spinal damage by car accident
 

Hello anyone!
I was in a car accident at the age of 22 (17 yrs ago) after 2 years of nonstop pain, 3 neurologists, 2 bone specialists and physical therapy I was told that my diagnosis was as follows:
severed nerves and torn muscles from the top to the bottom of my spine and a permanently bruised tailbone.
Surgery was not an option......
I would probably be paralyzed before all was said and done....
The most they could do was give me pain killers and muscle relaxers.

After lots of research I decided to use natural herbal medication(marijuana).
For 17 years I have had little to no pain and have been able to work a fulltime job and be a full time parent to two beautiful children.
3 months ago I was arressted for my "alternative use" and have not used said herb since.
I am starting to have severe pain, numbness, headaches, and blood in my bowels as well as not sleeping at night because if I lay to long in one position my legs and back start hurting to the point I have to get up.
Is there any other alternative meds out there that won't damage organs when taken long term?
Any help or thoughts appreciated, I would like to go back to living again not just sitting around in excruciating pain......:grouphug:

Hi Jen, sorry to hear about your ordeal.
 

I have a similar situation. I was not in an accident but I have 1 failed back surgery 2 herniated discs in lumbar area,sciatica,athritis and stenosis and a bulging disc in neck. I am always in pain and sometimes I can hardly move. I am not a candidate for herbal use due to anxiety issues I have. I am sure I would freak out,but am in search of alternative therapy to popping pills.

I have heard of some device that is implanted internally that stops pain,and there is always tens machine. There is also a pain clinic & hypnosis. I don't know what the best answer is, its very hard to find relief.

Hi Aussie
Thanks for response. I read your post as well I also get the flank pain. At times it feels like someone is literaly ripping my back in half. Do you get what I call "the rigamortise effect" after you lay in one position for to long? I live in Delaware and the medical field is a bit behind in the times..... I have not heard of any implant however my mother suffered from severe migraines due to allergies and had a blocker in her neck, she regrets her decision. Have you asked your doctor about herbal use because it could also help with your anxiety. I am not sure what a tens machine is either. I am very leery of a lot of things because when I was in therapy they tried several things and I ended up in more pain (when they tried traction I couldn't walk for 2 days).
Because so many of the nerves in my back have been severed I get multiple muscle spasms (apparently when the muscles were initially torn some of the nerves fell into them and when the muscles healed the nerves stayed inside).
It is just nice to know that others are out there who understand when you go on prescription meds those meds are going to eventually kill you not whatever problem is causing the pain. Pain killers don't actually kill the pain they kill your mind so you just don't care about the pain.....

Jen
 

I have been in bed for over a week unable to walk due to the sciatica. My leg throbs at night, and keeps me up. It has finally settled down a bit but the back pain is always there to some degree.

I have been in pain for many years and now also have "PN" (widespread nerve pain due to autoimmune problem) and fibromyalgia. It's a day to day battle and still we soldier on. I also work full time.

Xanax heps me with pain,anxiety,panic attacks and also relieves muscle spasms. I don't think my husband would let me take herbs,and I am also very scared too. If I didn't have all the other medical stuff, and I only had the back problem then it would be more viable, but my medical history has gotten quite muddy with mutiple conditions and I have to be careful what I take.

I just really try to limit my pill use because I know too much of a good thing is just not a good thing.

I have had other therapies like chriopracter & ostopath and both hurt me even more. i think manipulation is not good in severe cases like ours.

It's ok for more muscular type problems but once you have problems with bones,joints,nerves,discs,and spine, you have to be very careful who does what to you.

Swimming might help you. Its good exercise for people with back problems??

There may be light...
 

Hi Jen,

I too, am sorry to hear of your ordeal. I am a firm believer that individuals know their body the best and also what works for them.

I just wanted to pass on a few things that might help with "your" choice of pain treatment.
My sister was diagnosed with a glioblastoma three years ago, she suffered more than I can ever begin to put into words ,with pain. She was put on heavy duty pain medication, that didn't really do a heck of a lot.
She received her treatment at Duke University in North Carolina but lived in South Carolina. The Doctors' at Duke placed her on marijuana, in PILL form. That did the trick! Her pain didn't completely go away, but compared to the usual gambit of meds, it left her clear headed and relatively pain free.
I do know that she had a written note from her physician with her at all times in case she was questioned with regard to her use of the medication.

I am guessing you physician is aware of your alternative way of handling your pain. I don't know what the laws are in your area, however, I would check them out. It's worth a try to fight this one. ;)

As with most medications, even, alternatives, they eventually are excreted through the kidneys' so prolonged use should always be of concern.

*Barb
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