hi everyone,

i can finally post. no more banned messages. yeah!!!

i hope everyone is doing ok. i have been reading the posts but i haven't been able to respond since i have aol and we all know what problems it can be.

i had my 2nd injection and it was a failure. i have been doing pt and that isn't helping either. i got a tens unit yesterday, so i am hoping that gives me some relief. i also hope the insurance will pay for it. 725.00 is too much for me to spend unless i absolutely have to. i haven't been able to work.

anyway, the pm doctor has me on mscontin 15mg x3 a day. he won't change the dose or give me anything for breakthru. i am seeing the psyiologist tomorrow for some advice on what to do next. i am fine if i am lying down. if i am on my feet, the pain just is too much to endure. something has to be done.

are there any other procedures that i may benefit from? as i have said, i have had 2 injections, i'm doing pt and i have the tens unit. i can't imagine having surgery yet. there must be something else. i don't know if a switch in meds would help. the pm doctor said no.

any feedback would be greatly apprciated. it's good to be back. i don't know how long it will last though. aol and this board don't like each other too much! lol

have a great day everyone!!
kathy

Hi Kathy, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

It's nice to see you posting again, I don't have any advice, although I hope the tens unit will help you greatly http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif

I just wanted to let you know that I wish the best for you http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Have a great day http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

Take Care,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

Hi Kathy23,

The AOL thing has been a real problem for me too. This my first time responding to someone, so please forgive me if I seem dumb.

I can't give any advise about meds or medical equipment but I can about psychologists. I just came from seeing my "shrinky dink." She's wonderful and I just love her. A psychologist won't give you any definite answers but a lot of suggestions. Talking about your pain, lack of success with all the meds, injections, etc., you've tried or being angry about your condition will help you a lot. I started going because I knew something was wrong with me. Docs kept telling me I was fine. I didn't want anybody telling me that I was nuts, so I ruled it out myself by starting therapy. In less than a year I've discovered that I'm manic depressive, have mitral valve prolapse, and now a back condition. So much for not having anything wrong.

If you don't like the therapist you'll be seeing tomorrow, get another. Whatever you do, keep going. It will help.

You are in my prayers,
Rosarita

HELLO,I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I WORK FOR A MEDICAL SUPPLY CO.& I CAN GET U A TENS UNIT FOR $45.95 PLUS SHIPPING,THATS OUR PRICE THAT WE SELL TO THE DR.'S& OF COURSE THEY UP THE PRICE TO WHATEVER THEY WANT,PLEASE RESPOND IF U WANT ONE!I HAVE EXTREMLY BAD INFLAMATION OF THE SI JOINTS ALONG WITH FLUID OF MY JOINTS ALSO BYE

[This message has been edited by ORVILLE (edited 03-21-2003).]

Kathy,

I am not sure what your pain is caused from or where it is, but you sound wary of surgery like I was. I had awful leg pain (yes I can say HAD) for a month and went to the doctor. He sent me for an MRI which showed a herniatin at L4-5. He said I needed surgery. I said No thanks!

This was in October. I tried everything. Meds, massage, tens units, matrix system, injections, vax-d table...nothing worked. I finally had surgery on this past Wednesday and awoke with the pain GONE. Yes, I do have some sensations down that let, but nothing pain like. I am so relieved and glad I decided to have surgery.

My nerve was pinched for seven months. The doctor said tha a big portion of the disc was sitting on the nerve and there was no other way to move it.

I didn't have an accident, but had "thrown my back out" throughout my twenties. I am 32 years old and am on my way to recovery. I am on post op day four and am getting better each day!

Please reconsider surgery. It may just work for you too!

Good luck. Please let me know if I can answer any more of your questions.

Sincerely,
Tracey