Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

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

Well, I'll be darned. This is just not fair. I am in PT for the first time in 7 years. It is rather heavy-handed where I do all the work. They seem to really push the patients to achieve the goals that have been established. At almost 80 years there isn't much I can do that is according to plan. Next week, I learn to climb stairs using. both feet....one after another. I'll let you know how it goes. Stay in touch.
Chris

It does not matter your age, the 'plan' should be tailored to YOU!
They kept on asking if I was OK and to let them know if I was hurting.
Problem was I didn't hurt until a while AFTER I got home.
It would take me 2 days to recovery and then it would be time to go back.
I told the therapist how I was feeling and she told me I was doing the bare minimum!
I really don't think so.
I've been through PT several times and I have rarely been impressed.
It seems that they have a list of exercises and they just want you to go through them.
BE CAREFUL and let them know when it is too much or you hurt!
Best of luck and let me know how it goes!
Ronnie

Hello, my name is Faith....77 years old..from Morristown NJ .always very active my entire life.....Now, I have had lumbar spinal stenosis for the last 3-4 years. It's getting increasingly worse...now hard for me to stand on my feet and walk more than 5-7 feet without having to sit down, then the pain lessens...I have a pain doctor from Weill Cornell in NYC. He has given me a script for Cymbalta 30 mg which I take daily. Does not seem to do much good. I also take extra strength Tylenol once or twice a day. He has also given me some lower back strengthening exercises which I try to do every day...The constant pain from the stenosis has left me with severe depression and now I'm searching for a psychiatrist to meet with from whom I can get an antidepression medication. I will be contacting my doc soon to see what else can help me with this unending pain...Would very much appreciate any ideas. suggestions, sharing..Thank you....Faith

Hi Faith
I feel your pain, literally.
I've gone through all you have and after more than 10 years I finally decided to have surgery.
Shots, PT, meds, chiropractics and more proved useless.
I had no quality of life.
Three years ago at the age of 64, I started to look for a neurosurgeon.
Thank God, I found someone terrific and I've has cervical and lumbar surgery.
Sadly, I waited too long and now I have permanent nerve damage in my legs.
I have poor balance and stamina.
Walking no longer is a natural thing.
I have to watch where I walk and how I step and I use a cane.
I am not saying to have surgery, but I do suggest finding a fantastic neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Best of luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Thank You, I am seeing a pain doctor at Weill Cornell but I will for sure consider your comment.All that I read is that back surgery is so dangerous and leave you worse than you were before, but I thank you and wish you well in the future...faith

Hi all, I’m Sean. I have a special someone that needs help. She lives in Wisconsin about 30 minutes south of Green Bay. We have access to decent healthcare, but when it comes to diagnosing chronic pain, not great. There are only a few specialists and everything is very siloed. I would love for to be diagnosed so she can find a treatment that helps. I imagine Mayo Clinic would have the coordination and expertise to make a trip to MN as efficient and fruitful as possible. Am I on the right track?

Hi Sean @sceman00, Yes! Rochester Mayo Clinic does have the coordination and expertise to make a trip to MN as efficient and fruitful as possible so you are on the right track. There is another discussion you might find helpful here that contains tips and links to other discussions:

What to expect at Mayo Clinic, Rochester - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-expect-at-rochester/

Had the Ganglion Impar blocker injection and had the same results. No relief and little or no relief from gabapentin. A PMR/Physiatrist said that the injection may have been done incorrectly. He is in the process of examining my medical records in order to recommend an approach to my pain management and whether the blocker would provide any benefit. My pain is similar to the one you are experiencing.