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Take care ~~ God Bless ~~
~~ Joy ~~
A few years ago, one of our most avid members had posted this. I kinda referred to it as the "BIBLE" of Chronic Pains. I have printed this and taped it to my Frig and put on everyone's nightstand in our house. From then on I was looked at differently and even those that came to the house saw it and knew what I was going thru.
Hope this helps everyone~~
http://www.howtocopewithpain.org/blog/47/are-you-pain-free-10-things-those-of-us-in-pain-would-like-you-to-know/View Thread
Take care ~~ God Bless ~~
~~ Joy ~~
I'm also curious as to how common it is to, for lack of a better word, 'burn out your 'ouch''. I was in severe pain (my body felt like a sack of shattered glass) over an extended period of time. The pain is still there, but I have to think about it to feel it. Mostly, now, I know when the pain is worse because it drains my energy and sucks the life out of me and messes with my mental clarity, but the 'ouch' is something I have to pay attention to to know it's there.
Thirdly, the pain was less severe in Ohio than in the Rocky Mountains.View Thread
I'm looking everywhere for info, studies, etc., (and have found a lot/many) re: Charite ADR. I had a Charite disc inserted at the L5/S1 in Dec 2005. I was fine for about 2 years, but have been having increasing pain issues and peripheral failure (a blown L4 and a bulging L3 (and convinced that both are a result of compaction issues)), so I'm hoping to start a discussion here with others who are in this same boat. I'm maxed out on the Happy Pill chart and injections/blocks don't work. I'm considering neurostimulation, but I see that as a stop-gap measure to the inevitable failure of the artificial disk, i.e. it won't help my declining situation, but it'll help with the pain (I hope). Any thoughts or feedback will be appreciated.View Thread
I find this so very frustrating. In 2011 I had "minimally invasive surgery", two laminectomies at L4-L5 and L5-S1. I was practically bed ridden for 7 months afterward. I've been in chronic pain ever since. I tried to return to work in November 2011 after I was told that if I didn't I'd lose my job. I made a real effort. I found a physical trainer who designed an exercise program for me (she was kind enough to tie my shoes - which I couldn't do - after the workout and we spent the first four months doing pool exercises eventually progressing to land exercises), I lost weight, went off wheat, etc., but the pain never went away. I've stayed on Nucynta ER, Neurontin, and Zanaflex ever since. Eventually, I was let go from work due to the pain (and depression), so I'm unemployed now and pursuing disability. I used to make a six figure salary, now I can't do anything. I've had to move in with my mom. I can no longer afford the Nucynta. So, I spend my days mostly prone, unable to even enjoy a trip to the restaurant. My doctor wants me to see a psychologist, but the thought of making that trip, waiting in the waiting room, and seeing the counselor is something I'm dreading. i think my mom is starting to think I'm malingering and I know I'm a burden on her. I just want to know, am I alone? Is there anyone else going through what I'm going through?View Thread
In fact I have more symptoms that I may get into later but I was wondering about this latest idea, I will do anything.
Anyone tried prolotherapy and if so how did it work? It will be done in my lower back as the vertebrae are very loose apparently!
