Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

@ichbindck so why haven’t you tried any opiates for pain? I’m 72 and was on Tylenol w/Codine #3 & #4 for many years. In 2005 switched to morphine time release caps and now using buprenorphine patch for pain. It works the best of all my prior meds and provides 24/7 pain relief.

I am new, my name is Tom Rice from Uniontown, Ohio. I have chronic pain since February, 2023. On September 10, I will have a Nerve Ablation procedure done by a Pain Management doctor. This will be at sensory nerves on both sides of Lumbar at L3-L5. The low back pain radiates down both legs and feet. I can't have surgeries because my scoliosis rotates the spine in a S curve to the right like a snake which blocks my my vertebrates where they need to operate. This procedure is my last resort I would have prefer to have this procedure done at three months. The surgeons had me go through extra pain, then this procedure. Pain Management should be over the spine surgeons. I think the hospitals and surgeons want to make more money with expensive surgeries. Delays, delays and more delays to see at least 20 surgeons for different specialties. This could be done by one review. During this time I could not walk at all and went to Emergency 5 times at 4 different hospitals. I also went to rehab at 3 different skilled nursing fascitlities. This was just under 100 days, which is Medicare limit. Good thing I have supplemental insurance. According to
Spine Surgery books this is classified as a emergency. I think all management should have Chronic Pain certiification This is a mental issue too,which could lead to suicide and depression.

I meant to say, I stopped walking and getting up 5 different times. after Rehab for a week I learn how to walk and gain my strength, but I had little help in chronic pain. All the time waiting for answers. I went to the main campus at Cleveland Clinic, where the top surgeon said. "Cleveland Clinic does not have the equipment nor the sills to operate. That I will eventually be bed ridden and to get used to it. Not to use the internet, you tube and medical spine books."
Then I went back to my Pain Management doctor where I passed the trials for Nerve Ablation. I was originally scheduled to have it done on August 19. Now Medicare denied me 4 days before procedure.
This caused me more pain, became more depressed, and felt like committing suicide or would kill someone if pushed without intentions to do so. I went to Emergency, where I got a morphine shot. This helped my pain and depression for a few days.
I was very afraid that I would start to not walk again, but did not happen this time. Then this Friday,
I got a call from Pain Management that Medicare approved procedure on September 10. My doctor was able to expedite appeal, because of Medicare incompetence. I ask for your prayers and it will reduce most of my pain so I can have a life.

Thank you for listening and hope everyone can get better.

Hi All, Bob from Colorado, I had a 3X bypass May 5th 2024, surgery went well and heart is perfect. But, I still have inflammation in my chest, ribs which can be very uncomfortable and sharp pains, kinda scary at times, Diagnosed as Costochronditis, I am doing rehab, PT, tried steriod blast which failed, anti inflammation over the counter pills, some mild oxy products but nothing works so far.
Trying to be careful as possible with upper body, no weight lifting and not lifting over 10 lbs. Walking 1.5 miles 3-4 times a week, no big issues but walking can aggravate the issue. But I am told we have to keep moving and sitting around will freeze up the muscles, that would be bad.
Looking at steriod shot in a few weeks but hard to isolate the pain area since there are 3. I know this should pass, but the cardiologist says it can last 6-12 months.
Thanks for listening, and good health.

I have had chronic pain in my spine and lower legs and feet for years. I have had 2 failed back surgeries and now have a pain stimulator with not much success. I have peripheral neuropathy and small fiber neuropathy thanks to my failed surgeries. I also have high inflammation markers and can't take anti-inflammatories due to kidney issues. I take 2 Tylenol arthritis twice daily with little relief. I suffer every day.

You are fortunate to have a pain doc who was willing to advocate for you. Many are not willing to take the time to do it. I am sure many will join in praying for this procedure to gice you significant pain relief. Lord, in your mercies, please hear our prayers.

Delay, delays, dealys! I'm sure that many of us have experienced that at some time. I went to a new pain doc here in Delaware in June who recommended a trial of a new SCS since my old one had given me decent pain relif until it died. Then the delays started...
July followup: more talking about SCS trial. request for trial sent in to insurance company.
August 23: Insurance approval for trial.
September 18: pain doc's office called to inform me that the doc had reshuffled his scheduled, and I could not have the trial until after the new year. Aargh! You have to be kidding me!
The office gal said that she had another pain doc in the practice who could meet with me next week and schedule my trial. Thank you, Andrea!
I agree that all the stress caused by all these delays can lead to all kinds of mental problems.

We are beginning to feel the result of diminishing medical professionals. Some of this situation is due to the burdensome government meddling and reams of paperwork, insurance companies reducing expenses, and corporate hospitals pushing doctors with independent practices to the sidelines in order to get them to join the hospital staff. Wonder what the wait times and disruption in medical care will be when the taxpayer foots the medical bills for all under the misnomer of free medical care?

There are times when I long for the days of the private practice general practitioner who had the time to take your information, talk to you, empathize, and commit to finding the answers to your pain.
Empathy seems to be missing in today’s medical field. Doctors rarely know your name even after many visits. The staff often seem more caring than many of the doctors. It’s discouraging to see my pain doc come in and have to review his notes to see who I am and what’s ailing me.
I have sadly agree with your assessment. “Free Medicare for all” is destined to be disaster.

I am new to this group, but have been in other groups and shared. My name is Kat and I am working on my 2nd morphine pump. As many others I have tried many things since 2001. I have 7 joints replaced, so the pain I feel now is much less. I like to listen to contributions from other members.