In April 2005 an incompetent neurosugeon put a pedicle screw through my L4 nerve while attempting an L4-S1 fusion that not only did not fuse but the hardware was put in in such a strange manner that it came loose and was removed in January 2006.

I cannot stand or walk much anymore due to the extreme pain and disabilty.

I've been on Methadone, Lyrica and Cymbalta combined. Although I had some relief I wanted to die everyday.

Now I'm off meds and I can't do the pain.

My husband and I just celbrated our 20th anniversary. It's time I set both of us free from this nightmare.

I can't do with the meds and I can't do it without the.


God Bless You Guys. Pam

Pam...please don't do what you are suggesting. My stomache turned when I read your thread. You really MUST go to the ER and tell them exactly what you just told us!!! You really need to shop for another doctor! Don't give up on relief. I promise...there IS relief for you out there. You have just been under the thumb of an inept doctor. Go right now for help!!!

You are definately in my prayers........love.....sally

Dear Pam

I am so very sorry to hear of this severe pain you are suffering and how desperate you feel

PLEASE do go to the ER if you are feeling this way and let them try to help



Pam, it is so special that you and your husband have had these 20years together. He loves you. Dont leave him. It would be a worse nightmare for him to lose you.

We are here for you Pam.
If you need to meet in the chat room just let us know
Many of also are available on Instant Messengers

We care Pam

(((((((Pam)))))))))))

I also have two numbers that you can call to talk to people who will understand

National Hopeline Network

1-800-273-8255

and

1-800-784-2433

Pam,

Please don't give up hope on finding help for your injury.
Have you looked for other doctors to get an evaluation and some suggested options?

Please check in so we can help with more suggestions and give you support while you search for help.

((((((Pam)))))),

I hope to 7734 you're not suggesting what I think you're suggesting

Please -- NO!! Call 1-800-suicide.

You need to be going to a neurologist and a pain management specialist at a teaching hospital.

I'll just bet that they could probably do a radio frequency lesioning to get rid of the nerve that's causing the pain.

I used to get lumbar spinal epidurals. They did absolutely nothing. I got the radio frequency lesioning done. Still nothing. Then I got the epidural done again -- over 18 months of total pain relief It's now starting to come back at about 20 months. I really think the the nerves re-routed after the RFL and the new nerves were in a position that was easier to get to.

Have you tried Cymbalta or Effexor XR yet?? Both of them are unbelievable for the nerve pain. I have neuropathy in my hands and feet and forearms and forelegs (??) from a blood condition. I could not stand even holding my cane before I started taking the Cymbalta. Most of the pain is gone now. I can function. I can hold my cane.

Please, sugar. Don't give up hope.

Make a plan:
First -- one of the drugs that I mentioned.
Next -- make an appointment with a SENIOR neurologist and pain management specialist (not a needle jockey) at a teaching hospital near you.
Next -- hold on to us and we'll go from there.

BIG HUGS. I'm good at doing research. If you want me to find a top-notch doctor in your area, send me a private message.

Barb

(((((pam))))))

don't give up. i know you are in severe pain. keep looking for answers. different rx's. different combinations.

reaching out here to us is the best thing. let us help. we might be able to help you do research to find you some relief.

is there anywhere close where you can do water therapy? even a health club with a heated pool where you can float or do water walking?

you have people here who care.

the survivors of suicide forum has many wonderful members. doesn't mean that you have to have tried...or have lost somebody to post there. they have understanding on how it feels to get to such a low point and how to struggle out of it.

talk to your husband pam. trust me, he won't feel better off without you.

keep posting pam. we are here for you.

Hi Pam. I was wondering if you would email me. I had a very similar experience. The doctor was doing a laminectomy on L3/L4 and cut the 'dura' which exposed the nerve. It was exposed for 2 weeks before they had to do another surgery to correct the problem. However, I still cannot stand or walk for more than 5 minutes. I was on methadone, morphine, and now oxycontin and percocet with all the lovely side affects. I think we can both empathize with each other and get each other through this. It always helps to know you are not alone. Please, write me, k?

Maryanne mroesler2@aol.com

Pam,

I hope you are feeling better today.... I did send word out to a few of the members that have been on BT longer than me and might know you. This is a difficult time of the year for everyone with the holiday season quickly approaching. It causes those without pain stress, so those of us with chronic pain feel the pain of this season 100 times more. Please check in and let us know that you are okay today and were just feeling a little down and in a lot of pain last night...

Gloria

If anybody hears from Pam, please let me know. I am sick at heart.

sally

thanks everyone,

I am still trying to hang on. I have an appt with an orthapaedic surgeon in Denver on Jan 5th. I hope I can make it that long.

None of the meds ever really helped me. The surgeon who took out my hardware in January also tore my Dura.

My stepdaughter took her life Christmas of 2003. I try so hard not to quit but I am so tired.

I will try to talk to you individually when I can manage it. Pam