Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Hello, my name is Marcia and I am 66 years old. I am facing the possibility of spinal fusion surgery because I have chronic pain and stiffness. My previous MRI of a few years ago showed spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Another MRI scheduled for Jan 17 because I am getting progressively worse and have been told that I am a candidate for surgery. I am a caregiver for my husband who just went through a year of hell with CHF, defibrillator/pacemaker implant, and three surgeries for bladder cancer, and subsequent chemo. I'm just not sure what to do about surgery for myself, given his weakened condition and high anxiety. I know that assisting him with bathing and dressing, etc., does not help my back, nor does cleaning the house or even walking through a grocery store. Does anyone have any suggestions? I fear losing more mobility permanently.

Hi, I'm a newbie. After a fibromyalgia diagnosis, I had the great misfortune of a MRSA infection which involved 18 days in the hospital and a very close call. Survivor is my middle name and point of pride. But, after 7 years, one area of pain in my back is still devastatingly unbearable. Nothing helps and I feel very isolated with this issue. Still manage an otherwise happy life with great spousal support. hill

I have the same experience but also have other triggers of chronic severe pain.

The problem with Physical therapy is the time off work. I don't really have a job that allows for all this time off. The doc appointments are bad enough. Christmas was bad. Finally got another epidural. It takes the edge off for me. I still have pain but pain that is easier to deal with. I have found that i need the antidepressant meds .or my mood is just down. There is still tons of things i can not do that like i did before. I seem to be taking alot more muscle relaxers though to sleep at night.
Along with that though i also have been getting mild to severe leg cramps in the evening. Life is just so grand

Hello @marilyn624, welcome to Connect. It sounds like you have had quite the journey over the last 7 years, but I love the positive attitude you exude when you say, "Survivor is my middle name."

I think you may find the following discussion on fibromyalgia pain helpful in Connecting with other members who have experienced frustrations similar to yours. You can find it here, http://mayocl.in/2hgUGcv.

Hi my name is Julie. New here, suffering from psoriatic arthritis, RA, Lupua, sjogruns Sp?,) Fibro, Ddd, lung lesion and fungal issues. Pain is relentless and walking difficult. I really look forward to meeting other members. Good day to everyone.

Hello @marcia_pez, welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself and your concerns regarding spinal stenosis and fusion. It sounds like you are faced with a difficult decision regarding your own health and the fact that you are a caregiver for your husband.

Here are some discussions in Connect that you may find relevant to your topics:
- New to Chronic Pain Discussion Board, http://mayocl.in/2ifCK1l (includes members with spinal stenosis)
- Searching for Adults living with scoliosis, thoracic stenosis, http://mayocl.in/2jA1y63 (brief but includes a mentor with caregiver experience as well)
- Meet fellow caregivers, introduce yourself, http://mayocl.in/2j1ZGlI

These are just a few places to start that may help you find other members who have or are experiencing things similar to yourself.

Julie, you have a rough one. Have your doctors checked you for various forms of amyloidosis? What you describe is rather typical for ATTR, excessive serum free light chain deposit disease, and many others. It is still a rough road, the shock absorbers are better if you know what is happening.

I'm Emily and I have thorasic back muscle spasms 24/7, fibromyalgia and a knee replacement that has severely hurt since my knee was revised.

I have been suffering with Neuropathy chronic pain in my feet for about 8 years. I am hoping that being involved in discussions with others may help me emotionally and also finding relief from the experience with others.