Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Nothing to be sorry about, nice meeting you!

@jkgraham393 Myofascial release therapists are trained and certified in the John Barnes methods and it takes a while for them to learn to feel the subtleties with their hands of the tight paths of fascial webbing throughout the body. A masseuse likely does not have this level of training or skill unless they are doing medical physical therapy type massage and have taken many of these courses. It's a certification from the skill level of courses of study. My physical therapist is an expert level MFR therapist and she can find these issues before I can, and knows how to open them up. She does other modalities too in treating me and stabilization exercises in addition to MFR. Because she is a licensed physical therapist, insurance pays according to the plan.

Here is our discussion on MFR with lots of information. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

As for anterior cervical fusion, I had that, and it was not as bad as I thought it would be. I had a great surgeon at Mayo, and a great recovery. I was able to tolerate my recovery without pain meds which was a surprise to me. I also took my time with recovery and rested which is important. Perhaps a different surgical opinion would benefit you. If you do nothing, your spine can fuse itself and will be in what ever position that is in which may not be good, and you can prevent nerve deficits by decompressing before nerve issues become permanent. Bone spurs grow in response to uneven pressure and can also grow into the areas where the nerve roots exit the spine. When a disc herniates, the jelly like substance inside spills out and the inflammation that causes can start bone spur growth in an attempt to stabilize the spine. You will get an unbiased opinion if you go to Mayo because doctors are not paid extra for doing surgeries. I'd be happy to answer any questions about my spine surgery. When you find the right doctor for you, it makes taking that big step easier. This was my first major surgery and I worked on ways to overcome my fears, and doing all of this changed my life for the better in many ways, and I am so grateful to my surgeon. Here is my story. https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/01/09/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/

I had that surgery in 1995. Because of injury.. one of my most wise decisions... Be very careful..

Hi, I´m Joan. Chronic Pain for many years, stemming from Arachnoiditis (finally diagnosed in 2010, though started in 1973 with spinal surgery). Early in the process it was thought PT was all I needed, but was not the case. Around 2010, with diagnosis, was at last put on pain meds (Gabapentin and Hydrocodone). Have tried other means to control awful and soul-destructive pain, mostly in back and legs, trying to taper from Hydrocodone. Last year was given two infusions of Ketamine in a clinical setting, but it was a horrible experience for me--never again. Now have a Medical Marijuana Government card (Florida), for tincture drops, but it has not really helped. Am at my wits end. Have appointment at Mayo next week, but made appointment for other condition and not sure will have ability to ask about Chronic Pain. Have been on Connect for a couple of months and find it VERY helpful. So, as time goes on, I find myself responding to more folks who need information. I know the difficulties of feeling so alone in all this. If I can be of help to anyone, will try.

Thanks

So your surgery was successful and you recommend?

@joanmahon, Good morning, What a marvelous offer......to help others. You have certainly demonstrated strength and perseverance.

Would you please tell me the contents of your tincture drops and the dosage you have tried. I have had several years of wading through the medical cannabis realm and results of rapid industry growth. I am now relatively secure with manageable pain every day unless I screw it up or the barometric pressure sinks.

May you have a pain free day. Chris

@joan I have been going to Mayo for years. At your first initial exam, no matter what condition it is for, they always ask me, “Is there anything else you’d like to mention?” Even if it’s unrelated to the condition you’re seeing them for, mention your pain. They will arrange for you to see someone for that.

Thank you so very much, Jennifer. It´s always nice to receive recommendations from Mayo-experienced folks. So much appreciate your taking the time to mention this. Really do. Nighty night, Joan

Hi Chris, will write tomorrow on this. Need to pull out the rather inaccessible file and am ready to hit the bed. Will definitelly get back to you. Tried two different companies, and received instructions from MM doc, but somehow just didn´t work for me. And big difference between the two types of tinctures....Talk tomorrow, ok? And thanks for your sweet note....