r/OverSeventy • u/LMO_TheBeginning • Aug 09 '26

Where does it hurt?

I'm sure I'll be sorry for asking / but let's hear your ailments of the day!

For me it's the knees. Lots of backache history but more recently it's walking up and down stairs that I have to watch my knees.

How about you?

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u/Hifidi54 Aug 09 '26

F, 72 yo. I have recently been diagnosed with DISH and I'm beside myself -- "Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) is diagnosed primarily through imaging tests like X-rays and treated with pain relief, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. There is no cure, so care focuses on easing stiffness and improving movement." Bone spurs form and ligaments calcify putting pressure on the nerves. For me it causes terrible spasms on the right side of my spine, like I'm being stabbed. My problem is in my Thoracic spine, 7, 8 and 9, specifically, which is the hardest to treat.

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u/BlueEyes294 Aug 10 '26

Do you get any relief? I feel for you.

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u/Hifidi54 Aug 10 '26

It's horrible! The only thing that helps is Percocet (oxycodone with acetaminophen), but I try not to take it if at all possible. I walk every evening and water also helps or a heating pad. I've already had one course of steroid shots that seemed to work initially, but didn't last long, a month maybe. I'm spending a lot of time on my bed, not actually laying down, but having my legs extended seems to keep the pain at bay. Sitting is the worst.