FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Our stories

Flutterbug9’s space

Flutterbug9’s space

After few chats with Tyme earlier this year plus recent posts on different threads about my physical health these year I’ve decided to set up this thread.

background summary

In my early 20’s I was first diagnosed with having OA, third generation to be diagnosed with OA. Im now early 60’s and have moderate to severe OA is various joints, worst being my entire spine. Late last year I started having quite painful OA flare ups which included feeling like one section of my lower back was on fire (caused by inflammation) and struggling to use my hands. All possibly options for treatment/pain relief available to my GP were having little or no impact. Earlier this year I was referred to local pain management clinic with initial appointment with Dr MK, my pain management Dr, in approx June this year.

Since initial appointment with Dr MK I have had diagnostic test which was found to be successful in pin pointing the nerves causing pain in my lumber area and have had RFA which helped reduce some of my pain to a level that deemed the procedure successful.

during post RFA review appointment with Dr MK it was mutually agreed on to continue with referral for infusion which involved me being in pain management ward at local hospital for entire week. Infusion, if successful, to eliminate all pain (or reduce even further pain levels).

First week of December 2025

downside of the infusion can be variety of side effects. I packed (ended up over packing) variety of things for a ‘if I’m affected by all side effects’. Side effects I had a different times during the week - overwhelming need to sleep immediately, unsteady on my feet, headache, blurred vision, feeling of thick head (similar to really bad head cold head), loss of interest in / inability to concentrate on things, teary (all normal side effects). Each evening Dr MK visited me answering any questions, providing reassurance and information in easy to understand words.

discharged from hospital this morning, advised not to drive, handle cash or make important decisions etc for 48hours. Came home feeling tired and bit unsteady on my feet, normal reactions.

ive been home for approx 7hrs by now. Feeling much better within myself. Main thing, feeling almost 100% pain free (getting occasional stab of pain into lumber spinal area. Haven’t feel so good (ie pain free) whilst sitting and working around for approx 12months. It’s not a permanent fix and unknown how long I will have the benefit for. Knowing this is very low priority for me. Still can’t believe my entire spine is pain free. 😍😍

@AlwaysMyself @Bunniekins @Chasingsunsets @Blackcloud @tyme @Jynx @MissGremlin @Cuddlebear @heartathome @Captain24 @REDLINEZ750 @AuntGlow (hoping I’ve tag everyone who has supported me recently, apologies if I have missed anyone. Please feel free to tag if I’ve missed anyone)

92 replies

91 - 92 of 92
1...910

In response to: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

@Flutterbug9 Hello friend how are you today? How are you recovering from yesterday?

How long does it take for results? I’m glad you’re asking for a referral that will be a huge help for you. The pain management review will be important too. I’ve had them and they’ve been really helpful. I hope you get the same success.

I'm really sorry to hear about your relatives health condition and that they might have early signs of dementia. That must be hard news for you both. I do hope they don’t have dementia and that any health condition can be treated giving them a good and long quality of life.

It’s really good you will start getting NDIS paperwork done. It can be a big help and support.

I can understand feeling overwhelmed. You are going through a lot. It’s difficult coupled with mental illness too and pain. I’m here and I do care about how you are. Even if it’s not face to face I do care.

I’ve been very unwell too. Having issues with my brain and going through tests. My mental Heakth is a mess. Feel so alone in all this.

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Sorry to hear about the concerns with your brain and having to have tests done @Cuddlebear hoping the test results provide answers that will allow the specialists to allow you to start to move forward. Not knowing why things are happening and what can be done to help sounds really challenging. Keep hanging in there. I care about you and want the best for you.

place that took the X-rays and ultrasound said results could take another week or 2. Outcome of the Radiofrequency procedure in my shoulder on Tuesday is looking good so far. I’m deliberately not using my right arm much as yet. Still unable to raise my arm up to full height, am able to move it higher than I was and with almost zero pain. I’ve been told tear in the tendon is what is cause of the limited movement in the shoulder.

im unsure if I meet the medical qualifications for ndis. Yesterday I sent email to business that is referred to as an ndis partner. NDIS website saying they will help me understand that eligibility criteria. I mentioned my health conditions plus limitations in my email. Email I got back from them asked all my details that, I think might be, to start a record for me. They didn’t answer my questions.

ive sent another email today asking when my questions will be answered. I’m also starting to think maybe I’m best to go into my local ndis office and talk directly with one of the staff there.

pain management review appointment to review my shoulder plus most recent infusion for my back is approx mid July. Currently I’m feeling I only got small benefit from the pain relief infusion which is bit disappointing, at same time I know that can happen. Info I’ve read says on average, 20 to 40% of people who have the infusion get lots of benefit with 20 to 30% of people having zero benefit. Things that can make a difference in the benefit are correct dosage, the way the medication that is used works on pain receptors in the brain plus few other things. I’m looking forward to the review plus having my name recorded for next infusion which could be somewhere between 4 and 6 mths from now.

I have my 2nd Telehealth appointment with new psychiatrist on Monday. Psychiatrist seems quite nice, understanding and allows me plenty of time to gather my thoughts before answering any questions. I have noticed my psychiatrist does ADHD assessments, something I’m wanting to have done at some stage. She seems very thorough and has already sent off request to my gp for copy of all appropriate letters, reports etc. only downside is, the way her desk is set up, she doesn’t have her microphone in front of her plus she is quiet spoken. With my hearing not being 100%, I have had to ask her to repeat things she said a few times during the first Telehealth appointment

Please know you are in my thoughts. Sending hugs 💜💜

91 - 92 of 92
1...910