New here osteoarthritis of the spine

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ancientwolf

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Hi all,

My name is Daniel and I am 35 years old. I have had osteoarthritis in my spine since at least 3 years ago when it was diagnosed through X-ray and MRI scans. The osteoarthritis also causes sciatica on both sides. I also have epilepsy.

I am a college student, but that is about to change since I can hardly walk anymore. I'm trying to find some online classes to take, but there's very limited available that my financial aid will cover. (it's more than just a mobility issue, I also can't stand the spine pain from pressure change between my micro-climate and the micro-climate where the college is.)

I am going to have to give up my nice upstairs apartment when my lease expires in August too. I've lived here 5 years and I adore this apartment for what it is. (I don't like apartments, but it's not like I can afford a house and this is nice for an apartment.) I don't like downstairs units for a LOT of reasons, but I guess I have no choice.

Look forward to meeting y'all despite the circumstances under which it occurs.

Anyone else with OA? Anyone else with any arthritis of the spine?


Daniel
 
As for your online education; look into Kaplan University, I am enrolled there, they do take student loans, and they are ADA compliant. Isuffer from chronic pain which is usually managed with my meRAB, but I suffer from BTP frequently. They give me an extra 5 days to turn in assignmeents if needed. Their curriculum is very good, and they are rated nuraber 1. They also accept transfer credits. Good Luck
 
Your post has been moved to the Back forum as you may find it to offer support specific to the spine itself as well as sciatica issues.

Good luck and Welcome to HealtrabroadoarRAB
 
Thank you. I will check that one out. I can't do student loans because I'm going into a low-paying career (the ministry) so I have to rely on Pell Grant. If they qualify for Pell Grant funding for students then I will definitely read further. I'll look at their website today.

Thanks.

Daniel
 
Hi Daniel,

Sorry to hear about the OA of your spine. I started having it when I was 30 yrs old. I've had four spinal surgeries since 1983 and next month will have the 5th. The best advice that I can give you, is, keep moving. I know that moving and the grace of God have kept me on my feet to this point. I fell on the ice two years ago and have battled the back and leg pain since. But now I'm to the point where sitting, walking, laying down, are all very uncomfortable. I damaged my SI joints when I fell and it has been painful.

I like you suffer with the weather. If it's rainy and warm I do fine, but when it's cold and damp, it's miserable. I take hot baths, sit in the hot tub and use my heating pad. If you can tolerate anti-inflamatory meRAB, they do a pretty good job. I can't stress enough that if you can keep moving, do!!

God's blessings to you on your ministry work.

Machoochoo
 
Thank you for the kind worRAB and the blessing. Yes, I have noted the importance of keeping moving. People often ask why I move when I hurt so much every day and I say that it's because if I don't move around now I won't be able to move later. I'm even considering taking an adapted PE course next semester. (designed for those with physical limitations.) I know there were times when I used to let the pain cause me to sit still for a week or more and I'd end up making things worse by just sitting there.

I dread the day they first tell me my back neeRAB to go under the knife, but I know the day is coming.

Thanks again for the wise and kind worRAB and for the blessing. May you always see the light in your path and be cheered and comforted by it.

Daniel
 
Hi Daniel,
Merry Christmas!
I have osteoarthritis in my neck and also my lurabar spine. I had degenerative disk disease in my neck , also....so I ended up with a 2 level fusion there 2 yrs. ago. Then the back kicked in and i could barely walk too. I am almost 53, and this started when I was 45, so I am older than it when you go this. I want to tell you about the one thing that has helped me the most. Of course I did all the injections....you name it I got it (in the neck first.....before the fusion, then all the lurabar injections). Nothing worked to alleviate ANYTHING, until I got a radiofrequency rhizotomy (also called RF ablation, RF neurotomy). They use RF to temporarily fry the nerves. Its not too bad, and it supposed to last an average of 9 months (everyone is different),> I got mine in Sept. and although I still feel the arthritis, of course, it has enabled me to be able to stand half a day and substitute teach. I couldnt do that before. Maybe it could be a help to you??
 
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