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Managing Spine & multiple other Conditions
Hi guys,
I am in the process of finding out why my cortisol levels are so low. My pain doctor found this out when he was not understanding why my pain levels were not coming down with my meds as they should. Procedures do not work. I have Disc protrusions at T8-T9 and T9-T10 cause mild to moderate spinal canal stenosis, syrinx on the other side of those levels on the inside pushing out, pain is daily and its blanket nerve pain, Multilevel intervertebral disc desiccation in my thoracic. In my lumbar I had spondolythesis and more of the same above corrected via a fusion that they somehow missed I had SB Occulta and they ruptured my dura and I ended up with a chronic pain situation there OR DID I? I have been recently been found to have very low cortisol levels and I have a cortisol stimulation test on Wednesday to find out the cause. It worries me if its Addisons or anything that can cause tingling and pain in the lumbar cause how am I supposed to monitor my cortisol levels when I have so much going on? I am really at the end of my tether with all this and dont understand why I have SO MANY unrelated conditions? I also have a multinodular goiter with calcification levels of 4 on one side and 5 on the other but its still functioning 'normal' - for real? Skin Issues, Narrowing of the esophagus, herniation of my stomach into the esophagus and a polyp growing in the middle. I have asthma, I just got diagnosed with a high pressure on my eyes, the eye doctor has to measure it every 6 months for the rest of my life? I work 12-14 hr days, pushing myself to the limit to prove I can do it but fatigue is so bad and insomnia worse. NO ONE is taking ALL these issues and wondering why I have so many independent issues? If this test comes back positive, and I get yet again ANOTHER condition, I am going to be devastated!!!! WHY???? Does anyone else have multiple issues on top of the spine issues, are you finding it hard to manage the spine conditions? Have any of yo managed to tie in the other conditions to be secondary to your spine and that being the cause or visa versa? I am just dreading getting another 'condition' I am sick and tired of doctors taking their piece of me!
TIA, Bless you all and many painless days to you all, Dee.
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Hello Dee
I too have multiple issues including major damage in my neck and spine. So I feel ya! It’s very hard to focus on one thing at a time when your mind is reeling and your body keeps screaming PAIN! I have dizziness and fainting and a multitude of doctors have been unable to figure out why. It’s really messing up my life. But I do have a wonderful Psychiatrist who knows everything about me and looks at every single test I get and I think it’s imperative to have one medical professional who knows everything. I’m not sure if that’s possible for you but a good psychiatrist can be that person.
Please know that I am thinking of you and sending as many healing vibes your way as I can!
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2 ReactionsHow old are you ? Have you seen a rheumatologist and been evaluated for autoimmune disorders?
I'm there with you. I'm trying to manage severe stenosis/spondylosis in my C-spine while I also have prostate issues that keep me from the better pain meds. I just spent two weeks with a catheter because Tramadol caused my prostate to swell. All this while being the full-time caregiver for my wife. Multiple issues are very hard to deal with. I try to keep positive with meditation and focusing on spiritual things.
You're not alone.
My husband and I both have multiple medical issues(in late 60’s). Some of his are a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI) which resulted in chronic combined systolic and diastolic HF, NYHA class3 and chronic kidney disease stage IV, afib and af, tongue cancer which stopped evaluation for heart/kidney transplant and his list goes on. Forgot lumbar disc herniating that have been ongoing and worsening over 40 years. He sees a pain management doctor for it who he sees monthly since he prescribes controlled medications. The extensive medical problems he has along with the many meds he’s prescribed make it very difficult to know what symptoms are from what! So we feel ya!
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1 ReactionI totally understand how all of you feel. I have spine issues starting with DISH. I also have stenosis and bulging disc toward the spine. The DISH is also throughout my body. My AC joints are close to failing according to ortho. He said I will use them and eventually they will fuse. He said he could go in and remove spurs. I do have spurs throughout my body. On top of everything, I have decided to go through menopause in my late 50s. I have had multiple surgeries throughout my life, including open heart two weeks after I turned 50. It was Result of something that I was born with, and had to have aortic valve replaced, and also ascending aorta had to be grafted. So what I am saying is that I totally understand people who have multiple issues going on. It is overwhelming at times and I’m trying to balance that with working full-time still and taking care of home and visiting my mom in nursing home.
I do try to find time to hang out with friends once in a while to have a little time not thinking about everything else that’s going on with me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!🙏 Stay strong!💪
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2 ReactionsI want to thank all of you who send hugs and likes. I’m glad that others get something out of what I say. It makes me feel like I have a connection with others and that maybe they have one with me. Sometimes we are all going through something a little different but at the same time struggling.🙏
Unfortunately the medical community has turned into a money making business and neglecting patient care.
I too have numerous spinal issues starting with cervical and lumbar stenosis. Just had yearly MRI that now shows I have multiple hemangioma's throughout my spine.
Long Haul Covid, B12 & B3 (niacin) deficiency despite doing daily injections, along with pancreatic insufficiency, achalasia (esophageal disorder from swallowing to emptying into stomach.
Went to Mayo in Minnesota for 2 weeks of testing only to be told everything was inconclusive 🤷♀️.
We want help, we want to feel better but no one wants to oversee ALL the symptoms and find a solution.
It's frustrating, depressing, and disappointing.
So sorry that you can’t get answers. I feel that way too. I am now dealing w/probable Psoriatic arthritis which involves the trial/error approach. I had a lumbar fusion surgery going on 2 yrs ago. No improvement to my gait problem. Good luck and empathy for healing.