Hello everyone,

After years of struggling, having spent the entire day reading through this great site I'm finally asking for some help and friends who understand!!
Had my first back surgery at 21 as a student nurse.......came back to haunt me good and proper 5 years ago on a night shift! Chronic nerve pain in back and down left leg through to my foot - I know how many of you have very similar tales. Since then lost my job (hospice sister), had numerous small procedures, a fusion at the wrong level and a re-do and extension of fusion, plus doped up on very drugs I used to dish out (oxycontin, oxynorm, pregabalin and fluoxetine)!
The last op failed to help - in fact the leg and foot pain is worse and now in the other foot......nights are just awful. Going back to see my surgeon next month and expect him to discharge me with a referral to St Thomas' in London for assessment for scs - it would be great to hear about your experiences, especially anyone in the UK.....and at Tommy's........
Life has felt pretty rough at times, particularly when I was started on antidepressants last year and I struggle with the loss of independence.
On the bright side I have a great family - although sure I will share some moans re teenagers on here! I'm a v embarrassing mum - and have really found out who my true friends are during the last 2 surgeries with surprising results. I try very hard to not be constantly down.
That's enough for now as have typed far too much - really look forward to chatting with others who can truly understand this hideous, constant pain............