Hey, I'm 22, I had major spine sugery 2 years ago, had L6 (yes, I have an L6, 15% of people do, it means nothing) and L5 fused, bone graph off hip, metal screws and a metal cage. Now, 2 years later, my vertabrae above the fusion, my L4 has slipped forward, and I need another surgery to get a third level fused. I have SO much back pain with all the pain meds I'm on.

I know there are other young people dealing with health stuff, but I don't personally know anyone else in their 20s dealing with this crap! I'm in the process of trying to get 2nd opinions for my 2nd surgery, incase anyone out there has new innovative techniques. The process is phone calls, papers, waiting lists and alot of waiting.....

In the mean time, I'm trying to do some normal things until I have the 2nd surgery. But doing something like going to Value Village to look for a Halloween costume kindof gets a damper put on it when I feel sick the whole car ride there from pain meds, and my back hurts while I'm there, and then when I get home I have to lay down right away and am in SO much EXTREME pain and there's no way I can do anything else for the rest of the day like going for cofee, or even clean my room!

I got an awesome neon wig at V.V. But how am I going to make it through my friend's Birthday/Halloween Party in a few days?!

Anyone young dealing with major back problems, or health issues in general, please write and tell me about your situation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so sorry for all your pain! I was 17 the first time I injured my back. It happened at work and when I finally made it home my Dad told me I was too young to have seriously injured myself. Boy, was he wrong. A year ago I re-injured my lower back and my neck too. Seems as though I have been in pain most of my adult life. I'm 38 now. My first injury was awful, but over the years I was able to get back doing some normal things, even stacked lumber for a while. I have always hated shopping due to the fact that I end up in so much pain within minutes of walking around stores. My daughters don't understand this at all.

Hopefully, you will have so much fun at the party it will get your mind off of your pain. I know it's hard to get out and about when you hurt so much, but it's important that you socialize a little. Hopefully your second surgery will help you--I wish you luck. Enjoy yourself at the party!!:p

Hi There,

Bless your heart, you are so young to have this kind of back problems.

My back problems started quite a few years ago when I fell out of a deer stand. I've had several surgeries (lami's and fusions), injections,...pain managment, you name it. Even with all the pain meds, my pain level is still almost intolerable.

Here's some hints to maybe help a little:
Alternate hot and cold packs (be careful not to leave the hot ones on too long, because it will heat up your hardware inside and it burns an takes a few minutes to cool down)
Take a hot shower
When you lay down, lay on your side with legs bent at the knees, with a pillow between your knees, and in front and behind you to keep you from rolling
Over the counter Percogesic works really good for over the counter meds. But if you're not having much relief with pain meds, you may just need to take it easy. Bless your heart, there'll be other Halloweens, but if you can take it easy, you may be better before then.

Good Luck,
Melissa

Hi, well I still consider myself to young for this back problem at 36 because I feel 136. But, I orignially injured mine during childbirth at 19. And have been dealing with it since. So I understand about your age. People look at you like you must be a whimp probably have a sore muscle, get over it. But regaurdless of your age, no one really understands until their back's hurt. Then your friend calls, oh my god, how do you live like this every day and typically they just have a minor sprain.

As far as everyday living like going to your party....just try to rest up, take your pain meds and try to have fun. Sometimes impossible I know. But if your lke me getting out of the house will probably do you some good.

hang in ther