Changes you have noticed

cupcake4

21st Sep 15, 6:09 PM
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Thanks for your reply Sanschoot49. What treatment are you having for your problem?
Still recovering from my knee replacement in April, so loathe to start again with hospitals for something else.
Trouble is the pain (which is awful first thing, but the more I move about, gradually disappears durung the day) is affecting my walking. It is much worse on the side of the knee replacement, so don't know if it is caused by walking badly before the op. Chicken and egg situation.
Originally posted by cupcake4
”They offered me pain killing injections, leaving it to see if it went better without treatment, or a micro discectomy (google it!).

I had had weeks of physio by this time which in the end did no good.

I had the micro discectomy about 3 weeks ago, have had significant pain relief so far and am optimistic.

Hope you get it sorted, it really is the worst thing I have ever experienced pain wise, plus I need to work to earn money and when this is really bad you have a job to get out of bed never mind anything else."


I've now had the results of my MRI. It's all very technical, but according to my GP, I have extensive arthritis, 'resulting in pseudosubluxation and severe canal stenosis with compression of the L5 nerve roots bilaterally.'

In layman's language, this presents as being very similar to sciatica. Due to the arthritis, a small part of my spine has narrowed compressing on a nerve - similar to a trapped nerve. I really don't want surgery, and the GP prescribed Pregabalin to help ease the pain and has referred me to a Pain Management Clinic who may be able to offer a pain killing injection, but says the clinic won't do anything unless I've tried painkillers first.
I am trying th Pregabalin, just 1 at night, no relief as yet. The pain is worst first thing in the morning and eases the more I move, so by later in the day it's gone. I certainly don't want to take painkillers continually. Alternatively, I can take Co-codamol 30/500 .
I've read of other forumites not being able to tolerate NSAID's - what are these please?
Also Kittie mentioned avoiding the nightshade family, what is this?
I love having an orange last thing at night, should I be avoiding these for arthritis, also what about tomatoes?
Has anyone tried a homeopathic remedy Rhustox for aches and pains, any feedback gratefully received-.

lisa110rry

MABLE wrote: »

I went into a shop a few months ago and was unable to find a particular item. I asked one of the staff and offered to take me to where the item was. As he does he suddenly turns round says I hope I am not going too fast for you.

There may be frost on the roof but it does not mean I am passed it.

Little did he know I walk about 10-15 miles a day and cycle very regularly. Also I never use a bus pass as I prefer getting lots of exercise.

On the other hand (foot) although I suspect I may be a few years younger than you, I have had a foot problem for years which was sorted with a very major op just over a year ago. Until I recovered from that I was obliged to ask the young person showing me the item's location to slow down. I hated it but had to do it. Now I can walk as far as I wish but am starting to have trouble with the "other" knee, possibly because I weight-bore on that leg much more than on the damaged one. Need to sort myself with some joint supplements...

lessonlearned

Cupcake.

NSAID stands for non steroid anti inflamatory disease meds, typically prescribed for arthritis and similar conditions.

The problem is they can play havoc with the stomach.

I can't take any of them so have had to work out a regime which addresses pain, stiffness etc and which doesn't rely on prescribed meds.

I have changed my diet, take a range of supplements and complementary therapies, exercise every day.

I'm doing better than ever. I no longer take any meds and haven't had to resort to steroid injections for years now.

The nightshade family can cause inflammation in susceptible people. I avoid them whenever possible. Citrus fruits can also cause problems.

For further detail on which foods might be triggers for you google "the Paleo Immune Protocol".

There's lots of info and ideas to try. It's trial and error but simply changing your diet can really make a difference.

[Deleted User]

A couple of people have asked about pain triggers and I did a very good experiment this week, by accident. I knew about the nightshade family and avoid peppers and aubergines but haven`t been careful about potatoes or tomatoes. Last week there were two very green bell peppers in my veg box, I left them a couple of days and decided to add 1/2 a pepper to a stir fry. I then had pain for a few days, bad uncomfortable aches in shoulders, arms, hands, back and hips. Needless to say, the rest of the peppers went into the bin and the aches have now gone. There are 4 medium sized tomatoes left, so I am about to test them, I may cook two and put some eggs in with them. I am hopeful that tomatoes are ok. I haven`t eaten them for two days and am ache free this morning, I`ll test them later today. As for potatoes, I believe they are fine but I don`t eat many anyway

I haven`t eaten oranges for months and not eaten grapefruit for a week but will do the same test again in the future. Interestingly I always knew that peppers affected my digestion and knew the theory about the pains but now have clear proof, for me. Other people could well have different triggers

My fitbit band is helping and have been monitoring my resting heart rate. It was 74-76 but I have wanted that to be lower, so I hardly use any butter now and make sure I do more steps in the day. Already there is a good difference and the resting rate is now around 67.

I never eat after about 6pm and that means about 12 hours of `fasting` I read last week that 12 hours daily fasting is very beneficial to health. I never called it fasting before but I suppose that is what it is, intermittent fasting.

Fitbit monitors my sleep and it was very restless when I had the aches and I kept waking up. Much better sleep last two nights, amazingly I don`t feel hungry in the night so now am not going to fret about not eating a late snack. Ok I am very self aware about my health and was always taught that the vital force is a good outward sign, it is true, a well person always shows in energy and physical appearance, the glowing skin, bright eyes, hair etc and enthusiasm for anything. This can be kept going through older age. I am now almost 70 and don`t take any medications, although I always have a couple of gaviscon pills in my bag, just in case but hopefully never needed.