I have been having a lot of neck pain, so my doctor ordered a cervical x-ray. I have severe osteoarthritis in my c-5 and c-6.
My rheumy said I had to option of getting physical therapy (which can make it worse) or getting shots in my neck. Uh, I’m trying physical therapy first.
Anyone else have osteo with their fibro?
I also have severe Osteoartheitis in my neck, spine, hips and knees. I also have Osteoperosis in my neck, spine and hips. On top of that I have Neuropathy left over from chemo last year. So all of those things impact my Fibro and result in pain. I find the Gabapentin helps a little bit does not eliminate the pain.
Do you get sleepy with the gabapentin?
I have severe Osteo everywhere along with DDD and Fibro. I have tried the injections and they made me worse. They were extremely painful getting them and afterwards. The doctor was surprised and I firmly believe it made me worse. I saw a PT and at first he was good. He gave me a lot of exercises that I still use today with my exercise regimen. But he lost interest and wouldn’t change things up and it was a waste of time and money. I now see a Chiropractor and Mass Therapist and they are wonderful. You really have to screen who you get because you want them to make you feel better…not cause you more pain. It is logical that you may have some tenderness to start with at first but nothing serious. I alternate the two bi-weekly.
Great suggestions! Thank you!
I have osteoarthritis all over my whole body! I started with back issues. I used to work out everyday but Sunday, now I can hardly move, especially in the winter (of coarse) I had back surgery twice each time going back to the gym, until I started having pain all over, that was about 10 years ago. That’s when I was told I had FM. I feel like I have severe bruises all over. My worse being in between my knee’s on both sides. And my knee’s are arthritic. I have severe spinal stenosis, I have arthritis up and down my spine. My hands and feet are bad too. I just feel like I’m getting progressively worse. My Rheumatologist wants me to go off my pain meds. I don’t know how anyone else feels about narcotics but my family doc. sent me to a Pysiatrist. He is the one who told me he thought I had FM. He prescribed ER OxyContin, I told him I was afraid to take them, but he said they aren’t addicting if you have real pain. He eventually referred me to a rhuematologist. She’s been leary since day one to prescribe them to me. But I’ve been taking them as prescribe for 9 years. Ever since we switched insurance plans we have a large deductible and every year when I get my first 3 month supply it cost close to thousand $$$. The last plan was $100 for a 3 mo. I’m trying to decide if I want to try ER morphine. I’m really scared though because the oxy’s worked for me. The fact that they are extended release. They help keep the pain bearable for 8 hours. I know it should be 12 but that doesn’t work for me anymore. I’m sorry I rambled I do that when I’m depressed. I’ve been on Cymbalta for 10 years too but lately I’ve been feeling so freakin lonely. My husband hasn’t been there for me. He always was slightly inattentive but now he hardly ever listens to me. And he’s not home much. It makes me so sad because I lost a lot of my friends having this disease because I isolate. So then I start thinking about my son I lost in 2013. I feel like my life at this point is hopeless. I don’t feel suisidal but I don’t like the way I’m living right now.
Thanks for listening if you read my sad soppy story. 
Thanks for posting this. I’m new to the forum and it helps me see that others are suffering like me. The pain is so hard to deal with. It’s a constant search to find
how to manage it. I wish you the best.
Hi Lori, I really give you credit for reaching out and talking about your feelings with all that you have been through. I could really identify with your story. I also have FM with Chronic Fatigue. The Osteo Arthritis in my knees is very painful. I have had three doctors tell me that I need knee replacements but that pain would be a major issue post op and later because I am already on pain medication. I am putting it off. I also identify with the insurance issues. My monthly premiums have doubled and my pharmacy costs are triple. Copays at the doctor are triple. I have an expensive indemnity plan already but it’s out of control. I have lost many friends as well. I never leave my house. I can’t imagine going to a concert or out to a restaurant. Just getting ready would be too much for me. I understand feeling lonely. My husband is at work long hours and I’m alone all day and it’s brutal. Most of my old friends still work. Sometimes a friend will come to visit but honestly, I’m in so much pain, it’s hard to sit and visit much less be cordial. I just keep reaching out on Facebook when I can. One thing that I have found helpful is a Jacuzzi. We bought one a few years ago and when I’m in it, the pain subsides. The warm water and jets really feel nice and help so much. I do passive exercise while I’m in the jacuzzi too. My neurologist suggested it and it has been wonderful! Good luck. I hope that things improve for you soon.
My husband put a Jacuzzi in our bathroom and I love it! Warm water does work miracles on sore joints and muscles.
Lori- I understand not leaving the house. If it wasn’t for my husband and my job, I would probably never leave the house either. Being in pain makes it difficult to communicate with others. But I have children and grandchildren and try to be supportive of them, also. I went to my grandsons dodgeball game on Friday. My 11 and 13 year old grandkids had to help me down the steps. Sitting on bleachers gave me a backache. But, I’d do it again because my grandson was so excited that I was coming that he even told his teacher. I’m so proud of my grandbabies! The problem is that I’m not always up for the challenge. Blessings to you all.