Living with Lumbar Pain
 

Hi, I'm new to this site and just thought maybe someone would have some new advice or words of encouragement. I used to work as a fire fighter paramedic and now I have a bulged disc at L5 S1. I actually didn't get this injury at work surprisingly. i was involved in a car accident vs a semitruck.
Almost 4 years ago I went through a medical hell. My doctor started with least invasive procedures and finally after complaining of back pain in September I was given an MRI in April. They tried everything from narcotics, muscle relaxers, bed rest, physical therapy, CNS depressants like Neurontin, and finally I was given 2 epidural shots. i managed to make it through the last 3 years with just the occasional soreness and I always have sciatica!
I'm only 30 and very active but 10 days ago my back flared up and now I can't walk. I literally crawl to the restroom, my friends are helping with meals, but I don't have insurance, cant work and cant seem to get relief from pain. I had an epidural a few days ago with some relief.
I can sit up for about 20 minutes pain free and take maybe 10 or 15 steps. I've heard about some decompression machine and a few surgeries. If anyone has been here or has some advice for me, please reply! I'm listening and open to whatever ideas!

Hi Nida and welcome to NeuroTalk. Here is the link to our Spinal Disorders forum..

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=22

I hope someone there can help you. :hug:

Hi, Nida! :Wave-Hello:! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

I see that Alffe has provided you with a link to the SD forum. Let us know if we can help you with anything.:)

Nida,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Great to see you have come to be with us. You will find a great number of caring, supporting members here willing to help each other as they can.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene:hug:

Hi Nida and welcome to NeuroTalk. You'll find great support in the spinal disorders forum.

I'm surprised that your doctors haven't done spinal surgery at this point. When it gets to where you can't walk and have sciatica...well, I'm just surprised. A lady where I work is having back surgery tomorrow for exactly the same reasons.

I hope you find relief soon. I completely understand your frustration with the back pain.

:hug: