Here I was thinking my rheumy appointment would be uneventful. I was hoping for a few tips and a new PT evaluation but instead I got an X-ray order for lumbar stenosis. Seems I did not pass the simple exercises I was asked to preform in the office. I mean I’m sure lots of people can’t stand up from a chair without using their arms? Right?
Oh well. I’ll post after the X-ray results are in. I am sad about having another thing “wrong” with my body. I’m just tired of fighting, being strong. You know.
Sending hugs. Neither can I get up off a chair without using my arms but no x-ray or indeed MRI shows I’ve got spinal stenosis. PsA affect so much of the tendons that help you stand up I very much doubt any of us frankly have spinal stenosis. We simply have PsA instead.
My mom has psoriatic arthritis and spinal stenosis, significant stenosis. Whether it’s related to the psoriatic arthritis or not, as we age these things can occur and coexist.
I’m very sure it is just PsA, but that doesn’t change the fact that I am losing use of my legs. I knew I was struggling with walking a bit but after a few exercises and a handful of questions I felt embarrassed. My mobility is awful. I’ve just been compensating to get through the day. Thanks Poo_therapy.
Thanks Stoney. I am hoping that PT can help.
I had stenosis or PsA in my neck 1.5 years ago. I did PT for 4 weeks and nothing helped. Finally I chose to replace two cervical discs because they herniated. That was an easy surgery as far as back surgeries go. I am trying not to get ahead of myself but I am worried that another surgery is in my future.
Heard back from doctor. Need MRI. Hopefully I can get that scheduled by the end of the year. I decided to try and focus on Christmas and not get too overwhelmed.
Ahh I didn’t know you already had stenosis in your neck so long ago. Just sending more hugs.
I developed osteoposis and suffered a total of 7 unexplained fractures over a two or three year period - right when I developed PsA too. I had three lumber compressed fractured vertebrae but actually the ones that really affected my ability to walk for a while were the three pelvis fractures, the first two were tortuous. The spontaneous rib one wasn’t great either.
But you know once you know exactly what is going on, there will be ways around things, promise you that. Good old osteoporosis meds sorted out my bone density issues and whilst I’m still terrified of falling over nothing bad happens to me when I do.
Hope you have a lovely Christmas and it’s always better to concentrate on what we can control rather than what we can’t or don’t know about yet.
You are not alone. I’m 70 and can’t do it. You dont say how old you are. I like to chalk up a lot of my oa to very active life before psa. Easier to accept it. Good your dr caught it. There may be some PT that will help. If you have access to pool get it there. I feel better after walking in water. Keep us posted
Thanks Poo. Wow, you have been through a lot. 7 fractures sounds so painful. I’m glad you were able to get some meds started to keep you from fracturing but I agree, I would be afraid of falling too.
My xray came back and they look good. Only one small issue. Now doc wants an MRI but I am hesitant to do it. I mean the xrays look pretty darn good and the MRI is costly. Not sure what he’s looking for that would show up only on an MRI. This will be my 3rd MRI. I might put it off until after the new year.
Thanks Bern. I am 43. I wish I had access to a pool. Its silly really, here in Texas it stays warm long into the year but they close the pools in August. I have yet to understand why.
Do you have YMCA with pool? Or ask your doctor if there is a physical therapy place with pool. Another idea. I live in Dayton Ohio and we have a scuba dive school that teaches snorkeling. It’s really relaxing and feels good.