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Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself
Chronic Pain | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (6794)Comment receiving replies
Actually, I'm new here and I'm not sure I signed up correctly. I also didn't give a very complete description of all the issues I'm dealing with. The MRI they did showed a compression fracture at the C7 in my neck, a herniated disc at my L4, pressing on my right side sciatic nerve, the L5-S1 pressing on my sciatic nerve affecting my left side with acute pain several times over the years.
On December 22, 2016, I had outpatient surgery for the L5-S1 problem and have had immediate relief. I will start on Physical Therapy in February. I am very happy with the results of the surgery. However, I have had chronic pain from my sciatic nerve on the right side since March, 2016. It awakens me every night 1 to 3 times. Sometimes i want to cry or scream the pain is so bad. I can't walk far or stand for any length of time, go up steps, etc. due to the pain. My doctor's only been treating the pain, until the MRI was done for my left side acute episode. Now they said they need to do a major surgery to insert rods and pins to fix the problem on my L4, which is out of alignment 7.3 mm. Im good with this because the outpatient surgery was so successful. At my last appointment I saw a new PA in my surgeon's office (My usual PA is on maternity leave.) who wants to give me steroids first and see how I do. I have had a year of constant pain, and I really don't want to go through the shots in my spine. My regular PA had recommended the surgery. Both my older brothers have had the same problems--it's a genetic issue--and they ended up with the surgery. Is it reasonable for me to ask them to just do the surgery that is inevitable? And, how long after my current surgery should I wait? How long does recovery from the major surgery take?
Last, I am very concerned that the new administration will cut Medicare coverage, without which I will be unable to pay for this surgery. Thanks for any information you can give me.
Replies to "Actually, I'm new here and I'm not sure I signed up correctly. I also didn't give..."
Thanks so much for your replies Julie. I don't have as many issues as you, but diabetes is something I do have, and I know steroids are not good for that. <br>More later ... Gail <br>
Gail @gailb , In my opinion, a sign of a good doctor is one who doesn't want to jump right into surgery, but attempt alternative therapies first. I cannot take oral steroids because I had gastric bypass almost 10 years ago. A few years back, my pain management doctor suggested epidural steroid injections. I thought about it and decided to go for it. Although I was terrified at the thought of someone putting a needle near my spine, my doc talked me through it and it was not bad at all especially since the only needle was the local numbing medicine so he could insert the catheter to deliver the steroid. After the first epidural injection I had much less pain. I had a series of 3 and then didn't need another for 3 years.
Maybe right now you should focus on healing from this recent surgery and going through PT. I get a sense that you are frustrated and tired of hurting. I understand that completely!
Jen
Sandy, i too had gastric bypass 2.5 years ago. I wasn't aware that we can't take oral steroids, and they were prescribed for me when I had my acute attack on my left side. They did help the pain. I had tried chiropractic and massage before seeing the doctor for it. Then they scheduled me for surgery. Iam willing to try the steroid injections if they will prevent surgery and last as long as you say they did for you. Are they still working or have you now had surgery? Thank you for commenting.
I also had gastric bypass nearly 3 years ago. I was told no oral NSAIDS. I do get occasional NSAIDS via IV. I also occasionally take oral steroids as well as steroids by IV. Check with your surgeon and clarify the steroid ban for your own personal situation.
I know about not taking NSAIDS, but that's about NON-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, not steroids. I will speak to my doctor about this. I am actually more concerned about taking steroids with diabetes as they raise my blood sugar to very high levels, i.e., 400-600 which is WAY to high. I don't know about injections though. I do know IVs raise my blood sugar. Thanks for your comments.
@gailb I did the epidurals over a time period of 6 years. I felt like a pin cushion and "guniea pig" with all the different procedures after a while. I'm not a good canidate for surgery at this time. My husband and I are about to relocate to Florida so I have been holding off on any other procedures.
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I agree, wouldnt want shots or steroids either. An okd dr of mine gave me way to much prednisone now have adrenal problems. I gave small hernitions at T8 and 12 which im just leavibg alone. Ive had too many issues and now a cavitary lung lesion. I felt rhe sane instant relief from neck surgery ans wearing the vest heloed reduced recovery time. I also have psoriatic arthritis, lupus fibro so totally understand yoyr need to cry it out. Venting here helos too.
Julie