My parents and I all have back pain of differing severities. My mom has it the worst and uses a TENS Unit when it's really bad. She hasnt had to take as many pain pills since she started using the TENS and she's actually not using the TENS as often as she was and still hasnt started popping the "good" pain pills (oxycontin) as much as she used to.

I hardly ever take anything for my back pain, maybe some ibuprofen, but I dont think I'm near as bad as my parents are. I dont like how narcotic pain meds make me feel. The masochist in me would rather feel the pain and be able to think than be totally stoned out of my gourd and not in pain. I just dont like strong pain meds and their side effects. I'm sure eventually I'll change my mind on that tho.

I still dont know what causes my back pain. It's either spasticity from the MS, or it's being caused from a back injury I got in a car accident and a second back injury that I got in a fall. I'm guessing it's from the accident or the fall.

Hopefully you can get something done that will take care of the pain soon that will keep you pain free forever and still keep you mobile.

Oh, as for not being able to vacuum without making the pain worse. I have a solution for you. Get a Roomba. All you have to worry about with a Roomba is emptying it and not tripping over it as it's vacuuming.

Also, keeping any pets you have from chasing it across the room while it's working. I couldnt get a Roomba while I had my dog, because he would have eaten it. I'm looking into getting a Roomba now that I'm dogless.

and a nice book it is jeannie,

sorry no so far those procedures I have not had, wish I could give you more insight, other than a supportive try to take it slow I know u want to do more but one step at a time, slowly get your back strength back to normal

Thanks Anne
I tried posting on other forums here, like I told Cheryl, but the membership is so light and not alot of experience there. I did go to a health board today where the traffic is much heavier and I see lots of them have gone the entire route to include surgery (Success and failure).

I guess what I was really doing here is reaching out to friends who would comfort me, like you all did . Enough can't be said about community here. I've been good and not posted here about my personal pains as much as I feel it because it does not compare to a chronic illness like MS. I have seen some speak about back pain unrelated to MS so thought it was worth a shot I guess.

What I can relate to all of you is this though: I can't do what I used too and I miss me. I'm not much of a complainer in real life and hate feeling like a burden to anyone, esp my loved ones. I know they see it, but I never speak of it. I just needed to vent about it today.

Moose You are one hell of a man. I cherish you so much! I suppose one of the reasons I don't talk about things so much is because of stories like yours. My problems seem so small and petty compared to some of you here. But you make me feel like my problem is worthy of attention and like I said, I guess that's what compelled me to moan outloud today. I've become inspired and so I don't chicken out with the doctor, I called and left voice mail asking for the discogram so first thing Monday things will be rolling in that direction. If he does not want to do it, the other doctor does and I'll call him. I'll then be without refills and I pray that if I do go that way I'll get relief quickly.

I'll start fighting for my life

LOL Erin
I have 3 cats and 2 dogs....bet it would help with all the hair on my wood floor I was like you for the first 3+ years. I didn't take anything. Then I eventually got to the point that I was taking some 12-15 Ibuprophens a day. When I heard that could be bad, I went to a doctor about it. Once I had my first few days of vicodin...OH MAN....Yeeeee Hawww! I found that managed pain (Like what Anne was saying) was a God Send.

Now that I've been on them 6 months, I find no pleasure in taking them anymore. It hit me that this could go on forever. Is this how I want to live? Yes for relief, no forever. I did try the tens unit a few years back at a chiropractor. I went for adjustments, but instead he put me on that DRX-9000 and the tens. I was worse after this, so I quit going. I've since heard that Chriopractic in my case is a big NO-NO!!

FRANK: Love you man!! Thanks so much for the good thoughts...you just have that attitude to keep on keeping on....its what I needed today from all of you.

Thanks all of you for taking the time to reply today...it really meant alot to me and I feel better mentally now (and I put a patch on LOL)

You asked for things you haven't tried yet....biofeedback and meditation. With both, you will still have pain, but you can control your response to it so it doesn't ruin your life. I learned biofeedback from a pain therapist (he was also my health psychology professor). It was a computer program that we learned to adjust our biorhythms with. Very cool. One of his patients who was in chronic, uncontrollable, suicidal type pain is now able to have a life again.

LOL..I think the civilian term is "blowing rainbows up your skirt"..

I'm keeping everything crossed for you, GJ..Let us know what you find out!

gj...it takes time to build a forum. don't give up on it. some of the lurkers may decide to join if there are more posts.

i bet some of the old timers..ok...only throw choccy can tell you there were times that the ms forum was slow for days and days.

same goes with the spinal forum. i have severe back problem and have been in constant pain since i was 12. some days i would rather have a baby out of my nose than endure the pain. i tend to shy away from the spinal forum. guess it makes the pain and what i have to live with more "real".

yup. i'm one with a high pain tolerance. could be a learned thing, since i do not tolerate pain meds. i also have had my heart stop 2 times during surgery...so that isn't an option. there are alternatives. you just have to do what is best for you.

yeah...the comments about not looking like i have anything wrong and should be able to do everything...well...i just shrug and forget them. not worth my time to try and change someones mind. i do what i can.

hang in there toots. venting and getting support...you are not alone.... is wonderful medicine.

I understand Maybe I'll post there a few times a week and see what happens (GRIN) I can take a hint after 3 of you asked me too

I'll go post there now.....

I hear you and can relate. I take a bit more meds than I would like to
if I want to get out of bed. I have severe pain in my left hip and leg
and both of my heels. I used to be a figure skater and walked 4 miles
every day. I just want to do that again. Im sick of the weight gain
and sick of being a lump in pain.

Ive tried so many different things. Casts, cortisone shots, nerve block,
boots, night splints, gel pads, heel cups, custom orthodics, pt, ice
and heat. The only thing that gives me some relief is my combo of
meds. I take zanaflex, percacet, gabapentin and ultram. We are
going to try lyrica so Im dosing down with the gabapentin. I HATE
taking all these meds but I HAVE to have some quality of life.

I sit here with a hot pack on my hip and dream about getting up
and moving.........

Sox

hehehe..gj..i might just reply.