I have been suffering from chronic back pain since May 2009 now. I have shooting pains that start from the middle of my lower back, through my buttocks on the back side, through the side of my thighs, into my knees, then down the sides of my legs and shins, into the sides of my ankles, then finally into my feet. I've seen numerous doctors and surgeons, but they all say my herniated discs aren't bad enough to require surgery, and all have said that I am way too young for any surgery.
I have had to basically quit my job because I cannot stand/walk for extended periods of time. I am in my bed most of the time due to the fact that I can hardly walk (unless I have my cane) when the shooting pains are present.
I am starting to lose all hope. I am turning 20 in less than a month and I feel that I can't even enjoy doing anything any more. If this persists much longer I am literally going to go insane.
I am asking for any help, advice, guidance, ANYTHING that might benefit me.
(more info)
BiographyEdit Value
I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC LOWER BACK PAIN SINCE MAY 2009. I'VE SEEN LITERALLY A DOZEN DOCTORS (ORTHOPEDICS, NEUROLOGISTS, SPINAL SPECIALISTS, NEUROSURGEONS) AND THEY BASICALLY HAVE TOLD ME THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MY AGE (19 ALMOST 20) HAVE HERN
Diagnosed Illness(es)Edit Value
MILD HERNIATED DISC L4-L5
MODERATED HERNIATED DISC L5-S1
Medications & DosagesEdit Value
GABAPENTIN 300MG- 3, 2X'S/DAY
OXYCODONE 15MG- 1, 3X'S/DAY
I have been suffering from chronic back pain since May 2009 now. I have shooting pains that start from the middle of my lower back, through my buttocks on the back side, through the side of my thighs, into my knees, then down the sides of my legs and shins, into the sides of my ankles, then finally into my feet. I've seen numerous doctors and surgeons, but they all say my herniated discs aren't bad enough to require surgery, and all have said that I am way too young for any surgery.
I have had to basically quit my job because I cannot stand/walk for extended periods of time. I am in my bed most of the time due to the fact that I can hardly walk (unless I have my cane) when the shooting pains are present.
I am starting to lose all hope. I am turning 20 in less than a month and I feel that I can't even enjoy doing anything any more. If this persists much longer I am literally going to go insane.
I am asking for any help, advice, guidance, ANYTHING that might benefit me.
(more info)
BiographyEdit Value
I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC LOWER BACK PAIN SINCE MAY 2009. I'VE SEEN LITERALLY A DOZEN DOCTORS (ORTHOPEDICS, NEUROLOGISTS, SPINAL SPECIALISTS, NEUROSURGEONS) AND THEY BASICALLY HAVE TOLD ME THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MY AGE (19 ALMOST 20) HAVE HERN
Diagnosed Illness(es)Edit Value
MILD HERNIATED DISC L4-L5
MODERATED HERNIATED DISC L5-S1
Medications & DosagesEdit Value
GABAPENTIN 300MG- 3, 2X'S/DAY
OXYCODONE 15MG- 1, 3X'S/DAY
>>>>>>>>>>>>> It really shouldn't matter how old you are. If you need surgery, you need it, especially when you have nerve impingement and it sounds like you do.
Have you seen an Orthopedic Spine Specialist (different from a reg. ortho)? They are usually more open minded than some of the other specialists. I can't see what good can come of putting off surgery until you reach a specific age.....like, what is a "proper" age to have surgery? Even if you have to travel somewhere out of state, I personally think you need to find someone who will do surgery if your MRI indicates that it is needed.
You aren't the first young person I have heard of who has been told they are too young for surgery. I suppose the reasoning is that if you have to have surgery at this age you are more apt to be very active and cause further herniations. I think that no matter what the reasoning is, it's wrong if the pt could possibly end up with permanent nerve damage.
Please keep trying to find a more reasonable doctor and stay in touch with us.
I'm sorry to hear that you are in so much pain and having such a hard time getting that across to your doctors. Have you tried Cymbalta? its for depression/anxiety but works on cronic pain and just makes you feel better. I am sure it is getting you down being so young and having to deal with this. I am 43 and had back pain for most of my adult life, spent thousands of dollars on every contraption, accupunction, chiropractic, homeopathic, shoes, massage, physical therapy. I even got a breast reduction hoping that would help. After 20+ years I finally opted to have surgery and guess what.... That hasn't helped either. So, I guess what I am telling you is look for alternative methods that will work for you. You are young and have a whole life ahead. It is your body and your pain, like they tell me. Make your doctors listen to you and don't leave until they do. I hope it works out for you and keep strong.
Sandy
I'm sorry that you didn't get relief from surgery Sandy. Sometimes we wait too long, to the point that enough damage has been done that we can't get relief. Or of course, sometimes the surgery just fails, period.
I do think that jjosing is suffering nerve damage from the way she describes the pain, and I'm concerned that it will cause her life long pain if she doesn't find a dr. who correctly diagnosis her and who doesn't use age as an excuse not to help. I think that's plain nuts!
