thank you for your replies, the doctor is writing osteoarthritis of the neck, which is my biggest problem as it causes tremdous pain in my shoulder and arm, it was diagnosed by xray, its a very long standing problem, but has now got to the stage where when ever i use my arm i am in tremdous pain, with headaches etc. i also have it in my hips and poss knees, wrists etc. i know what u mean about the cold even a light summer breeze can wreck. i will follow eveyones advice as it is invaluable cheers