Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

I am glad I found this group. I had a spinal fusion at Mayo 20 months ago and did pretty well the first few months and then new pain set in and am being managed by Pain Management. Some of the treatment helps but isn't taking the pain completely away. I would love to hear from others in this same situation of what helps them. Currently, alternating OTC pain meds, nortriptyline at bedtime, ice and some PT exercises and stretches. I have had an SI joint steroid injection and 2 trigger point injections and not sure they really helped much. Lidocaine patches are not getting to the depth of the pain. Trying out a TENS unit now and muscle relaxer. I am worried about adjacent issues but trying to hold out as long as I can to not have surgery! I know many others have it worse than me and I my heart goes out to all of you. I worked as a RN for 30+ years and did pretty well until about 3 years ago. Stinks to get old!

@veda I stubbed my toe and loosened my big toenail.. It was removed, but I opted to let the nail grow back .. and it has partially.. with no problem.. I would say go to an different doctor who is part of a large clinic.. .. where you might have access to a wider opinion base than the podiatrist you might have gone to..

Patti here from PA. I have severe spinal stenosis. Have had a tri level ablation a year ago and still no pain. In L4,5, S1 but have terrible sciatica in both legs when walking more than 5 min. Thinking of ablation again for the sciatic nerves. Anyone have had this done? Results?
Thanks

Hello, I’m Trish and I live with Chronic pain from the moment I wake up til I go to sleep.
I’m on a variety of different medications that were finally achieved by trial and error. I use Amitriptyline to sleep and it has been a lifesaver. Nonething is perfect but once it sets in I’m usually good til 6 or 7am. Still have to do everything else perfect in my routine, rest diet etc... and sometimes it just doesn’t matter.,
But better results since Amitriptyline I since could not sleep and would just watched marathons all night.
I have nerve damage, (elb’s palsy) neuropathy and migraines.

@veda Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! We are all patients, family members, or caregivers here, so we do not offer medical advice. We share our personal experiences and support each other.

Toenail removal sounds painful even to read about it! Did your doctor advise against walking on that, and if so, how did you accomplish that? I am curious why the toenail has to stop growing? Perhaps your doctor might suggest a numbing ointment to be used on your cuticle, or aloe vera cream? What has your medical team suggested so far?

I will be interested to hear what happens next. Please come back and let me know.
Ginger

Has anyone heard of or went to Ethos Health Group for neuropathy and knee pain. It was talked about on Good Morning America and mt niece told me about it. They have locations in Florida and Maryland. I have serious peripheral neuropathy and in alot of pain. It is legit as I found it on goggle. Anyone know anything about this group? We're talking about Pain and neuropathy is pain. Thank you for any feedback.

I smashed my toe under a door and traumatized the toenail maybe 30 years ago. Since then, the toenail became more and more painful as it grew long and it no longer grew correctly after having been smashed. The cuticle became deformed in a way that the toenail seemed to be detached in pockets underneith thus why it was so painful as it grew. Perhaps that is why I didn't respond well to the treatment, I really don't know. It's just painful as heck now and taking longer than anyone expected to heal. Meanwhile, I developed warts on the bottom of my feet that over time grew more painful over the years. Meanwhile, I discovered I had osteoparosis arthritis in my lower back and after a while I started pain management and was getting a series of shots. I've been a caregiver all my life and can admit I've neglected myself somewhat and Meanwhile, my husband has cancer and I had nursed him through 2 boughts of pnuemonia and a surgery that seemed touch and go there for a bit all almost within 1 1/2 years. Then I started getting myself back on track. Soon after I had my first Dr. appointment for myself, come Thanksgiving eve 2020, I had another heart attack and was rushed into surgery to have another stent put in the other main artery. My first heart attack was in 2010. At this point, I was preparing for tripple by-pass surgery. I figured that even though my brain wasn't processing the idea of my chest being cracked open, I didn't want to be laid up with my feet killing me and a tooth ache and not being able to do anything about it so I was really just going through the motions of preparing myself for the unimaginable. God afforded me the time to fix my feet, get a tooth pulled and quit smoking cold turkey and scarfing down nothing but fruits, veggies, walnuts and grains throughout my rehab. Meanwhile, I returned to my foot Dr. with my complaints and he prescribed me an ointment to apply twice a day.and this is my second day so far and I can't tell much of a difference right now. Meanwhile, I just found out that I am doing so well that I don't have to have the major surgery now. I will be able to resolve other blockage issues with stents Thank you Jesus.