hottrodd
05-23-2003, 06:41 PM
Hello everyone,
I guess I will start off by saying I am new here, and this is my first post. I actually found this website by chance looking for different health topics on search engines.
I will give everyone a little background info before I continue, sorry if it starts to sound like I am whining.
I am 27 years old, male and have had back pain in my life for the past 5 years or so. I sometimes wonder how can I be the way I am at a young age.
I have been going to a chiropractor since October of 1999. I did not have health insurance back then, but do now. It still does not cover my chiro expenses which total over $1,200 a year. I cannot afford that, but I have to, if you know what I mean? Lately I have been going 2 or more times a week, it seems he has to be constantly adjusting me for it to feel better.
I recently went to my new doctor M.D. after obtaining health insurance for a much needed checkup and blood work. I am still waiting for the results to my labs and will need to make a second appt. for the outcomes.
I have aching, burning pain across my middle and upper back and also across my chest where my ribs are, and my neck is always crackly as well. My worst areas are the direct center upper back and under my shoulder blades, but lately my chest area is pretty bad also with light sharp tearing like pain when I stretch back. It aches and burns even if I sit still, but really is painful if I arch my back or twist. My worst enemy is the morning, I just can't seem to get going, it takes forever because I am so sore and stiff.
It seems like my rib cage area covering my entire upper body front and back. I am in constant pain which is worse in the morning and at night. Sometimes though it's really bad all day!
I have been told before that my rib cage was pushed uneven? Has anyone heard of that before? I also know that my pain was not this bad in the past, it seems to be getting worse instead of better. My chiro says I need to lose some weight and he is probably right. But I do not understand all of this pain just by being somewhat overweight (65 lbs). And after 3 years of therapy you would think it would not be getting worse?
My bones feel crackly and I have to constantly stretch to make them feel better, later in the day they just tighten and dont want to move anymore. I was given "Skelaxin" but lately they have not been taking any pain away and the hard spasms are still happening. When it gets really bad I take a 5mg vicodin with the 800mg muscle relaxer dose. This helps a little but I still feel the pain! In the past week I have been taking 800mg of Skelaxin 3 times a day and 5/500 mg of Vicodin 2-3 times a day. It still hurts..
I did not get my scripts from the doctor, I got them from a friend who is a nurse (sample packs) but she can't get them all the time, and another thing is I got a refill through her doctors office on the Skelaxin which is not covered under my insurnce, I can't afford over $100 a month on meds.. The vicodin I get lucky, like my neighbor had hurt her back so she had some and din't need them anymore, so gave the bottle to me..
Has anyone ever had anything similar or have any idea what this might be? My doctor sent me to physical therapy which was the same thing my chiro does without the adjustment and told me to take motrin.
I was so upset!!! I need help not motrin!!! I told him I was taking Skelaxin and Vicodin and he didn't say anything, he says try motrin!!! Geez!! I am assuming if the Skelaxin and Vicodin does not work, then OTC motrin is sure not going to help me any..
This makes it hard for me to work so I work at home (I am a computer programmer), which sometimes puts strain on my marriage. I would like to work outside of the home again but it's so hard with the pain!
Plus we have our first newborn and it's hard for to wake up with him and run around. It is all very depressing for me. I am constantly thinking something is terribly wrong!
Any help or advice would be much appreciated.. I just need to talk about this before I go crazy and make my wife crazy from complaining all the time.. She is very helpful but I know sometimes it must irritate her for me to be so sickly and depressed all the time, I just want it all to be gone!!
I look forward to any advice or recommends...
Thanks for listening everyone, sorry it was so long...
Hottrodd
I guess I will start off by saying I am new here, and this is my first post. I actually found this website by chance looking for different health topics on search engines.
I will give everyone a little background info before I continue, sorry if it starts to sound like I am whining.
I am 27 years old, male and have had back pain in my life for the past 5 years or so. I sometimes wonder how can I be the way I am at a young age.
I have been going to a chiropractor since October of 1999. I did not have health insurance back then, but do now. It still does not cover my chiro expenses which total over $1,200 a year. I cannot afford that, but I have to, if you know what I mean? Lately I have been going 2 or more times a week, it seems he has to be constantly adjusting me for it to feel better.
I recently went to my new doctor M.D. after obtaining health insurance for a much needed checkup and blood work. I am still waiting for the results to my labs and will need to make a second appt. for the outcomes.
