After such good medical service, I should have known it would be bad news...

[draco664]

So, I've had lower back pain nearly my whole adult life. Most of the time, it's just a low-level ache that gets better the more I exercise. Easy right? Just exercise. Occasionally, usually after doing something stupid, it's so painful I can't walk. Fortunately, those episodes don't last long.

I've been to doctors, chiropractors and acupuncturists over the years. Nothing ever seemed to work long term.

I moved to a new address, and registered with a new doctor. After going to a wedding (and sleeping on a marshmallow-soft mattress in the hotel for two nights) and then a long drive home, I had crippling back pain. I asked for an appointment with the new doc, but he was full up that day. "Oh, never mind, come on down after we close anyway, I'll have a look."

Nice, I thought. I got there as early as I could, based on my mobility. He looked me over, did the whole poke and prod, but instead of suggesting pills, he asked me to go and have a CT scan the next morning.

Er, okay, dunno how much it would be but, ok.

Got there early. Parking - no problem. Go to front desk - Hi, come on through. Get into the stylish gown with no back. Lie down, the machine runs up and down for a few minutes. Done.

I go to pay. Nope, medicare covers it. I'm out of the building and driving home *before* my scheduled appointment time.

Surprised, but happy, I head off home and make a followup appointment with my new doc. The doc can see me exactly when I can get there from leaving work on time that day.

At this point, I think the new doc is the second coming. I'm out of pocket less than $12 each time I see him, and he refers to places that bulk-bill.

Go in for my follow up.

Hi - you have arthritis in your lumber spine. I know you're in your mid thirties and walk 30kms a week but it happens occasionally. Don't expect to be able to walk around much after you turn 50.

Yay me.

[Sapphire Silk]

Degenerative diseases of the back are fairly common. You do seem a bit young.

Did he say what KIND of arthritis? There are several different types, and they are treated differently.

My suggestion would be to follow up with a back specialist and ask what can you do to slow down the progression of the disease and maintain your mobility.

Ask if calcium or Vitamin D supplements would help. If there are other medications that might help.

If you do go see someone else for follow up, arrange to bring your CT scan.

[Teskeria]

And remember, now that you know what the problem is, you may be able to work with it as Panacea suggested. It's a lot harder to slow down progression if you don't know what you are trying to slow.

[BlaqueKatt]

yeah arthritis is nasty, I was diagnosed at age 14(combo of osteo and rheumatoid), it's in all my joints.

Best I can tell you is doctors can be wrong, they're guessing, every person is different and their bodies handle and combat disease differently, I was, according to my doctors, supposed to be unable to walk and possibly lose the use of my hands by age 30-I'll be 36 in less than two weeks, still ride my bike, still have a job that I spend 8 hours a day on my feet and walking, and still have full use of my hands. Yes some days are worse than others, but I look at the average, which isn't so bad.

[bhskittykatt]

My advice is don't roll over and give up. Find out what kind of arthritis and what your options are. You do have options. I saw a few of them when I was job-shadowing at a physical therapy clinic. I'm willing to bet you can still be plenty active at 50 if you start taking the right steps now.

[Rapscallion]

Arthritic knees here. Keep moving, but look for non-impact stuff. Best advice I have - I'm on a crosstrainer here and there.

Rapscallion

[Food Lady]

I'm sorry you're going through this, and I think Blaquekatt's right.

[PawnPrincess Ardra]

I have some arthritis caused by a car accident years ago (lower back also) - don't give up. I find glucosamine with chondroitin and MSM are lifesavers. From what I have been told by different people (ranging from doctors and naturopaths as well as friends/family), the ingredients combine fantastically to form kind of a barrier in between joints to lubricate them a bit, if that makes any sense. I took them for a few months before seeing real results, but WOW. Might be worth looking into for you? If you have any questions, please feel free to shoot me a message.

[Sapphire Silk]

I have osteoarthritis in both knees, completely asymptomatic. I have other knee problems related to the ligaments of the knee (including a tendency of one knee to dislocate). Physical therapy and glucosamine helped a lot.

I ran up 3 flights of stairs this afternoon at work. This time last year I couldn't get half way up ONE flight without getting a) short of breath and b) having terrible knee pain.

Keeping active is definately the way to go if you have joint problems.

[angelkirie]

I'd also take this new diagnosis to your chiropractor, he may have some good suggestions for preventing it from getting it any worse.