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Spondylolisthesis and DDD

Posted by red3 @red3, Nov 5, 2019

I am a 52 year old female with no prior surgeries. I have suffered lumbar pack pain for 30 years. It started out hurting from time to time. Now I have constant pain and have trouble getting out of bed in the morning and can barely get the dog walked. Doctors have told me I need spinal fusion of L5-S1 and possible L4. Also, disc replacement of L5. I have seen an Orthopedic surgeon and a Neurosurgeon for opinions. The neurosurgeon wants to do the surgery. The orthopedic surgeon said his goal is to keep me off the operating table because I am opening myself up to a whole host of problems if I have the surgery. I decided to see another spine doctor. They currently have me on Gabapentin, 2 capsules a night which has made zero difference in my pain. They want me to work up to 3 capsules a night but I'm not happy about taking it. It makes me dizzy and has other negative side effects. My question is: Should I have the surgery? Or do I need to accept my condition and learn to live with a decreased quality of life?

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spondi65 | @spondi64 | Jan 8, 2020
In reply to @veteranspouseinpain "Also try pure peppermint oil on your back. It&apos;s better than biofreeze it gets deep into..." + (show)
@veteranspouseinpain

Also try pure peppermint oil on your back. It&apos;s better than biofreeze it gets deep into the bone and muscle especially if you have heating pads out of all over your house like we do.

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I just got some good quality organic peppermint oil. I'll give it a try!

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spondi65 | @spondi64 | Jan 8, 2020
In reply to @veteranspouseinpain "Did you have an injury? Or just all of a sudden started" + (show)
@veteranspouseinpain

Did you have an injury? Or just all of a sudden started

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I've had Spondylolisthesis for quite a few years and my back would bother me once in awhile. But this past March I slipped in my kitchen and woke up the next morning in excruciating pain.

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spondi65 | @spondi64 | Jan 8, 2020
In reply to @veteranspouseinpain "What area do you live in or what state or city" + (show)
@veteranspouseinpain

What area do you live in or what state or city

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I live in a very small town in northwestern Iowa.

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Jan 17, 2020
In reply to @spondi64 "@babette Hi, I didn't see this, the reason I didn't reply. I'm having trouble finding my..." + (show)
@spondi64

@babette Hi, I didn't see this, the reason I didn't reply. I'm having trouble finding my way around here.
After the ordeal with the horrible pain from the Gabapentin my husband called my Dr's office and explained the situation. When I got a call back from a nurse she told me I was to continue taking it anyway. I felt talked down to like I was just an annoyance to their day. I was so stunned that I didn't stick up for myself and tell her no way, especially after reading about that med.
Unfortunately I live in a very small town in northwest Iowa and have no idea where to begin to find specialized help. I haven't been seen by a pain Dr. Just my Dr, who has sent me for three epidurals, then when the pain returned, prescribed 12 Tramadol. Otherwise I'm on my own with only Ibuprofen. My story is so long.
All I really want is a referral to a pain Dr. No more meds that I can't tolerate, no more epidurals etc. I just want to start over from today to try and find someone who will listen. I feel really stupid for telling my Dr last Friday, the 3rd, that I'd like to try PT again. That's when everything backfired. My husband has been doing most of the talking for me because I've become too depressed and am not able to express myself and what I want at this point. Sounds like it's time for me to begin seeking the help I really need on my own. That is the best advice I've been given! I hope we can keep in touch. Thank you so much!
One thing I have started making myself do is walk. It helps unless I'm in too much pain to get moving. And I have learned some PT exercises that I do that I know are safe from two PT's on You Tube, one of whom has Spondy. I think their YouTube is Bob and Brad. They're also on Facebook I think.
Sorry this got so long. I'm just so greatful I found your post.

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@spondi64 Ive just read your post. Sounds like you’ve really been thru the wringer. How have the walking and exercises been going for you? Have you found any relief for your pain?

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