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Date: 03.11.2009
From: MOONFAIRY

Subject: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

HI, new to this forum, i found out March of this year that i have Arthritis of my Facet joints, they are shot to hell. I had an MRI scan at the beginning of this year, which told me what i now have. The last worked for my company in January of this year, i have recently given my notice in. I have had 2 sets of injections in my spine under live x-ray, an experience let me tell you. The injections are a diagnostic test, and also a therapeutic test. It has only really just it me that giving my notice in, has come as a shock. I sent off for DLA form read through it will fill it out this week. I am unable to do housework at home, i can only have a shower not a bath, i can't lay on my back at all at night in bed, i have to put 2 double quilts on top of the mattress, i get less than 4 hours sleep at night, as i am tossing and turning, i can't lay on my tummy as it compresses my spine. I am unable to do my charity work, as i worked with animals and horses, i am a Reiki Practioner, and a massage therapist, and an Equestrian Reiki Practioner, i would value any help with my condition. Being a therapist i have tried every alternative pain relief that i know of, any help would be great. In the new year i will go into hospital and have hardware put into my back, i am not looking forward to that, if i was working i would have to have between 8 and 12 weeks off of work, not a prospect i am looking forward to, any advice would be great.
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Date: 03.11.2009
From: karen

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

hi i have r a in my hands and feet and unable to walk much at mo and use my hands and i sent a dla form off and said i was under hospital as unable to work at this time and my rhumy nurse filed it in and now i qualify for it so am sure you will as well .its worth trying to gettin it put down your consultant name and tell them on the form how bad things really are .hope that helps am quite new to all this but this forum really helped me and does help when i feel down as well
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Date: 04.11.2009
From: MOONFAIRY

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Thanks karen for your reply, hope you are feeling better soon. Not being able to work at the moment is such a blow to me, as i miss my job sooooooooooo much. I am very please that you will get your DLA, let me know how you are doing, chin up as they say take care. I have read that some people have filled out these forms, and if they can stand and cook ie use and oven, then they don't get it. I will let you know how things progress
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Date: 04.11.2009
From: jill

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Hi Moonfairy, lovely name......welcome to your forum.....ive been coming in here for about 8 months now....fab team in here.... there was another gal that had faet joint probs with her spine(unless was u) altho lost of ppl in here suffer with arthritis etc....seems they dont have spine ops...I have had a spine op 20003 in lumber region...discs eaten away..... now gotta go back and have fusion! and ive also had those injections etc.... nasty huh..... anyway at the mo im having a flare up(got inflamatory arthritis) can barely move neck, head feels too heavy, and my thorasic spine is painful, think its fusing on its own....seeing rhummy tomoz for a steroid injection, due to the flare up....but im insisting on an MRI on my upper back...also i only have 4 working discs in my neck, should have 7, that makes holding my head up dificult, so have to ear a collar.... anyway...goood luck with ya spine op....sorry i cant help u sirectly with that...I do know what it entails etc, but not many pppl in here have had lots corrective surgerys either......luckily I should say...thanks gof they got the correct treatment in time, ive had arthritis for over 24 years... and ive had 7 corrective ops.... prob got lots more to go....oh well soon itss xmas lol...... take care Love Jill x
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Date: 06.11.2009
From: MOONFAIRY

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

HI Jill thanks for your post, you sound like you have been in to hospital a few times. As mentioned on my post i have given my notice in. It only just it me the other day. I just started crying the other day, i have lost interest is some of the things that i did because i can't do them.God that just is not me. I have always been a fighter for most of my life, and i have accepted what is wrong with me, but it is soooooooo hard not doing the things i used to do. i used to do quite a load of charity work, as I am an Holistic Therapist, i still have not filled out the DLA form, i have read lots of posts about people that don't even get it, so i say to myself it is worth me sending off for it, for £17.50 a week. When i read through it, it has 18 pages of how can you walk outside, i could not believe it when i read through the form. I rung and spoke to a chap from one of the Arthritis charities. He suggested i go and see a Warefare Rights officer, and take my form with me, he told me not to fill it in, that the officer would go through it with me. This is all new to me i am like a fish out of water let me tell ya. I have more bad days don't have many good hours, i am only 50, just don't know what direction to go in with this DLA form. Keep you guys informed take care one and all Moonfairy
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Date: 06.11.2009
From: shaz

