Posted 7/23/2014 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone: New to the panels but posted in Chronic Pain. I have OA in my neck, neck to collarbone, collarbone to shoulder blade, wrists (and carpal tunnel), lower back, knees and something happening in my feet. I was first diagnosed with OA and DDD in my neck. It was thought that it may be the cause of my chronic headaches. I had a whole body bone scan after a terrible fall in January 2014. Was walking in my sleep. Was sick with a virus and my Doc gave me a small prescription for Hydrocodone to help stop coughing and sleep. I now know I was on route downstairs due to coughing in the night. I lost my balance I guess and fell from the 3rd step to the hard wooden floor. No fractures but severe elbow pain and nerve pain. The scan showed the many areas with mild OA.
I have cysts on my Kidney but so far it is working. I have a scar on my right lung. My Doc did find low thyroid but not enough to start meds.
I have survived many viruses, insect bites and infections. Was referred to a Respirologist after a bout of probable H1N1. The Advair Disk helped immensely. That is when the scar on my lung was noticed. Had 2 CT scans. I do notice that my throat is very sensitive and I cough at times, even though I am not sick. I have never smoked in my life - never even tried.
I also have FM and Neuralgia. I have nerve damage. I am on meds of course - Omeprazole, Naproxen, Baclofen, Nortriptyline, Premarin HRT and take recommended supplements. I use pain creams. A-535 with capsacin etc.
I had a brush with death when I was infected with C. Difficile. Ended up with Colitis with rectal bleeding. Despite being under the care of a Gastroenterologist who was trying to determine what was wrong in my stomach, the C. Diff was not diagnosed.
Nerve damage might be from the meds to rid of the infection - that is just one of my theories.
I have now read that the ppi , Omeprazole, that I take once a day can in long term use cause many side effects. I have been on meds for 12 years. My stomach has been acting up. I do have I.B. Was born with stomach problems. I do take magnesium supplements and they do help. One Doc suggested to stop the ppi for a couple days and go back on. I did and my stomach was OK. I will ask my FP/NP if I can come off permanently.
I do not have a Rheumatologist as they are not taking patients with OA. I do go to a Headache and Pain Relief Clinic. I get nerve blocks there and see a R.M.T. I do attend a Physio in a heated pool once a week.
I can walk but with pain. I still keep my house tidy and love being outside. I loved to garden but can't dig anymore. I have found ways to make life easier - grabbers, dustpans with long handles etc.
Sorry for the long intro.
Loring