Hello,
I wanted to post and share my story. If you're here, its likely that you or a loved one is suffering from back related pain. You know its a very scary thing. The spine is a very complex thing, and pain from issues can be mild to excruciating. I've been there for over 8 years.
Honestly, the doctors are not 100% sure what's wrong with me. That by itself was so scary. I started with pain in my forearms and fingers on the pinky side. Since I am in the computer field, I was misdiagnosed with carpal tunnel 3 times. Eventually, I wasn't able to work or drive. I was self employed and had to move back to my hometown so my family could care for me and so I could get healthcare. I'm sure many of you have experienced skeptical doctors who treated you like some junkie, just wanting pain meds. Yep. Been there many times. All they could tell me is that I have idiopathic neuropathy. So no reason that I literally couldn't do more than writhe on the floor in pain at times. I started seeing a chiropractor, which is when i started having leg and sciatic pain to the point where i couldn't walk without a cane, at the age of 27. They doped me up starting with Vicodin and ending with Fentanyl. I coped as best I could. I've had dozens of diagnostic tests, and the only thing that came from that was I have disc degeneration at C5-C7 and L4-S1.
They put me on increasing doses of Neurontin, which made me loopy and non functional. I finally got health insurance thanks to my husband and was referred to the best pain management doc in the state. He put me on Lyrica, a close cousin to Neurontin. It made me nauseous, so I started taking the dose at night. That was the beginning of relief for me. I also get steroidal epidurals every few months, which is painful as heck but the cervical ones help. I started working again. I could walk without the cane. I started working for a place that is huge into ergonomics and got a special chair. I also got a sleep number bed because I couldn't even sleep in the same bed as my husband. With all of this, I am now working full time. I take Vicodin for breakthrough pain but it isn't often. I also go to massage therapy and acupuncture. I use lots of ice and icy hot and heat. What do I have to lose by trying as much as I can?
Long and short of my story, never ever give up. You are not your disease. Keep an open mind, educate yourself, ask questions, and never stop trying. Listen to your body but try not to spend your whole day resting if you can because it can make it worse. I say listen to your body because I was shocked how much certain sitting/laying positions affect my condition. It doesn't always hurt right away so do think about the past day of activities if you have a very bad day. Ask your medical team who the best pain management doctor is in your area and don't think pain meds are the only solution.
Most of all, never do any new treatment (even home remedies) without consulting at least one doctor. Every procedure has risks, so ask questions. Be patient with yourself. Work with your doctor to try different ways of taking meds if you have side effects. And I'm not going to lie, I started therapy and that helped me cope with the sense of loss, hopelessness, fear, and anger I had from losing function in my life. Though I hurt, I am thankful. It has taught me so much. I can now ask for help without shame. I can work again. I'm even in school. I'm not saying your situation will have a positive outcome, but never stop trying.
My prayers are with you and your loved ones. Best of luck.
Berta