A newbie with Questions - Back Problems Message Board

Bubbatank · 04-24-2007, 02:37 PM

Hi all. I've lurked here before my neck surgery a couple of years ago but this is my first post.

I'm a 47 yr former paramedic. I'm been off the job for 2 years and had C5 -C6 fused about 6 moths later. Did wonderful with it and the state has been paying for me to go back to school. Still had muscle spasms but could live with it.

About 2 months ago, I developed severe lower back pain and had to drop out of school. Now I have had herniated discs, degenerated vertebrates and arthritis in that area for years but the Chiro and pain meds keep the pain down. Any way, went to an Otho and he said to try epidurals as he really didn't want to fuse the lower back. Had 3 epidurals and they brought relief for about a month or so. Now I'm back in pain, can't sleep and don't know what to do. I've started a plan to loose weight, the chiro has me walking (which I do when I feel like it) but I just feel it's not going to get better. So I'm not sure what to do. Should I apply for SS disability? Should I keep going and believe that things will get better? Or should I just give up. I'm a fighter but some times this thing just gets me down. I used to be able to lift anything, do anything and not have to worry about it.

I guess I'm just tired of the fight and don't see any end of the pain in sight. So in addition to any thing you might tell me about SS disability, what else keeps you'll going.

clover60 · 04-24-2007, 04:28 PM

Welcome
You have come to the right place for great support. We are all going thru different phases of back issues.

I understand about being tired of the whole mess. I have gotten that way a few times myself. I did finally have surgery in Feb and am slowly but surely regaining some of my life back. I am working. Have to admit that my job is not physical so it makes it easier.

Hope you find answers soon I will keep you in my prayers.

kkmom · 04-24-2007, 06:40 PM

Hello, I just wanted to welcome you to the back boards. You have joined a board with a group of wonderful people. As far as your question for the ssi i believe there is a board on here for that. And I am so sorry for all that you are going through. I hope and pray that things will brighten up for you soon.
Rachel

yvette777 · 04-24-2007, 08:53 PM

Hi nice to meet you. I think ss is very hard to get I applied over a year ago, was rejected and am in the appeal process. hopefully though it will all be healed by then. Wishing you the best, and welcome vette

Tucsonlady40 · 04-24-2007, 11:56 PM

Hi and welcome to the board,

If your pain is persistant and not getting better, than I would go back to the dr.s and tell him/her. Explain that the epidurals worked for x amount of time and that the pain is back. Stay strong and be determined to get to the bottom of whats going on. You are your best advocate.

Unfortunately this is a long journey with back issues and theres usually not an easy cure. It takes time, and alot of patience.

Are you on any other meds for the nerve pain, like neurontin or lyrica? If not, one of them might work for you. Check with you dr. Just out of curiousity, if you don't mind me asking..... Does your ortho know that your seeing a chiro? Please be careful, with having herniations, they can do more harm than good. It's great that you walk when you can. They say, that it's one of the best things for bad backs.

As far as applying for ssi, go for it, the most that will happen is that you'll be turned down. You might be one of the lucky ones and get accepted though. There is a disability board here that you can get alot of info from.

Take care and good luck to you.