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Severe and Chronic Lumbar Pain
I have had low back issues for quite some time. This past Spring I fell down directly on asphalt and hit my right side very hard resulting in a large abdominal hematoma. I got up from the fall, never even went to the hospital, but since then the pain in my lower back radiating down through the right hip to the right knee is quite unbearable. Starts as soon as I get out of bed and doesn’t end till I fall asleep at night, and even that’s hard. I’m 79 going on 80, have a sharp mind but weak body. I can hardly stand for more that 5 minutes. And the pain frequently changes in nature. Sometimes I just pray to die. I love my life but cannot bear this excruciating pain. The doctors don’t usually like to perform surgery on people my age either. Too many risks. I’ve had every test that can be done. I’ve got osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, degenerative discs and stenosis, all between L1-S1. Taking opioids all day. Doesn’t do much. Anyone have any answers? Would be nice to have a better quality of life for sure.
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Trish, have you had a MRI after the fall this last Spring.
Since 2021 I have had 5 significant surgeries to correct issues with a morbid prostate enlargement, thyroid cancer and subsequent chemo, pain pump implant removal and severe lumbar stenosis and other spinal deterioration. This alone required two operations in the lumbar area since some conditions there had to be successfully addressed before other repairs could be attempted. I am now 6 months out from that last lumbar repair which historically requires a year for sufficient recovery. During all of this time I have suffered constant and at times unbearable pain and or discomfort, either from the unresolved problem or the healing from the correction. I am now a bit over 80 years old, having had the first procedure at 75. The reason for this short history is-if I had not been operated on my life would have been utterly intolerable or I would be dead (and that's not over dramatic it's the doctor's honest opinion) . I also am using prescribed narcotics because in my experience an elevated and chronic pain level definitely interferes with healing and the mental clarity needed for a proper out look. At times, I too did not want to live, not that I wanted to actually die but just desired the pain to STOP-totally understandable! I seem to have a good constitution and have recovered well from all the surgeries in spite of my advanced years. Hopefully that can be your case also. If you suffer conditions preventing or questioning surgery that is an entirely different conversation. BUT if the professionals you are dealing with refuse to offer you the needed modalities that have proven so helpful to others with similar conditions simply because of your age that is totally unacceptable! In my opinion they also commit a most serious moral sin, that of taking away someone's hope, which at times is all we have to keep pushing through! Perhaps my experience and conclusions might be helpful, but in any case I do wish you well.
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3 ReactionsIf you haven't had MRIs if the SI-Joint I would consider that. I limped around in PT for 6 weeks and the world renowned clinic assured me my back was the issue then told they couldn't do anything.. Went down the street to a different Ortho doctor and finally got diagnosed with Sacroiliitis of the Si Joint. I was on crutches a year before get the right doctor that did a number of nerve blocls. I'm still a dumpster fire of inflammatory diseases and can't take NSAIDS...
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1 Reaction@vfl1998 Did you ever get SI fusion?
@rockon79 I am sorry for your experience with pain. It can be so debilitating. Here is a website with some suggestions
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4290-low-back-pain-coping I also wonder if a red light mat may help you. Wishing you pain relief and better days.
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1 ReactionFusion surgery is now know to cause ASD (Adjacent Segment Disease) otherwise I would weld up my entire spine.
My father had Fusion surgery years ago and he's had some serious issues and eventually had a double hip replacement and laminectomy.
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1 ReactionAs mentioned above. No affiliation with this or any other company. I use their oral pro for gum health.
https://us.wellnesspulse.com/lp/best-red-light-therapy-mats/
@vfl1998 SI joint fusion is way less serious compared to spinal fusion. I agree that I would absolutely do everything in my power to avoid spinal fusion, but the SI joint only moves about 2-4 mm. The SI joint is part of the pelvis not the spine. However, it can cause unbearable pain if it becomes hypermobile or dysfunctional in general.
Hi I am jerry......I am 78....had hip replacment. Finished surgery with a torn hip flexor and nerve damage. It took 9 months for my Dr. to diagnose it. I had been on 3200mgof OTC meds for 4 months and decided to start pulling back. I found out about Hemp infused Gummies.....legal at all SMOKE shops in Fl. They guided me on strength equal to my pain. I have been on the for a year and they work usually very good. Blood work still looks good.
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1 ReactionFrom your post I presume you’ve never been seen by a healthcare professional for the fall? That should be your first order of business. There are too many delicate things inside our bodies that can injure and need to be taken care of. Unless on the other hand you’ve given up on seeing anyone due to the ailments you mentioned? You only have one body to take care of and if you do nothing to help it the blame falls squarely on you.