Hi I'm new to this forum and would be happy for any kind of feedback.
Lumbar spine and cervical spine injury at work 5/2005. Have been seeing spine specialist since 8/2005. I have had between 6-8 steroid shots, physical therapy, IDET procedure and all different types of pain medication. Just saw spinal surgeon last week and was told that I have too many things wrong with my back to operate. When I asked "What am I supposed to do now?" his answer was to visit a pain management doctor and I would probably be on powerful pain medicines the rest of my life. I was to disheartened to hear this because some days i get no relief from the pain. The doctor just prescibed percocet today because I needed relief and the ultram and lortab I take just didn't do the job. Has anyone else had anything similar and can I hope for some relief soon?

If you can tell us what your MRI says, we might be able to help you to understand what is going on your back as well as give you some additonal insight but my first response is to never give up hope and take the word of one surgeon. Some of us have seen several surgeons and received different opinions.

Take care and please feel free to ask us anything. We are a very open group and willing to offer our non medical advice and answer any questions that you may have.

thanks for your reply 123DIETDRPEPPER.
I've been told that I my last for discs and protruding and I have a severe case of degenerative disc disease. They say my spine looks like one of an elderly person. I'm only 37 years old. Also, this spinal surgeon is supposed to be one of the best ones in SC.

Hi there and welcome. MMmm, angelblossom.. we really do need more information than that to offer a better response from us.

As the doctor.. the best is not always the best, if you know what I mean. The best of the best, is the doctor that is BEST for you. Personally, I would pack up my toys (your MRI's) and take them to another spine surgeon for an unbiased opinion. Do not tell any new doctor findings of ideas from the other docs. Let a new doctor render their opinion.

Many of us have been told what you have and still majority of us got further treatment with some perserverance.

Percs may not offer you much more relief either, but might work better for your body. Such as me.. vicodin works better than all combined.

IDET has a low success rate, but my understanding is that after this procedure, a fusion is still possible at the level in which IDET was done. Something to ponder on.

What levels of your spine are effected.. which ones are bulging, etc etc. If we know more, we can offer more. Welcome. Tammy:wave:

I read that your injury was at work. Is this a workman comp case? If so you probably need to see your attorney about getting a second opinion and having additional test ran. I got the run around with w/c for over 4 years from the original injury to the time I had surgery. I was told if I was able to have the IDET procedure, that I might have to have a fusion later. I was unable to have the IDET and had to have a double fusion in 2005. With a little more detail we might be a able to give you some better suggestions on how to deal with your pain. Take care.

Hi

Sorryto hear your very upsetting news that nothing more can be done for you!

There are acouple of people on here who have been told the same thing but then found a surgeon who have helped them so dont give up hope!:)
As someone has said already it is hard to helpnot knowing your problems exactly so when you can give some more details.

Best wishes

hi,
just wanted to say welcome and to not get discouraged by one opinion.

I have known people that were written off that kept looking and eventually found good help.

May I ask what's been diagnosed in your lumbar spine?

I'm sorry I misspelled a few words in my last post. I was diagnosed this severe degenerative disc disease and the last 4 disc in my lumbar spine are protruding. the doctor told me that my spine looks like an elderly person. Thanks for all the encouragement and advice!:)

O, dear...
i am not a Doctor but just just to say: you are way too young to accept "nothing we can do for you" answer. I am 50 and i refuse to accept this from any Doctor- best or not. Besides, i don't believe that a good Doctor can give up on a patient who is in pain and needs his help.
My husband's father was diagnosed with very advanced and non-operable lung c-r, his Oncologist did not say nothing i can do even though he really could not help him anymore. But he would see him in a office twice a month and tried to change his meds to ease his pain, sent him to PM Doctor, etc. This is a good Doctor in my book.
Don't get discourage, go and see other Doctors; i am pretty sure you will find the answers you need. Been there, done that and many of us in the same boat... Sorry you have to go thru this, but unfortunatelly we have to be our own Doctors sometimes...
Good luck to you!:wave: