or so the pain in my leg stopped and I just ached. At the same time sold the family home disposing of much loved heirlooms (his description) or a load of junk ( my description) packed my bucket and spade and came to Barbados for some much needed sun. The plane journey didn’t help and I have had serious back pain with difficulty walking since I arrived. Tried to work out what is happening, a lot of it seems to be muscular and I wondered if it was a flare, I have had them many times and they always go for my neck and shoulders but they are fine. I have increased my Pred slightly and treat myself with Paracetamol together with copious Pina Colada and Gin and Tonic as it’s all inclusive.
I have tried to get some sense from my other half but he is struggling with the arthritic knee he refuses to have replaced. Fortunately have brought long suffering daughter and husband who look on in horror..
Any advice ( other than to cease Pina Colada would be welcome.
At least beautiful weather and really lovely staff.
🥂
Written by
EdithWales
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After nearly 9 years of this challenging disease I have found a bit of humour goes a long way. My husband is a GP and as the majority of them freely admit he knows little about GCA/PMR and can’t help me. Most of them may not see a case of GCA in the whole of their careers. Moreover my sometimes trivial complaints are just boring. Thankfully I found this Forum with Patient Experts who really do know and patiently give their time to help, throw a laugh in the pot and I just feel so lucky.
I did the walking exercises in the pool yesterday and then was shown a nice rather hot Jacuzzi, that changing my medication from Pina Colada to Dry Martini ( shaken not stirred) has resulted in a great improvement.
Variety can make all the difference. Shaken not stirred always better - likely to have 'extra' ingredients!! Glad something is working - I feel a permanent prescription coming on. 🍸🍸🍸🍹
Just be careful of booze and paracetamol-liver. Warning on packages.
I found a wonderful book called "Mind over Back" -very helpful for controlling muscular spasms. It worked for me: I was back at work after 5 month absence.
Thank you. I have ordered it and it’s on its way. I have had Hydrotherapy in the past and thought I might ask for that again. I walked around Hampton Court for 4 hours so I am improving
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Oh, no! What’s next?
On going investigation 
Not sure what's going on
To go private or not?
Going on with it
