I had spine surgery for spondylolisthesis L4/L5 as well as some scoliosis fixed (XLIF) 7 yrs ago and have suffered from ongoing pain in my legs since then. It started with right thigh, but at this point it is in both thighs, mostly inner and outer, shins and feet. First diagnosis was Post Laminectomy Syndrome treated with pain meds and PT. No real help, just pain progression. Then I had osteonecrosis in both knees, SO painful when those bones start to collapse. Delays due to Covid ( which I had and was hospitalized for), but finally had both knees total replacements, one year apart. It’s been a life of pain since then. All mechanics are fine, but pain has changed my life. Hard to sleep, can’t walk for too long, standing is the worst.
I finally decided I was done with just accepting this. I am 70 yrs old and I want to be able to spend time with my 9 grandchildren. I am now going to a UCLA Pain Management Dr. who has diagnosed me with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (bursitis and labral tears in my hips) and Fibromyalgia. I guess once you go through some serious pain events your brain can get you stuck there. So I am back to PT, recumbent bike for short periods, will be getting cortisone shots in my hips and go on Savella for the fibromyalgia. Also Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to try to reset my brain as far as pain is concerned. My PT suggested an app called Curable, started by a leading pain scientist. Hoping for the best, but it’s been a long haul. You have to advocate for yourself and find the people who will listen to you and be dedicated to get to the bottom of it. Pain is tricky- the bio-psycho-social mix makes diagnosis more difficult. But, even though I’m discouraged, I haven’t given up hope.

Jump to this post