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Lumbosacral Arthritis

By February 14, 2011 - 10:29am

Hi, I am a 29 year old married, mother of 3. My children are 4, 5, and 6. I was diagnosed in Oct 2010 with lumbosacral arthritis which has the beginnings of spinal stenosis. I went to the doctor originally because I was having sciatic pain down my right leg which I also had during my last pregnancy. The doctor did an x-ray and discovered I had osteoarthritis. He said this arthritis is common, but in people over the age of 50. I never played sports and am not overweight. I work out on a regular basis and watch what I eat. I actually weigh less than before I had children. My doctor basically said there was not a whole lot he could do since I am so young, he cannot give me long-term medication. I'm terrified to think of how I am going to walk when I'm older. I'm in pain most of the day. When I wake up in the morning, I am so stiff and can barely bend over. My mother had arthritis in her hands when she was 19 and my grandmother had lumbosacral arthritis her whole life. I guess I just want to vent about it and share my fears with others. Right now I get a steroid shot every 3 months and take ibuprofen all day. If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate it. Thanks for reading.

By November 2, 2011 - 11:56am

I have severe degenerative osteoarthritis and bulging discs at L2-L5 which is giving me severe pain. I was also told I had osteoporosis of the spine. I have received shots in the spine which didn't do much good. Then I had 8 shots in the facet joints of those discs and have felt better by about 50%! I was to get the second series today but my transportation fell apart so I couldn't go. I know I'll be sorry, but nothing I could do about it but wait until they can reschedule me later on. I don't want to get too many shots because they tend to deteriorate the spine making the osteoporosis worse. I'm in a catch 22 situation! I take pain meds around the clock, every 6 hours with relief meds inbetween when needed. I use heat and pain patches as well. I get lots of rest, as there is not a lot I can do. I try to walk, but my feet are very painful. It really cuts back on the quality of life I experience on a daily basis.

November 2, 2011 - 11:56am
By October 14, 2011 - 12:49am

I totally understand how strange it feels to have old person disease. I did same thing in my twenties...only i had RA arthritis.
My husband has disease that his liver cannot clean out iron...so he can get too much iron in his blood. It creates osteoarthritis type of disease. I told him as soon as his ankles hurt when we were out hiking to see doctor but he put it off for years.
His ankles are beyond repair. SO it is great that they caught it early because you can do many things to slow it down or even stop any more damage.
Diet...for your type is very important. If you have not been to PT, physical therapist, get to one to learn what kind of exercises will help and those that can hurt you.
But now days they made many big steps in arthritis of all kinds so just get a great Rheum doctor and stay on top of keeping yourself educated...have searchs come directly to your emails..is the best way i have found.
Good luck and hope you have arrested it now!

October 14, 2011 - 12:49am
By March 12, 2011 - 9:59pm

Thank you for your advice. I do have an update...I was diagnosed as having arthritis by my family doctor. I went to see a family friend that is an orthopedic surgeon. He took one look at my x-ray and said that I had a problem with a disc at L5/S1. He ordered an MRI and I will be finding out the results in two days. He said that something's wrong with that disc and it is pinching the nerve running down my right leg. That is what is causing all this pain and that I do have a touch of arthritis, but that is not what is causing my pain. I have learned a valuable lesson and that is the value of a second opinion. Hopefully I can get this problem resolved (without surgery) and be able to move on with my life and for the most part, be pain free.

March 12, 2011 - 9:59pm
By February 14, 2011 - 9:21pm

I am so sorry to hear of your prognosis. You are so young to have to deal with this. I understand your fears of what the future will be like. I did not get arthritis until 55 and I worry about my future. All I've read says, exercise, eat well, and get rest. That is probably very difficult for a young mother to find time for, but please make your health a priority to be able to be there for your family in the future. Best wishes, and I hope to continue to hear from you.

February 14, 2011 - 9:21pm

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