Subject: Re: Arthritis Joints Lumber Region

hi moonfairy its better if you get someone like cad to help you fill dla form in they had lots of experience as for you feeling like it not worth the hassle it is it also helps you with other things like rail travel,parking i just been awarded my dla and when i first got forms i felt like you but went ahead with it and i glad i have now as my condition is getting worse,as for feeling down about the things you cant do try to focus on the things that you can still do,its taken me a good few months to except my limitations like you i have just lost my job through incapability after years of working for the same company and now going through the process of dealing with the dhss red tape,what a farce that is, plz try to stay positive i know its hard when you in so much pain and not getting enough sleep,but do fill in dla form you are entitled to it and moan and complain onn here as much as you want we all understand how you feel and will do our best to try and cheer you up so big (hugs) for you lol shaz
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Date: 06.11.2009
From: jill

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Moonfairy I get High Mobility and High care componenet....I get £455 a month...who toldu its just 17.50...... it is worth doing this form, U deserve it....we all do....obviously I didnt get that much initially...but as ive has so many corrective ops etc, they upped it..... so please do it....U MUST stress your bad days, dont give any info on a good day, u wont get it then.....hate to say this but it will help in your form......when they ask u about thewashing bit....tell them U DONT!! becos its agony getting in and out of bath, and u cant stans long in a shower.... I told them I use wet wipes, and I was NOY lying either.... was a long stage where I did that.... also U get someone to wash U...hair, feet etc.... putting on clothes, bra etc underwear, they will ask daft questions, but they also repeat them, to catch ppl out.... they ask how far can u walk without pain....U tell them U have pain on first step....and that u r in agony when u go out, and that Now u dont go out etc...... tell them U cant cook anymore, U cant empty dishwasher etc....u cant hoover,give the worst day....if ya positive, they will chuck it out..... u tell them how this has affectd your job....be strong ok, fill the forms in...get what U deserve and its NOT means tested either....also if U do get it, u will get car tax paid, countil tax reduction, and also get a car with the top rate (only)...goood luck ok x
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Date: 06.11.2009
From: MOONFAIRY

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Thanks guys for your support, none of my friends are going through what i have, so they don't really understand how i am feeling. It's a shame Jill and Shaz that you guys don't live near me you can help me fill the forms in LOL. i am going to ring and get in touch with Cad, on Monday and see if she can help regards DLA form.I could do with you guys on Facebook lol. I said £17.50 because that is the lowest amount one can get on DLA. i will have to put you guys on my xmas card list. Tanks for the support Moonfairy x x
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Date: 06.11.2009
From: shaz

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

hi moon fairy with regard to your dla application gather as many letters togethor as you can to help support your claim etc from rheumy nurse if poss or if you still seeing occupational therapist they will help you with a letter and get your gp to fill the part at back in about how it effects your mobility and daily life you really have to say how bad things sre for you walking short distances makes you tired getting dressed is difficult doing buttons lifting hot pans all the stuff they epect you to be able to do is now a major problem for you and you have to get across how tired you are all the time as the simpliest things wear you out,definetly get in touch with cad or if you have ever heard of a place called dial they helped me with my form and they were brilliant if you need any help just ask i will do my best to help you lol
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Date: 06.11.2009
From: karen

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

hi moonfairy i filled in the form online and did put my worst days but actually most days are bad and then they sent the forms to my rhumy nurse to fill inn that i was tellin the truth but as am hospital at moment nearly twice a week each week she filled it in and i got it .and to be honest you sound a lot more worse that me so am sure you should get it .good luck
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Date: 07.11.2009
From: lisa

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

hi moonfairy just as jill said you have to fill it in thinking of your worst days and your most pain good luck it is repetetive but keep going its worth it we dont ask for this vile disease and we certainly deserve all the help we can get

hugs lisa xx
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Date: 07.11.2009
From: Angela

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Hello moonfairy, I claimed for DLA in February this year and still going through the motions.
I have been refused time and time again. I am now in the process of taking it to tribunal and have had all my information sent back to me to look at.
It has been a frustrating,and humiliating process for me to go through, and to be honest I would have given up a long time ago if not for reading the posts on here.
I am now determined to see it through.
Hopefully you wont have to wait to long to get a result sometimes I think it depends on which area you come from some seem easier than others to accept your disability.
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Date: 07.11.2009
From: Jill

