So, after nearly five years of glorious wellness, it is strange to be dealing with a new diagnosis. When I turned 45 in January, my back started 'acting up' and was sore every night. It still is. The good old NHS gave me an MRI scan and, in short, the consultant told me I have early stage Osteoarthritis.
I learned more about the illness from a hospital leaflet than I did from the doctor himself. A friend who is a nurse said firmly, 'it won't get any better. You'll have to manage it.' We were at the playgroup social night out and it seemed more fitting to move on to another topic of chat and concentrate on just how compulsive the Tiramisu and Summer Fruit puddings were.
That's kind of where I'm at. I don't really want to think about it. I might try some chiropractor stuff and some more Pilates. Fish oils.
Normal life is still good. Summer is always my favourite time of year. The garden keeps surprising. I must take some photos. Our children are blooming too. Hugh goes to school after summer. A whole new chapter.
-C
2 comments:
Ah, sorry to hear you are having back problems. Definitely look into physical therapy - strengthening your back muscles can really help to better support your back and ease some of the pain and discomfort. Also, joint supplements (MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine) are supposed to be helpful - we use them at our house for knees, but they are supposed to be good for any joint pain, especially arthritis. Oh, and not a bad idea to get tested for Lyme disease - it often mimics arthritis and is on the rise in the UK.
Not that you asked for medical advice (sheepish grin)...
Sue
Live with CFS
Your blog was an great comfort to me when I was ill with ME/CFS a few years ago. I'm since recovered (horray!) but I was wondering whether there's a link between osteoarthritis and ME/CFS. Did you ask your doctor about this Ciara.
I hope you're able to manage the condition okay. At least this time you're not dealing with daft doctors that think you're making it up (tiny silver lining, but thought I'd point it out even so)
Hearing you mention supplements made me remember that when I was ill I took an omega supplement called Vegepa. It had been trialed with lots of ME patients and was good for reducing brain fog and getting more restful sleep. I just looked at their website and it looks like the business has grown considerably over the past 3 years and is now used for all sorts of things, arthritis included. Just a thought if you're looking for a supplement :)
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