Hi, my name is Alexander13!

Alexander13

• I have multiple issues affecting joints and spine

Tori_Scope

A warm welcome to the community from me too @Alexander13  

I can see that you've asked a question on another thread already, which is great to see. Please do let us know if you need any support finding your way around!

Would you like to share a little more about your conditions, and how they affect you? We have many members who experience issues with their joints and spine, so you might be able to connect with some people who can relate to what you're going through.

SueHeath

Morning @Alexander13 welcome to the group.
Hope you have chance to have a good look around, you will find all sorts of things going on in our friendly, helpful and informative community.
Look forward to seeing you around.

Alexander13

Hi of course. I am 53 and live with wife and two adult daughters one of which is my official career. 

I started with hip pains about 5-7 years ago. 

Diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Constant back pains started soon after and had tests and MRIs. 

I have arthritis of the facet joints, about 8-9 bulging discs across the cervical, thoratic and lumbar. Osteophytes at multi levels and arthritis in several foramens with nerve compression. 

I am now under a rhumatoidologist, pain clinic and osteo surgeon. I am being investigated for psoriasis arthritis. 

I have had 3 MRIs and a forth due this month a bone scan and many blood tests. 

I have had both hips replaced in the last 2 years and on waiting list for right shoulder replacement whilst I have been told right also will need doing as will both knees. I have had many steroid injections over the time and had radio frequency ablation which sadly didn’t work for me. 

Latest scans show chronic enthesopathic change. Associated with PSA. 

It’s had a dramatic effect on my life. 10 years ago was my last of 5 walking holidays where we would average 15 miles a day, ride my bike and my motorbikes. It’s affected my mental health and although I have tried to keep working over the last 5 years since September I have not been able to work so may have to apply for ill  health retirement. 

In terms of medications I am maxed out. 

8 tramadol
8 paracetamol
2 naproxen with omeprezole 
3 amitripoline ( night sleep)
2 lidocaine plasters on my back daily
10% ibrugel
150mg sertraline for mental health

Alexander13

Thanks for the welcome notes. I am also a member of stuffthatworls
Web site

SueHeath

Hi @Alexander13 sorry to hear about your ailments i can associate with a few, but what can we do just go along with medics advice.
I was the same as you loved walking,hiking,camping generally enjoying the outside space, i think for me thats the worst thing that i can no longer enjoy.
Saying that, i was told by a friend about scope and its the best thing i have done joining this community, it gives me friendship, advise and distraction when i need it.
I hope you find what your looking for and i will enjoy seeing you around.

SueHeath

Alexander13 said:

Thanks for the welcome notes. I am also a member of stuffthatworls
Web sAlexander13 said:

Thanks for the welcome notes. I am also a member of stuffthatworls
Web site

Sorry i don't know that one but i take it you enjoy it.

Alexander13

Thank you to be honest at present I am still dealing with work issues and an unsupportive manager. I have realised that to help out at home I have to do all the stuff that does take energy. Sadly I love video games and PCs but given the positions I find comfy cannot use them a lot. I am trying to learn Spanish with Duolingo on my phone though to keep my mind busy and listen to audible. 😀

Alexander13

Hi yes Duolingo is good and is free but I have bought subscription so no ads and don’t have to wait. Can choose any one or multiple languages. 

In terms of lack of support my previous manager was great but retired in August 20. The new manager either doesn’t care or doesn’t want to know about my disability. 

For example in March I had several weeks off for bursitus associated with hip replacement and was in A&E twice and overnight once plus MRI and also had another 6 weeks for other hip replacement.

she issued a Stage 1 absence warning. I said at the meeting I assume you aren’t planning to issue the absence warning as they are related to my disability and fixing problems. She did anyway. 

Loads of other stuff as well so having to go through grievances and appeals 

Not fun as spent a couple of days on my case last week then
spent six days bedridden due to flare up