I have aching, burning pain across my middle and upper back and also across my chest where my ribs are, and my neck is always crackly as well. My worst areas are the direct center upper back and under my shoulder blades, but lately my chest area is pretty bad also with light sharp tearing like pain when I stretch back. It aches and burns even if I sit still, but really is painful if I arch my back or twist. My worst enemy is the morning, I just can't seem to get going, it takes forever because I am so sore and stiff.
It seems like my rib cage area covering my entire upper body front and back. I am in constant pain which is worse in the morning and at night. Sometimes though it's really bad all day!
I have been told before that my rib cage was pushed uneven? Has anyone heard of that before? I also know that my pain was not this bad in the past, it seems to be getting worse instead of better. My chiro says I need to lose some weight and he is probably right. But I do not understand all of this pain just by being somewhat overweight (65 lbs). And after 3 years of therapy you would think it would not be getting worse?
My bones feel crackly and I have to constantly stretch to make them feel better, later in the day they just tighten and dont want to move anymore. I was given "Skelaxin" but lately they have not been taking any pain away and the hard spasms are still happening. When it gets really bad I take a 5mg vicodin with the 800mg muscle relaxer dose. This helps a little but I still feel the pain! In the past week I have been taking 800mg of Skelaxin 3 times a day and 5/500 mg of Vicodin 2-3 times a day. It still hurts..
I did not get my scripts from the doctor, I got them from a friend who is a nurse (sample packs) but she can't get them all the time, and another thing is I got a refill through her doctors office on the Skelaxin which is not covered under my insurnce, I can't afford over $100 a month on meds.. The vicodin I get lucky, like my neighbor had hurt her back so she had some and din't need them anymore, so gave the bottle to me..
Has anyone ever had anything similar or have any idea what this might be? My doctor sent me to physical therapy which was the same thing my chiro does without the adjustment and told me to take motrin.
I was so upset!!! I need help not motrin!!! I told him I was taking Skelaxin and Vicodin and he didn't say anything, he says try motrin!!! Geez!! I am assuming if the Skelaxin and Vicodin does not work, then OTC motrin is sure not going to help me any..
This makes it hard for me to work so I work at home (I am a computer programmer), which sometimes puts strain on my marriage. I would like to work outside of the home again but it's so hard with the pain!
Plus we have our first newborn and it's hard for to wake up with him and run around. It is all very depressing for me. I am constantly thinking something is terribly wrong!
Any help or advice would be much appreciated.. I just need to talk about this before I go crazy and make my wife crazy from complaining all the time.. She is very helpful but I know sometimes it must irritate her for me to be so sickly and depressed all the time, I just want it all to be gone!!
I look forward to any advice or recommends...
Thanks for listening everyone, sorry it was so long...
Hottrodd
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blankaflower
05-23-2003, 08:01 PM
im sos sorry you are having back problems,maybe you should see another dr if the one your seeing isnt taking your pain seriously,and as for the chiropractor,my husband was in a car accident 2 monts ago and he did have any back pain until he started going to the chiro!!lol hes miserable from this woman,she kills him,but he doesnt take any medication,he refuses to see a docter.anyway i really think you should see a dr who is willing to adress your need for physical medicine along with your physical therapy.just keep trying,make them listen,if he doesnt then call the next one and so on...good luck i wish i could be of more help,i myself am a headache suffer,thats why i sighned up on the boards here,but i can really identify with your pain ,,all here are very helpful and im sure someone will have better info for you than me,bye the way my husband is the same age as you,and he also feels angry about this occuring at such a young age,,i wish you the best and (did you try taking 2 of the 5 mg vicodens)im not a dr but i take lortab for my headaches and its the same as vicoden but i take 10 mgs not 5 thats equall to 2 of your 5 mgs,,i have given a couple of these to my husband for his back and they really worked great for him!!maybe you should ask for something like that along with your therapy..
mokita
05-23-2003, 09:25 PM
Hi Hottrod
Welcome and I'm sorry you are hurting so much. Nothing is more aggravating than not being taken seriously when you are in pain. I would suggest three things..
1) try to find a Pain Management Doctor (I don't know how your insurance is... if you need a referral or not.. but check it out.
2) push to have an MRI taken if it hasn't been. There could be problems with your discs and you may not know it. Do you have any tingling?
3) jump on to the Back Problems section here. There is alot of good info on different areas of the back. As you can see by my signature, mine is mainly in lower back, so I can't help much there! :)
Good luck and keep posting. This is a wonderful information/support place!!
