Back Pain, Arthritis, and Degenerative Disc Disease (Do you have it)

When my father was living he had terrible pain in his back. I cannot tell you how many times he spoke about the discomfort he felt with his back. He didn’t do it out loud; he softly stated his back was giving him pain. Many times I would see him wiggle in his chair, or gently take a seat as he sat down.

He was not one to complain about his health problems, he didn’t have to tell us, we could see the look on his face. We knew he was having problems, and through the years his discomfort grew.

My father was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease. His father had it and now he had it. In his 70’s he had real problems with long distance walking, then in his eighties he no longer could walk except for very short trips.

My father was active even though he had all kinds of health issues he dealt with daily. Finally after not being able to walk uptown any longer, which he wasn’t about to accept. We had to regroup, figuring out his transportation to get him to and from town. He loved visiting his friends in town and he wasn’t about to give up, no matter the pain.

So my father got a scooter to get around on and he was now happy once more. Even though his back pain continued as he got older, and he was in pain while riding the scooter, it wasn’t nearly as bad as trying to walk.

My dad is now gone on to be with God, and three of his children now have this same Disc Disease. My brother who is 57, my sister who is 59, and now myself, at 51. We all have been diagnosed with this disease.

I just saw the orthopedic doctor, after seeing my family doctor and in pain. He looked at my back and said he could see it was a little swollen and inflamed. He suggested I get a CT scan of my spine to see what the cause of my discomfort. I did just that.

Seems I have Osteophyte Arthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease, and a bulge on my spine……..

I have inherited the same back problems that my dad faced, and the same problem my brother/sister now also face.

I am told by the orthopedic doctor that I have developed it a little earlier in age than most. She suggested that the majority of people are usually older, and that problems typically arise years after developing the disease. I am told there’s no cure for the arthritis I have and that it could become more bothersome as I grow older. It isn’t a definite she tells me, it depends on the person and their makeup. One person can have this disease with little pain, while others might have years of pain, it just depends on the individual.

I am a lot like my dad, I like being active, but I’m finding I have to cut back on certain projects. Sometimes our bodies just need rest to recoup and to heal.

Degenerative Disc Disease is now something I have to deal with. It is something my siblings have to deal with, and it’s just a waiting game to see if it becomes as bad as our fathers.

I am already in pain; it began about two months ago. That’s why I saw the doctor to begin with. I have fallen numerous times in my life, anything from just simple falls, to really bad falls from having a seizure, and more. I’m sure this has contributed to my disease and it’s progression at an earlier age than my dad’s disease did.

I don’t know what lies ahead. I had a whole body scan done for my bones, I am told I have osteopenia starting, and the test the other week also diagnosed me with Osteophyte, Arthritis.

I found out I have low vitamin D levels and now take a vitamin D supplement to try and bring it back up. I have begun walking also to help my bones.

We never know what life will throw our way, we just have to pray for the best and do what we can to bring our health back as best we can.

Arthritis is being diagnosed every day, and more and more people are living with it. Hopefully one day there will be a cure.

There are medicines that help with the inflammation, some are prescription strength,and some over the counter.

I am always cautious when taking new meds, but my old reliable is just ibuprofen for now.

I pray those of you reading this never develop this disease; so far it hasn’t been fun…. I pray it doesn’t get worse.

Best Wanda