Hello @jeriliz, thank you for sharing a bit about yourself with the other members of the chronic pain group. Here a few conversations I think you may want to check out as they have members who have discussed having degenerative disc disease:

- Harrington rod and low back pain, http://mayocl.in/2njBBFH
- Herniated disc pain, what helps? http://mayocl.in/2m4lRFF

In those discussions you will meet other members who also have degenerative disc disease.

Jeri, i can relate to your degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and scoliosis as I have all 3 myself. I just had outpatient spinal surgery and am still dealing with my L4 herniation which means my right lumbar region is in pain even with pain medication. I have the most pain at night which makes it hard to sleep. I will be waiting to hear more about your situation. I am 68 years old. Gail B

Thank you, Justin. I am not sure how to get to those discussions. I'm sorry. I am not technical at all. I depend a lot on my daughter. Any help is deeply appreciated.

@gailb Thank you for responding. Recently they have thrown an autoimmune disease into the mix but they can't quite identify which one. They have apparently ruled out Lupus or so they say. I take strong pain meds but there are days they barely take the edge off. My balance is pathetic and I fall more than anyone should. The scoliosis makes my balance worse, of course. I am 75.

No problem @jeriliz. I am here to help you! I will post the links again. To get to those discussions just click on the blue text, then you will be automatically taken to the discussion:

- Harrington rod and low back pain, http://mayocl.in/2njBBFH
- Herniated disc pain, what helps? http://mayocl.in/2m4lRFF