Karen
------------------
9/22/00 24 hour labor, baby posterior, left tailbone killing me
12/00 MRI - PCP said nothing amiss - but, had to begin taking vicodin
2/8/02 - 2nd baby born after long, painful pregnance as weight gain
2000-11/02 various PT + pain meds
11/02 Referred to Neuro
3/03 NEW MRI - shows slight bulge L3-L4,slight DDD Neuro Refers to PM for ESI
3/03 PM Doc orders ESI
3/21,4/1,4/8 - ESI's no help
5/9 - Discogram - shows Tear L4 w/ significant leak onto nerves, DDD
Doc sched NEW discogram 'cuz performing doc oversedated, False Negative
Welcome and I'm sorry you are hurting so much. Nothing is more aggravating than not being taken seriously when you are in pain. I would suggest three things..
1) try to find a Pain Management Doctor (I don't know how your insurance is... if you need a referral or not.. but check it out.
2) push to have an MRI taken if it hasn't been. There could be problems with your discs and you may not know it. Do you have any tingling?
3) jump on to the Back Problems section here. There is alot of good info on different areas of the back. As you can see by my signature, mine is mainly in lower back, so I can't help much there! :)
Good luck and keep posting. This is a wonderful information/support place!!
Karen
------------------
9/22/00 24 hour labor, baby posterior, left tailbone killing me
12/00 MRI - PCP said nothing amiss - but, had to begin taking vicodin
2/8/02 - 2nd baby born after long, painful pregnance as weight gain
2000-11/02 various PT + pain meds
11/02 Referred to Neuro
3/03 NEW MRI - shows slight bulge L3-L4,slight DDD Neuro Refers to PM for ESI
3/03 PM Doc orders ESI
3/21,4/1,4/8 - ESI's no help
5/9 - Discogram - shows Tear L4 w/ significant leak onto nerves, DDD
Doc sched NEW discogram 'cuz performing doc oversedated, False Negative
Jack Beanstalk
05-24-2003, 01:12 AM
Howdy H.R.,
I,m gonna follow up with a few suggestions that will help you and your family in another way:keeping Dad out of prison.One question,what would you have told your doc when you said you were taking Skelaxin and Vicodin for your back,if he had whipped out his note pad and asked back to you"Who,s writing your meds for you ?"That would have been it,Pal.You,d be screwed.Since you,re an adult,it would go on your permanent record that you aquired controlled substances for use without a Dr.,s Rx,the nurse friend would have been endighted for illegal drug dispensing,and your kind neighbor could also have gotten busted.You would have a very difficult time from now on trying to get any thing for pain from anybody.I,m just glad you did not get caught.I would not go back to the dr. you saw.The statement you made about the meds may resurface.It would be wise to start from scratch and find a new Dr.,since you have already told this other doc about the meds.If you go back,he,ll surely ask you about them.Please don,t EVER take or give meds that are/are not yours!I,m not tryin to give you a hard time,I,m tryin to keep you from DOIN hard time!Be strong,Be wise.Jack Beanstalk
I,m gonna follow up with a few suggestions that will help you and your family in another way:keeping Dad out of prison.One question,what would you have told your doc when you said you were taking Skelaxin and Vicodin for your back,if he had whipped out his note pad and asked back to you"Who,s writing your meds for you ?"That would have been it,Pal.You,d be screwed.Since you,re an adult,it would go on your permanent record that you aquired controlled substances for use without a Dr.,s Rx,the nurse friend would have been endighted for illegal drug dispensing,and your kind neighbor could also have gotten busted.You would have a very difficult time from now on trying to get any thing for pain from anybody.I,m just glad you did not get caught.I would not go back to the dr. you saw.The statement you made about the meds may resurface.It would be wise to start from scratch and find a new Dr.,since you have already told this other doc about the meds.If you go back,he,ll surely ask you about them.Please don,t EVER take or give meds that are/are not yours!I,m not tryin to give you a hard time,I,m tryin to keep you from DOIN hard time!Be strong,Be wise.Jack Beanstalk
jlynn2974
05-24-2003, 12:35 PM
Hotrodd,
If it is not working for you now, it will not work for you in the future. You need to see a specialist. A chiropractor is not a specialist, nor the kind of doctor that you need. A pain management doctor will only get you addicted to dependent drugs. The withdrawal effects from these drugs are far worse than the pain you are experiencing now. It is tough to deal with your pain, let alone trying to fight pain and withdrawal symptoms. Anytime a doctor prescribes medication for you, especially a naracotic based drug, please look up the information on the prescribed drug. This information is available on the internet, and is invaluable. A good specialist will correct or try to make your pain less painful without using dependant drug therapy. I wish you the best and there is help out there for you.
