Pam...I am very new here but I just wanted to say I am praying hard for you and sending positive thoughts your way..
Leisa

Dear Pam,

I am new to this site and came across your message. Please don't give up, my father always said "there is always hope". I know that it is not easy as I have had surgeries and revision surgeries and still suffer in pain. Try all manners of relief including prayer, meditation, comedy, aroma therapy, music therapy and anything else that makes you feel good for even a few mintutes and takes your mind off your pain. You can get a free meditation CD/DVD for pranic healing guided meditation from their website pranichealing.com, I find it helpful.

While no one thing helps me (including surgeries, medication, RFN, injections, accupuncture, physical therapy, SCS) a combination of many gets me through the day. I pray for your health of mind, body and spirit. Don't give up, you can do this.

Love, Light and Blessings to you.

K

Hi

I was just starting to feel a little better. My MRI showed a fluid buil up aroud my surgery area and I had it aspirated. Turned out it was not a spinal fluid leak so no more surgery at this point.

My husband and I were at a meeting today and I was sitting down with my legs crossed talking to a friend when a mentally ill man sat in my lap! Of all the weird things to happen. He weighs at least 200 pounds.

Since my leg was crossed it really wrenched my back. My pain level is through the roof and I hope he didn't cause any damage because I have no hardware.

I try to be careful but who would expect such a thing. If I'm not better in a few days I guess it's back to the doctor to see what happened.

If it's not one thing it's another. I feel like I'm cursed. When I begin to do better I alawys have a set back.

Pam

Pam,
That's just awful! I really hope it's just a temporary set back, and you start feeling better again soon. Were you glad to hear you didn't have to have more surgery anytime soon? (I know that would make me happy!)

Take good care of yourself.

Kay

Pam,

I had l5 s1 double cage fusion done 14 months ago and i have asked my doctor for a refferal to someone that would help me with the depression:
I have from the pain. He sent me to a shrink we classified me and then
proceeded to tell me it's stress related. Stress related ! No way ! My back
and hips and legs hurt all of the time ! I did what the doctor said and read
a book called "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers ". I didn't help.

I have relied on my family and friends for support. I WAS a very active 41 yr. old guy who hiked, golfed, mountain bikes etc.., I can do none of these activities anymore ! My surgeon told me that they only do surgeries and sent me yo a pain management clinic for drugs. Only a little bit of relief from pain but what about my emotional state of mind ? No help there!

My advice is to hang in there and do as I am now by reaching out through the internet for people suffering like me. This is my first blog on a website
and when I came across your story I had to register so that I could reply.

HANG IN THERE !!!!!! I know it's tough. I was in tears just this morning while
talking to my wife of 21 years. I was explaing how the pain is getting worse , yet the Doctors are not upping my medication or getting e rays done, so
I feel all alone with my pain. It's the toughest thing I have ever faced in my Life! And I still get depressed every day and have pain of different levels 24/7.


So my message to you is that you are NOT alone, and suicide is NOT an option !

Bill

I really appreciate all the input you guys have given me!

I saw the spine doc yesterday. An Xray showed that my fusion is okay. I will need another MRI to determine the condition of my nerves and whether or not I still have a fluid build up.

We are heading to Arizona for a couple of months so I am going to wait until we return to do another one. Having the fluid asperated didn't make all that much difference anyway.

I'm back on antidepressants and gained 10 pounds in two weeks! I hate that side effect. I eat anything that can't out run me.

Thanks again for the support. Since my step daughters suicide in 2003 my depression has been awful. At times OI just want to give up and join her. I get so weary of the constant pain.

Your encouragement has helped me to pull through.

Pam

Thanks for letting us know how you are doing. We do understand that all you have been threw has been awful. No parent should have to go threw all this. I do hope and pray things get better for you. Maybe being gone for awhile will be good. I will keep you in my prayers.
Love,
Billie

Pam,

Please try to have a wonderful relaxing time in Arizona. If you're driving there, take lots of rest stops to get out of the car. That driving is never good for my back! Relax as much as you can, and hopefully the pain will subside some. Glad to hear your fusion is still OK, and sorry about the antidepressant side effects. Is there another one you could take instead? Check in every now and then and let us know how you're doing!

Kay

Hang in there Pam! we are all thinking and praying for you mate i am an L4-S1 success story, the surgeons can get it right and you will be pain free one day, don't let it beat you buddy, i know the thoughts and i know what your going through as i almost to gave in , but i hung in there and now i am pain free, my thoughts are with you , please don't give up!!

Michael