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What can help with constant pain in back, hips and legs?

Posted by gwj734 @gwj734, 3 days ago

I have scoliosis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, a bulging disc and degenerative disc disease. I have had the steroid injections several times. Tried chiropractic over the years. Now they are telling me that surgery is my only option. Rods, clips, pins, etc. This isn't an option for me for a few reasons.
The bottom line is that I am in constant pain. I took gabapentin for quite a while and it helped. I didn't like the side effects and the way it made me feel so I quit taking it.
I am 68 and live alone. My closest family is 500 miles away. Any thoughts or suggestions will be much appreciated.

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livininthestix | @livininthestix | 1 day ago
In reply to @marja27 "@livininthestix Have you tried medicines like Lyrica (to the nerves) or asked ab them at doctors?..." + (show)
Profile picture for marja27 @marja27

@livininthestix Have you tried medicines like Lyrica (to the nerves) or asked ab them at doctors? It is their duty to help you. And there are different type of doctors. Some of them are just waiting for the next patient because they are so much in a hurry. Then change the doctor and keep on fighthing.

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@marja27 I did try Lyrica but I did not like that stuff at all. I am a Mercury outboard tech and I couldn't concentrate while on that and Gabapentin. I was on a ton of meds and I stopped taking them all. I wanted the problem fixed not the symptoms. I gave in and asked for meds. They put me on Prednisone and LDN as of now.

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marja27 | @marja27 | 1 day ago
In reply to @livininthestix "@marja27 I did try Lyrica but I did not like that stuff at all. I am..." + (show)
Profile picture for livininthestix @livininthestix

@marja27 I did try Lyrica but I did not like that stuff at all. I am a Mercury outboard tech and I couldn't concentrate while on that and Gabapentin. I was on a ton of meds and I stopped taking them all. I wanted the problem fixed not the symptoms. I gave in and asked for meds. They put me on Prednisone and LDN as of now.

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@livininthestix It is true that you can’t t think with Lyrica. I take only in the Night. I tried Gabapetin, too, but it does not help neither Venlafax. Have you tried painphysiotherapeut?

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karensm | @karensm | 9 hours ago
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Hi gwj, You're lumbar spine sounds like mine - scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, degenerated discs, osteoarthritis pretty..." + (show)
Profile picture for heyjoe415 @heyjoe415

Hi gwj,

You're lumbar spine sounds like mine - scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, degenerated discs, osteoarthritis pretty much everywhere.

Because of osteoarthritis, I've had both knees, left shoulder, and right hip replaced.

My spine surgeon tells me that all that is holding my lumbar spine together is a very strong set of core muscles (I'm 71 and in the gym everyday.)

I suggest asking your Dr if he would refer you to a physical therapist for core strengthening and possibly stretching, to protect your lower back.

I also had laminotomies at S1/L5/L4 about 12 years ago. Very simple surgery where the surgeon drills holes in the back of the vertebrae. This creates more room for the lumbar spine and maintains the physical integrity of the vertebrae. Recovery is fast - a bit uncomfortable, but fast.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best.

Joe

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@heyjoe415
I have all your all your back issues- 3 yrs ago (female), 77 yrs, was walking with a cane, on drugs, getting epidurals, decided to get off everything. Could not sleep so much pain. Started lifting weights again (light), took private pilates lessons, got 4 nerves in my back done by Rozinomity which helped
So much. Do not pick up anything more than 15 pounds, back to playing tennis (still in pain but do not care), now 81, still taking pilates, playing tennis, & weights. Believe it is all about your core muscles getting stronger that helped me.

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