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Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself
Chronic Pain | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (7613)Comment receiving replies
Hi! My name is Steve. I am an Army veteran (West Point Class of '82). Powerlifter for 25 years. As of 8/25/25, I've had twelve spinal surgeries, including L3-S1 fusion, C4-T1 fusion, and NEVRO spinal cord stimulator (now removed). I am now 65 years old. My first surgery was after a deadlifting incident in 2011, at which time I found out that I have severe degenerative disc disease and arthritis. Suffering from severe chronic pain in my neck, low back, buttocks, sides of legs, and both feet (progressively worsening neuropathy in both). Riding a stationary bike temporarily helps the low back pain, but walking increases the pain. Taking 3 each 7.5mg Percocet, along with 3600mg Gabapentin, a day, which temporarily reduce pain from a 9/10 to a 7/10. Pain in excruciating most of the time, but it is worse when I wake up in the morning (probably a 10/10, but I hate to even suggest that!), even with a new, top-of-the-line Tempur-Pedic mattress. Not sure what else to do, but I will never give up on trying to get better! Even my Orthopedic surgeon is scratching his head at this point! I am not a crier, but even this pain has me in tears almost every morning! Any suggestions? I'll try anything at this point.
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Replies to "Hi! My name is Steve. I am an Army veteran (West Point Class of '82). Powerlifter..."
@scampano3 I am so glad to hear your positive spirit of not giving up. I am sort of in the same boat, but I am quite a bit older at 78(how did that sneak up on me?). I was in excellent health right up to my most recent lapse in 2021. I have tried just about everything, too. Sounds like the spinal cord stimulator did not work out. Mine worked quite well for about two and a half years, then it suddenly just stopped working. I had a pain pump implanted in 2023. The trial dropped my pain from about an 8 down to a 2. The permanent implant has not given me any relief yet, except for one day. I am in the process of having the output increased until I reach a therapeutic level(I hope). This may be an option for you. I have read that it has a 94% success rate. Keep on keeping on.
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@scampano3 …I am sorry for you and your pain. I do not have an answer but just questions as you must! Why oh why must we suffer? How wretched a dr who now does not respond! Please know I care. Do not be alone. U r NOT. Can you contact previous dr/s fir help and their medical care or reference to another? And you are a veteran and is there no contact from your past. Please search and dont give up! A close friend or a contact to talk to! Do you have any distractions? You are not alone as we sufferers care about you!