[fireman9915]

So I re injured my back about a week ago, been admitted to the hospital since Saturday night after I couldn't take the pain or hardly walk again. Up until this time I've had minimal problems, mostly nerve damage and pain that has been controlled with percocet. Well I felt 2 pops in my back and started immediately on steroids which didn't help. Finally went to the hospital that did my surgery an hour away since local hospitals seem to think it's impossible for a 28 y/o to have back surgery already etc. They found I have a re herniation at L4-L5 and at L5-S1 both with annular tears along with spinal stenosis. After basically receiving solumedrol and decadron IV both 2x a day and an ESI yesterday. So far no relief, it has actually gotten worse. They have me on 20mg of percocet every 4hrs and 4mg morphine IV. It helps for about an hour and then it's right back to a 8 or 9 out 10. I have a high tolerance for pain but It's really doing me in this time! My blood pressure that usually runs no higher than 122's hasn't been below 158 since yesterday morning and got as high as 198 last night and that was even after the started me on 0.1 clonidine to try to lower my B/P. My surgeon keeps saying it's not as bad as it was before, but yet I can barely walk this time without falling into the floor in pain. I obviously can't stay in the hospital forever bc school, work and kids don't wait. But he seems to have a problem sending me home with something either stronger for break through pain until whatever this is eases or even a patch! Idk what to say to him to make him understand, you would think a physically fit 28 y/o who has a B/P in the 160-190 range and a pulse rate over 120 for the most part would be a HUGE clue. Sorry for such a long rant, some of the people here know me and knows how frustrating it can be for me! Hope all is well with everyone and sorry for such a long rant!

[Dubious]

Originally Posted by fireman9915

So I re injured my back about a week ago, been admitted to the hospital since Saturday night after I couldn't take the pain or hardly walk again. Up until this time I've had minimal problems, mostly nerve damage and pain that has been controlled with percocet. Well I felt 2 pops in my back and started immediately on steroids which didn't help. Finally went to the hospital that did my surgery an hour away since local hospitals seem to think it's impossible for a 28 y/o to have back surgery already etc. They found I have a re herniation at L4-L5 and at L5-S1 both with annular tears along with spinal stenosis. After basically receiving solumedrol and decadron IV both 2x a day and an ESI yesterday. So far no relief, it has actually gotten worse. They have me on 20mg of percocet every 4hrs and 4mg morphine IV. It helps for about an hour and then it's right back to a 8 or 9 out 10. I have a high tolerance for pain but It's really doing me in this time! My blood pressure that usually runs no higher than 122's hasn't been below 158 since yesterday morning and got as high as 198 last night and that was even after the started me on 0.1 clonidine to try to lower my B/P. My surgeon keeps saying it's not as bad as it was before, but yet I can barely walk this time without falling into the floor in pain. I obviously can't stay in the hospital forever bc school, work and kids don't wait. But he seems to have a problem sending me home with something either stronger for break through pain until whatever this is eases or even a patch! Idk what to say to him to make him understand, you would think a physically fit 28 y/o who has a B/P in the 160-190 range and a pulse rate over 120 for the most part would be a HUGE clue. Sorry for such a long rant, some of the people here know me and knows how frustrating it can be for me! Hope all is well with everyone and sorry for such a long rant!

It could be that your neurological profile is abnormal and he doesn't feel comfortable releasing you yet.....but that's just a guess. Best of luck to you! 28...that's when I blew my first disc....it is to the left of the curve for age demographics....

[Roads]

Percocet is usually more effective than it seems to be with you, but are you moving and doing physical rehab while in the hospital?

Most hospitals would not release you with blood pressure that high. There's a reason for it, and any doctor worth his salt is going to find and fix the problem.

Are you scheduled for physical or occupational therapy after release?

Are your a fireman? Every one I know has back and neck injuries from work injuries. Thanks for what you do, if that's it--your most experienced fellow firemen can probably tell you more than most doctors about what you're going through.

Best wishes ... back surgery can take 5-6 wks before the pain gets much less, so I've heard.

[ginnie]

Sorry you are stuck in the hospital. You have a right to good pain control. If you are not getting that, and are worried about going home, seek a" hospital patient advocate." Sometimes these folks can help, when a doctor or nurse fails to address all your needs.
Back surgery always has different outcomes. You know your body and what you can take more than they do, as you are living it. Don't let them tell you, that you are experiencing less, or make light of the pain you are in. Ask for the help going home, and don't leave until you are heard.
I had an issue or two after my own back surgery. Again the pain meds were the issue. Speak up in every way you can to be heard.
Hope you get home soon. Recovery is always best at home. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

[fireman9915]

Sorry been away guys, been taking it easy for the last week. So I got out of the hospital a week ago today. Started feeling better again and was able to move. No one seems to know the definitive answer to exactly what my next steps should be. I went home on yet another steroid pack, finished that up yesterday morning. This morning about 4am I was awaken from a dead sleep with immense pain yet again in my legs and back. Ive been laying around all day hardly able to move again. Not really wanting to go to the hospital again, just mentally and physically exhausted, not sure exactly what my next move is or where I should really turn. Just know the pain is getting to a point that isnt even manageable again and becoming very depressing, maybe there is no light at the end of the tunnel...oh an due to all the steroids that were pumped in me, I have shingles that decided they wanted to come for a visit. Anyways, hope all is well.