Quote:
Originally Posted by aliestgirl
Hi everyone. I am new here and still trying to find my way around and how to post. I have Tethered Cord Syndrome and I am 49 years old. I had my last surgery in 2008 to detether my spine. I have been experiencing new and severe symptoms in the last six months. I have always had so much pain, but it is unbearable now in every single position. I also have numbness that comes and goes in my legs, feet, arms and hands. In the last month I have started to have facial numbness with it even traveling to my scalp off and on. I have an appointment with a neurosurgeon in a week. I don't know how all of you do it. I have always been a pretty optimistic person, but I am now so depressed and anxious. I am having trouble with gaining even the motivation to see this doctor. I'm in a new state so of course I have never seen him before. It always feels like I am having to explain my condition to doctors over and over. I can't handle the pain at this point and really have no quality of life. I am a wreck about what I fear may be very limited options. I suppose I will either be a candidate for another surgery or be referred for pain management. Even in this much pain, I am worried about being labeled as a "drug seeker" as well. I keep reading about that happening to people. Nothing could be further than the truth though. Medication barely takes the edge off what's happening now. I just really want to get back a little bit of my life. I want to live to see my grandchildren one day, and hopefully interact with them. I do pray...but I have to wonder....is this it ? Is it going to ever get better or just be a desperate attempt to minimize daily/24 hour pain and immobilization for the rest of my life ? Thanks for listening. I am sorry to vent so much.
|
Venting is very understandable. 24/7 pain is difficult to accept. I am dealing myself with 24/7 chronic pain. Acceptance of life under these terms was very difficult; but it has helped me me make necessary adjustments..
I am under the care of a Pain Management doctor. The pain medication prescribed has at least made each day tolerable. I have been fortunate because I have not been made to feel like I am a "drug seeker". Since I have had a few additional surgeries, it has been very important that my PM doctor and most of my other doctors are on staff at the same hospital.
Hopefully the appointment with the neurosurgeon goes well. Please keep in touch.
Gerry