Hello everyone!

I'm new to this site and I am ecstatic to have found you guys!
I have been having problems with my back for 15 years now and I'm sick and tired of not getting the help I need. Almost every doctor I had seen in the beginning would blow my concerns off and tell me its a pulled muscle. Not one would order any tests or anything because I was "too young" for back problems, so I dealt with it.
My lower back pain first started in 1996, with off and on pain. Now 15 years later, it is in constant pain. If I stand too long, it hurts like hell and it feels like it is breaking when I bend over. If I sit too long it hurts too. I have this "electric shock" that shoots across the top of my hip and into my butt and left groin area then shoots down the inside of my thigh. I get an "electrical shock" in the groin and thigh when I walk or lift my left leg. It's very painful. Sometimes the whole left leg and foot go numb and tingly. If I lay flat on my back, the whole bottom half of my body goes numb.

Now, I have been getting headaches for years along with neck pain. I have had a constant headache for 5 weeks now. Neck is stiff and painful at the base of my skull. My headaches start there and engulfs the back and sides of my head. I also have been told I have cervical ridiculopathy. Sharp shooting pains down my neck, shoulder, arm, and hand. With numbness and weakness. I have had one xray done of my neck. Since I have asthma, chronic bronchitis, pancreatitis, and high blood pressure, my Dr. Refuses to refer me to a specialist until all my "normal" issues are under control.

I know I shouldnt be treated like that, but I honestly don't know how to go about getting the tests I need. I am on Medicaid and I need referrals for everything. I'm depressed and stressed out from being sick and in pain all the time. I just feel like giving up cause I can't get anything done! Ps. Only meds I'm prescribed are blood pressure pills, inhaler, protonix for stomach, and prednisone. I take tylenol for pain cause I'm not allowed to have NSAIDS cause of my pancreas. I'm in agony all the time so I usually get vicodin from my dad when my pain is unbearable...I know I shouldn't be doing that, but my Dr says no..I can take the tylenol. I live in a poorer area and there are lots of drug seekers out there, so I understand, but I'm in actual horrific pain...any suggestions on what I should do to get the real tests and help I need before something else goes wrong in my body!

So good to know that you're excited about finding this site! I'm so sorry to hear that you're in pain. You will find a lot of help and support in the Medications and Treatments forum at http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum72.html.

Again, welcome and keep posting!

Hello CeeCee and WELCOME to NeuroTalk!

Here are a few links to help you find your way and may help you find some answers.

Spinal Disorders & Back Pain
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Headache
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum32.html

Please feel free to roam around any and all of the forums! If you have any questions or need any assistance please don't hesitate to ask... someone will always be around shortly to help you in any way that we are able.

I look forward to seeing you around the board.

Abbie

Just wanted to say 'WELCOME' and that I comprehend your frustration, as everyone here does.

NT is full of caring people, and it's nice to know that we are not 'alone' in our battles. Hang in there, get to know some good friends here, and things somehow have a way of working out.

I hope your Dr refers you to a pain specialist soon. You deserve proper pain management.

Caring,
Rae

Ceecee,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have found the site. Just let us know if we can be of any help.

There are great number and caring fellow members here, just let us know how we can assist, we are a supportive and relaxing group friends. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Hope you get a solution with your medical problems soon. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene