I just saw the rheumy today expecting her to tell me it was the RA that is making it difficult for me to walk and making me have all kinds of abdominal pains. Turns out it is probably the old spondilosis I've had for years in the cervical, throracic and lumbar spine area.She thinks there is nerve compression in the lower back. She took 3 xrays and I'm getting an MRI as soon as the preauthorization comes through. The cane I thought I would be done with in Rome I'm now using when I have to walk any distance. I don't understand this. Does RA affect the spine too.? Can it make OA worse? I have to see my GP on Wednesday to see if I still have diverticulosis or if the arthritis is causing the abdominal pain. I have to see a different doctor for each disfunctional part of me and noone can give me a definitive answer to what is wrong or what they'll do next. Meanwhile I'm supposed to start a new job in about a week. Anyone have these kinds of complications? Does surgery help?
Linda,
So sorry to hear about your back problems. I have OA in my cervical and lower lumbar spine. The OA in the cervical is very painful. Usually the lower isn't so bad, but the doctor thinks that might be why I've developed tremors.
Unfortunately, yes, RA can affect the spine. Your cervical spine is the most vulnerable area and it is very good that you are going to get a MRI done. That means she's not going to fool around with this at all.
For more information, go to www.spineuniverse.com. It is a pretty informative site.
I see lots of specialists. The reason that we have to do this is RA does affect the different systems of our body. For instance, I have to see a Cardiologist and Pulmonologist at least every year. Nothing too serious has developed yet, but it easily could.
We are very fragile beings having RA. So, they have to be extremely careful. They do a lot more tests than will have come back with problems. But it is nerve wracking as all get out.
You don't want to have to have surgery on your spine unless it is a last recourse. But they aren't probably even going to suggest that until they have tried more conservative measures. That is probably going to be physical therapy, pain killers and maybe cortisone shots.
All that walking probably aggravated your body. I think mine was set off by moving.
I know it must be really hard to face this with your job starting. But it might also help take your mind off the worry.
Let me know how the tests come out. You've certainly been through it lately.
Thanks Deanna.
As always you are such a help and so knowlegeable.AI is lucky to have such a supportive and caring person in our midst. I think the walking did aggravate my spine. Also, I'm sure pulling my suitcase(although on wheels) didn't help. I tried to get back in the swing by joining a water exercise class but this one although more convenient to my work schedule, is more water aerobics than an arthritis class and some of the exercises were stressful to my back. I've been through physical therapy many times as well as the cortisone shots so I'm sure you're right about that being the next step. I am worried that I'm having a lot more trouble walking than I ever have before and there are times when my legs don't work at all. I too have tremors in my legs. It's before they're about to give out. I hope your disability goes through smoothly and that you can then focus on some of the creative things you love to do. I really do believe that when one door shuts, another opens. I just finished two fine arts watercolors. How about you? Are you making time for the things that make you feel good?
Linda
Deanna,
I checked out the website you gave me on back problems and it was helpful. Thanks.