About time I posted an intro, I reckon. Now, what to say?

I'm 51, male, and have been in some degree of back / leg pain since 2003 or so. I had Schuermann's disease strike at about age 12. Nothing was done to help me, don't know if there are /were any treatment options, but I have a nice hunchback from T10-T12, along with scoliosis. The resulting compensatory movement patterns and posture have taken their toll.

In 2006, I was diagnosed with severe DISH, at (hmmm) T10-T12, and in the ankles, and a bit in the hips. An interesting aside: I had an osteopath tell me that there was nothing wrong with me. As I was experiencing a lot of pain, I went to (gasp) a chiropractor, who examined me manually, and told me that something was very wrong with my back, and that he couldn't treat me without x-rays. Boom, DISH was diagnosed, along with some lumbar issues.

I was then diagnosed with nerve impingement at L4-L5 and L5-S1 in 2011, I had been in terrible pain displaying in various parts of the legs and feet for a couple years. Finally, it all made sense. At that point, I couldn't walk, or even stand for more than 15 minutes without being in agony.

I had decompression treatments on the DRX-9000 (again, chiroquacktic), and that helped a lot.

Now, the orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons tell me that all that can be done is to take meds, and live with the pain as best as I can. So, that's what I'm doing.

I train for and compete in the sport of strongman. I know, sort of paradoxical. However, I've found that as I keep my back (and the rest of my body) strong, the musculature seems to take some of the load off the spine, and I have less pain, overall. I've had many doctors tell me that can't be true, and I've had physical therapists tell me that it is true.

So, since I like to pick up heavy stuff, I do it.

I'm currently trying to wean myself off Lyrica, after experiencing a period of suicidal ideation and terrible depression. I take (too much for my own taste) hydrocodone regularly, along with high dosage NSAIDs, and have the periodic epi of methylpred.

What else is good to know about Bob?

Well, I love Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies. I have 3 mals in my pack, and 1 sibe, currently.

Oh yeah: dogs know stuff that people don't. Important stuff.

Welcome to the forum Bob. i'm sure you will run into several members that have experienced similar experiences. Its always nice to know you aren't alone in your pain.

Dogs know plenty of things long before we do. They can be mirrors of our own emotions. Who would have thought that some dogs had the ability to sniff out some kinds of cancerous lesions! I'm glad you have your own pack.

Sam

Hi Bob and welcome to NeuroTalk...I see you have located our Chronic Pain forum...you also might be interest in our Spinal Disorders forum

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

These forums are great for finding support and sharing information. I'm glad you've joined us.

...until I read your post. Holy , if you can keep going with all the crap happening to you, I guess I can hang in a while longer.
Animals -- especially dogs (and I'm a cat person) -- know what's happening with us and how to help, much more than docs do. Personally, I believe every hospital and clinic should have a resident CMD (canine MD) on staff at all times.
Evenings are often the worst for me. The exhaustion from fighting the pain and loss of balance (peripheral neuropathy) get to me by the end of the day, and all I want is for the humans to GO *moderator edit* AWAY!!!
I have to be utmost careful not to snarl at someone I love, and be prepared with apologies when it happens (and it sometimes does).
At times like that, only the animals can be around me, and they help tremendously ... she says, while pushing a determined feline away from the computer screen.
I dearly love big furry canines, and Samoyeds are my favorites, with Malamutes panting in second place. They are ultimately wonderful
Glad we're both on and can talk animal buddies. Good to meet ya!

"It's amazing how much human detritus can be washed away with so little dog spit."

Quote from a friend of mine.

Bob,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

It's great to have you with us!

Rae

Thanks for all the welcomes!