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Feeling at my wits end with Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia | Last Active: Apr 8 10:59am | Replies (315)Comment receiving replies
Male and 56 ,.,.. Just found out I have degenerative arthritis in the spine ! Have had pain in the past but a little over a month ago the pain has gotten really bad. Also some spurring in the lower lumbar spine. So I'm pretty sure there's no cure but would like to know if this will get worse as I age and what treatments are available ? Not a fan of pain killers but the pain just keeps getting worse ! What is long term affects can I expect and will there come a point where I can't work anymore ? Thank you if someone could give me some answers ;))
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@faithann64
I'm 69, and I'm experiencing some similar pain issues, with OA in a few areas, compression fractures in my lower back, have had spurs scraped away, bursitis and torn menisci repair in my right knee, and recent surgery on my left ankle that was unstable. The orthopedist repaired torn ligaments and put in a permanent internal brace. So, getting older is hard.
I see a pain specialist, primarily for my peripheral polyneuropathy, and I have several good doctors for my various pains. I haven't seen a rheumatologist yet, but maybe we both could benefit by finding one. Arthritis is probably something that can only be cared for by treating the symptoms, usually with NSAIDS. There are lots of creams for arthritis pain - I use Voltaren, a topical prescription NSAID pain reliever. Of course, every pain medication is temporary. The trick is finding things that work for you.
So, are you thinking about what steps you can take to treat your pain? Your primary care doctor should be able to get you referrals to the appropriate specialists. If you talk with a pharmacist, they could be a great resource. Best wishes.
Jim