Let me know, I would sure appreciated it.View Thread
I am new to this community. While I have had lower back pain and sciatica for a long time, I have been dealing with this most recent episode for 3 months now, after I "overdid" it with a home improvement project. It took over a month to finally get a doctor to order an MRI. Results showed L4-L5 buldge, L5-S1 herniation with annular tear and spinal stenosis. Additionally, there was facet deterioration and scoliosis. Pain was lower back, buttocks, and radiating leg pain. Initially, right side was worse than the left, but left quickly caught up. First ESI was done about 1 month ago and directed toward the right due to pain. I was immediately started on chiropractic care (motorized lumbar traction, electrical stim with heat or ice, and ultrasound). I am prescribed Vicodin 7.5 and Flexeril. Had some relief following first ESI (although first couple of days after there was increased pain). A couple of weeks after pain increased again, so a second ESI was done about 1.5 weeks ago (this time directed to the left, as left side pain had become predominant). I was feeling some improvement until chiropractic appointment yesterday. Before appointment, right side pain was barely there. Left side hurt, but was manageable. When traction started, I was in immediate severe pain all across lower back and down both legs (front and back). I let chiropractor know about the pain. He suggested that we change to manual traction next time. Last night I was in so much pain that even max dosage of Vicodin (1.5 pills) instructed by treating MD didn't help in the slightest. Today I have again had significant pain in lower back, buttocks, both legs down into knees and calf (on one side). At times, the slightest movement or no movement at all sends a jolt of pain that nearly brings tears to my eyes. At this point, I am hesistant to even allow manual traction, as I am afraid that something happened on that machine yesterday (i.e. buldging disc herniated or herniated disc got worse???). Has anyone else expericenced this kind of severe pain during and after motorized traction? Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. I am 42 years old and in fairly good physical shape.View Thread
So far, all I have read are horror stories. Can someone post anything positive? Looking for honest stories.
Up to date I have tried everything go get my life "back to normal", before my injury. Have tried accupuncture, physical therapy, water therapy and have had little to no relief from that.View Thread
How did the insurance companies ever become so almighty in this country and why did the citizens allow it to happen to us.
Last week, one of my medications was changed at the PM clinic. I am on a few medications and the one discontinued med is a high enough dose to cause serious withdrawl symptoms. I have gone through this at a lower dose, complete with the N/V and the lovely feeling of "worms crawling" under my skin.
So, they deny and close up shop for the weekend. I get on the phone first thing Monday and make all the calls. Physician, pharmacy and attorney--so tired of this game after 25 years.
Insurance company requests and receives the documentation they have requested and tell me to wait for 48 hours. I call this a.m. to the same three rounds of calls, only to find out, the insurance company wants a "form" filled out. Of course, this "FORM" was never mentioned on Monday morning. Now, they say it is customary for them to take 24-48 hours to "review" and make a decision.
Why is it, if I am switched to a cheaper medication, none of this takes place due to a switch in meds? Last time the med change was never approved and I had to drive to the other side of the next town, when I felt horrible and get a cheaper script.
This is all (you know what). I hate to sound ugly, but on days like this, I do not feel very charitable concerning this type of policy/behavior. Those of us are going through this now, but in the future, these insurance employees will age, get sick, become injured and vulnerable in a system where they once participated each day.
Here is to hoping, in the future, they all have surgery or get sick on July 1st.
No hate mail please.View Thread
My father has cancer as well as osteoporosis.
It was suggested that he get verterbroplasty (I think in the lumbar spine).
Any personal experiences and reviews would be greatly appreciated.View Thread
My father has cancer as well as osteoporosis.
It was suggested that he get verterbroplasty (I think in the lumbar spine).
Any personal experiences and reviews would be greatly appreciated.View Thread
I paid less than $6 for as close to a dream as I could find. I often wanted to correspond with doctor Wall, however he passed in 2001. Seven months after I was injured. Dr. Wall was considered the leading expert on pain. He pioneered the gate control theory and with Ronald Malzack MD invented the TENS unit.
My pain doctor said it is the best book a patient has ever brought him and "it should be required reading."
