[Chris1972]

Not sure what to say here really, but here goes...

My name is Chris, I have suffered chronic lower back pain since 2004. i served in the Army for 20 years and due to a combination of wear and tear and multiple strains and injuries to my back over the years i eventually prolapsed two discs in december of 2005. I recieved utterly pathetic treatment from a useless consultant, and now 7 years later i am in constant chronic pain and have been medically discharged from the Army, a job i loved and would have loved to complete the full term of 22 years service.

i have had loads of rehab, both in the Army and out. interfacet joint injections, epidurals and a failed operation to relieve some of the disc bulges i was left with that went very wrong. i awoke from the op not being able to move my left leg, this happened in 2009 and since then i have deterioted to the point my left leg has reduced sensation and gives way without warning, i use 2 elbow crutches to get around. Without these it is too painful to walk and i just end up falling over when my leg gives way, being 6'3" i have a long way to fall.

I am now waiting for a Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) and to be honest i am worried this will have little effect, but i just seem out of options.
I am on fentynal Patches and Gabapentin (probably spelt wrong) oral morphine for break through pain relief as well as the usual paracetamol and brufen type tablet.
Unfortunately i now suffer from depression and am being medicated for this too.
All in all i am a bit of a mess right now and my wife thought i might benefit from seeking out people in a similar predicament and realising im not the only one going through this type of thing.

Seems ive waffled on enough, no idea if any one will read this, but please if you do, just say hi it would really mean a lot.

thanks

Chris

[Blessings2You]

Hi, Chris, welcome to the community! I'm sure you'll find people with similar stories, and I know you'll find support! Feel free to jump in anywhere, but here are some specific forums you might find helpful:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum10.html

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

[Chris1972]

Thanks Blessings2you.

Ill have a look at those threads, i too hope i can find others who i can relate to, just a shame we are in this predicament in the first place.

[Darlene]

Chris,
Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Here are a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Seems like Blessings2You has you headed in the right forum.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[Chris1972]

Hi Darlene,

Thankyou for your kinds words. Its the little things like someone taking the time just say your not alone and that they will listen when your having a weak moment that makes the day a little more bearable.

Today has been a bad pain day and seeing your message has raised my spirits, a much needed boost indeed.



kind regards from what seems to be an english man in an American dominated site, Which is fine by me as i truly believe the US to be the greatest country on gods green earth.

chris

[Rrae]

Welcome!

I'm so sorry for what brings you here, but you sure have found a great place for support and information.
I truly understand about the depression also. The good thing about that is that you are seeking support in this, rather than isolating yourself (a mistake I have made in the past).
There's a forum here specific to depression, so feel free to open up about it. I have and it really helps, especially the people here who truly care and can relate. Pain and depression do go hand in hand, which can further damage our quality of life.

I have an SCS. I'll see you over at the SCS forum!

So glad you're here!
Rae



PS: THANK YOU for your service to your country!

[Chris1972]

Hi Rae,

Thankyou for the lovely welcome, i was starting to think no one ever really looked at these threads. Or should i say look and take the time to reply !

How do you find the SCS if you dont mind me asking ?

Kind regards and best wishes

Chris