hi
I am new to online anything but specifically was looking for a support group and information regarding chronic pain and lumbar spinal issues. I have been dealing with this whole overwhelming 'journey' towards health even over the years I have begun to wonder if that is even feasible or realistic. 9 months post L4-L5 fusion (I was told I would be back to work in 3 months...) I have just been informed that my temp disability will run out next month... no doctors have mentioned whether I am in fact permanently disabled at this point but I am still unable to work. the pain and nerve impingement symptoms have only gotten worse. in april 2015 the new mri showed some type of cysts in my nerve bundles and sciatica that I never had presurgery is most excruciating some days....my neurosurgeon who has a very good reputation has now sent me back to my pain management specialist and i'm left feeling very alone and worried that nobody cares that this is my life we are talking about!!! I am 45 and many days require a walker to get mobile.
so I am scared and frustrated and completely overwhelmed and not sure what to do next. how do people survive the ups and downs in recovery especially with looking at no income until maybe in a year permanent disability kicks in if they approve....ugh
but after 2 years of heavy opiate use I am finally off all that and while there are many times I wish for pain relief I will be out of all other options before I go back to using those meds...too soon...I really believed withdrawing from the morphine was going to kill me and it almost did.

ok I probably put too much or not enough. I have never been on a site before for anything so this is all new. hope I didn't do it 'wrong'.....

Hi there,

I was new to everything when I first came here, you will find this a warm and caring Community which forgives Posting mistakes - not that you made any.

I am sorry you are suffering such long term pain along with your other issues, I have severe neck and back pain, referring down arm and leg as one of my many issues, so I know somewhat where you are coming from. I have avoided necessary surgery as my heart will not take the anaesthesia.

Someone will be along shortly to direct you to appropriate Forums where we all can discuss whatever you wish - I cannot do Links at the moment, I'm stuck on my phone due to pain problems.

I look forward to getting to know you.

Dave.

Hello and welcome, happy to see you have come to be with us, it a great place to be. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, where you have find a supportive and relaxing place. Have fun looking into the different forums. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Click onto the following, there will be some fellow friends to assist.

Chronic Pain:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum10.html
Spinal Disorders & Back Pain:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

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

Darlene

Hi and Welcome!

I see Darlene has given links, directing you to forums.

I am sorry your burden feels so heavy right now.

The various steps and transitional periods while qualifying for various levels of disability can be very overwhelming, especially since income and benefits are often affected.

Are you saying your short-term disability is running out and your long-term disability does not kick in for awhile yet?

Please talk with your doctor(s) about their projections as to when you might be able to return to work. If they agree it will be awhile, look into filing for Social Security Disability right away. Any pay/benefits are retroactive to the date of application.

Also contact Social Welfare in your area and explain your situation. You are likely eligible for some basic income and some benefits. The caseworker will help you to apply and will tell you which benefits you may qualify for while awaiting a long-term disability approval.

If you have legal questions, you may also contact Legal Aid, if available in your state.

If you need assistance with drug coverage, you can check for these benefits in your state for the disabled through the Dept of Social Welfare and/or your state's Medicaid program. Please also ask here, as many have info on resources for assistance with medications.

Welcome to Neurotalk.

I hope to see you around the forums.

To Our Healing,
DejaVu