If it is not working for you now, it will not work for you in the future. You need to see a specialist. A chiropractor is not a specialist, nor the kind of doctor that you need. A pain management doctor will only get you addicted to dependent drugs. The withdrawal effects from these drugs are far worse than the pain you are experiencing now. It is tough to deal with your pain, let alone trying to fight pain and withdrawal symptoms. Anytime a doctor prescribes medication for you, especially a naracotic based drug, please look up the information on the prescribed drug. This information is available on the internet, and is invaluable. A good specialist will correct or try to make your pain less painful without using dependant drug therapy. I wish you the best and there is help out there for you.
ajfinsand
05-24-2003, 06:13 PM
Hi hottrodd,
Firstly, if the chiro is not doing any long-term good, then it's not really helping. You need to see a doctor who will do some tests to find the origin/cause of the problems and take action from there.
In addition to finding the source of the problem and dealing with that, a couple of options to consider to deal with the pain are:
1) Acupuncture. Your insurance might actually cover it. My primary care doc also does acupuncture and I had excellent results in reducing my back pain with acupuncture before my back surgeries.
2) The muscles in my back cause me a LOT of pain since my surgeries, and muscle relaxers (tried a multitude of them!) only give very minimal relief. A couple of weeks ago I started taking the suppliment MSM because my knees and hips and sholders started bothering me. MSM helps support healthy joints. But it also generated a DRASTIC reduction in my muscle pain. My pain level has been at about a 7/8 for the last six months, and immediately went down to a level 4 after taking the MSM. Of course everyone reacts differently ti different meds and suppliments, but it's worth a try at least.
love and prayers,
aj in Oregon
------------------
~ 48 year old female; currently self-employed as an artist/designer/woodcrafter.
~ Previously worked in the restaurant biz for 27 years (not so good for someone with a bad back!)
~ Hereditary and congenital scoliosis, but it never caused any problems until I was 40+ years old.
~ 76 degree curvature had increased 2 degrees in two years 1999-2001; indicating surgery was necessary.
~ Surgery in March of 2001.
~ Fusion and insturmentation of C7 - T9.
~ Fourth rib removed; 5th and 6th rib cut back halfway; removed ribs were morselized and used for the grafting, plus additional bone harvested from hip.
~ After tthe hardware was attached, spine was straigntened 20+ degrees.
~ 2 weeks in the hospital.
~ Brace worn for five months. Bone growth stimulator device also worn several hours per day.
~ PT 5 mos. after surgery caused increased pain.
~ Follow-up surgery to remove hardware scheduled for Feb. 2002.
~ Round 2 of PT 2 mos. after hardware removal.
~ Medically released to return to full activity in July 2002.
~ Increased pain upon returning to regular work schedule.
~ Round 3 of PT in April/May 2003; continually increasing pain.
Firstly, if the chiro is not doing any long-term good, then it's not really helping. You need to see a doctor who will do some tests to find the origin/cause of the problems and take action from there.
In addition to finding the source of the problem and dealing with that, a couple of options to consider to deal with the pain are:
1) Acupuncture. Your insurance might actually cover it. My primary care doc also does acupuncture and I had excellent results in reducing my back pain with acupuncture before my back surgeries.
2) The muscles in my back cause me a LOT of pain since my surgeries, and muscle relaxers (tried a multitude of them!) only give very minimal relief. A couple of weeks ago I started taking the suppliment MSM because my knees and hips and sholders started bothering me. MSM helps support healthy joints. But it also generated a DRASTIC reduction in my muscle pain. My pain level has been at about a 7/8 for the last six months, and immediately went down to a level 4 after taking the MSM. Of course everyone reacts differently ti different meds and suppliments, but it's worth a try at least.
love and prayers,
aj in Oregon
------------------
~ 48 year old female; currently self-employed as an artist/designer/woodcrafter.
~ Previously worked in the restaurant biz for 27 years (not so good for someone with a bad back!)
~ Hereditary and congenital scoliosis, but it never caused any problems until I was 40+ years old.
~ 76 degree curvature had increased 2 degrees in two years 1999-2001; indicating surgery was necessary.
~ Surgery in March of 2001.
~ Fusion and insturmentation of C7 - T9.
~ Fourth rib removed; 5th and 6th rib cut back halfway; removed ribs were morselized and used for the grafting, plus additional bone harvested from hip.
~ After tthe hardware was attached, spine was straigntened 20+ degrees.
~ 2 weeks in the hospital.
~ Brace worn for five months. Bone growth stimulator device also worn several hours per day.
~ PT 5 mos. after surgery caused increased pain.
~ Follow-up surgery to remove hardware scheduled for Feb. 2002.