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Angela, U Keep going, I had to take them to Tribunal, DO NOT feel like u r begging ok, i went about two years ago, as my condition was geting far worse, altho, I was on DLA, it was the lowest.... so I Knew i deserved the highest....I went thru the tribunal, Cried a lot, by my face they could tell I was in agony everyday...I explained to them and they saw my facial expressions how bad my days r and nights.... going there was the best thing for me...I now get the highest mobility and highest care component... so u carry on with that fight ok.... it does take ages....but U will get it all backdated from when u re applied! love Jill xx
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Date: 07.11.2009
From: jill

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Hi Moonfairy... I am on facebook, u can contact me on there when ever u want, I also talk to Val and Shazz on there,. but to be honest, we dont usuallly talk about this rotten disease, as facebook is somewheere we go that is away from forum, altho me and shaz have spoke about stuff lol...... u can fine me omn facebook Jill Drake...... think thats all u need.....so come find me on it ok..... we can also have a giggle on there too....... regards DLA..... IM Brgging u to make that effort and fill it out...or i will NAG u bad....now Val knows what my Nagggging i s like lol.....so as of now, u gottta think of doing that DLA ONLY....ok lol......take care Moonfairy, btw whats ya real name? do u mind telling me? love Jill x
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Date: 08.11.2009
From: MOONFAIRY

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Hi guys Jill i have just looked at facebook, their are 113 Jill Drakes on it lol, look or my date of birth 15/6/59 and you will find me. I can't thank you guys enough for your support, Linda Johns, i though Moonfairy sounded soooooooooo interesting x. If you send me a message then i will reply, once i know what you and Shaz, and Val looks like i can put a face to your names. I am ring the council in the morning to sort out the DLA form. I can understand why one would not want to talk about our pain problems on facebook, this is a great place to meet new friends that know what one is going through. Lets hope one day we will all be pain free, Woop Woop to that day. If you ask Shaz and Val to look for me on facebook, if you find me first they can add me from your friends. I change my Profile pic quite often. Love Moonfairy x x
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Date: 08.11.2009
From: MOONFIARY

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

HI Shaz, i have changed my profile pic on Facebook Look for THE STATUE OF LIBERTY can you tell Jill and the other guys Moonfairy x
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Date: 09.11.2009
From: MOONFIARY

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

HI Jill how was your recovery after your lumber op?. I am seeing my consultant in a couple of weeks just to let him know how I am getting on or not. He has told me that because the facet joint injections have worked for me, i will be a prime candidate for the back op, they are going to put a load of hardware in me as they call it. He told me that if i was working i would have to have between 8 and 12 weeks off work, but as you know i am not working now i have had to give my notice in, as part of my job was very physical. Keep you guys informed. Moonfairy x
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Date: 11.11.2009
From: jill

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Hi Mooony.....lol...Well first of all we all cope differently with ops and things, plus ive got another complication which is called Reiters Disease, left me with Infla altha...Reiters attacks all the soft tissue, therefore any ops that I personally have, takes me ages to recover from.....so really alth ive had the op(Dynesys) hardware(bolts etc in spine lumber region) I wld hate to tell u how long it took me becos b4 I had my op, I had both arthroscopys on my knees, and 5 weeks later my huge spine op.... worst thing i could have doen, as my knees hasnt recovered properly and then had a spine op......it wld be good to ask a 'normal' lol person that has had a spine op how long it took them, beco seriously, having the Reiters makes a huge difference in My recovery, that is Y im scared to have my Fusion op. becos of the Reiters, altho my surgeon wants me to hyave Fusion, becos of the recovery time for me, he has suggested that I go in 4 Dynesys again, but I will have to go back again years down the road for Fusion, so may as well just go for fusion!.....goona be honest, but take on board all the things I said about my extra probs...... took me 8 months to be pain free and to be able to get to the gym to swim etc..... however, im on better painkillers now etc..... so ive got to be pos, but for me, I know its going to be a long time.... also facet joints op is totally difff from the one I had, best ask ya surgeon, but id say 3 months usually....hope that helps x
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Date: 11.11.2009
From: jill

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Mooony that pic of u is stunning on facebook x
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Date: 11.11.2009
From: MOONFAIRY

