Hi m ame is Lesley I have just been given the news that I have degenerative bone disease

Auxillary3001

I've been been told I have osteopenia, athritis degenerative bone disease, and spinal stenosis, been referred to a spinal surgeon but its a possibility they can't do anything, I work on a busy acute medical unit at the hospital, I went on the sick previously from a crack in my spine, then went back to work, I've had a dexa scan had an mri then all off the above came back, I'm at a loss for words, so many things I cant do 😕

Auxillary3001

It's a lot to take in I'm 54 years old and not for retirement just yet but I think work will pension me off, then I haven't a clue as to what to do next 

Alex_Alumni

Hello and welcome @Auxillary3001 and thank you for reaching out on the community this morning.

Well done for being so open and honest about how your diagnosis is making you feel, as Teddybear12 says, this news can be a difficult thing to come to terms with. It can take time to process it more fully, so make sure to prioritise your mental health if you can. 

Joining the community is a really positive first step, as is talking about how you feel. You might like to visit our Chronic Pain and Pain Management category when you're ready. I know we have a number of members with spinal stenosis who have posted their experiences there. You'd be welcome to create your own discussion too. 

Can I ask what sort of support network you've got around you? Do you have loved ones to chat to for support?

Has your GP or a specialist been able to provide you with advice and information on your conditions? 

It can often be quite a shock when faced with a change like this, and that's putting it mildly. It's a very common feeling.

It will take time to come around to the idea, but even though it feels like there's lots of things you can't do right now, you can actually still do a lot, just in a different way than what you're used to  

Let us know if there's anything you'd like help with, and remember you're not alone in this, we're hear to support you.

Alex

Auxillary3001

Thankyou, I have a family around me, just the thought of having to rely on benefits when I have to, not something that ever crossed my mine until I read up on everything 😕

bg844

@Auxillary3001
There is no shame should you claim benefits. You can't help being disabled after all, we are here to support you.

Auxillary3001

Thankyou 

Cartini

Auxillary3001 said:

Thankyou, I have a family around me, just the thought of having to rely on benefits when I have to, not something that ever crossed my mine until I read up on everything 😕

Hi,

When something goes wrong, I always say Mother Nature is annoyed with me; it`s my method to rationalise events (also known as coping).

I`ve had lumbar & cervical spondylosis for a long time now (diagnosed 97), over the last few years it has worsened.  Earlier this year an MRI scan led to the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis (I must have really annoyed Mother Nature for that one) but, fortunately (or rather unfortunately), I`m still in a condition where I can work (at soon to be 61 I would have no problem with being "medically retired").

There is no shame in applying for benefits, it`s not as if you woke up with the intention of committing fraud.

Rather than think of PIP as a benefit, I think of it as a thank you from the government for my service to society and the economy.

Andy