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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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I'm having pain in my neck, radiating down my left arm. I did not connect it with neuropathy until I just read your post. I think I should see an orthopedist. Or talk to my neurologist. I'll do both. I'm tired of not-feeling-well. I'm not eager to see any more doctors or do any more tests or take any more medicines, (I would prefer physical therapy) but I accept that I might have to. It's time to do something. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Peggy
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1 Reactionpfbacon,
I noticed you had written you wanted to see an orthopedist. I actually see an Osteopath as my current PCP and she knows both the neurological signs as well as the bones and joints. She was the one who actually sent me to the PT after she examined me with moving my arm around and I guess I winced at all the right places. They also are trained in the medical physician role and I can go to her with medical problems as well. I switched to her after I was 65 as many of my joints have arthritis in them and felt she would have more knowledge about caring for my aches and pains and does so.
I used to have that problem. Pain down my neck and arm. I had three vertebrae fused in my neck which took care of it. It was the most successful surgery that I've ever had.
You might also want to ask the PT about cranial facial release. If you can find someone who really knows what they're doing it can be a very successful process.
The medical persons who practice cranial sacral release are trained osteopaths. I've encountered one once in my entire life.
Cranial sacral release. Thank you. Any trained person can do it. It is taught at an institute run by the guy that developed it. It might be the Levington Institute. I can check the name with my PT. He decided it was so important that he didn't patent it but rather choose to make his money teaching it. I just called her and got the answering machine so I'll post the name when I get it.
Did you have it done and if so, what did you think?
Have you looked into having a implanted pain pump installed? If you expect to be in pain for the rest of your life it is the ultimate solution.
@wsh66. hi Stephen! Been thinking of you and wondering how you are! My cellulitis and lymphedema were seen by a nurse, 2 phys therapists. Those plus a social worker and OT all agreed I should be in hospital, I went and the wound had progressed to such a point that when the wound care specialist tried to change it, I hit him with a menu! Never experienced such pain in my life! I’m better now but still in the hospital.
I hope you are doing well!
I'm doing well and I'm very glad to hear that you're having your lymphedema taken care of. I was afraid that what happened would happen. I'm glad to know you're getting the care that someone in your position needs. Love and blessings.