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Degenerative disc disease and facet joint arthritis
DDDBOY
Member Posts: 8 Listener
Giving you a quick version...
I had a accident at work in 2012.
Couldnt work because of the pain.
Ended up buying a wheelchair and granny scooter to get about because of the pain.
It took nearly 4 years of back and forth to pain clinics and doctor, given facet joint injections and then denervation with no benifit to me at all, but after been told it was all in my head i broke down, eventually i did get a mri and had damaged my facet joints and popped out two discs and ruptured one l4 l5 level and some other level, i was rushed surgery because the nerves were getting squashed anyway that op was now 4 years ago..
I did manage to return to work but recently ive hurt my back again to the point where ive had to go to a&e because of the symptoms in my legs and trouble passing water, ive had another mri done and been off work for 4 weeks now.. its driving me crazy been stuck at home.
I use crutches to get around atm as i sold my wheelchair and granny scooter as i didnt think i would need them again...
Im on the usual tramadol pregabalin ibroufen but finding them little help.
Ive a pain clinic appointment next week, im hoping they might let me up my meds but i guess i need some advice on what to do next.
Im stugglling not just mentally and physically also financially too.
I do get ssp and uc but that dont cover all my bills.
Im thinking do i go down the root of mobility aids or not?
Am i going to be able to go back to work and if so when?
Im a agency driver cat b and ive told them i cant do the manual handling stuff but still insist on sending me to do those kind of jobs...
Im at a lose end!!
I had a accident at work in 2012.
Couldnt work because of the pain.
Ended up buying a wheelchair and granny scooter to get about because of the pain.
It took nearly 4 years of back and forth to pain clinics and doctor, given facet joint injections and then denervation with no benifit to me at all, but after been told it was all in my head i broke down, eventually i did get a mri and had damaged my facet joints and popped out two discs and ruptured one l4 l5 level and some other level, i was rushed surgery because the nerves were getting squashed anyway that op was now 4 years ago..
I did manage to return to work but recently ive hurt my back again to the point where ive had to go to a&e because of the symptoms in my legs and trouble passing water, ive had another mri done and been off work for 4 weeks now.. its driving me crazy been stuck at home.
I use crutches to get around atm as i sold my wheelchair and granny scooter as i didnt think i would need them again...
Im on the usual tramadol pregabalin ibroufen but finding them little help.
Ive a pain clinic appointment next week, im hoping they might let me up my meds but i guess i need some advice on what to do next.
Im stugglling not just mentally and physically also financially too.
I do get ssp and uc but that dont cover all my bills.
Im thinking do i go down the root of mobility aids or not?
Am i going to be able to go back to work and if so when?
Im a agency driver cat b and ive told them i cant do the manual handling stuff but still insist on sending me to do those kind of jobs...
Im at a lose end!!
Replies
I have degenerative disc disease and facet joint arthritis, ive had operations but recently have had a relapse and suffering a lot of pain, enough to.stop me working and have a emergency mri again....
sorry to hear of your suffering.
Have your doctors give you any pain relief medication.
We are not medical professionals so we can not advise you in that way but we are here for support any time .
I hope you start to feel better and that they find a way to help you cope
Best wishes
So sorry that you are in so much pain - I am unable to answer at any length this afternoon, but I will come back to "chat" tomorrow.
Chronic Pain Advisor
Scope
[email protected]
scope.org.uk
Im unable to do the lifting and carrying or the driving for long periods..
No other transferable skills to anything else..
Im 41 this year..
I cant afford to do any courses, been looking for work but there seems to be no jobs i can do!!!
I need some advice
I am one of the team of Community Champions. We support members on this forum and community.
Please can I suggest the following information may be of relevance to you.
Given your situation there are alternatives to look at other options.
Remember you have skills, abilities and talents to give some reassurance not necessarily what you think.
For example do you have hobbies, interests particular knowledge of a specify life skill or talent or ability.
I was in a dead end job packed it in and set up my business. Collected lots of things from Stamps to Postcards to Film Memorabilia.
Did that ten years or more. Have an interest in diets and nutrition cook and volunteered in kitchens.
Italian food and culture got food science qualifications, plus lots of others.
Understanding Health Part 2 plus numerous herbs and spice one day course use those for therapy myself.
Just some suggestions for you.
These are organisations may be able to help, advise and give you some direction.
https://www.evenbreak.co.uk.
Employment agency deals with members of our community.
On line Courses no need to travel.
Future learn.com
https://www.futurelearn.com
Arthritis organisation.
https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk.
Helpline 020 3781 7120
Pain relief and information for Chronic Pain.
https://www.awaywithpain.co.uk.
Please can I add also look at volunteering might be useful. Something to look at . Some times volunteering can lead to a job.
Hope that helps please if you have anything further be happy to be supportive.
Please take care .
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
I really hope your appointment goes well this week. Here is some information about disability equipment which includes buying second hand.
In terms of work, I fully appreciate that it must be so annoying to be off and to not know what will happen. Have you looked at reasonable adjustment? Here is some information which might help:
- Reasonable Adjustment
- Access to Work grant scheme
- Flexible working
- Asking for adjustments when you become disabled
- If your employer rejects adjustments
Please do let us know if there is anything else we can do, you don't need to do this by yourself.Scope community team
Scope