Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

John is correct. I did not find it helpful at all. Sadly. I ended up with an implanted spinal cord stimulator instead. My way of dealing with the pain and avoiding a major back surgery involving another fusion at more than one level again. Is it perfect? No. But it allows me enough relief I can walk my dogs again most days, work in the garden/yard, etc. FYI, my stenosis is “moderate to severe” on MRI several years ago now. Guessing it’s now left the moderate model behind…argh.

Hello. My name is Barbara. My story is that about 2 1/2 years ago I had a hemorrhoidectomy and have had burning neuropathic anal pain ever since Multiple doctors, including a pelvic pain specialist, the working diagnosis is anal nerve involvement from the surgery/scar tissue. No
help from gabapentin but I can’t take high doses and function. Most recently a pain physician did an injection into the ganglion of Impar. It’s in the lower sacral area. No improvement and I have an
Appointment to talk to him again. I’m wanting to know has anyone had a similar issue and/or had that type of injection. Or have had any success with treatment. Thanks so much

@bwardccrn. I am so sorry I can’t offer any advice but I can offer my support and empathy for the pain you must be going through. You are a tough cookie!

Barbara hi! I had exactly what you have and sat on a donut for 14-1/2 years. I cried alot. But....what gave me relief was anti-seizure medicine that I was taking for an unrelated matter. You must tell your doctor. My PT at the time said she had just heard about that. Good luck! BTW, it worked pretty quickly.

I’m Bette. I’ve suffered with Degenerative disc disease for 40 years. Many surgeries and 4 fusions. Now I have arthritis everywhere. Been with pain management for many years. Been on the lowest level of morphine for 11 years now. I constantly battle depression, which I’m sure most chronic pain patients do too. I have great family and friend support and refuse to give into the declining ability to walk. I exercise all the time and although my legs are weak I’m not in a wheelchair! I want to follow this blog to gain any knowledge of what works for other patients.

My name is Diana. I am a 59 year old female diagnosed with autonomic small fiber neuropathy and CFS. I take 1800mg of Gaberpentin daily and I have a prescription compound that I use. I have unrelenting burning pain in my thighs that is exacerbated at night. I have spinal and cervical stenosis as well. I had discotomies as well as fusions on c4/c5, c5/c6 in 2019. My surgeon said I was lucky if I get a 70% positive outcome. He was right I am better but still have pain at times. I take prescription ibuprofen for this I also have Tylenol with codeine #4 but don’t take it as I am on quite a few medications and makes me so tired. I save it for an emergency.

Have you been screened for Sjögren’s? Your symptoms sound familiar (I have this auto immune disorder). Sjögren’s is very under diagnosed, often labeled as fibromyalgia.

This group is dedicated to Sjögren’s Patients. Started by an MD who has Sjögren’s.
https://www.smartpatients.com
You might find some help here. Good luck!

Hello,
Although my post was written 2 years ago, l still have the same issues and more.
I now have an issue walking which is NOT pain related.
My legs get to a point where they just stop working.
I have horrible balance issues and must use a cane or a walker if I go outside my home.
My neurosurgeon has ordered 3 MRIs from my cervical spine through to my lower lumbar.
We have been fighting with insurance but they finally approved it and it will take place next week.
Guess they should be very telling.
I will discuss Sjogren's with him.
Best wishes!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Hi there Ronnie, we have been wondering about you. Sounds like you are moving forward towards a diagnosis. Nice to see your name, not so nice to see that you are still dealing with your condition. Will you stay in touch and share the results of your MRI's with the community.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

Hi Chris
Yes, it has been a while since I've been on this site.
Lots of health issues going on.
Last year I was diagnosed with lung cancer (stage 1).
I had a nodule removed and the lymph nodes attached to it.
Thank God I didn't need any other treatments!
I'll get checked every 6 months.
Dealing with that took a lot out of me emotionally!!!!

Now I am back to dealing with my back.
I've been doing really well since surgery, as far as pain.
I've been concerned with my lack of leg strength so I went to see a new neurologist.
Among other things, he wanted me to go for PT.
I did and they screwed up my back and NOW I have pain.
I've stopped PT!!!!
The new doc also wanted MRIs, but based on his request, insurance turned him down.
I went to my neurosurgeon and they were turned down, too.
Only difference is that they fought for it and won!
So, we'll see.
I hope it will also answer some questions about the neuropathy!

Talk soon!
Ronnie