Update for anyone who is interested.

[icemaiden]

To recap...woke up in agony three weeks ago. Severe pain in arm and shoulder. Was put on painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Three weeks on. Pain decreasing slowly, back at work. Paid for an MRI to be done. Result were....

.....Herniated disc. Definately one at C6-C7, possibly another, I had my suspicions as the pain was so severe. Had numbness, pins and needles, muscle weakness. My GP will receive a full report this week so I will see him and discuss if anything else has shown up that my untrained eye can't see. But fingers crossed it is only the one.

MRI worth every penny. I really needed to know what I was dealing with.

Xxx

[lcg]

i feel for you, ice maiden....it sounds like you have had a really tough time. i recently torn my lumber muscle simply bending over and picking something off the floor....so i have a new found respect for anyone who has back/spine/shoulder pain of any sort. i spent the first 4 days sitting on my sofa and not moving at all....it took me a week to get to the docs and then hospital etc. how are things going now? have they discussed any treatment options with you? i wish you well.....x

[yogi-bear]

Hi Icey,

Great news and good for you, and now you have peace of mind as to what it is you have ACTUALLY got that is paining you so much......so pleased for you, my lovely, and hope you'll get a brilliant report from your GP in the next couple of weeks. :0) x

[icemaiden]

Thanks Icg76.

The pain is getting better, albeit slowly. I know now that the severe pain was at the point of the disc rupturing. That should now continue to improve.

My back is not the best. Two level spine fusion back in 2008 and also being told I have disc degenerative disease. I'm guessing that's why this has happened. I will see the doctor tomorrow or Friday to discuss options.

But despite all this, I can still walk a good distance with my dogs, and I can still work with manageable pain. I know people who suffer with a great deal of pain daily due to back problems that cannot walk or work. I'm not sure how I would cope with that.

Walking keeps me sane! And working pays the bills!

Xxx

[marval]

At least you know what it is, glad the pain is easing.

[icemaiden]

Hi yogi, and thanks Hun.

Yep, fingers crossed that's all there is.
X

[icemaiden]

Thankyou marval. I'm getting there. X

[percypineapple]

I have had these pains for years, wake up every night with numb hands, pins and needles in fingers, extreme pain in shoulder and elbow joint, feels like someone is sticking a knife into me. daytime much better, just inability to lift either arm above shoulder height because of extreme pain, and occasional daytime loss of proper use of hands.. never bothered telling the doctor, i just put it down to old age. I doubt that there;s a cure for me, just pain killers
as usual from the doctor. But good to know that you have a reason for your problems, so you can probably get the correct remedy, which is not pain killers.

[DTCwordfan]

you are on the way back, icey, take heart and encouragement in that. Diagnosis is the first thing, then we can strategise and manage....

[april1693]

Just shows Icemaiden, you were right to follow your instinct and go for the MRI, best wishes for a speedy recovery x

[icemaiden]

Thanks Everybody. Lovely words from you all. X

Percypineapple- I'm sorry your in so much discomfort. Do you not think it's worth finding out why you are in so much pain? I'm not sure I could go that long in pain and not know what's causing it.

[Kiki-frog]

I really understand about the MRI being worth paying for. I paid for mine, rather than have an eight month wait before anything could be done. Best money I've ever spent.

I really hope this marks a turning point for you and you can get on the road to recovery. x

[icemaiden]

Thank you Kiki-Frog. xx

When your in so much pain, you just can't wait that long.