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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

@Flutterbug9 @Hello lovely. How are you now you are at home? Has the hospital treatment helped?

In response to: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

@MissGremlin Think I build about 12 mini brick animals

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

@Flutterbug9 that's impressive sweet, well done. How are you feeling?

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Tired, both shoulders are sore. Unsure what I should and should do until shoulder tendon heals. Mixed emotions due to tone and words used by an older cousin on Thursday. Needing time to make calm, clear decision whether to ceasing having anything to do with you.

@MissGremlin

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

@Flutterbug9 I'm sorry you're so sore sweet. Did they go through light activities you can do and things to avoid doing? Can understand the mixed emotions especially with tones and words used. Take your time to process things sweet and look after yourself ❤️.

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Hi @Cuddlebear treatment in hospital has helped with my back pain, not with my shoulder pain. Pain management Dr has said part of shoulder pain will ease as torn tendon heals. Late next week I have to phone pain management firm to book post infusion review plus to confirm arrange to have been started for me to have day procedure as soon as possible which will be Radio Frequency Ablation injection in surgery into right shoulder which will also help reduce some of the pain

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Only thing pain management Dr said to do is gentle pendulum exercises to help keep my shoulder joint setting and becoming frozen. Pain management Dr said there is no limitations in what I can do @MissGremlin

google searches for specific things (eg playing croquet, driving, ability to carry things) and I’m getting conflicting information. I have gp appointment on Thursday to request referrals for scans on my left shoulder (also maybe to see orthopaedic surgeon for my thumb pain), will discuss limitations in activities etc on Thursday. One important thing is I need to find out if is ok for me to continue playing croquet until tendon heals or not. Google searches lean toward no croquet for rest of the year plus very limited, local driving only and to avoid putting my hand behind my back plus twisting the shoulder (including reaching with right hand to get my drivers seat belt.

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

@Flutterbug9 Hello lovely. How are you today? Thank you for messaging to let me know your update.

I’m really glad the treatment in hospital helped with back pain. I’m sorry though that your shoulder is in so much pain from torn tendons. I hope the pain management appointment comes quickly and that the procedure for shoulder happens quick and goes well and does reduce the pain for you.

Are you resting? Do you have any help with daily living considering you’re in pain and just out of hospital? You don’t have to answer anything if you don’t want to.

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Hi @Cuddlebear @lots of tears this morning following some flashback nightmares last night and my nervous system feeling safe enough today to let the emotions out.

woke about 9am this morning, lot of pain when starting to move my shoulder. Pain in the mornings is due to shoulder not having moved for hours plus pressure onto shoulderblade.

I phoned nurse-on-call this morning who recommended me to stop playing croquet until the tear in the tendon is fully healed (which might take rest of the year or longer) plus apart from doing gentle pendulum exercise, to try to limit my use of my dominant arm and shoulder as much as possible.

a friend has offered to help me bring my cats home from the cattery tomorrow. Apart from that, I’m on my own. I’ve been told that due to me being too young to qualify for MyAgedCare, there is zero help available (unless I decide to pay 100% out of my money for help with house cleaning and with my cats litter

In response to: Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Re: Flutterbug9’s space

Hi @Flutterbug9 , just read through the updates on your infusion & since. I'm glad to hear it has helped your back pain, but sorry to hear the shoulder pain is confirmed as a tear and will take a long while to heal and cease pain. I hope the RFA is able to be booked in soon and helps relieve pain whilst healing. Sorry to hear it looks like no playing croquet whilst the tear heals 😓. Sending you may hugs and care.

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