~ Round 2 of PT 2 mos. after hardware removal.
~ Medically released to return to full activity in July 2002.
~ Increased pain upon returning to regular work schedule.
~ Round 3 of PT in April/May 2003; continually increasing pain.
hottrodd
05-24-2003, 08:01 PM
Thanks for the replies everyone..
Sorry if this is going to be a long read.. I just need to say some things....
I am waiting to see my doctor this week and get all the lab work back. I am also going to request an MRI to see if that shows anything, also a referral to go see a pain management specialist. And if my doctor wants to help me, he will finally give me something that manages the pain and discomfort to go along with my PT and chiropractic.
I swear today is really bad but I am trying to manage. Seeing as it's a holiday weekend, it seems forever till I go to my appt. I guess if things get really bad I can go to the ER, but those places are soooo slow!! If it came down to it though at least you have a place to go for help, even if it's a temp fix to your problem.
I took my Skelaxin and Vicodin this morning, only it seems to not wanna work very well for the level of pain I am in. I think I need to try another type of relaxant and pain medication, or SOMETHING, ANYTHING!.
Although it seems when you go in there (your doctors office) asking for meds by name.... instead of you coming off as educated to your problems, they look at you like a drug addict, or "Hey how do you know about that and why do you want it?". Has anyone else had this problem?
To Jack Beanstalk :wave:
I am sorry because I did not explain thole whole situtation and there seems to be some confusion.
I recently moved from Arkansas back to California after a year over there. My doctor in Arkansas was the the one who prescribed me the Skelaxin and Vicodin originally. When I came back to California I did not have insurance any longer, but I did have some meds left (Skelaxin 800mg and Vicodin 5/500mg).
So in the down time of me gaining new insurance I was running out of my scripts. My friend who is a nurse had me come in to her clinic and had their doctor see me. He refilled my Skelaxin and Vicodin after I kind of pushed the issue and since my friend who is one of his nurses vouched for me and my pain.
Like he says people who come in complaining about back pain are the #1 candidates for wanting high level scripts, and he is very sketchy about prescribing to people he doesn't have a case history with.
So... after those ran out, my friend would get me samples of my Skelaxin, but not the Vicodin because of it being a narcotic. I happened to get lucky when my neighbor had a big script of Vicodin and didn't need them any longer. Of course it is not the brightest thing to do (taking someone elses meds), but when your in pain it's a sigh of some relief. And seeing as it's the same as my earlier script it would be okay for a temp fix.
When I finally obtained insurance and went to see my regular NEW doctor, he has no case history of me. I told him about my other doctor and the meds I was on, he wrote them down. I explained about my pain and problems, he sent me to PT and told me to take motrin. I thought this was not cool!! Motrin was not going to touch what Vicodin and Skelaxin barely does.
So I am hoping at my next appt and lab returns. I can push an MRI and PUSH for a PM specialist referral so he will help me with my pain that I am in every day!
Anyways, sorry to go on for so long, but wanted to clear up the confusion about him wanting to know where I got scripts from previously. I appreciate your feedback and I did NOT take it to be given a hard time. I thank you for your concerns.
And to conclude....
I don't like the idea of having to be on meds everyday of my life. I just want to be normal! I am so jealous sometimes of people just running up the street who are physically in good shape. I want to be those people sometimes! I know I need to find out what the root of the problem is, and I am praying it happens soon.. If I have to take meds to make me feel better and there is nothing else I can do, I guess I have to live with that reality. Sure it won't be fun for my body to be addicted to the medication, but what other alternatives does someone in chronic pain do??
I think I am also going to try that MSM and see how it effects my pain..
I hope everyone has a pain free day.. I am trying...
Hottrodd
Sorry if this is going to be a long read.. I just need to say some things....
I am waiting to see my doctor this week and get all the lab work back. I am also going to request an MRI to see if that shows anything, also a referral to go see a pain management specialist. And if my doctor wants to help me, he will finally give me something that manages the pain and discomfort to go along with my PT and chiropractic.
I swear today is really bad but I am trying to manage. Seeing as it's a holiday weekend, it seems forever till I go to my appt. I guess if things get really bad I can go to the ER, but those places are soooo slow!! If it came down to it though at least you have a place to go for help, even if it's a temp fix to your problem.
I took my Skelaxin and Vicodin this morning, only it seems to not wanna work very well for the level of pain I am in. I think I need to try another type of relaxant and pain medication, or SOMETHING, ANYTHING!.
Although it seems when you go in there (your doctors office) asking for meds by name.... instead of you coming off as educated to your problems, they look at you like a drug addict, or "Hey how do you know about that and why do you want it?". Has anyone else had this problem?
