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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

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In response to: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

From @Flutterbug9 (as they cannot log in):

Update from Flutterbug9
this week I am in hospital and receiving pain medication by infusion.
tonight I spoke to my Pain Management Dr (Dr MK) about few things
Dr MK has said I can use the spray-on herbal liniment whilst I’m in hospital.
(I’ve been using it at home the last couple of days and found it a benefit).
talked with Dr MK about my shoulder pain and my thoughts of getting referral to see
a specific orthopaedic surgery. Dr MK supports my thoughts as, no harm in getting that
surgeons opinion etc. Dr MK shared her knowledge of recovery and long term impact of
shoulder replacement surgery. Dr MK mentioned I can have nerve block done in my
shoulder/s which will reduce the amount of pain I’m in. Nerve block is a 2 step procedure
which would allow me to go home that same day (I told her I would prefer to stay in
hospital overnight which she said she would approve).
Dr MK will see me every evening this week. I’m planning on discussing the
arrangements etc for nerve block to be done on my shoulder one evening this week.
Thursday next week I have appointment with my GP to discuss referral to the
orthopaedic surgeon. My mind is starting to feel calmer knowing these options
Currently waiting on supper to arrive, having my night meds and having an early night
@MissGremlin @AuntGlow @Cuddlebear @Bunniekins @Chasingsunsets @Jynx @tyme @AuntGlow @AlwaysMyself

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

@Flutterbug9 thinking of you sweetheart, i hope the hospital stay is going ok for you. Sending so much love and hugs ❤️.

Thankyou for sharing @tyme.

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

@Flutterbug9 hey hunny support button isnt working what a surprise. thinking of you sweetheart. sending hugs and hugs. please keep us posted @tyme and thank you. bunniexx

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Has taken a week and help from Tyme. I’m back online

brief update of this week so far

Monday - infusion started at dose ‘2’. Feeling tired due to broken sleep the night before. Both shoulders stiff and sore until mid morning. Pain management Dr added an anti-inflammatory med to my medication chart, able to take the med morning and night depending how shoulders are feeling.

Tuesday - good sleep last night, feeling more my usual self today, both shoulders similar to yesterday. Infusion increased to dose ‘4’. Starting feeling bit unsteady on my feet whilst going for short walk around the ward, using walking frame for rest of time in hospital. Pain management Dr has read reports from ultrasound and X-ray from start of this month, reason for my extreme pain this month is caused by small tear in a shoulder tendon. Pain management Dr confirmed nerve block/Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) able to be done on my shoulder. I need to see my rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon to discuss pain relief options for both thumbs. Currently wearing thumb splint on both hands as non surgical option.

wednesday - location of infusion changed due to skin irritation and increased to dose ‘6’. No other increases to be made. Feeling tired this morning. Anti-inflammatory meds helping, shoulder not as sore. Spray on liniment also helping, used only twice today (have used 4 times previous days). Only side effect, feeling bit unsteady again toward end of the day.



@Bunniekins @MissGremlin @tyme @Chasingsunsets @AuntGlow @Cuddlebear @AlwaysMyself @Blackcloud

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

@Flutterbug9 it's so good to see you back here sweet.

Sending you gentle hugs sweetheart ❤️.

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Thursday (today) - woke bit earlier this morning feeling good within myself. Pain in shoulder this morning less than yesterday.

some how, at some time today the end of the tube for the infusion came out of skin on my stomach. Only found out when I went to the toilet and the end landed on the floor. My nurse this afternoon said has happened to other people before. Infusion moved to new area on my stomach and secured. no new side effects today.

only short time with pain management Dr tonight. I have told her I want to have nerve block/RFA done in right shoulder asap soon as possible and have some related questions. She has said she will allocate time tomorrow evening to answer my questions.
9:01pm and I’m getting tired, bed time. (I’ve been in bed 9ish each night this week. One side effect of infusion can be feeling tired)


@Bunniekins @MissGremlin @Chasingsunsets @Blackcloud @Cuddlebear @AuntGlow @AlwaysMyself

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

@Flutterbug9 hey Flutterbug9 so good to see you back online 😄 best wishes for your hospital stay. pain is an awful thing to deal with.make sure you dont tough it out there are many good forms of pain relief available these days. thank you for adding me into your post. love always. bunnie xxx

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Friday night. Tomorrow morning discharge and my final post

Shoulders stiff and sore this morning, not as bad as have been though.

feeling tired but not tired enough to have had afternoon nap. Awake three times during the night due to obs being taken and toilet stop. I’ve been awake since about 6:30am.

ive been struggling to concentrate and focus on this all day due to brain fog, one of the normal side effects of the medication. One of the things I’ve been doing to keep my mind occupied has been making mini brick animals. One today I had 3/4 finished and it fell apart. Complete disassemble and started again. Took lot longer than usual to complete. Is finished and in box with others I have done.

waiting for pain management Dr to come to my room. Going to be very early night for me.

@Bunniekins @MissGremlin @Chasingsunsets @AuntGlow @Cuddlebear @AlwaysMyself

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

@Flutterbug9 hoping you can get a good night's sleep tonight sweet.

How frustrating with the mini brick animal falling apart but glad you got it finished. How many have you completed since you've been in there?

Sending love and hugs as always ❤️.

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

@Flutterbug9 couldnt support your post last night as sane site was playing up of course. hope you are having a fine day today sweetheart. take care. love bunnie xxx

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