General Chat

Arthritis? I have been having problems with my joint ever since i had a back operation 10 weeks ago, i feel it maybe arthritis, my hips, ankles and wrists have been really sore and stiff especially when i wake in the mornings,it is very hard to get my legs to motivate first thing, does it sound like arthritis peeps?? Kaz

Hi Carol,how can they tell? i have an appointment for 23rd so i will ask her then, have to see her about HRT, after having back op iv now started that too, lol, went for a back op and came out like this,lol and im only 37...hehe what fun us women have ah!!!

Kaz, I wouldn't think arthritis would come on that quickly, are you just more aware of the aches and pains now your back is not so painful (hopefully) or do you think you are putting a strain on your joints by walking differently since the op. You also seem young to be going on HRT, why would you need that after an op on your back?

Hi PP, i had problems with my hips and ankles before the op, surgeon said the pain was coming from my back at the time, just seems even more painful now after the op and now my wrists and fingers have started..the reason im on HRT is cos im now going through early menopause due to a Hysterectomy 6 years ago, started having bad hot flushes not long after the op so she put me on HRT and thankfully they have now stopped, not a pleasant experience. Carol, when i see my doc on the 23rd, i will mention to her about my joints and see what she says, i will also take a look at the site you mentioned, thanks, PP could be right that it maybe just the way im holding myself to protect my back..thanks regards Kaz

Kaz, I think they do a BMD test which i think stands for bone medium density - this is a type of xray Ann x

H Ann, my mum had a bone density test done by xray not that long ago for osteoporosis and it was confirmed she has it, wondering if im going to suffer with it now if it runs in the family, thanks for your reply, Kaz

Arthritis they can do blood tests that show it, Think Oesto does run in families not 100% on that though

Hi Dawn, so i may have to look forward to a blood test then...ouch!!! Think you maybe right about running in the family, i was told when i said to my doc about my mum that i would at some point have to be tested for it...thanks

Kaz I hate blood tests and trying to get a diagnosis for my Fibromyalgia seemed to entail loads of them to rule everything else out.

Dawn, you seem to have to go through loads of different things before they can say 'right this is whats wrong' ah? drives you mad!

Kaz, oh now I understand the reason for HRT. Was a bit concerned as I was put on it too soon because my doctor didn't do any blood tests to be sure I was menopausal, just linked into one sympton and thought it was the answer. If you had problems before with your hips etc then it is possible it is arthritis but as I said it could be the strain of moving differently, cos of the op, also are you using a stick or crutches as they could be causing the wrist pain. Good luck, hope you get sorted out. I have osteoarthritis in both knees and the big toe on my right foot!!!!! Liz

Hi Liz, i do have a stick but i try not to use it as dont want to depend on it when i am only 37, i have used it in the past when i am really bad but since the op i havnt, try to manage without it. Im hoping all will be revealed when i go to see my doc on the 23rd,also going to see her about the HRT as she wanted to see me after been on it for a month! Thanks for replying, kind regards Kaz

only a doctor could tell you babes you may need a bone scan xxx

Hi Kaz, you stranger, you! Is it really you, after all these months of not hearing from you? If I have got the right person - it's great to 'see' you again! Wish you better. Got to go in a min., won't be back on again till tomorrow probably, just in case you reply and I don't, lol. x *realises if this is a different Kaz, Glenys has just made a prat of herself*

Hi Glenys, yes it is the Kaz you know, not been on for months, back been giving me alot of pain and had surgery 10 weeks ago so its kept me away but now am back...getting back into researching again too, great to hear from you again, how you been? xx

Hope the docs sort you out soon Kaz, constant pain is awful. Have you read the fibromyalgia thread, as stress, trauma, viruses, and shock can all contribute to this illness starting. Liz

Hi there Liz, thanks for that its most appreciated, i have suffered pain now for nearly 7 years due to my back, its like a way of life for me and i just try and get on with it, im hoping on the 23rd all will be told, i will have a look at the thread you mentioned, thanks..Kaz x

hi Lz, i have read the thread about Fibromyalgia, what an interesting read...i had never heard of it before now...very interesting....sounds like a few people suffer from it...could this be my problem with my joints do you think? Kaz

Well you know, Kaz, I did wonder, a friend of mine in Germany has just been diagnosed and so many people have it, I have suffered for ages and it is horrible, the sleep problems are the worse part for me, I never wake feeling refreshed. There are two main fm threads so lots to read, but it is worth mentioning it to your doctor, there are simple tests to make sure. Sadly, there is not a lot that can be done to help except managing the pain and possibly taking amytriptyline at night to help you relax and sleep better, but it didn't work for me! Let us know how you get on, and meanwhile treat yourself kindly. Liz Have nudged the original fm thread, it is very long but lots of info there too.

Funny you should mention sleep!!! i havnt slept properly in years...i suffer from RLS and it takes me ages to get to sleep because of it and then when i am sleeping the pain in my joints wakes me when i am trying to turn/move. I will mention it to the doc when i see her. I find it hard saying things to the doc as feel they think im making things up, do you know what i mean? Kaz