12 yrs of chronic pain, 14 lumbar procedures, new Rx bad!

deankay, God Bless You. You didn't mention if you go to a pain clinic or not....if not, that may be your best route to go.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. They have gone overboard with the denial of pain meds to the people that need them due to others that abuse them. I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this.

Blessings & Prayers right now for you.

I had a double spinal fusion in 2021. I have chronic back pain. I saw the pain intervention doctor on Friday. He told me I was not a candidate for the nerve stimulator implant because of the fusion. I'm scheduled for a steroid injection on the 15th. If it doesn't work does anyone know what my next step would be? Pain relievers don't help at all.

I can't find anything on the DEA or FDA site about eliminating opioids. I've been on methadone for 12 years for my advanced stenosis and spondolothesis. Now I'm worried that my only relief will be taken. I don't want multi fusion surgery at my age and with my health issues. The methadone at 5 mgs. twice daily at least takes the edge away

Maybe a drug delivery pump. It can contain pain meds and is attached to your spinal cord. I have a Medtronic and have had this pump since 2012. As someone suggested, I think a pain clinic usually at a hospital might be a good resource for you. Good Luck!

Thanks so much for your response. I am hoping the injection works but I don't want to have injections the rest of my life. I will ask about the pain pump when I go see my pain clinic intervention doctor for my injection.

No pain clinic, just new GP as my original GP since 97 I feel may have been overwhelmed with my increasingly complex case reach his limits plus hospital Dr. may have threatened him with his prescriptions of hydromorphone and his DEA license? Don’t know! But I am seeing a neurosurgeon in two weeks Friday. Pay the $35 copay only to have him here my completely and other surgeons screw/ups and show me the door. Many Medtronic’s SCS videos talk about waking the patient up in OR, while the device Rep produces a generic signal to get feed back on electrode placement while still able to move and adjust. I will find out but the my man-hood has been stolen by Dr’s who guessed while not exactly locating electrode location. Once they “Glue” you up, they are done and wait for paycheck. I can no longer walk with a cane as my last good elbow is hurting now. Unfortunately greed and power drive many who are ambitious and we suffer. While in extreme pain everyday, I get a medication the blocks opioid receptors while providing opioids in small amounts. Designed for addiction, I am not one after 6yrs 10 months of this opioid, I was cut off over night. Now experiencing withdrawal symptoms, teeth problems, diarrhea and pain. Loose / loose. I have a 1-0 quality of life and all they can say is this is all I am getting? A soldier with head & amputations get what, aspirin? Stupid rules made by people who never had a paper cut or stubbed toe. It is sad to become jealous of people walking passed my house. I can’t do that. I am soon to give up if something doesn’t change!!!

deankay, You have a plate full. I am so sorry you have been treated so unfairly. If I read your post correctly, you served in our country. I salute you and thank you for serving.

Please don't give up hope. I believe there is help somewhere for you and I am praying fiercely for you right now. God Bless you greatly.

I would get a second or third opinion. SCS helps my fusions. The stimulators have come along ways, technology has made huge improvements with SCS. Never rely on just one opinion.

I received epidural too and it made mine worse. Physical therapy helps me.

Thanks for your response. I'm going to one of the best doctors in the Indianapolis area. I wouldn't know who else to go to, but that definitely would be an option if I knew where to go. I was researching SCS and I read all kinds of terrible opinions on them. I'm happy it's working for you.