Hi all. I am still having some pain. The Physical therapist did an ultrasound deep heat on both sides of my insicion. Took the edge of a little. What she did say was that my muscles are really really tight and I am pretty swollen. So I am doing some different excersices for that. Talked to doc office and they said keep taking the muscle relaxer ( told them its not doing much of anything ) and they are DECREASING my pain pills? WHAT? I don't get this, having more pain and nothing. Feel like nobody is listening again. I guess I have to just take it, bummer.

Rose

Rose,

So sorry you are having pain. We are listening, at least!! Some days I think the docs just don't get it. They do these surgeries and then some of them have lousy follow up care. Glad you are getting PT, hopefully after a few more visits you will get some relief.

Hugs,
Vickie

Hi Rose,
I'm so sorry your having such problems, did youtalk to the Dr. directly? If not I think I would call the Dr.'s office and try to talk to the doc himself and explain the pain your still in and how the PT said your still very swollen, sometimes if the docs assistant doesn't portray your problems acurately this can happen. Your doc knows if there is swelling there is pain so it doesn't make sense that he would decrease meds if he knows that.

I hope things improve for yousoon.

God Bless

Carol

If PT says the same thing on Friday, I am going call the doc again. I will point that out, if there is swelling there is pain. Or are they just really wanting me not to take them anymore because of a time frame? I don't know, confused again:confused: Glad someone out there is listening!

Rose

Hi Rose,
My doc treats me according to my pain levels, not a time frame. I should have been off my meds months ago. It has been a year since my last fusion. My dr. told me the swelling & pain go hand in hand and I guess he's right so far as I can tell from my body anyway.I hope your pain eases soon.

God Bless

Carol

Jenni - how far are you out from your fusion? My doc will not let me even think of PT until at least 3 months after fusion.

I feel for you. I'm having alot of pain too. Because of Human Resources screwing up my benefits while I am out on leave, there was a month where I did not have therapy. So today was my first day back. I told the therapist my entire body was throbbing. I am retaining water. I'm not convinced that it is not the Neurontin or Skelaxin causing it. I see the ortho Wed. Anyway, I saw the back surgeon yesterday. He is excellent. I gave him a list of all the meds I am taking. He said to me that none of them have narcotic in them so that is why I'm in so much pain. He wants me to take the Percocet. I told him I hate how it feels. So he said stop the Skelaxin and try Flexeriol. Sure I spelled that wrong. Can't take during the day and drive. So I did some range of motion exercises and got the stim on my neck and back. I had my fusion surgery in Sept. I also have three herniated and three bulging discs in my neck. Plus need elbow surgery for a torn tendon. The therapist gave me a great massage. Wish I could take her home with me. LOL She said my back, neck and you name it was extremely tight. She said the scar was tight. She joked and asked if I drank glue. I said to her that I was not eggagerating when I said I hurt all over. She agreed. Even the back of my hairline is tight. I've been doing exercises home. So something is up. I started the TENS machine again. I have a surgeon that listens which I am thankful for. The women that do all the paperwork are excellent. He told me I go back to work when I tell him I am ready. He said he can't tell me when I will be ready. So he has me out until April. If by some miracle I am better sooner I can go back. Not looking good to me. I would speak to the dr. if you can. I know it is hard. I think my dr. is only in the office once a week since he does surgery.

Hi Rose,

Some Dr.s don't get it, unless thev'e had it done themselfs. I do understand the need to keep watch and monitor some patients, as they are only using or selling them.

I've been fortunate with my dr., if he knows I need a med for the pain, he doesn't hesitate to rx it to me. But, he also knows that I will fight within my self not to take it either. I remember telling myself, your not taking anything today and just see how it goes.... Ha, stupid me, I was dying all night and told myself after that, I will take as perscribed and not get behind on it again.

Do talk to your dr, like carol said. She is so right, sometimes the go between will describe or say something a little off of how you said it and that's all it takes for some dr.'s. If you talk to him/her yourself, then he/she can hear it in your voice and hear it from you.

Do you have a tens unit? If not, and it's helping in Pt, ask your dr. for a rx for one. Then you can have the benefit of using at home when you need it. I use mine alot, and it helps.

Take care and let us know what Dr. says okay,
Bernie

Ollie I am 6 weeks post op today. I am taking the perscrition meds exactly how they are ordered. I have even made it 3 days over script for a re fill. Maybe I am not communicating correctly to the nurse. I am going to write some of this down in a notebook, maybe I will be able to express this better. I do not have a TENS unit, not even sure what one is. I am just seeing my neurosurgeon for pain, should I ask him about pain management? If this pain just let down a few degree's I could decrease meds with no problem. I just have to get my muscles to relax, so tight! Could I get a massage? hmmm things to find out about. Thanks Bernie and Hessie for your thoughtful posts. Hope your night is comfortable:) .

Rose