Confused,Stressed but still hopeful

Hi . Have you been diagnosed with RA or any other inflammatory arthritis condition? You may want try to see a rheumatologist for diagnostics and treatment information. As far as physical and occupational therapy goes, I can tell you that it has been extremely helpful for my wife, Kelly Mack (who is a contributor here). She wrote about some of her experiences here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-importance-of-rehab and here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/return-to-physical-therapy. Kelly's experience may feel a little extreme, so I also want to share this article from our contributor Nan looking at the question of whether to have PT: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/physical-therapy-benefits. Hoping you get some answers and improvement. Feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

I’ve had 2 mri’s and I’ve been asking my doctor if I can get a referral to a rheumatologist for the arthritis I’ve been diagnosed with for the last 5 years.The last mri was to see how far along it’s progressing.For whatever reason my doctor was content with me seeing a neurosurgeon 5 years ago and because I didn’t need surgery he says a rheumatologist is not needed and he dismissed me basically.Unfortunately I’ve gone through medical at work when I should have been using my family doctor and he made that clear. Throw in covid and trying to find a new doctor I’m at my breaking point.I take pregabalin day and night to control the nerve damage I already have in my upper back.I also take naproxen 500 on bad days.I work for a very big organization in Canada worth billions and I’ve been working for them for 21 years.I have 8 years till retirement and I will collect a decent pention. All meaningless if I lose my job or I can’t enjoy life anymore.I work extremely long hours and it’s shift work every 2 weeks.All the pain killers I take and I’m still in so much pain and what it’s done to my head well I don’t think I need to explain that here.I’m lost for answer’s.I’ve done everything my company has asked and I’ve been put into a less physical job but it is a factory and my body can only take so much.I was told that If I were to stop exercising I risk being back to my worst flare up I ever had which completely locked me up.I exercise regularly and strength train with light weights and body weight.I do yoga multiple times a week and try to stretch as much as I can.Believe it or not I can’t touch my toes and I try every day.I look great…..I feel absolutely horrible and in pain. How can anyone I work with understand what it’s like to live with this much pain.They told me to manage it so I’ve been doing what I possibly can.I’m listed as chronic at work yet I haven’t disclosed all of my issues with my boss because it seems to go on deaf ears. I haven’t lost any time and I’ve worked through it so far. I don’t even know what to ask let alone who to ask anymore.I have a beautiful wife and beautiful sons which give me strength and energy to exercise. I’m losing strength inside

I’m lucky enough to have not been diagnosed with RA but I haven’t seen a proper specialist or doctor yet. As much pain as I’m in and I’ve had my cp surgery and trigger finger surgery your wife is truly brave and strong. I can’t compare myself to what she’s gone through already. What I truly want are more answers and if I’m doing everything I possibly can to slow down whatever is damaging my spine.I to have been taking physio for the last 8 months but I’ve exhausted them till September.

I go to physical therapy twice a week and it has certainly helped me, but the thing that helped me the most, believe it or not, was seeing a pain specialist. Since we are at the point where my illness has caused damage that cannot be fixed, it's the pain that mainly makes things untenable so I wanted to try to help with that and it did. It didn't make the pain go away but it did make it better enough that I was able to have a decent quality of life. It may be something worth thinking about. In the meantime remember, you're not alone - we know exactly what you are feeling! Keep on keepin' on, DPM