Arthritis in back, stiffness all over - what should I do?

[nikkimac]

I’m 41, had my 5th child 6 months ago and had an operation to remove my left fallopian tube and ovary due to a large abscess 4 months ago.  I have never felt right since the operation and have been having joint pain and stiffness all over my body but particularly my hands, feet,  back and shoulders.  I have also developed high blood pressure since the operation and am on Acebulotol for that.  My doctor sent me for an xray for my back and hands.  No problems can be seen in my hands, but I have arthritis in my back.  My GP has given me some pain killers and Piascledine to stop it getting any worse and that’s it.  I have had problems with my back and stiffness in my feet on and off for the past 15 years, but it is much worse now and seems to be all over my body. Could these symptoms be a reaction to the infection I had 4 months ago or has the infection triggered something?   I live in a very rural area in SW France (1hr from Toulouse) and am not fluent in French so am finding it difficult to know what to do.  I feel like I should be doing more i.e. seeing a specialist or something.  I hate taking pills and would much rather relieve my symptoms through exercise and natural remedies, but I’m not sure where to start or who to see.   I’m frightened because there are days when I am so stiff and achy I find it difficult to lift the baby and cope with the other 4 children. Any advice would be very welcome.

[nikkimac]

Thanks GTPBabe for your advice, sorry to hear of your problems and I thought I was too young at 41 to be feeling like an old lady!  I had a look at the website you suggested and I do seem to have a lot of the symtems described there.  Guess I'll have to try and find a rheumatologist that hopefully speaks a bit of English.

Good luck with the baby.  I've got 4 boys and my baby is a little girl - at last!  And what a little angle she is too (which is just as well as I've not been feeling right since I had her).
Thanks again, it helps to know I'm not alone
Nikki

[GTPBabe]

Hey there,congrats on the new baby first off. I just turned 30 and I have Fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis on my lower facet joints in my spine.I know what you are going through and glad to hear that you would prefer to find non-drug related therapy's.From what you are describing it sounds like you are experiencing Fibromyalgia,which is normally brought on by a trauma of some sort.Go and check out this site and see if this is you it's the National Fibromyalgia Assoc. address is www.fmaware.org. I think that would give you an idea of where to go.Hopefully you don't have this because it isn't fun. It's just starting to get realized as a big common disease and more studies are being done to try and understand it in hopes for a cure.The best thing would be to see a rheumatologist and he/she will be able to properly diagnose you.

I hope this helps you,take care and good luck with the kidlets,I have 2 boys and are expecting in oct.It's hard work being a mommy when you have pain and stiffness like us,keep your head up girl!!!
Best Wishes & Hugs
Kelley