I am a chronic pain'er having been diagnosed with multiple neurological pain-causing modalities including occipial neurology, ankalosing spondylitis, cervical spondylitis, degenerative disc disease (cervical and lumbar) and, to top it all, both osteo-arthritis and pheumatoid arthritis. both my lumbar spine (L1-S1) and cervical spine (C2-C6) have had radical surgeries and are fused with titanium rods and screws giving me severely limited head and body movement. I am still ambulatory with the aid of canes and, occasionally, a walker but can still climb stairs and walk, unaided, for short distances, albeit with pain. Looking for others who might share their experiences with similar problems.

Hi there. Welcome. My name is Melody.

You have so much going on don't you? All that pain. It's a wonder that you were compassionate enough to come and share your story with us. Believe me you have my deepest appreciation. Others more knowledgable than I will come along and give you good input. We have all kinds of pain people here. Pain from this condition, that condition, ALL CONDITIONS.

My husband has very bad neuropathy so he knows pain, believe me. Just wanted to extend a warm welcome to you.

Sincerfely, Melody

Welcome to Neuro Talk. You found a good site for information and a lot of compassion. Many of us here have spinal issues, myself included. l came here for the same reason you are. I have had two spinal fusions, Now C3-7, with T 1-2-3 not doing so hot. I hear you. Have you heard of a type of doctor called a Physiatrist? This doctor I found does integrated medicine. I do take pain medication, but managed to get off morphine after having to take it for years. I am on a host of supplements, that over the past couple of years, has eased some of the pain, so I don't have to take so many pills. I have massage as often as I can, and I ask for PT, as much as medicare will allow. This seems to keep me more mobile. If I do any more surgery, I won't be able to drive. I will do anything I can to help myself as I sure don't want any more fusions! I have the same DDD, DJD, arthritis, just about the same as you do. It sure isn't fun. Are you doing any kind of therapy to help with mobility? Are you in constant pain? Have you tried acue puncture?
I am here to listen any time Murfisto. I hope you get many responses. Keep in touch. I do care. ginnie

Murfisto,

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.

Click on the following forum, there are some dear friends to assist you.

chronic pain:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum10.html
Occipital Neuralgia:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum105.html

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

Darlene

Thank you for your warm welcome. i will continue to monitor this thread and see what others have to offer.

As you may have guessed, i have tried alternative approaches to pain management including acupuncture (it failed miserably, just added another source of pain memory in part of my body that had not previously felt pain!). Yoga did nothing. PT did some good, at least in the short run and i'm right now re-starting it as i still have some eligibility under medicare. yes, my pain is non-stop; it does vary according to time of day and level of physical activities. I am quite dependent on opioid medications but they only dull, not relieve my pain which is neurologic in origin. my greatest regret is not being able to tolerate gabapentin or any of its analogs(severe side effects). I have undergone both chemical and radio frequency ablations (rfa's) over the years but, as time went on, they finally caused more pain then they relieved so i had to stop them. Earlier this year, my rheumatologist started me on a course of Humira but after 2 1/2 months, discontinued it as we determined we were receiving no benefit and racking up huge costs for the medication.
i, too, have given up on more surgery. i feel that much/most of my chronic pain i attribute to the after effects of my neck reconstruction.
And, finally, no, i have not been able to drive safely for more than 5 years as i cannot turn my head to look for oncoming vehicles.
sorry to be so long-winded...

Darlene, thank you for your kind response and i will take a look at your recommended threads.