Hello everyone

I have only just been diagnosed with cervical spondylitis and am
totally confused by all the information out there and the little info
that my GP has given me.

My current symptoms are neck pain, pins and needles down right arm and
pain when reaching for things. I have also had slight dizziness. I have
been given anti-inflammatory tablets (voltarol) to take and have to
also take opremazole to counteract the acidity as I have a hiatus
hernia and gall stones! My GP also said he could prescribe an
anti-depressant for me as that would relax my muscles.

I am 53 years of age and work as a secretary so am on a PC most of the
time. I do get up and move about and am trying to lose weight and
exercise more but feel unsure about what exercise I can do safely. I
used to do pilates but stopped when I got the numbness starting as I
wasn't sure about being able to continue.

Another question I need an answer to is about driving. Do I need to let
the DVLA know? I also suffer from sleep apnoea, which they know about,
and obviously I need to let my car insurers know. It all seems so much
trouble but I don't want to find myself breaking the law by driving and
no-one knowing about my condition.

My GP said it is caused by wear and tear and is connected to my age!
I'm so fed up with everything that I get wrong with me being put down
to my age! It certainly makes me feel very old.

I would really appreciate some common sense advice and support.

Many thanks

Regards

ceejayblue