@guga

I think I'll save your post about all of the back, hip, pelvis, and leg pain, and read it when my pain level is up. It will make my pain feel insignificant. I know from experience how painful back pain can be.

I have collapsed on the lawn and deck steps and in the house when out of the blue my right leg suddenly turns to jello. It's pretty scary. I'm fortunate that it hasn't injured me.

I was 55 when I had to retire and start living on Social Security with disability. Medicare has been a Godsend for me. Blue Cross premiums were crazy high. If you're on Medicare, you should be seeing a health professional who will advocate for you, to begin treating your pain. ER shouldn't be your only source of pain medication.

I'm very pleased with the team of doctors who treat me - my PCP, neurologist, pain specialist, orthopedist and various others. When I retired we moved from a tiny town (population 247) that was 3 hours from medical services to a place where I can see just about any kind of doctor within 50 miles. Are doctors accessable to you? Is your PCP happy to refer you to specialists? I know that not all of them want to do that.

When you see your doctor, be sure to be clear about your level of pain. I make a list of things to talk about because if I don't, I remember 2 or 3 things after I leave the clinic. It never fails!

I write in a journal every night, and I rate my day on a scale of one to ten. For depression, ten would be the best day in my life. For pain, it usually fluctuates, so I write the range, from 4-8 or 2-5. The doctors always ask me how the pain has been, and I can tell them what the range has been.

It sounds like a lot of surgeries would be required to treat your spinal problems. Is that something you would consider? Have your doctors talked with you about your options? Do you have access to a physical therapist? Sorry for all the questions. I guess I'm just most. I'm impressed with your will to keep moving. I hope that you soon will find some relief.

Jim

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