Hello all...

My name is Helen and I live in Ontario, Canada. A very dear friend of mine told me about this site and here I am. I hope that with your help and my searching I can get the answers that I need to live a rewarding life.

Currently I am off work, and have been since December 2008. I was receiving sick benefits (from work and when they ended, from Service Canada) but these have now ceased. I applied for Long Term Disability and am in this process. My claim has been denied twice and it is in the appeal process and to date no decision has been made. So... here I am... in constant pain and now no funds to help with the appointment costs.

I life with chronic pain 24/7 and when I read the "Letter to People Without Chronic Pain" I cried. This describes me (as well as many of you) and it's so difficult to explain it to someone who doesn't live with the day-to-day pain.

I feel that I am going through this all alone and have had the run-around going from one doctor to another and no one knows exactly what to do to help relieve the pain.

I have had physiotherapy, chiropractic care (IFC machine, ultrasound, physiotherapy treatments which included heat, muscle manipulation, and light exercise, acupuncture, massage therapy on a weekly basis (when funds were available).

My last appointment with a specialist ended with her perscribing Gabapentin for 'nerve pain' and I was taking this medication in addition to other meds. The gabapentin gave me severe depression and made me suicidal. I stopped taking it and am awaiting to see the specialist again.

Results from my MRI and X-ray are as follows:

Diagnosed Dec 1, 2008

L1-L2
·Mild central disc protrusion, minimally impressing upon the thecal sac associated with mild spinal stenosis

L4-L5
·Mild diffuse discogenic change, most pronounced in the far left lateral aspect with a small disc protrusion and impression upon the exiting nerve roots beyond the left neural foramina
·Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy
·Mild central and bilateral neural foramina stenosis, mild on the right and moderate on the left

L5-S1
·Diffuse discogenic osteogenic change
·superimposed small central disc protrusion with a focal annular tear
·impression upon the thecal sac
·herniating disc is in contact with the S1 nerve root origins and it is bulging against the L5 exiting nerve roots on both sides
· moderate facet hypertrophy
·mild central and neural foramina stenosis


Diagnosed April 10, 2006

C4-5
·Loss of the normal cervical lordosis associated with severe chronic disc degeneration at C4-5 and C5-6

C5-6
·Evidence of slight narrowing of the nerve foramina by postero-lateral bony spurs at these levels in addition to facet joint arthritic disease affecting the mid and lower cervical levels.
·Moderately severe degree of cervical spondylosis


I am reaching out and do not know where to turn at this point. I am hoping that there is someone out there who shares some of my experiences and can guide me as to where to turn next.

Thank you and may we all find relief soon.

Helen

Hi Hellen
Im sorry to hear about your situation,,If your able to stay mobile[walking] and stretching is good for back problems and leg pain, watching our diet and weight with activity is a must,,and the older we get ,,the more reason to,,,I was a certified personal trainer for quite a few years ,,i will help you if you need any advice ,,feel free to P.M me anytime,,i know that the Lord will help you ,,stay in prayer,,,,,bobber

Hi Bobber,
Thanks for your reply and your welcome.

Funny thing... I was a person who went to the gym daily (at 5:00 a.m.) and was committed to exercise and wellness. I did cardio and weight training faithfully. I had been experiencing pain well before (a year or more) I finally went to the doctor (you see, I thought I needed a new hip).

I couldn't continue going to the gym as it caused so much discomfort and I was just wasting money by not going and therefore cancelled my membership. I have thus gained weight (about 25 lbs) and of course this isn't helping (my anti-depression meds cause weight gain). I also know due to the fact that I'm not moving like I used to it has caused me to gain weight. I try and walk every day (we have a pup) but sometimes this isn't even possible.

Currently I am taking Tramacet to help with the pain as well as Meloxicam. I was taking Gabapentin, but have stopped this drug as the side effects were too severe.

I'm definitely at a loss. Thanks for your concern.
Helen

Welcome to our community

You will find a lot of info here.

Here are some links for you...

Arthritis

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum86.html

chronic pain

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

Spinal disorders

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

depression

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum37.html

There are a lot of caring people who you can relate to and share your stories with. You're not alone. We're here for you.

Hey Helen
I too up to 7 months ago was active,,playing sports on a high competitive level,, i love to eat,and when i stayed active,i could eat anything and i stayed lean,,i had a THR on 4/13,,im still on crutches,,something is wrong,,i have possible rsd,but im still yingto aqua jog,,,but i feel your pain,,,God will sort everything out,,i just need to continue to pray ,,not doubt and believe,,but i will tell you this,,,God will help you,,,,bobber

Hey Hellen
Up to my THR on 4/13 ,,i was active ,playing sports at a competitive level,,,,so i feel your pain,,im aqua jogging ,,but im still on crutches,,something isnt right,,but i have to keep moving,,i really enjoyed when i was active,,i could eat anything,and i stayed lean,, and stay in prayer,,God will help you,,,he is my only hope,,,prayeris very powerfull,,,,,,bobber

Hello Helen, and welcome to NeuroTalk! This is such a nice place with many helpful, caring, and friendly people.

We're so glad you found us!

I know what you mean when you said "...it's so difficult to explain it to someone who doesn't live with the day-to-day pain." I have MS, and it's sometimes awfully hard to explain the disease and its symptoms to people who have never been through something like this before.

I wish you all the best in finding something that helps with your pain.

Hello and welcome, Venus! Sorry for your pain. Sounds like you've tried everything to cure it, to no avail. *sigh

Do you even know what causes your pain? Our bodies are such mysteries, aren't they? I hope you get some financial aid as well as some answers and positive results.

Hi Helen and welcome to NeuroTalk! I'm sorry for the pain you're experiencing. Join in wherever you feel comfortable....there are lots of wonderful, caring and supportive folks here who'll be happy to help you in any way they can.

Hello everyone...
Thank you all for your wonderful welcome to this forum. I have been away from my computer for a few days (not feeling well). I just want you to know that I appreciate all your support and your understanding. It's good to know there are others out there who share pain and can relate.

Thank you all.
Helen