DISH (diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis) or Forestier's

Good evening, I was diagnosed with DISH in 2015 and have been dealing with its limitations ever since. As far as my spine is concerned, my cervical spine range of motion is severely limited, My thoracic and rib cage are restricted and my lumbar is severely limited as well. I take a hot shower as soon as I wake up to loosed my spine up. Other than that, I try to do as much as I can and stay active

I was diagnosed with DISH about three years ago. I have Osteoarthritis for about 20 years and Rhemutoid Arthritis for 4 years I have had 15 spinal surgeries, both hips and shoulders totally replace plus a number of other joint surgeries. My DISH has been getting worse. I saw my Rheumatologist yesterday and she said there is really no cure for this and that she has seen my joints and movements getter stiffer and harder

Just recently diagnosed with DISH disease along with Spondylosis. I have been an athlete all my life and have found it very hard to play without serious pain and lack of range of movement. I am very competitive and concerned not about the pain but by playing tennis or pickleball can I do any damage physically?

@skit - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Great that you have a confirmed diagnosis and that you are looking into how others have mitigated any physical damage.

I moved your post here so you could chat with others talking about DISH (diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis) or Forestier's:

- DISH (diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis) or Forestier's https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dish-disese-diffuse-ideopathic-skeletal-hypertrophy-or-foresters/

Are you noticing any symptoms after playing pickleball or tennis?

Thank you for moving my post and responding.
I have been dealing with neck, back and arm issues for years. I finally had 1 level acdf fusion C5-C6 3 years ago. The surgery was successful and fused but the symptoms continued and have gotten worse. The doctors have said my nerves were compressed too long and I have permanent nerve damage. I had severe pain on my elbow and forearm and completely tore my tendons in my elbow. Tennis elbow surgery last year. I have limited mobility and range in my left shoulder. Lots of pain there. I get severe lower back spasms that are extremely painful. Trouble walking without pain in my lower back. I have limited mobility and range in my neck and shoulders with pain. I have trouble laying on my back or stomach and have been sleeping in a recliner most nights for about 1 year. I have tried PRP shots, acupuncture, PT, dry needles, steroid shots, epidurals etc. I am now having my second procedure of shots this morning to see if a radio frequency ablation might work. I just had FTESSI shots in my neck both sides last week and hoping I get some relief, so far I haven’t. I just was told last week from my neurosurgeon that I have DISH along with severe Spondylosis and nerve damage, and I’m trying to get a grip on this new development. Sports has been a major part of my life and my identity and have been having a very difficult time trying to play. Dealing with the pain and lack of mobility and range is one thing, my concern now is fractures and serious injury. I have pain before playing sports, it gets worse while playing, and after. I ice, use heat, tens machine and rest after. Quick background, I am 68 years old and not sure how to proceed with this disease. I can still play sports at a very high level, not like I was a few years ago, and can run, my reflexes are very good and was going to play in the senior pro tour of pickleball but had to cancel. I played high school, college and semi pro basketball and offers to play pro ball overseas. As you can see I am having an equally difficult time not just physically but mentally with what’s happening to my body. I am sorry for the long winded response but would appreciate any kind of help.

@skit It has been 3 weeks since I posted something and was hoping to get some feedbacks and comments with others that have similar experiences but have not gotten any responses. Had my 4th procedure SI injection this morning and hoping that maybe this shot can help with my pain. If this doesn’t help they want to schedule a 5th procedure a Radio Frequency Ablation in my facet joints in my lower back next month. The stiffness in my neck, shoulder and lower back seems to be getting worse. I am now experiencing difficulty swallowing, coughing a lot in my throat. Concerned Dish might be in that area as well. Really having a difficult time dealing with this physically and mentally. Hoping to hear from others that are having similar issues. Thanks!

Hi @skit - glad you had your fourth injection today, and I really hope it helps with pain. Sorry to hear the stiffness in your neck, shoulder and lower back seems to be getting worse and you are having difficulty dealing with this physically and mentally. The challenge with your lifelong participation in sports being curtailed due to this must be hard.

Fellow members here such as @rdilauro @therealcrp307 @surfrmurph @austintexasnative @apbrooks23 and others may have some insights from their personal experiences on how to deal with the physical and mental challenges of DISH disease. @jenniferhunter may also have some insights on living with a spinal condition.

How are you feeling now after your injection?

Have you had the opportunity to ask your treating doctor about your difficulty swallowing and coughing a lot in your throat? If so, what did they say?

yes it does help ( the epidural injection shot ) but the oxicodone contract with the state of Arkansas is for pain and siffness associated with the disease. ( DISH). It grabs the back of the neck and brain and holds on. I can not turn my head more the 10% now. Lee W

are you still trying to find some one with the DIH disease... I have it