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Thankyou jill that's a great help, i am seeing my Consultant next Thursday, i am using my walking sticks, walking round the house like a snail, i remember before i was going to have my facet joint injections i really did not know what to expect, they were quite uncomfortable. My consultant said that i am a prime candidate for the op on my spine, because the injections worked for me i say worked as the last two i had about 5 weekds a go have worn off. I am soooooo not looking forward to my back op being in bed for god knows how long. i am glad you like the photo, taken with our new camera, i love hats as you can see in most of them, take a look at the other ones i hate being in photo's my husband has to keep calling me. I have a woman visiting me next Monday from DIAL i will let you know how i get on love MOONFAIRY X X
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Date: 12.11.2009
From: jill

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Mooony, as u r now named by me lololol Yu wont be stuck in bed...I promise u that, that wld be the worsst thing U cld posssibly do, had my op at 4pm, so late as operations go, but first thing nxt morn they anted me up and about lol....walking ohysio staircase(about 6 steps) lol a girl nxt to me, who has the same op as me, was asked to have a go at the stiars, she was scared...she came back(bearing in mind she had her op about two hours b4 mine day b4), she came back in pain, they then asked me and I said " U gotta be joking, Look at the state of her" lololol....did it the next day, which was ok....U must remian Mobile, it will be a case of when yur back home of, exerecising, little each day, lying on floour stretching, hydropool, small steps, walks etc, and resting....all Spine ops r a worry, and im scared stiff, might wait until im desprate, cos I wannna go on hols nxt year, but I shld have the op really, anyway Grannie to be....take care xx
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Date: 16.11.2009
From: MOONFAIRY

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Hi guys just had DIAL round, she filled my form in, very helpful now i have to wait and see, talking about my pain well guys it was hard, but have done it now. We will wait and see how i get on, thanks guys for your help and support on here, hugs to one and all MOONFAIRY X
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Date: 16.11.2009
From: valh:-)

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

well done glad dial been and done form for u at least that done now so forget about it hope your back op goes ok as jill says they do not like u in bed these days think it makes ward a mess lol good luck
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Date: 17.11.2009
From: Jaydn

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Hey there,

there are lots of people with similar pain as you, who have gained their life back. Good work on having a whole body approach. Medication and massage will assist in pain and stiffness reduction, but won't actually target the source of the problem. If you want to get to the root of it, and find a science-based plan that works and I have used with many patients, go to www.jointpainhelpnow.co.uk
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Date: 18.11.2009
From: Lin johns

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Hello one and all, i saw my consultant today, and i back operation is on for Jan 15th L5.S1, tells me i may be in hospital from 2 to 3 days, and lost of rest at home afterwards. They are putting hardware in my back, i hope i won't run into a magnet lol. My consultant is great looks at your face when he is speaking to one. He explained everything, what i may experience afterwards, having me out of bed asap lol. Will keep you guys updated. When it is done, hopefully no more pain. MOONFAIRY x
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Date: 20.11.2009
From: jill

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Lin hi there x...didnt realise u had your date....I had to get up next morn....had my op prev day at 4pm....they get u out almost immed....lol....it is for the best...... U will be ok Lin.... ive kinda had similar to the op yur having.... like U, ive got 4 Bolts(titanium) in spine..... u WILL be ok.......cos u r strong....love ya lots Jill xxxxxxxx
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Date: 20.11.2009
From: MOONFIARY

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

Jill bubs as you know i have Arthritis in my L5 S1 part of my lumber spine, i am hoping and praying that i do not get the pain i have now, my second set of injections have worn off and i only had them done on 8/10/09 if the injections had not worked for me then the consultant would not be doing the op and he said that as i don't smoke or have ever smoked i should recover quicker, get me up the next day you say, as long as they don't ask me to start giving them a reiki treatment or a massage as i am an holistic therapist lol. take care you guys x x x
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Date: 21.11.2009
From: jill;

Subject: Re: Arthritis in Fact Joints Lumber Region

LOL Mooony. cant u do some of that Holistic approach on ya back..... Lin my back prob is L4, L5, S1......mind u tho, my upper spine I think is fusing....having an xray on that too...dunno if u read my posting, about my xray results..... I could cry Lin..... I need some nice crimbo prezzies on FB, that wld make me smile.......lololol take cae sweetsxx ps sent u my moby on fb priv messages...shazza too xX ARNT U THE LUCKY ONES LOLOLOLOLOL
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