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Chronic Back Pain for Years
6 back surgeries (extensive cervical and lumbar fusions) with neurological complications. Left with chronic pain. Accident happened in Nursing career 1992 and worked with first fusions until 1999 (failed fusions). At my age, and as a former nurse educator, I never wanted to had to rely on medication/s for the severe pain. Having thoroughly exhausted exploring sites using non-pharmaceutical methods, using psychological methods, biofeedback, trying to accept my limitations, i.e., I still believe somewhere...out there...is hope. The strong medicine has caused gastroparesis, further complicating my health problems. They are too numerous to write and I will not focus on them. I am looking for "help" and guidance. If I can be of assistance to anyone throughout their trials, (perhaps similar to some of what I have gone through), I will.
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Thank you, @hosta . I do pray for and rely upon God's wisdom. "If any one lacks wisdom, let him ask of God..." Bottom line, it's all in His hands.
Jim
@hosta I can sympathize with what you are going through, back problems are awful. I too had kyphoplasty for a broken vertebra. It did help, thankfully. I am a huge advocate of water excercise. It’s so good for you and without much impact. I think it has really helped my back (and knees) because I sort of march up and down the pool and doing that causes me to keep my back straight. I do that on my own and also water aerobic classes with a great group of mostly women, ranging in age from their 40’s to their 80’s! Give it a try.
JK
Thank your for you feed back. Yes I am in a water exercise class. My problem is that it is so hard to get there. I live about 15 mi;es from where the class is held. With so many different doctor appointments etc: I haven't been able to get there on a regular basis. All the specialist that I see, say that all my problems come from the back. The first kyphoplasty did work (done next day) this time it was 6
months after I fell that the told me. So I went to the same doctor that did the first one. He said it was to late to do it. He showed me how much damage I had in the spine. Yesterday the neurologist said I had nerve damage which causes the pain in my legs and feet and shoulders. The pain management doctor might do the burning of the nerves (I don't know the right term) I must get back to the water exercise class. I am 81 years old, but there is so much that I want to do. My faith in God will help me do it. I have good support from my family and my church family.
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1 ReactionHello, New here. After reading every one of your stories I don't feel so alone. I also realize many people seem far worse off than myself. I too have been worried about all the new regulations on pain medicine. It makes zero sense to take away drugs that often can and do change people lives for the better. I would not be able to get out of bed let alone keep working 50 hours a week without help. It drives me crazy that a few bad eggs ruin it for all of those who need them. I have a failed fusion currently. Found out about 18 months ago. My rods fractured in 3 places and a few screws have also detached. The pain I have been experiencing is excruciating and some days seems unbearable no matter the amount of pills I take. My next step is acquiring insurance and finding a neurosurgeon that isn't affraid of touching me. Dealing with the stress and anxiety daily is also very difficult. I constantly worry that even if I Can find a Dr willing to help that I won't be able to support my family while I recover. Life is so hard sometimes. I have incredible pain tolerance but I'm really getting tired of dealing with this every day of my life.
@frankjr - I have 5 siblings, and somehow I'm the only one who hasn't had back problems and surgeries, though I went down 12' from a ladder, landing in a seated position, and ouch, a few years ago. I'm sorry that you're enduring such pain, and I hope you're able to get the help you need. I concur on the subject of pain meds. A lot of need and so much abuse. Where will it lead us?
Jim
@jlfisher56 I'm so sorry you have suffered for so long. Pain is not fun as we here all know it. Except for offering this advise about how I manage my own pain associated with hip arthritis I am not able to offer more. I do exercise, not overly so, as my arthritis can only withstand a certain amount. The exercises are gentle range of motion prior to bedtime and I make sure to keep hydrated as that helps carry off inflammation. I found that for my arthritis I needed to do side lunges and swinging my legs outward to strengthen the glut muscles and I sure suffered for the next few days. I think there may be some type of slow moving exercise for you....maybe Tai Chi as it is very slow and gentle movements. Though I still do need to take perkoset type meds some evenings if I do those few exercises it is very helpful. Please do try some gentle exercises and don't overdo it. Then get back to us to let us know how you feel.
Well, I certainly can relate. I had the Nevro HF-10 neneurostimulator trial a few weeks back. It was wonderful for releiffor L1 through L5 back down my legs and into my feet. This, by the way, also can reduce greatly or nearly totally, the upper back, neck and into the shoulders sepending on placement of your leads. I have severe sciatica problems along with the low back. I am having it permanently implanted November 27th. it's an excellent option as I do not want to be on these pain medications any longer.There's just no life in those. I highly recommend that you go see your pain management doctor and look into having the trial done for yourselves.
Randall
Joan, I read your letter and learned so much. I have had problems for years with my c1-3 disks in the neck, caused by arthritis build up material and a car accident.
What was so interesting for me was the facts about the stomach and colon muscles. I have so much pain there, that I went to the ER, but they said, it is caused by the pain meds, also the terrible headaches. So I am trying to wean off the opoiods slowly.
But it so terrible to incur that pain, and I hope, they are right about it, caused by the meds.
I also had an open brain surgery three years ago, after I complained about headaches. It was serious and I was lucky.
Nobody, but my sweet husband understands, what is going on with me.
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3 Reactions@rw5473 - I had a spinal cord stimulator implant in June, for the peripheral neuropathy pain in my feet, and I've had around 80% or more pain relief. What a huge blessing! I still take 15mg of morphine sulfate twice a day to help with the residual pain. My feet hurt when I walk or stand on hard surfaces for very long, but rest relieves that burning pain.
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1 ReactionSorry I haven't written in solong. Much has been going on. I found a wonderful chiropractor associated with a local fitness club. He has really helped my spasms with his treatment modalities that include Russian stimulation (better than regular TENS), heat, exercises, Massage, manipulation, a "device" like an injector but doesn't penetrate the skin...separates muscles in spasm so that growth factor can occur, allowing muscle regrowth and healing. He trained on soldiers going to Iraq and Afghan.,trying hard to prevent them from surgeries. My neck spasms and burning significantly decreased and my left turning ability greatly increased. The cervical fusions severely limited me causing dystonia. The spasms, burning, limited neck mobility just got worse and no exercise or medicine helped. Even the botox wasn't helping. The muscles needed to be strengthened.I was going weekly and now every 2 weeks. I have a few different home exercises and so far what he does helps. Other patients gave positive feedback before I saw him and I have to say the same. All I ever had was the same thing over and over that did not work and my spasms just were worse. When my doctor stated after my botox in July, Joan out of all my botox patients, your spasms are the worst and don't get better. THIS after seeing him 5 years. Just send me out the door with pills after botox! WHY don't the spasms get better was my question? Thank GOD this man came into my life. Just hope the treatment will last. The spapsms started in 2004 and have been many years so this REALLY has been a blessing!