To Jack Beanstalk :wave:
I am sorry because I did not explain thole whole situtation and there seems to be some confusion.
I recently moved from Arkansas back to California after a year over there. My doctor in Arkansas was the the one who prescribed me the Skelaxin and Vicodin originally. When I came back to California I did not have insurance any longer, but I did have some meds left (Skelaxin 800mg and Vicodin 5/500mg).
So in the down time of me gaining new insurance I was running out of my scripts. My friend who is a nurse had me come in to her clinic and had their doctor see me. He refilled my Skelaxin and Vicodin after I kind of pushed the issue and since my friend who is one of his nurses vouched for me and my pain.
Like he says people who come in complaining about back pain are the #1 candidates for wanting high level scripts, and he is very sketchy about prescribing to people he doesn't have a case history with.
So... after those ran out, my friend would get me samples of my Skelaxin, but not the Vicodin because of it being a narcotic. I happened to get lucky when my neighbor had a big script of Vicodin and didn't need them any longer. Of course it is not the brightest thing to do (taking someone elses meds), but when your in pain it's a sigh of some relief. And seeing as it's the same as my earlier script it would be okay for a temp fix.
When I finally obtained insurance and went to see my regular NEW doctor, he has no case history of me. I told him about my other doctor and the meds I was on, he wrote them down. I explained about my pain and problems, he sent me to PT and told me to take motrin. I thought this was not cool!! Motrin was not going to touch what Vicodin and Skelaxin barely does.
So I am hoping at my next appt and lab returns. I can push an MRI and PUSH for a PM specialist referral so he will help me with my pain that I am in every day!
Anyways, sorry to go on for so long, but wanted to clear up the confusion about him wanting to know where I got scripts from previously. I appreciate your feedback and I did NOT take it to be given a hard time. I thank you for your concerns.
And to conclude....
I don't like the idea of having to be on meds everyday of my life. I just want to be normal! I am so jealous sometimes of people just running up the street who are physically in good shape. I want to be those people sometimes! I know I need to find out what the root of the problem is, and I am praying it happens soon.. If I have to take meds to make me feel better and there is nothing else I can do, I guess I have to live with that reality. Sure it won't be fun for my body to be addicted to the medication, but what other alternatives does someone in chronic pain do??
I think I am also going to try that MSM and see how it effects my pain..
I hope everyone has a pain free day.. I am trying...
Hottrodd
mokita
05-24-2003, 09:24 PM
Hi Hottrod.
I wish you well and good luck with your appointment with the PM Doctor. I am so happy that after 2-1/2 years of going to my PCP, going to PT appts (incl trying all modalities incl ionophoresous -steroids-) being referred to specialist, more PT, then onto the Neurosurgeon, MRI, bulging disc, but he didn't want to dig around without me trying ESI's (epidural steroid injections) sooooo... HE sent me to Pain Management Doctor. And, because of my new doc, the meds he has me on... I actually have a decent quality of life now and can interract with my children and my husband. So, I thank God and my PCP for FINALLY getting me to the team of docs that can help in the interim of trying to find a way of 'fixing' me.
So, there you have it. My humble opinion. I certainly hope you can find a better quality of life that Works For You... Pain Management can be wonderful when you need it. It may not be for everyone, but neither is "sucking up the pain and just live with it". I certainly don't feel like an addict and don't believe for an instant that all pain management doctors are trying to get you addicted to narcotics. Diabetics and people with High Blood Pressure don't hear this... and they certainly would feel SIGNIFICANT if not DEADLY symptoms if they quit without the aid of a physician.
Sorry to be so forward. Hurting pretty bad from over-doing it with my girls and tired of reading about how PM Doc are out to get you addicted.
Take good care of yourself, Hottrod. Be kind to you and those you love. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love1.gif
Karen :)
------------------
9/22/00 24 hour labor, baby posterior, left tailbone killing me
12/00 MRI - PCP said nothing amiss - but, had to begin taking vicodin
2/8/02 - 2nd baby born after long, painful pregnance as weight gain
2000-11/02 various PT + pain meds
11/02 Referred to Neuro
3/03 NEW MRI - shows slight bulge L3-L4,slight DDD Neuro Refers to PM for ESI
3/03 PM Doc orders ESI
3/21,4/1,4/8 - ESI's no help
5/9 - Discogram - shows Tear L4 w/ significant leak onto nerves, DDD
Doc sched NEW discogram 'cuz performing doc oversedated, False Negative
[This message has been edited by mokita (edited 05-24-2003).]
[This message has been edited by mokita (edited 05-24-2003).]
I wish you well and good luck with your appointment with the PM Doctor. I am so happy that after 2-1/2 years of going to my PCP, going to PT appts (incl trying all modalities incl ionophoresous -steroids-) being referred to specialist, more PT, then onto the Neurosurgeon, MRI, bulging disc, but he didn't want to dig around without me trying ESI's (epidural steroid injections) sooooo... HE sent me to Pain Management Doctor. And, because of my new doc, the meds he has me on... I actually have a decent quality of life now and can interract with my children and my husband. So, I thank God and my PCP for FINALLY getting me to the team of docs that can help in the interim of trying to find a way of 'fixing' me.
So, there you have it. My humble opinion. I certainly hope you can find a better quality of life that Works For You... Pain Management can be wonderful when you need it. It may not be for everyone, but neither is "sucking up the pain and just live with it". I certainly don't feel like an addict and don't believe for an instant that all pain management doctors are trying to get you addicted to narcotics. Diabetics and people with High Blood Pressure don't hear this... and they certainly would feel SIGNIFICANT if not DEADLY symptoms if they quit without the aid of a physician.
Sorry to be so forward. Hurting pretty bad from over-doing it with my girls and tired of reading about how PM Doc are out to get you addicted.
Take good care of yourself, Hottrod. Be kind to you and those you love. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love1.gif
Karen :)
------------------
9/22/00 24 hour labor, baby posterior, left tailbone killing me
12/00 MRI - PCP said nothing amiss - but, had to begin taking vicodin
2/8/02 - 2nd baby born after long, painful pregnance as weight gain
2000-11/02 various PT + pain meds
11/02 Referred to Neuro
3/03 NEW MRI - shows slight bulge L3-L4,slight DDD Neuro Refers to PM for ESI
3/03 PM Doc orders ESI
3/21,4/1,4/8 - ESI's no help
5/9 - Discogram - shows Tear L4 w/ significant leak onto nerves, DDD
Doc sched NEW discogram 'cuz performing doc oversedated, False Negative
[This message has been edited by mokita (edited 05-24-2003).]
[This message has been edited by mokita (edited 05-24-2003).]
Jack Beanstalk
05-25-2003, 01:01 AM
Howdy Hotrodd!
Thanks for your reply,I sure did,nt mean to come across as naggin at ya,but it sounds like your just in a tough position at this point.Due to your age,most docs are gonna be leary of Rxing meds,especially Opiates.I know it,s wrong,but that,s how they think"Hey,you,re too young to have a chronic pain problem in your back.NO NARCS,young man!It,s not fair,but they go with the percentages.If you get an MRI and it shows something,then things change.Docs believe what they can see,for the most part.Even then,you,ll need a pain doc in order to get any real treatment.I,m sure I,m not alone when I say that all a pain mgmnt. dr. will do is get you "hooked on addictive drugs".That is actually one of the LAST RESORTS that most pain mgmnt.facilities do.I,m thinking the person that made that statement may have had a bad experience with a pain mgmnt.clinic or something else.It is not fun by any means,to be in a position that the only method to help many pain sufferers,is Opiate therapy.If it were not for my pain dr.Rxing my Opiates,I would not be able to support my family.Please do not be made to feel guilty if you get to a point where Opiates are needed because of somebodies opinion as to what you should or should not do to stop hurting.I,ll take the drugs ANYDAY over the pain I,d have to endure and so will just about anybody else who is truly a CPer.Good-Luck,Dude!Jack Beanstalk
Thanks for your reply,I sure did,nt mean to come across as naggin at ya,but it sounds like your just in a tough position at this point.Due to your age,most docs are gonna be leary of Rxing meds,especially Opiates.I know it,s wrong,but that,s how they think"Hey,you,re too young to have a chronic pain problem in your back.NO NARCS,young man!It,s not fair,but they go with the percentages.If you get an MRI and it shows something,then things change.Docs believe what they can see,for the most part.Even then,you,ll need a pain doc in order to get any real treatment.I,m sure I,m not alone when I say that all a pain mgmnt. dr. will do is get you "hooked on addictive drugs".That is actually one of the LAST RESORTS that most pain mgmnt.facilities do.I,m thinking the person that made that statement may have had a bad experience with a pain mgmnt.clinic or something else.It is not fun by any means,to be in a position that the only method to help many pain sufferers,is Opiate therapy.If it were not for my pain dr.Rxing my Opiates,I would not be able to support my family.Please do not be made to feel guilty if you get to a point where Opiates are needed because of somebodies opinion as to what you should or should not do to stop hurting.I,ll take the drugs ANYDAY over the pain I,d have to endure and so will just about anybody else who is truly a CPer.Good-Luck,Dude!Jack Beanstalk
hottrodd
05-25-2003, 01:12 AM
Yeah,
I am in a tough position as of my age. I have been dealing with this pain for about 5 years now. It has basically become a part of my life now. I really wish there was a cure for me without all the meds. hopefully I can get an MRI done and figure this out. From what I hear it's hard to read upper back pain with that test?
