Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

@katie215
Hi Katie,
I just read your post and I know how you feel!
I am 63 (closer to 64...lol) and have suffered with cervical and lumbar stenosis. I currently live in Central Florida. The pain was so great that I stopped walking for long periods of time and I had to retire early on disability.
For years I tried to find a pain doctor to help me. I saw 3 different pain doctors when I lived in New Jersey, 1 in Florida. It was after I saw the one pain doc in Florida that I did an extensive search before I found "the one." I found a pain doctor in Altamonte, Florida. This doctor worked wonders on my lumbar spine for about 4 years. After 4 years, I was no longer getting relief. Then, my cervical spine started and he couldn't help me with that either.

My cervical spine was giving me HORRIBLE headaches that woke me up every day. Once I was out of bed, they would go away within an hour or so. However, with these headaches and the inability to get relief for my lower back, I decided to see a neurosurgeon. I did a lot of research and found a surgeon in Lutz, Florida. We decided on surgery. Feb. 2018, I had two discs replaced. Surgery went well. Within 3 weeks, the headaches were totally gone. A few months ago, I had what is called an X-Lift Fusion. I will admit that the recovery was VERY difficult and painful. Then at approx. 2 months, I woke up and the pain was just about gone. A miracle?

I have to tell you that I went through many, many no-invasive procedures before surgery (that really didn't work). I had no quality of life and I was in constant pain that no only inpacted my mobility, but it left my head in a cloud. I did not take pain meds (I was afraid of addicition since I would have probably needed it on a regular basis) and a couple of years ago, I was no longer to able to take anything like asprin or Advil.

I hope you find some sort of relief!

Here's to a pain free day....
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@lioness
Hi Linda,
I actually saw the post about the Tai Chi and made note of it.
Since I am still in the healing phase from surgery, I haven't tried anything yet except PT.
Before my fall, I was going to as my PT therapist about it and her opinion.
Since my fall, I am not going to try anything new. I need to find out if I did anything to disrupt the healing of my surgeries.
However, thanks for the info.

Have a wonderul day!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@dotie

Hi Dotie,
Welcome!
I am so sorry you are having problem with your BP meds. Almost every med I have taken for different issues have caused me issues, too. I found that if I was patient, the issues would eventually go away.
If you gave your meds time and the issues did not subside or go away, may I suggest you do some of your own research. You can Google BP meds and side affects. If you find one that sounds good, then you can discuss it with your doc.
Today, there are many meds from different groups of meds, that can be used for other situations.
Good luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAR)

@lioness , good morning. The only side effect goes away if you keep them in the refrigerator. Then....no irritation upon application. As I was told, we have lots of small fibers in our eyes. The only thing they can do if not calmed down is to send pain signals. Add the gel during the day and an overnight strength preservative free ointment after the evening application. Remember that the
treatment keeps the cells in your eyes from dying. We can’t replace them. That is why the Ziidra is necessary. Have a pain free day. Be safe and be well.

I've used Restasis twice a day for a couple of years. It helps a lot. My eyes are extremely dry and it definitely helps. However I still use over the counter Systane eye drops also as recommended by my doctor. I've had not ill side effects from the
Restasis. It is very expensive but well worth it if you can afford it.

@grandmarr Absolutely I hope it's just sore muscles the weather here is giving me problems today ,till the rain is over I relief on my heating pad and pain pill hope you get well soon

@russy My Dr also recommended Systane eye drops must be the best for OTC Glad to know about Restasis

@artscaping Thanks I will remember that I'm on Lataoprist for Glucoma at night ,strange instructions keep in fridge till used then keep at bedside ? To me it should be the other way around they do burn at first I wonder if I keep in fridge that would take care of the burning

Keeping in the frig works very well for me. Absolutely no burning. I promise.

@grandmar Did you call the doctor yet?