Chronic Pain; my new world...
 

Just found out have nerve damage of l5s1 nerve (3 prior herniations, 2 disectomies, one fusion where I am 4 months post Op).

EMG indicated abnormalities, latency, at this nerve. See doctor tomorrow, but clear from calls that there is a major problem; I know it is nerve damage (the doctor told me almost as much in the doctor way of saying it).

I am in a daze, feel so alone. my wife does not get it; she has dealt with this enough.

Find me something to look forward to.

You might also want to explore our spinal forum for additional help & info -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

If surgery is not an option, or desired at this time, maybe an SCS or pain pump if meds aren't working or not a good option.
Less invasive might be a TENS, PT, other alternative therapies..depending on pain levels..

Hi Never, Welcome.

I'm not understanding what you mean by, "clear from calls that there is a major problem," (phone calls from your doctor?)

And can you be more specific about what, "the doctor told [you] almost as much in the doctor way of saying it"?

I agree with Jo*mar's suggestions. If you post something to the Spinal Disorders & Back Pain forum, please include the results of the EMG and/or any other (MRI?) reports.

Are you currently in Pain Management?

You are not alone. Your wife's not getting it is not unusual. Loved ones often believe (like we often do in the beginning) that medicine knows and can do more than it actually does/can, and that if we've had surgery, we should be "fixed". Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and in some few cases, surgery can actually make things worse.

Is your wife up to speed on your condition(s), the surgical procedures, etc.? Has she been a part of your doctor visits?

None of us has a crystal ball, but I believe you'll find support and information here.

Doc

Spouses
 

SPOUSES...so far I have been diagnosed with 'hypersensitivity of the central nervous system'....I have trouble walking, balance, use a walker when outside or at the mall and a cane around the condo area..i have spasms and cramps hands, feet, calf and butt..fatigue, breathing problems because of the pain and high blood pressure....MY HUSBAND IS A PHYSICIAN! and he doesn't get it sometimes! it took my husband and family dr. both 2 years before they realized the pain I was in!
go figure! their all the same. good luck to all of us

Hi Tiger,

I used to think doctors were all the same; now I think maybe just most of them. Some years ago, the fellow who had been my PCP for the previous ~30 years (since my teens) retired, leaving me in the position of finding a new doctor. I went through several in fairly rapid succession, and then found one who was quite different; candid, communicative (including being a good listener) and "real". I've since (due to various ravages of middle age) acquired a team of like-minded specialists.

Some doctors just don't respond well, or know how to respond for that matter, to chronic illnesses (e.g. pain). Many got into medicine to help people, and they're confounded/frustrated when confronted with conditions/patients they just cannot help.

A Letter to Patients With Chronic Disease (from a primary care physician)

I'm inferring from your statement that your husband and family doctor "get it" now, and hopefully things will improve going forward.

Best Wishes,

Doc

Meditation helps
 

Learn "meditation" it will take you away from the pain. If possible avoid narcotics as the side effects are awful and depressing. You are not alone ever. Jesus is always with you. Have faith and think about what he went through for us? Our suffering is minimal and going to a good church feeds the spirit and occupies the mind. Keep your mind occupied and don't consume yourself with the superficial problem of pain. Not a Dr. just a sufferer like you. Chronic and daily. Waking uo is like rolling the dice, I never know what limbs may be numb or in paralysis. The P/N and thorasic outlet syndrome were much worse until i did the above and do it daily. Vitamin B-12 and a Multivitamin and neurontin is all I take. I swore off narcotics as the side effects are dangerous a least for me. I'll deal with the pain and hand it to the Lord.

frusterating
 

I'm so sorry to hear that. I know what its like for people to "not get it." Fortunately everyone here DOES get it... I'm yet to hear of anyone getting back surgery that hasn't made people worse, let alone actually help someone in pain. This makes me very mad. You would think that with all the medical advances we have every year and the millions of people with chronic pain, someone would get something right. Here's to the hope of beneficial medical technology!

That may be because the successes are out there working, playing, and living their lives. Satisfied people seldom complain or post to support groups; they're not the ones who need the support.

However the rate of failures is alarming. Back surgery is the only surgery I'm aware of that has such a high rate of failure that it has a condition specifically named for it—Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

The back/spine is particularly tricky because, like anything else mechanical that is prone to failure, it has so many moving parts.

Doc