Advice for Better Living Archives

I have a very bad back where arthritis has set in and if that wasn't enough,I had a complete knee replacement a year ago. The surgery was a success I think - but a few months afterwards- I began to have leg cramps, unlike any leg cramps I have ever had. The pain hits my leg (the one with the knee replacement), and literally lifts my foot off the floor and at the same time, the pain is almost unbearable. It is hard to describe but the pain is very severe. Sometimes it hits regularly until my pain medicine takes effect. There are other times that the pain medicine does no good. I can't lie down on the bed, or in a recliner, and I have lost so much sleep, there are times I feel like a zombie. If anyone out there has had this problem and were able to solve it, please let me know what you did. The doctors, up to this point, seem as puzzled as me.

I had a similar experience with severe back pain and muscle contracture down my leg, no knee replacement involved however. I had an MRI on my back which showed the damage to my spine and the subsequent nerve pressure that was controlling those muscles, etc., in my leg. I know I had one such contracture where I just screamed out loud and fell. I have had surgery on this area twice now and am relatively pain free although I too have developed arthritis in the lower spine and SI area. Maybe an MRI would be the next step to find out what might be causing this problem. My thoughts are with you and I hope you get relief soon. -Melanie 

I have had RA for 36 years now and just about any damage and or pain that it can bring, believe me when I say I know how you feel. The pain that you are describing does not sound like RA.Ask your DR. about a referral to a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Sounds like it could be a pinched nerve or pressure on the spinal column which could be a result from RA.I hope that I have helped at least a little.Keep in mind You Are Not Alone! Come to the chat room any time there is usually someone if not a bunch of really wonderful people there.

Hope to see you there ............Arla AKA........Sixtysgirl 

Help!

i am in such denial about the rheumatoid. when i hurt i think yes, i have it. when i am pretty much pain free i thinki dont have it. any suggestions on accepting this disease? P.S. i am a registered nurse, and i guess it is true nurses dont make good patients either.

hi, I have much the same denial after 30 years, two knee replacements
and 1 hip replacement.
I have been fortunate with the replacements, but....I still cant believe
it. Maybe I,m not smart enough to accept it? that could be, cause it
keeps me going and going and going. I don,t think denial hurts really,
we all want to appear normal, so I take care of my appearance and look
the best I can for me and those around me. I don,t think they believe
it either!
What do you think?  -Eileen

Oh! Tough guestion! Can you help?

Hi wasn't sure where i could write. am dragging and tired-just left my dad-he is dying in hosp. from cancer and emphysema- and my fibro and osteo, i feel so worn-maybe a line or two from others who have been here could help me.

thank you, maggie

Encouragement for Maggie