@sisterpatriot. Hi Sandy, Jesus brought you to this Mayo group and that is a blessing in itself. Jesus brought me here, too. I've found so many wonderful people here who have helped me. I have spinal problems from 10 years ago that were brought on by treatment for cancer. Before I found this group, I could barely walk through stores without getting horrible cramping in my hips and feet. I actually felt like my hip joints were locking up on me. I've been taking 600mg of R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (stabilized) for 28 days and I walk so much better. I also apply a 5% Lidocaine transdermal patch on my spine (where I hurt the most). Sometimes I place a patch on my right foot, knee, and calf. My right side harbors the most pain. These two products help me live more comfortably. Plus I go to PT every week, sometimes twice a week. I'm not completely out of the woods with mobility issues. Some days are better than others. But my ultimate goal is to walk 1-mile without stopping. I hope you find some relief for your pain soon. The best to you. Hugs, CB

From my own pain journey I can tell you to keep on searching. As long as you can keep searching there is always hope that an answer may be on the horizon. Eight years ago I had a bad ski fall on lower back and buttocks. After shots, nerve ablations, MRIs, I had many experts tell me that there was nothing to be done. Everything that could be done had been done. At some point I said "NO". I decided to become my own, best advocate. Eventually I found ansers and was in good pain mitigation for several years. Now, I am back in severe pain ( probably worse than I was originally). I had a pain pump implanted a year ago. It has done nothing for my pain. The "pain management" doc who tends to the pump has been of no help in regard to helping with my pain, even though I have done everything short of getting down on my knees and begging him to search other avenues and/or reach out to colleagues for answers. Not gonna happen...wouldn't be prudent. So, I have taken things back into my own hands (along with Jesus, of course). Got an MRI scheduled, appointment with neurolgist set to get checked out. Appoint with different pain management doc set.
Hopefully, something will be revealed. It's all in His hands now. Wish you all the best.