Connect
← Return to Scoliosis - Introduce yourself and meet others
Discussion
Scoliosis - Introduce yourself and meet others
Spine Health | Last Active: 21 hours ago | Replies (443)Comment receiving replies
Hi all! I am almost 53 years old. I am introduced myself to the group. I had a spinal fusion with a Harrington Rod in 1980 at 13 years old. I had back problems, anxiety, fibromyalgia through the years but managed to raise 4 children, work, get a BA in psychology and lead an active life. The past few years since menopause my symptoms got worse. The past 5 months I am in extreme pain and got diagnosed with sagittal plane imbalance with flatback, forminal stenosis, broadbase osteophyte complex, ddd, slipped disc, bulging disc etc... I work as a design consultant in a fast paced sales environment on concrete flooring. My knees, hips joints and of course my back gets worse by the day. My DRs say to suck it up but my performance is failing and I’m getting no sleep and am depressed. I can’t go broke but can’t continue this type of work. I used to sit and it was just as hard because I was stiff.
I don’t tolerate meds too well. GAbapentin makes my breathing weird and flexeril is iffy too. How does everyone handle life in pain? My only option is finding a specialist in revision surgery that’s super risky. Thank you for any information.
Replies to "Hi all! I am almost 53 years old. I am introduced myself to the group. I..."
Connect
Good afternoon and a huge welcome to you @nicoleo. I am so glad you found Connect. You have had some very rough times. I am amazed at how much you have accomplished.
You are the same age as my daughter. I had a similar back surgery when I was 25 or so. Like yours, that surgery led to others. I was in a carpool and when it was my turn to drive, I let someone else drive my car so I could lie down in the back seat. When the pain became very bad and I was in my office, usually in the afternoon, I would just lie on the floor during staff meetings and sessions in my office. How did you get through the day? So I handled pain at that time the same way that you have been handling pain.
After a while, you can no longer suck it up. You mentioned that your doctors told you that. Under what premise about your health conditions are they saying that? What do your doctors tell you about your future? You have a lot of life to live.
So I gave in and had revision surgery when I was 37. That one worked and is still working today. The key factors.....I became very active.....yoga, walking, hiking, rollerblading, sailing, biking, even golfing. And I went to a trainer to learn about back exercises which I practice daily. Although the surgeon said I might have to have another "revision" in ten years....I am now 77 and have avoided back pain and another surgery.
You have a very busy life. Do you have help? What ages are your children? Remember, Connect is a group of non-medical folks who have learned to live as well as possible and are willing to share their experiences with others. May you be safe and protected. Chris