scubamom
05-26-2006, 03:19 PM
I'm a 35 y/o married mother of 3. I quit working Dec 03, took a year off, and Jan 05 had a stoke. During the stroke a spinal tap was unsuccessfully performed which caused back pain, which was finally (about Mar 05) diagnosed as not a result of the puncture but of degenerative disc disease with a bulge, a tear, and a cyst on S2. At that time I saw a neurosurgeon who did not qualify me as surgical candidate, and who also discouraged physical therapy as to not aggravate further my condition. In May of 05 I started seeing a pain management dr. After the unsuccessful epidural shots, he recommended IDET, which my insurance company promptly denied, although they will cover a fusion/disc replacement.
Here's where I'm at and my questions are:
- I take Norco, 10/325 3x per day.
-My dr wants me to take Avinza (morphine-ish) time release which scares the bejeebies out of me.
-My pain mgmt dr has also stated that if I don't choose the disc replacement or pay for the IDET out of pocket, that he will discontinue seeing me.
There are minimal ill effects from the stroke, mainly short term memory, but otherwise I'm in generally good health. Although I do have high bp, started during my last pregnancy, it's controlled with meds, and I do have to take a blood thinner for stroke therapy.
Is there any reason why I should be held hostage to have surgery when I really feel that it's not yet necessary? There's a strong family history of back and osteo disease and although I'm certain it will happen eventually, does it have to be now? I have 2 teenagers and a 5 y/o. Although my youngest will go to school this year I'll still need to get her to and from and care for her otherwise. My husband supports us nicely but we can't afford a housekeeper or nanny. I've explained to the doc that even though I don't feel it's yet necessary, the timing is also particularly poor. That aside though, I function perfectly normally using the medication. Doesn't mean I'm not dependent, but that's not addiction. I feel the doc's request to move to Avinza is an increase in the drugs and a drastic move. So all these factors examined, what's the problem if I continue taking this medication for a few years? Am I missing something?
Thanks anyone for your comments.
Here's where I'm at and my questions are:
- I take Norco, 10/325 3x per day.
-My dr wants me to take Avinza (morphine-ish) time release which scares the bejeebies out of me.
-My pain mgmt dr has also stated that if I don't choose the disc replacement or pay for the IDET out of pocket, that he will discontinue seeing me.
There are minimal ill effects from the stroke, mainly short term memory, but otherwise I'm in generally good health. Although I do have high bp, started during my last pregnancy, it's controlled with meds, and I do have to take a blood thinner for stroke therapy.
Is there any reason why I should be held hostage to have surgery when I really feel that it's not yet necessary? There's a strong family history of back and osteo disease and although I'm certain it will happen eventually, does it have to be now? I have 2 teenagers and a 5 y/o. Although my youngest will go to school this year I'll still need to get her to and from and care for her otherwise. My husband supports us nicely but we can't afford a housekeeper or nanny. I've explained to the doc that even though I don't feel it's yet necessary, the timing is also particularly poor. That aside though, I function perfectly normally using the medication. Doesn't mean I'm not dependent, but that's not addiction. I feel the doc's request to move to Avinza is an increase in the drugs and a drastic move. So all these factors examined, what's the problem if I continue taking this medication for a few years? Am I missing something?
Thanks anyone for your comments.
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