UK Disability Resource of Disabled Needs

I have arthritis in my spine. Now day to day i cope with it. I'm not a fan of painkillers,(i take them when i can't cope with the pain). During the last few months its got to the point where it takes a lot of effort to get out of bed. I virtually crawl to the bathroom and have to go downstairs on my bum! I don't go to the doctors a lot, i always feel i would be taking an appointment from someone who is much more in need. Today i took my son to the shop, and i found it a great effort to carry the bags home. The pain in my back was really bad.
I'm 48, is it just my age? or do you think i should go and talk to the doctor? I'm really scared that i wont be fit enough to look after my son.
Any advice would be appreciated.

to be totally blunt if you dont look after yourself then how will you look after your son, of course you must see your gp if your feel unwell perhaps he can prescribe something that will make all the different to you.im 50 and always full of different aches and pains, but to see your doctor wouldnt be taking an appointment away from somebody else, the appointment would be something you are entitled to, call them in the morning. let us know how things go wont you and take care. i know what a worry it is when your caring for someone but you have to keep your strength up too. barb.

You will not be taking an appointment away from someone more in need. You have as much right to see a doctor as anyone and IMHO it seems that you need to. It sounds like your condition has changed from one you could live with to one that is making day to day life extremely difficult.
I avoid doctors too but hopefully s/he could put your mind at rest. We know how long it takes to get anything set up so if you did want additional help a diagnosis may give your case extra weight.

There is nothing I can add to what has already been said except to agree that you should see the GP and that you need to keep well so you can care for your son.

Let us know how the appointment goes. Good luck and don't forget we are here to lean on when you need support. :smt056

alice, just wondered how you are feeling today.