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Chronic Back Pain for Years
6 back surgeries (extensive cervical and lumbar fusions) with neurological complications. Left with chronic pain. Accident happened in Nursing career 1992 and worked with first fusions until 1999 (failed fusions). At my age, and as a former nurse educator, I never wanted to had to rely on medication/s for the severe pain. Having thoroughly exhausted exploring sites using non-pharmaceutical methods, using psychological methods, biofeedback, trying to accept my limitations, i.e., I still believe somewhere...out there...is hope. The strong medicine has caused gastroparesis, further complicating my health problems. They are too numerous to write and I will not focus on them. I am looking for "help" and guidance. If I can be of assistance to anyone throughout their trials, (perhaps similar to some of what I have gone through), I will.
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@contentandwell Like most areas, where there are several major hospitals there are a variety of experiences. Here in Los Angeles area, besides UCLA Med Center, there is Keck USC, Cedars Sinai, Good Samaritan, Hoag Memorial, Huntington Memorial, and others. I think each has their own strengths. Myself, due to kidney issues, my preference is Keck USC or Cedars Sinai.
Ginger
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3 ReactionsHi, Hosta here...I don't know where you live or what time your surgery is to be! I would like to add my prayers for a successful surgery, Please let us know how you are!
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1 Reaction@gingerw this is true, they do each have their own strengths. For my knee replacement I did not go to MGH, I went to Brigham and Women's which is a "partner hospital" with MGH. My ortho there is wonderful and I wanted him to do the surgery.
Here I am, not that far from Boston, but I consider the hospital care here to be horrible after having been in there about 3 times prior to my liver transplant. I hope to never have to go there again. I told my husband if I was ever in an emergency situation to get me there and then have them send me by ambulance to MGH. Interestingly, I have been through the ER department there and I thought they were good. It's just their inpatient care that is sadly lacking.
JK
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2 ReactionsSo true, @contentandwell
Each hospital in my area has their strengths and weaknesses as well. It takes time to find the best place.
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2 Reactions@contentandwell yes the bigger hospitals are good but Im speaking of the smaller hospitals and more the problems are with my,not all, insurance systems Back east I went into the Pittsburgh hospitals and smaller ones where I worked . I would have loved to been a traveling nurse but didn't.I only moved to Ca after retirement no family left there ,my son,grandson drew me out here I still love the east Western Pa.
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1 ReactionI have been suffering from chronic pain in my lower back (Sacrum area) and pelvic (entire pelvic from left side to right) for about 2 years. I have had several doctors check with zero source results. Since I have normal lab results little has been done.
One doctor seemed to question me as if I was an addict seeking prescription drugs. He did nothing more other than provide hormones pills which did not help.
Another doctor did exploratory surgery and found that my uterus was abnormal thus performed a hysterectomy (removed uterus, cervix and left both ovaries). It was a overnight change because the pain has decreased. Before the surgery I would have to lay my head on the desk, stretch, add pressure to my pelvic area, change my breath, etc to refocus and get back to work. Now, the pain still exists. It is at a lower pain level. It has been 5 months since this surgery.
I went into my primary care doctor who has been wonderful over the years for my family. However, he seems to have stopped trying to help figure things out with a comment of "we can do so much then have to leave it up to to the Lord". I agree with the statement but feel that chronic pain isn't normal and I should not have to live with each and every day.
My symptoms are below.
1. continuous Sacrum pain that ranges from a pain level of 3-6 on a 10 scale. There are intermittent peaks that leads me to take tylenol & ibuprofen combination. It only tappers it.
2. continuous pelvic pains. These are difficult to describe. It ranges from feeling like a pains of an extremely full bladder without a need to urinate to heavy menstrual type cramps .
3. After going to the bathroom (either BM or urinate), the pain level increases about 2 minutes later
4. When getting up in the middle of the night to check on kids, by the type I get back to my room, it hurts to move. I sleep with a heating pad (automatic shut off). The heat helps me to relax enough to go back to sleep.
Symptoms I DO NOT have are below.
1. Do not have leakage when sneezing, laughing, etc
2. Out of commission because I remain active (mother of 3 is busy, work full time, and active home remodel projects)
I am uncertain of what to do next to try to figure out this pain. It never stops completely.
Has anyone experienced similar issues? Any ideas?
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1 ReactionHello @living_strong, welcome to Connect. You may notice I moved your discussion and combined it with one titled, "Chronic Back Pain for Years." I did this so your post would go to all of the Connect members already discussing chronic back pain and so you could read through some of their previous posts. You may also find the Women's Health group of interest, you can find that here, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/womens-health/. While we wait for other members to jump in, have you considered seeking a second opinion. That is not to say that your primary physician is not a good one, but many professionals think that second opinions are valuable as they can offer different insight and sometimes a more definitive diagnosis.
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1 Reaction@ Justin McClanahan
Yes, I am planning to go to a 4th doctor. Since my pelvic area also has unexplainable pains it has been chalked up as a female issue. Now that I have had a hysterectomy, the new response is religion base. I do believe in God but know sitting back a waiting for a miracle isn't helpful.
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1 ReactionHave you had an MRI on your lower back ? If not I would be asking for one
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1 Reaction@gingerw
Good Morning!
Just as we investigate and research doctors, we should do the same with hospitals.
Hospitals are rated, too.
If you find a doctor you like, they will also provide the hospital the doctor is associated with.
Don't assume that just because you know the name of a hospital, that it is good.
Many hospitals have areas they specialize in, just like doctors.
Good Luck!
Here's to a pain free day!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)
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