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Posted 11/10/2010 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to this forum.  I am a 45 year old former work horse in the medical field.  I have degenerative arthritis of the spine and severe facet degeneration.  I am in absolute misery.  I am looking for any suggestions in dealing with this.  My life is almost worthless.
Posted 11/11/2010 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to Healing Well, Motherof4! I am so sorry that you are so miserable. I also have degenerative disc disease and facet degeneration. Some of mine is from osteoarthritis but the facet disease has been attributed to my ankylosing spondylitis.

What medications have they given to you to help you deal with the pain? Have you tried other things like steroid injections, a TENS unit, physical therapy, etc? I am doing better since having steroid injections in my SI joints. I also had a wonderful physical therapist that worked on correcting some bad habits I had. I stood in a way that caused more stress on my spine. I also got some isometric exercises that strengthened my core muscles which helped reduce the stress on my back. I also have a memory foam cushion that I sit on whenever I have to sit on something hard or if I need to sit for long periods of time. My back starts spasming whenever I have to sit for a long time. I take Tramadol for pain. I also have a stronger narcotic if I need it to get to sleep.

Please don't feel worthless. I know it's hard when you can no longer do all the things you like. It was hard for me to give up some of my activities. I did go through a period of anger and depression over the changes. PI look forward to hearing from you again.
Posted 11/11/2010 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
I am on Lortab, a muscle relaxer, Lyrica, and bp meds and cholesterol meds.  I have had 2 epidurals, trigger point injections, si joint injections and facet joint injections.   None of the treatments have worked.  The pain meds take the edge off but that is it.  I am in pain all the time.  I  am unable to stand up straight or twist from side to side...standing or sitting.  I also have low back pain when I raise my arms above chest level standing or sitting. I have been dealing with this since 2006 but only quit working in June of 2009.  I have applied for disability and have been denied once...I appealed.  So my mental and financial stress is great.  I was always the one who worked extra hours etc.  I was the one who made the higher income.  I have kept my sense of humor but that is about all I have left.  I was also diagnosed with a rotated pelvis back in 2006.  Sorry, I am rambling.  The doctor wants me to get one more injection but I am not thrilled as the last ones didn't work.  Do you get pain all the way down in your feet....like an electric shock...I do.  If I have to stand still for any amount of time, I almost can't walk away as the pain is so horrid....almost like being frozen from the pain...do you have that?
Posted 11/13/2010 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
If you have had SI joint injections they must have seen inflammation in the SI joints. Is that correct? I can't believe that all of your arthritic problems are simply OA especially if you have had injections there. Have you been evaluated by a rheumatologist?
Posted 11/13/2010 11:28 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I had SI joint injections but I think they were running on a "rule out" agenda. I have seen a neurosurgeon but not a rheumatologist.
Posted 11/14/2010 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
You must get yourself evaluated by a rheumatologist! Inflammation in the SI joints that shows up on an MRI, or fusion of the SI joints is a hallmark sign of ankylosing spondylitis. Go check out the information on the spondylitis association of America website. Look under the "about Spondyltis" section. I think it will make sense to you.
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