I Can’t Move!

[Scarlett]

Back went getting out of the shower 3 days ago. I can only lie on my side.
Sitting on the edge of my bed is agony and standing / walking to get to the loo makes me cry. This is day 4. I’ve been taking diazepam (6mg a day) yesterday and today- just makes me dozy, doesn’t touch the pain. Have had the odd ibuprofen but I’m not really supposed to take them. GP no help. Physio suggested small movements lying down. I have disc bulges, stenosis and facet joint arthritis so could be anything. Have you had back pain so bad you couldn’t move for days, and when did it start to get better?!

[Apc2604]

Scarlett, I had a shoulder replacement 2 years ago and two hernia ops. last year (hernias associated with EDS). My life has been taken over now with things that all along are hypermobility related. I am older than you so I feel more sorry for you, but I understand exactly how you feel. One thing after another and I worry about accepting invitations anywhere!! Its nice to talk to someone with the same condition.

[Scarlett]

Apc- it surely is! My life consists of lying on my bed and staggering to the loo and back. I know lockdown doesn’t help but I’m on my own which makes dealing with it so much harder than if I had a distraction! It’s the sitting that bothers me the most- I need to sit to get any work done. The spine surgeon said he wouldnt consider operating on me unless I was average weigh, so I also have the job of losing several stone- not easy when you’re immobile! Hopefully you have someone at home to help you with stuff?

[Chinajan]

How are you managing with shopping/cooking etc Scarlett? Might a temporary carer be an idea for you?

[Scarlett]

ChinaJan, I have food deliveries that are dropped at my door and I drag them in. I have a cleaner who comes once a fortnight but I’m not supposed to have anyone in the flat with me as I’m shielding. I have a flatmate who has been away for two months, but I never see him. I’m used to dealing with it really- it’s just extra hard due to the lockdown and not being able to see people.

[Apc2604]

Scarlett. I have a husband with me who helps a lot. I do sleep a lot because I always feel exhausted. Pain is very wearing and I can't tolerate strong meds at all. My main problem now is anxiety and depression and the covid situation had heightened it. My back is inoperable apparently but I wouldn't risk it anyway at my age.

I understand about the weight thing. I eat very little these days, but the extra weight stays. I can't exercise. they recommend swimming, but no swimming pool anywhere around. Besides that I'm not keen on swimming and I can only do breast stroke and because of my shoulders I have been told not to do it! I could do with shedding a stone or two.