Arthritis Support Group

I'm new to arthritiss, specially due to it's in my neck. I've been to several doctors since this past March, when I have been dealing with so much neck pain. At first I thought it was a kink in my neck, but usually they are gone pretty fast, but not this time. My regular doctor tried to work the pain out, which she did, but that didn't last long, and she tried two more times, two appointments. Finally she decided time for an MRI to see what is going on. Well when she got the reading she told me it was two degenerative discs, so sent me to a pain management doctor for epidural shots. Well the first one, only got one day of relief, the second one, no relief at all, but made the pain worst, so a surgeon was suggested to me. I seen the spine surgeon last Friday. He showed my husband and I the MRI photos. He told me it's arthritis, what type he had no idea, so back to the drawing board. I called my regular doctor this past Monday explained to her what the surgeon explained to me. She set me up to have blood work done yesterday, to see what type of arthritis I have. I should hear from her tomorrow. She's not in the office today. In the mean time, she prescribed Voltaren Gel. I put it on twice a day. It seems to help some. I'm so glad there are support groups for this. Donna

Hi Donna. I'm new to this group too, but not new to arthritis, including neck arthritis. I'm having a flare up of cervical spondylosis (osteoarthritis in my neck) recently and waiting to see the spine doc for a check up. I had a two level fusion 12 years ago which helped tremendously but I don't want any more surgeries. Between the fusion and whats going on now I have very little range of motion. Epidurals never helped much. What helps me the most is physical therapy. Right now I'm exercising in a therapeutic pool - nice warm water that takes the pain away and increases range of motion. I also take muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory medication. I've found over the years that even though its a pain, there are many non-surgical ways to get relief. I hope you get some answers and relief soon.

Hi Tova, Thank you. I'm on muscle relaxants as well. They help some, but not much. I'll be glad when the gel kicks in. I hope to get answers tomorrow. Do you go to an arthritis specialist? Right now my regular doctor is trying to help me. Several friends of my told me about the Voltaren Gel. I asked my doctor about it Monday when she called me back to set up the blood work for me, which I got done yesterday morning.

Hope the spine doctor has answers for you. Pain isn't fun at all. I sure don't want the pain I had after the second epidural. I'll keep you all posted. Donna

Yes, I do see an arthritis specialist. I highly recommend seeing a rheumatologist. Blood tests don't give all the answers and it can sometimes take having a specialist work with you over some time to get an accurate diagnosis. They should review the MRI report, blood tests, symptoms, a neurological exam (did your spine doc do that?)history and your general health, plus a do a physical exam to look for signs of inflammation. Most GPs don't have the expertise to do all of that or to treat you if you have a systemic kind of arthritis.

Thank you, tova1836. I'll talk to my doctor about that. My spine doctor just looked at the MRI and talked to me about it, to let me know I have arthritis. I keep a list of medications I'm on, plus the surgeries I've had, as well as my other health problems in my computer. Before I go to my appointments, I go over the list and info, then I print it out for the doctors. Makes the paperwork so much easier for them, and they are so grateful that I do that. They wish other patients did that. I tell them to keep the list/info, due to it's in my computer. I didn't think GPs did well for any health issues that I have. I have several specialists I go to. Looks like I'll be adding another one, which is fine. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long to get in to see the specialist. Donna