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Spinal Disorders & Back Pain For discussion of all spinal cord injuries, spinal issues, back-related pain or problems. |
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06-06-2012, 11:50 AM | #11 | |||
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Grand Magnate
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yes it is
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someone who cares eva |
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06-06-2012, 05:52 PM | #12 | |||
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Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
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Chronic pain is generally considered to be "pain that lasts beyond the term of an injury or painful stimulus," and I'm not sure you're there yet... you're still healing! That said, most longterm chronic pain patients on opioids that are properly prescribed and taken are able to function at a high level, but there are downsides, and that may not be appropriate for you; that's between you and your doctor(s). Some patients do fine (without grogginess) on gabapentin or Lyrica. Some more reading - Google: talk doctor pain for tips on describing your pain to doctors, things to do and not to do. Choice of a particular medication should generally be left up to the doctor, lest the patient be thought a drug-seeker. Once you see a pain management specialist, medication may or may not be the best therapy for you anyway. There are other things they may want to try first; it may take some time to find the best solution/therapy for you. Doc
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Dr. Zachary Smith Oh, the pain... THE PAIN... Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE. All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor. Last edited by Dr. Smith; 06-06-2012 at 11:37 PM. Reason: clarification |
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06-06-2012, 06:22 PM | #13 | ||
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Member
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Sarah,
Your story and history regarding your cervical spine injury and surgery is very much like mine. I found a soft cervical collar just by the act of immobilising and supporting my neck would help. Maybe quit driving for a while too? At least until you get the pain under control. Also I found Gabapentin to be a great drug with little if any side effects (for me anyway!) and wish I'd been prescribed it sooner than it was. It helped me sleep and cope with the pain which thankfully went after a few months and now I no longer take Gabapentin or wear a collar . |
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06-06-2012, 06:36 PM | #14 | |||
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Grand Magnate
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Just wanted to add my welcome!!!
I'm not sure how to help except with words of encouragement. I have spinal problems at the opposite end of the spine so I don't know what should be expected at three months out. I am six months out from my fusion. What kind of surgery did you have...fusion? When thinking seeing someone for therapy...think of possibly a Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also referred to as rehabilitation medicine doc. My surgeon got me into this guy who does pain management. He is called a physiatrist. He has helped me with pain that won't go away. He has given me a patch for pain and other meds. He also did some injections that have worked really well for me. I hope you can find the answers you need. You need to talk to your surgeon about your concerns or maybe find a new doc you feel you can trust... Please keep us updated...also you might want to post a thread on the new member forum.
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My best friends live in my computer.... . Suffered with back problems since birth...7 back surgeries to date, the last one being on 5/13/2015. Fibromyalgia, PTSD, Chronic Pain “Being my sweethearts full-time care partner, I have to remind myself, when some well-meaning friend or relative questions my methods or motives, that I know more than they do because I Live this life 24/7, and they only come for short visits.” Tamiloo . Gotta love my Olhipie! Dx'd RRMS 1986, SPMS 2004 . Watch my Olhipie Skiing.... . |
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06-07-2012, 09:34 AM | #15 | |||
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Junior Member
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Thank you EVERYONE for all of your words of encouragement. I went to see OSS, they took Xrays. He did not say what he saw on Xray but instead is sending me for an MRI with contrast this afternoon. I will have those results read to me on Monday. My neck, upper back and right shoulder are hurting so bad I could just throw up. My Dr. assured me not to worry, that we WOULD get to the bottom of this pain source and I believe him. My husband on the other hand seems to be at the end of his rope with me, the state of the house yada yada and frankly that is making me feel worse. I am just feeling really down and alone today. But I am determined to ge there. Gah. Thanks for listening. =)
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06-07-2012, 10:23 AM | #16 | |||
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Senior Member
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Just one thing ~ DON'T sleep on your tummy! LOL That's gonna KILL your NECK. If you think you're gonna end up on your tummy again, sleep in the recliner! LOL You can't risk getting your neck twisted like that this early . OUCH.
I sure hope you get your pain taken care of. It's miserable being in such pain 24/7. And I WISH your husband was more sympathic! If he's like some men, if he stubbed his toe, you'd think he was dying! My prayers are with you sweetie. Keep us posted, ok? God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee
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recovering alcoholic, sober since 7-29-93;severe depression; 2 open spinal surgeries; severe sciatica since 1986; epidurals; trigger points; myelograms; Rhizotomy; Racz procedure; spinal cord stimulator implant (and later removal); morphine pump trial (didn't work);now inoperable; lumpectomy; radiation; breast cancer survivor; heart attack; fibromyalgia; on disability. Often the test of courage is not to die, but to live.. .................................................. ...............Orestes |
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06-09-2012, 09:44 PM | #17 | |||
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Junior Member
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What night last night! I had on my collar, surrounded myself with pillows and slept alone. I slept all night y'all! Going to ATTEMPT the same thing here in a few minutes, we have perfect sleeping weather here in Bama, light breeze, rain and it is cool out. I go back for results for MRIon Monday. Meanwhile, I hope you all have a great weekend. I have been reading some of these other threads and while I hate the circumstances of why we are here, I am thankful that I found you all.
Will let y'all know what the MRI showed on Monday |
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06-10-2012, 09:54 PM | #18 | ||
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Member
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You suggest that the burning arm pain is post-surgical. While it may be an annoying, resolving residual of the surgery, it might represent a post-surgical complication, of which there are several, including complex regional pain syndrome. The chances are against it however if it is present, you must pursue appropriate therapies for such. CRPS/RSD is a naughty acronym in the ortho/neuro surgical vernacular and will likely be swept under the rug until it is much too late to do anything about it. Please discuss such a possibility with both your surgeon or neurologist or PM doc as initiation of specific therapy for such much after 3 or 4 months becomes mostly ineffectual. Also, since you are post-discectomy with ongoing symptoms, ask about follow-up MRI with contrast to rule out recurrent disc. Oh...give your muscle relaxers and all other anxiety medications to your husband....sounds like he could us them! Good luck! |
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06-11-2012, 06:20 PM | #19 | |||
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Junior Member
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Thanks Dubious. The Dr. Who performed my EMG and NCS said the same thing and indicated that it could take up to a year for that to calm down. It is the feeling like a softball hit me square between the shoulders is what has me bothered, and the spasms in my neck that I had prior to the surgery. But FORTUNATELY my MRI results were a lot better than the first MRI I had prior to surgery except for C4-5 showingmild neural foraminal narrowing and a slight bulge where before surgery it was normal. Hmmmmm...... My Dr. Feels that I am still in the healing stages, which I know I will be for a while, I just get so impatient, and everyone in this house has always relied on me for everything so that when I am down, chaos ensues...... Not fun! My dr also added that the pain between my shoulder blades is not normal. Soooo, We are trying for a block next week, have any of you had any relief with these, even temporarily? Meanwhile, I am back on Lortab 7.5, which has helped better than the neurontin.
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"Thanks for this!" says: | tamiloo (06-15-2012) |
06-11-2012, 06:52 PM | #20 | ||
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Elder
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I am sorry you are having a hard time after surgery. I had several injections that did help me both before and after my surgery. If the injection doesn't work the first time around, or has any symptoms you don't like, don't repete it. I hope the medicine your doctor gives you provides some relief. I had C3-7 corrected. It took about 4 months for me to feel somewhat normal again. I wish you all the best. ginnie
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