Hi Roch,
I'm sure the meds will work for you, just make sure you treat your water ret too! I have been on them since this happened 9 weeks ago, with a week off about week 5. I took the CD form to my Dr before I started and she said it was fine, she has known me a lot of years and knows if I had any concerning affects I would be sensible about it.
You MUSTN'T feel a fraud - you are obviously in a lot of pain, I really know.. but I also know what you mean, it just seems to go on and on, and you are probably like me and get fed up of moaning about it, and saying "OW!" when you move.. but I am lucky my family are sympathetic and your son sounds wonderful. The people who love us don't mind us moaning - we probably feel worse about it!
I think the frustration is hard, I hate not being able to clean the house as I should, or just jump in the car and go shopping or whatever.
I have tried slimming world twice this year, but I cheat too much! I save up my sins and have a blow out at the weekend!

CD is good for me because it takes that away, and I would find the shopping and cooking too hard at the moment. The only thing is I am losing so much more slowly than everyone else seems to be which makes it hard for me to stay motivated - but I was gaining weight fast been so inactive, so I just think of this as damage limitation and losing a bit too! Strangely enough, after losing my first stone I have lost 7 inches off my waist!
My OH is doing it with me and he drops 5, 6, and 7 pounds a week!
I know it's hard to stay positive believe me, and being in pain makes you (or me anyway) irritable and fed up, and I'm sure like me you have some days when you feel really positive and others when you just want to cry. Also, it's ok to have days like that, never feel guilty.
My sister had exactly the same as me years ago, she was in hospital for a few days (they did that then!) and she is fit and fine now and hardly ever has an attack, so there is hope for us! When she was able to she did physio and swimming to strengthen her back muscles and just wouldn't let it beat her. (No ay would I wear a cossie at the mo - even if I could get into the pool!

) I try to have her attitude but it's not always easy is it?
Do you get the cramp in the back of your calf - like your muscles are knotted? I find that heat (I have a wheat bag but a hot water bottle would be fine) really helps.
I will see if I can think of anything to cheer you up!
Carol xx