Degenerative Disk Disease/Osteoarthritis

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bowva

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Hello! New here. I'm only 46, and my physiotherapist (Phd) says I have degenerative disk disease aka osteoarthritis in my neck and lower back. He "cured" me of my neck pain, for the most part. Unbelieveable results. He worked on my back and helped me there too. I haven't seen him for 3 weeks, and now my back is the worst it's ever been. I can't get in to see him now for 2 more weeks. I cannot sleep through the night and wake up any time between 1:00 - 5:00 with discomfort and cannot get comfortable. My back also bothers me during the day. Sometimes I can have a good day. I use a heating pad and Robax. Sometimes I feel the Robax helps. It's weird that sometimes I feel good and I start to think maybe I'll be okay, and then I'll had a day with constant ache and discomfort. I'm feeling discouraged. We also have two vacations planned this summer.........one involves a transatlantic flight. It scares me to think I may be in discomfort in a plane seat for 9 hours! I am quite physically active with running and a bit of weight lifting. However, when my back is bad, I am unable to perform some of the weight lifting exercies. Anyway...........does anyone else out there have this? What else can I do? What is the next step? :(I don't think I can live like this. Please help!
 

Hello Bowva. I also have the '3D's! I didn't know that it is called osteoarthritis. I am 52, and disabled. L4&5 are messed up, my left rotator cuff has a tear, and carpel tunnel came back in both hanRAB, and I have just straight Medicare, with no money for co-pays, and no job!!! I'd like to know how the Doc fixed your neck? Mine just 'crunches'! I just placed a post in the 'Pain Management' section, and am getting some advice from a fellow sufferer. i just happened to now sturable upon your post. Sorry i am two mnths late. i have been using the Fentanyl patch, but am starting to have some problems with it. i see my Doc today, thank God, because I am at my wits end!
Did you make your flight yet? If so, how did it go? I hope OK. I'll keep you in my prayers. Jim0104:)
 
Hey Bowva, I too have DDD in my neck and lower back. I've been to physical therapy a couple times and the stretches I learned help somewhat. My neck has been pain free for about two months. My lower back continues to hurt but, depending on how I use it, does ok. I don't run because the disks can't take the pounding. I can walk and run a little on a treadmill sometimes. Lifting weights also agravates my back so I haven't done that for a while. I hope to get "back" to it soon (no pun intended). I also take 800 mg Ibuprofen which helps quite a bit. This drug is not processed / filtered by the liver so is better for you than a lot of prescription meRAB. Have you had x-rays to confirm it is DDD? If not, you should confirm. Nothing against the physiologist but an MD should look at it. Anyway, hope you feel better. RegarRAB, Bo53
 
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