Hi, Im a paramedic in Australia and have had this work injury for 5 months now, (stretcher collapse with Patient on board) gone through physio and lots of meds Lyrica and Endep currently but nothing has helped.
I am about to have epidural treatment in C-spine to try and shut the nerve off, 3 procedures in total.
I just wanted to know if anyone else here has had similar and what the results were. I seem to be resistant to the drugs and I am unable to take any pain killers stronger than codine orally (severe gastritis) but I have been on a morphine patch slowly increasing dose (no relief as yet).
I am quite despondent as specialist has given me 50% chance of ever being able to go back to work as before and at least another 6months recovery with physio etc. I have fought depression on and off and have to say the week after getting the 50% chance of being fixed wasnt very good.
Would love to hear from others in similar situations?
Thanks, Shari.

Hello Shari,

I am very sorry to hear about what has happened to you. I was acually working on getting my EMT till I got diagnosed with polyneropathy. I am not going through exactly what you are going through but I can relate to fighting depression. I also have dealth with depression my whole life and also have PTSD. I have found that keeping positive people in your life an people who will listen and really care help. I didn't have that most of my life and 6 years ago tried killing myself. The doc pronounced me dead but as you can see Im still here, so even though I have very bad days I always try remind myself that I have a purpose for being here even though things seem like they will never get better. You also have a purpose and maybe through sharing our stories and talking to others we may help someone else or find some kind of peace within the pain we are in. Don't know if I was any help but I just wanted you to know you are not alone and again I am very sorry. Hope things can get better for you. Looking forward to hearing a positive update.

I have done well w esi. Lasted for months.

You might want to visit our thoracic outlet syndrome forum (TOS) for short..
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html

The therapies & treatments might be very similar..
We have had nurses posting in the past with BP stretch injuries/TOS from catching & moving patients.

Shari,

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