TView Thread
I am a first time poster. I had my first spinal fusion surgery in 2004 - T2-L3, steel rods and screws. After years of pain, I found out that three of the bone fusions did not take and as a result of the motion, one of my steel rods snapped in half. The other was bent and about to break. I had my second surgery this past August. They removed all old hardware, repaired the failed fusions, and installed new hardware from T5-T-11. I just went in for a follow up. I have been in excruciating pain since the surgery (I thought it was par for the course), have had full back spasming (sp?) without relief (yes, I take muscle relaxers), and have been experiencing low back pain like never before. I just found out that the lumbar below the fusion is deteriorating quickly. I have an MRI and more x-rays coming up (not only am I bionic, I am sure I must glow in the dark from all of the radiation by now - keep waiting for my super powers to kick in to make all of this worth it) and according to my surgeon, a lumbar fusion is inevitable. I am 37 years old. If what he is saying is accurate, and he is an absolutely amazing surgeon (he only did the second surgery), I may end up being fused from T2-S1. I can't even imagine this. Has anyone had a fusion of that size? For those with lumbar fusions, what is your range of motion like? Does anyone have any advice? I am admittedly freaking out and just heartbroken. I am so tired of the pain, so tired of going to the doctor, just tired of it all. I know many of you can relate, which is why I am turning to fellow fusies (yes, I just made that word up!), because others just can't understand (and I thank God that they can't!). Anything you can tell me will be appreciated. Much peace and love to all!View Thread
Over the weekend I had new MRIs done. The results of the Thoracic are below - I'm a bit confused by the language they used on the report vs what has been reported before by the same facility at that.
Fortunately the lumbar MRI was pretty much the same as last year. There still is a very, very small amount of fluid collection at operative site - I have no idea how it can be there almost 2 years after the L4 L5 surgery. Otherwise, both L4-l5 and L5-S1 are still herniationed and mild stenosis.
I've had no improvement in symptoms. In addition to the 8 injections last summer (thankful none were tainted), I had 1 in November and recently had a lumbar medial nerve block with minimal changes. I've been on nerve meds and lots of anti-inflammatories.
It's itchy, very tender to touch, still having the lying down iliac crest pain, pain and weakness in leg (falling, tripping, etc.) and still no consistent directions from doctors. Doctors include neurosurg, neuro, physiatrist, and pain & rehab doc - at least 2 of each since last Spring. Late last Fall the only neurosurg that researches and has significant expertise in TSpine diseases, herniations and surgery had recommended a T3-T9 laminectomy and fusion.
Due to a "surprise" liver tumor, I ended up having that removed in December and the spine surgery was cancelled.
Although I've had imaging done at the same facility, the language used here is different...
In medical context does effacing mean pushing against?
Does ventral cord equal spinal cord?
From what I have read, the subarachnoid space is where the nerves are located. Is that correct
Thanks!
Findings:
There is normal alignment of the thoracic spine. Vertebral body heights and marrow signal are preserved. No abnormal cord signal is seen.
There is multilevel disc desiccation and loss of disc height from T4-5 through T8-9. No foraminal narrowing is noted at any level. Paraspinal soft tissues are unremarkable. No abnormal enhancement.
- - At Tl-T2, there is a small central disc protrusion, minimally effacing the ventral subarachnoid space.
- - At T2 T3, there is a small right paracentral disc protrusion partially effacing the ventral subarachnoid space.
- - At T3-T4, there is a left paracentral disc protrusion, partially effacing the ventral subarachnoid space and indenting the left ventral cord.
- - At T4-T5, there is a left paracentral disc retrusion partially effacing the ventral subarachnoid space.
- - At T5-T6, there is a left paracentral disc protrusion partially effacing the ventral subarachnoid space and indenting the left ventral cord.
- - At T6-T7, there is a large left paracentral disc extrusion, completely effacing the ventral subarachnoid space, and indenting the ventral cord.
- - At T7-TB, there is a left central disc protrusion, effacing the ventral subarachnoid space and indenting the left ventral cord.
- - At T8-T9, there is a disc protrusion completely effacing the ventral subarachnoid space and flattening the ventral cord.
- - At T9-T10, there is a small left paracentral disc protrusion partially effacing the ventral subarachnoid space.
- - At Tl0- 11, there is no significant disc bulge.
- - At T11-T12, there is no significant disc bulge.
