Hi Kim -- Yeah, I have LOADS of pain -- I have a broken vertebra, plus more herniated discs and nerve damage and believe this or not, but I've had sciatica for 27 years, since before the first surgery in 1986. Plus I have herniations in the cervical spine too. The meds take a little more than the edge off the pain, which is good. But I still have an awful time sleeping, etc.

But I am grateful and it could be much worse. I see people here who have a much worse time of it than I have. So i try not to whine or gripe too much. I probably do it more than I should tho.

Thanks for asking, Kim. I'm sorry you're going to have to have more surgery. Like Sandra just said, I usually advise people NOT to have surgery at all, but you'd already had your surgery and now you need repair, so that's that! LOL
Keep us posted, ok? I'll keep looking for a post from you. Hugs, Lee

The pain is in all of both legs. It is neuropathic in quality usually described as burning and/or stinging, and is ever-present but variable. Is this a lot of pain? Well since it is there 24/7 it must be a lot at least on one criterion. Taking another criterion, it is not possible to ignore so I have to try to accept it as part of my life.

In the period from the mid-80s and before the sudden intensification of pain and mobility problems in 2006 it was bad enough for me to ask doctor for a referral. The result, after various tests including nerve conductivity, was a diagnosis of "root nerve damage", but no recommended action. I think that pre-2006 I might possibly have described the pain in a similar way as you have, but it is a long time ago now!

Hi leesa,

I am sorry that you have all that pain, but I am glad that you are with us!!! As far as not being able to sleep I can post my mri a couple more times, all that reading should do it (lol). I haven't had any surgery on my back yet, I had turbt surgery for bladder cancer.

Thanks Kim