additional problems w/RA

[Guest guest]

I have been diagnosed for the last 10 years with RA & osteoarthritis.

For about the last 3 months, I have had some numbing/tingling in my left arm so

I went to DR last week - then MRI on Friday.

Results today stated I have bone spurs in my neck, arthritis is now in my neck

and a herniated disk.

Has anyone had these problems and if so, what was the outcome, what might be the

actions the DR may take to alleviate these problems, did your problems go away,

do you still have symptons, etc??

Thank you for all your kindness and help plus all prayers will be so

appreciated.

joanne

[Guest guest]

Joanne,

Yes, there are a few of us with problems related to RA and our Cervical spines,

okay some of us have problems all up and down our spines. Since most Rheumy's

do not deal with spinal issues, spines are definately a specialist thing. Have

your Rheumy refer you to a good spinal surgeon, as in someone how only works on

spines. Usually treatment starts out with Physical Theraphy to strength your

neck muscles. Steriod injections into the levels of the spine causing you

problems. Lyrica or Gabapentin can help. Tens machines, and massage are also

something to help you feel better. Surgery is a LAST resort. If you go to the

groups website and do a search, you will find more information on what

others (including me) have gone through. I had Anterior Cervical surgery about

1 and half years ago. and Lumbar surgery about 8 months ago. And Yes I am going

to be having more surgery on both the Lumbar and Cervical areas again. With me

I got passed off by doctors for years, until I had the time to just keep at it

until I found out what was wrong. A case of I could only take so much time off

of work to go to doctors appointments. So I had to choose what I needed more

getting treated for RA, or doing diagnostic tests to find out why I was in pain.

hmmm. Another point for going on disability, I now have the time to go to

doctors appointments. Okay, and I am luckly enough to have insurance, but that

is another issue.

Ask question as you go through this process. Write questions down to take into

your doctor's appointments. Do your research, we can recommend good websites,

and let you know of the snakeoil websites (the bad ones). Do know that your are

not alone, and many of us have had the treatments you will have for your spine.

I have been diagnosed for the last 10 years with RA & osteoarthritis.

For about the last 3 months, I have had some numbing/tingling in my left arm so

I went to DR last week - then MRI on Friday.

Results today stated I have bone spurs in my neck, arthritis is now in my neck

and a herniated disk.

Has anyone had these problems and if so, what was the outcome, what might be the

actions the DR may take to alleviate these problems, did your problems go away,

do you still have symptons, etc??

Thank you for all your kindness and help plus all prayers will be so

appreciated.

joanne