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New and confused
Posted by: Rachel Cook on February 19, 2009 at 7:54PM EST
Hi.  I am 24 and have had Fibromyalgia for over 3 years, then a recent MRI series to look for additional causes of my worsening pain, weakness, etc. showed that I have arthritis in my cervical, thoracic (sp?), AND lumber spine.  There's just so much out there on the Internet that I'm both overwhelmed and unable to find exactly what I'm looking for...  I can't find anything about having arthririts throughout your entire spine.  How bad does it get before surgery is necessary?  I'm much younger than most people with this amount of arthritis- is there any way to know how much worse it will get and how quickly?  I just don't know what to do or where to start.  I'm having an EMG/NCS to check for entraped ro pinched nerves, peripheral neuropathy, muscle diseases, etc.

 

Between the Fibromyalgia and the arthritis, I have a lot of trouble walking on my own.  The pain and weakness from both is bad enough, but the Fibromyalgia causes me to randomly have dizzy spells or lightheadedness.  These days I don't go anywhere but work unless I have someone to go with me.  I've tried using a cane, but the ain and weakness in my arms makes it nearly impossible.  I have been told on numerous occasions that a service dog would be a good anser for this problem, but my  mother says (she works in the medical field) that she doesn't think I'm 'to that point yet'.  How do you know?  How bad do you let it get before something like that is a reasonable solution?  Does anyone on here have a service dog?

 

I'm sorry this is kind of long... I just feel very lost.


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(4) Comments
Posted by: madcowdiseasedennycrane on February 19, 2009 10:57PM EST
Hi, my name is Ron and I have been diagnosed with arthritis since 1980. I have Ankylosing Splondylitis which is in the spine, along with a couple of other types. So far I have been lucky with most of my problems being in my limbs, but have been having trouble with my C-spine the last 3 to 4 years. I am not to the point of having trouble walking and all and it seems like yours has really came on quickly. You need to find the best rheumatologist in your area and follow his/her lead. Good luck with everything and I hope they get you under control quickly.

Posted by: paul on February 20, 2009 11:03PM EST
For information on Fibro. please review the following link. http://www.helenfoundation.com/dc_fibromyalgia.php


Posted by: Robin Aguirre on February 25, 2009 7:37PM EST
Don't know your condition but sounds similiar to mine. I had started seeing a chiropractor and it helped my back for a while. But didn't fix all my problems. Not sure if this would be something you want to try. I did have an uncle w/ RA and I can say that even though I don't feel your pain. I can relate to it. Hope you get some help

Posted by: Kathy Anderson on March 13, 2009 6:39AM EST
Have you tried physical therapy? They can help with gait training, simple exercises to maintain your flexibility and balance, etc. You are young for osteoarthritis, but not unheard of. I started having issues with arthritis in my spine in my early 20's after a car accident at age 16 where I had a fractured vertebra that wasn't treated properly. Keep as active as you possibly can!!! Find a cane with padded flat handle instead of a curved wooden one. Easier on the hands! Walk as much as you can with someone else, or on your own but carry a cell phone in case. Keep moving even if it hurts some.

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