Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

@carsalespapa, I too think you need to find another doctor before your current one causes you further problems. I had to stop taking ibuprofen because it gave me ulcers. I think it's horribly irresponsible for the doctor to have you taking that much ibuprofen! Of course I am not a medical professional. If you're able, find a good spinal surgeon or as suggested, a neurosurgeon. What did your MRI show as problems? I wouldn't start with PT until you have shown your MRI to a spinal specialist--surgeon or neurosurgeon. I don't think your doctor knows how to deal with your back issues.

I have had back problems with symptoms that sound similar to yours. My primary care doctor referred me to a spinal surgeon, who I then researched to find out his background and reputation through Google. I knew the first time I met him that he was an expert. He and his assistant showed me my MRI, and my xray and talked to me in great depth about the problems the images showed. He discussed the different treatments and options to treat my problems. Last December I had an outpatient surgery called a "laminectomy" where he shaved off a small portion of my L5-S1 disk in order to relieve the pressure on my spinal cord. I went home immediately after the surgery, and I have a 2 inch scar. I then waited until about 8 or 9 weeks before he had me start on PT. The acute pain on my left side was completely gone after the surgery. However, I still had deep pain on my right side lumbar, sciatic, leg, knee, calf and ankle.

The spine surgeon said I would need major surgery with rods and pins in order to repair the damage on my right side. He recommended that I try other more conservative therapies first. I had already been referred to a pain doctor prior to my surgery, so that doctor kept me on the pain medications for my right side pain. They helped, but I still had (and continue to have) pain that awakens me at night. I finished 3 months of PT, with no relief to my right side pain.

Then, I read on this site (Mayo Connect) about ART, Active Release Technique. I researched what it was, and looked for a practitioner in my area Yorba Linda, California, on Google. Google listed all the certifications of the professionals who were all chiropractors to my surprise. I then asked a friend of mine who is a masseuse if he could recommend a good ART professional, and he named the same doctor I had picked based on his training. I saw the ART doctor for 6 sessions of very deep muscle massage at the same time he was moving my leg. It was VERY painful, but it was working from the first session. It's 4 months later and I'm completely out of pain on my right side, except for some that continues to awaken me at about 3 a.m. I go in for 1 session a month now. I can't tell you what a relief it is not being in pain all the time. I can go up and down steps now and wal pretty long distances without tiring.

I hope you find good doctors to help you find relief. Dont start PT until you understand what is wrong and a doctor says you can do PT without causing more damage. Good luck, Gail B Ledesma

@carsalespapa and @gailb

I took 80mg of Ibuprofen 4x a day for many years, like around 25 years, until 7 years ago, when I had surgery for peptic ulcers. 25 years is probably too long to take that much Ibuprofen. I should add, to be up front, that for awhile I took a lot more than was prescribed when I went through a suicidal phase. Now, I'm not supposed to take any NSAIDS, but I do take some for arthritis. I had an endoscopy a month ago and have no signs of polyps or ulcers.

But, yes, NSAIDS can certainly cause gastric problems, so beware, Anthony.

Jim

I am a 86 year old female. Basically I am healthy except for back pain. I had 3 back surgeries, one 33 years ago and a spinal fusion in 2005 and 2006. I also have two hip replacements, one 12 years old and one 30 years old. I have non stop pain coming from the thoracic area and was told my back has too many problems to do surgery again. I am seeing a pain management doctor who has given me injections, but none seem to work. Therapy has not helped either. Now I take 2 ibuprofen 3x a day and at night add tramadol 50 mgs. I would love feedback from others.

Hi I still use my school nickname of FreaKers I live in the UK & also like to spend time in Ireland and have an interesting story re my chronic pain situation which I will be posting

Hi FreaKers (@freakers) - Welcome to Mayo Connect! We are happy you found us and look forward to reading your chronic pain story. Also, don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have as Connect is a great place to find out what other Connect members are doing for their chronic pain and other health concerns.

John

Anybody with Chronic pain should consider doing the Ketamine Therapy. That is where they put an IV in your arm. For me they recommended 4 hours sessions. The first 2 hours and the next day another 2 hour, but they doubled the dosage. I have had severe pain from neuropathy since 2008. I had this done about 2 weeks ago and the pain is considerably less. I am also taking trojans that is a compound with Ketamine in it. I think it is also helping. It is very expensive and insurance does not cover at this point because I think it is to new. Look it up.. I think it was worth it. I have been doing so much more since my treatments. Aggressively looking for a job and etc.

Hello @freakers and let me add my welcome to Mayo Connect. As John wrote, I also encourage you to share your story with us. In this online community we have some incredibly strong people who have found very creative ways of dealing with chronic pain. They can encourage you in your search for answers as well as offer you support in knowing that you are not alone in this journey.

Please share more information with us, as you are comfortable doing so. For example, how long has your pain condition been a problem? What meds, or treatments (like physical therapy or exercise) has been tried? Any surgeries? We look forward to getting to know you better!

Teresa

I am 86 years old and pretty healthy. 33 years ago I had a laminectomy. 1991 had a hip replacement. 1999 had another hip done. 2005 had a spinal fusion and then in 2009 had a second spinal fusion one level above. I have severe scoliosis, spinal stenosis, in other words, my back is a mess. I have always dealt with this. About one year ago the pain started on my right side and across my back. MRI is good of both back and hips. Went to a pain management doctor, had another MRI and it is the thoracic area where a nerve is causing all the problems. Injections did not help. Therapy did not help. I will not go on heavy drugs so now I am taking 2 ibuprofen 3x a day. At night I might take a tramadol, 50 mgs. I am hoping the pain eases up a little, if not who knows..I am a gardener but it is becoming difficult to bend. So this is my story. Thanks for listening.

Hello, @bblinder . I'm Jim, retired, 67, married for 45 years, and have raised two children, whom each has a daughter. I'm the only one in my family of 5 siblings who has escaped back problems. I caused my own when I fell from a ladder a few years ago, but I'm fortunate that I have pain from it only occasionally.

Two Ibuprofen 3x a day can't be giving you much relief. Your pain doctor could be prescribing any number of pain medications that would be much more effective. I would suggest that you be firm in speaking with him, and tell him that you need stronger medication.

It's too late for me to write more tonight. I'll be around.

Jim

Thanks for your info, I cannot take medication well and this is the only med that does not hurt me.