Impression;
Multilevel degenerative disc herniations, with the largest extrusion at T6-7, effacing the ventral subarachnoid space and indenting the cord. No abnormal cord signal or foraminal narrowing at any level.View Thread
I'm new here but have been browsing the forums for a while. I've been suffering from lower back pain the last 8 months. The pain comes and goes about one week a month. I started noticing the pain after a long road trip that lasted a week and I did a lot of sitting. My current job has had me sitting the last few months for long periods of time too, along with sitting while driving daily and sitting while doing homework. This last week, it started hurting pretty bad again so I decided to get up and walk/stand as much as possible while at work. It seems to have helped because today I have minimal pain. I went into the doctor since I was getting tired of the pain that comes and goes and figured I would get it treated before it causes life long problems (I am only 21). The doctor seemed very concerned with my symptoms and took an Xray and wants me to go to a "physical medication doctor". He thinks I have a herniated disc.
Here is where I don't know if I feel that is correct and am looking for input. I have not had ANY trauma in the last year, I am only 21 so "wear and tear" shouldn't be a factor and I have a very clean medical record. I don't have any tingle or numbness. I haven't been able to do much exercising the last several months so my body has been pretty inactive. From all the reading I've done, it seems more like a muscle problem that can be treated by exercising and not staying stationary. I thought that was what my doctor was going to agree on too. But with the concern my doctor showed about a herniated disc, I am a little worried too. I have been working extremely hard to get a pilot slot in the Air Force the last several years and if I have a herniated disc, I will be disqualified from even joining any military branch.
So basically, I came here hoping I can get some insight on what others think it is from my symptoms.
Thanks!
KyleView Thread
Age: 64
Location: Garland, TX
Procedure Date: Mar 31, 2011
Type of Procedure: AccuraScope, DND
Diagnosis: Disc bulges L2-3,4-S1
Pre-Surgery Life Style/ Condition:
Sitting at a desk working at a computer — 5 days a week — walking every few hours. Constant pain in lower back. Even bought a new mattress and still no relief. Used a heating pad every night.
Post Surgery Outcome:
Immediate relief after my spinal surgery! Today is 5-5-11 and I've still not had one minute of pain! I feel amazing and can walk, exercise and drive like a normal person.I can't say enough about North American Spine and Dr. Will. His experience and his entire group are fantastic. Extremely professional and so caring. Every person involved in my spinal surgery came in prior to introduce themselves and tell me what their job was and where they would be in the operating room. They were all amazing! My deepest thanks to Dr. Kelly Will and his team for giving me back my life.
View Thread
Take Care, April-Rose9View Thread
JSelleckView Thread
Right side pain in kidney area, front and back right below the ribs. past 2 months getting worse over the past 2 weeks.
penis tip and urethra pain, 2 months off and on and getting worse over the past 2 weeks. also recently noticing aching in between anus and testicles, in the prostate area.
some bladder discomfort when bladder is full, urinating a little more then usual but i have been drinking a lot of fluids lately.
went to my PCP and urine tested positive for Protein and leukocytes, Tested negative for any STD's. Also got blood work done and apparently all my liver/kidney functions are normal.
High blood pressure, Headaches, and waves of slight vision change, seeing tiny black dots.
Waves of confusion and anxiety rising heartbeat, when this happens i get a racing feeling in my chest and slight chest pain. this happens once a day, over the past 3 days.
I am curious if i had a UTI but it spread to my kidneys or the possibility of kidney disease or Prostatitis
fatigue, been sleeping more than usual.
I was perscribed Bactrim and was diagnosed with a UTI by my PCP but i wanted to get another opinion. i have been taking it for 24 hours now with no change in symptoms. I am shedueled next week for an ultrasound on my abdomin, bladder pelvis etc... but am worried that i waited too long to get help and waiting longer might put myself at danger. i went to the ER last night and they told me to just keep taking my antibiotic and if symptoms get worse to call my PCP or come back in.View Thread
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