I have thought before about my problems and I actually think it might be arthritis or fibro.. I just want answers, hopefully we can get to a conclusion and go from there.
Today has been pretty bad for me, but I am making it through it, just as I have the last 5 years.. I refuse to walk away without a conclusion, no matter how long it takes.. And if it takes a PM doctor and pain meds, then I guess that's what I have to do for my everyday pain http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif
Hottrodd
I am in a tough position as of my age. I have been dealing with this pain for about 5 years now. It has basically become a part of my life now. I really wish there was a cure for me without all the meds. hopefully I can get an MRI done and figure this out. From what I hear it's hard to read upper back pain with that test?
I have thought before about my problems and I actually think it might be arthritis or fibro.. I just want answers, hopefully we can get to a conclusion and go from there.
Today has been pretty bad for me, but I am making it through it, just as I have the last 5 years.. I refuse to walk away without a conclusion, no matter how long it takes.. And if it takes a PM doctor and pain meds, then I guess that's what I have to do for my everyday pain http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif
Hottrodd
Pippin31
05-25-2003, 02:01 AM
Hi,
I see a chiropractor as well. I always have! It helps a great deal. I do recomend an MRI though! When I herniated my T 11-12 disc, the pain sounds just like yours. It was compressing my spinal cord. The pain reached all the way into my rib cage. Hopefully you can have an MRI done to determine the source. Good luck.
I see a chiropractor as well. I always have! It helps a great deal. I do recomend an MRI though! When I herniated my T 11-12 disc, the pain sounds just like yours. It was compressing my spinal cord. The pain reached all the way into my rib cage. Hopefully you can have an MRI done to determine the source. Good luck.
soccermama
05-25-2003, 02:43 AM
Hotrod-
I can feel your pain, I had my L-4 L-5 s1 blown, the pain started moderate and then got so bad I could not walk and breathe! I had an injection at the Dr's office and that night I was in the ER, and then to see the Neurosurgeon! I laid in bed literally 3 weeks and nothing I took helped,we know our bodies and know when something is wrong and we are feeling pain, and it really sucks that Dr's think we are trying to get narc's for fun.I ended up having surgery... and after just 5 months I was playing soccer, the surgery almost immediatly helped the nerve pain, the Nerosurgeon said he was surprised I made it that far, my spine was so bad.. My left side of my body went numb then they knew it was real PAIN!
Well, now I have the TKR on my plate, but after making it through that ordeal, I hate to say it I am really picky if a DR won't listen to me about needing pain relief,I wish so bad I didn't have to live like this, and literally cry seeing people jog by my house, thinking "that should be me!"
I hope you get established and get resolution with your condtion, I personally went through acupunture and chiro. they did not work for me in my Spine ordeal, but I think it was because I was already stage3.Good luck- there are a lot of helpful knowledgeable people here that have walked in our shoes and "feel" eachothers pain. ~~ Mindy
I can feel your pain, I had my L-4 L-5 s1 blown, the pain started moderate and then got so bad I could not walk and breathe! I had an injection at the Dr's office and that night I was in the ER, and then to see the Neurosurgeon! I laid in bed literally 3 weeks and nothing I took helped,we know our bodies and know when something is wrong and we are feeling pain, and it really sucks that Dr's think we are trying to get narc's for fun.I ended up having surgery... and after just 5 months I was playing soccer, the surgery almost immediatly helped the nerve pain, the Nerosurgeon said he was surprised I made it that far, my spine was so bad.. My left side of my body went numb then they knew it was real PAIN!
Well, now I have the TKR on my plate, but after making it through that ordeal, I hate to say it I am really picky if a DR won't listen to me about needing pain relief,I wish so bad I didn't have to live like this, and literally cry seeing people jog by my house, thinking "that should be me!"
I hope you get established and get resolution with your condtion, I personally went through acupunture and chiro. they did not work for me in my Spine ordeal, but I think it was because I was already stage3.Good luck- there are a lot of helpful knowledgeable people here that have walked in our shoes and "feel" eachothers pain. ~~ Mindy