Osteoarthritis Community

Hi. I am Christina 31 years old. Mother of 2 ages 11 and 7, and married going on 8 years, been together for 14 years.

I have recently been diagnosed with FM back in Dec 09. I have Scoliosis since I was a child. I have never had pain until I had my daughter 7 years ago. Then I suddenly had severe back pain, I assumed it was from the Scoliosis, getting worse or whatever. Well come to find out I had a bone scan about 2 months ago and it reavealed I have Arthritis in my neck, shoulders, back, hips. I also have DDD and OA. I have other diagnosis which are IC, IBS. I had a hysterectomy back in Sept 09 and that is when the FM hit me full force and has not left. Lol....

I started having problems slowly, first back then my legs hurting, and then I started having problmes with my hands and elbows and arms. I have found out I also have Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, which is like Carpel Tunnel, just in the elbow. It has gotten so bad to where I can barely use my left hand. It is very weak, I have problems washing and brushing my hair. My daughter who is 7 will throw a fit if I don't do her hair, she is still getting use to the fact that I can't do much anymore. I feel so bad, she just doesn't understand.

I don't work, haven't since 04. I don't do much around the house, the only thing I do religiously is laundry. I can't do anything else. I am in the process of trying to get my pain under control. When I do then I will start to get my "old" self back.

My biggest complaint is the FM and OA and My arm and hand. I just have a lot of back pain and neck pain and my shoulders.

I have tried all the "nerve" meds out there approved for FM and can not take them due to side affects.

So now I currently take,

Fentanyl patch 25mcg-I have only been on it now for 3 weeks and I am already needing it to be upped. ( I have a high tolerance for pain meds)

Lortab 7.5 BT(which also needs to be changed to something else, it is no longer as effective as it use to be) I have been off and on of that med for 7 years.

Tramadol 50mg 3xday-(which that also needs to be upped, I have been on that does for 3 months now) that was my starting dose.

I have Flexeril which is 10mg 3xday, but I do not take but maybe 3 times a week at the most, I can not function on it. I take it when my Lortab is not working well.

I take vesicare for my bladder problems

I also have Valuim for painful intercourse due to the IC

I also take Vit. D and a multi, Melatonin for at night, added Calcium, Potassium(because I am always low) B complex, Probiotic for IBS,

I will soon be getting Milk Thistle for a healthy liver. It is a natural aid to helping your liver, when you are on a bunch of narcotics.

I think that is it. I have suffered for 7 years with severe depression, but that was due to no one believing me and not being able to get my pain under control. I have attempted suicide 3 times due to the pain. I have been on so many Psych meds. The Psych Dr was constantly changing my meds, therefore I believe making me worse. I have never been suicidal, until trying to get help. I took myself off all Psych meds and never felt better! (Mentally)

Sorry so long, I was just introducing myself. I am also on FM wich is where I am most of the time, and Pain mgmt, Back pain. Those are my groups that I am in.

Thank you for listening, reading
Christina