It Hurts - Pain Management Message Board

leebrown61 · 05-22-2007, 06:23 AM

Hi everyone,

I guess I am just asking for advice and venting. I have posted a few times before. My back really hurts. Aching and burning. This is chronic as is the pain in my leg (legs). I guess it is chronic. I have had it for about 5 years and not cured yet. I have been through everything including an l4 l5 discectomy. Now I have another herniation, bluges, a tear, DDD, and arthritis. I have been dealing with it by exercise, trying to stay active and taking my pain meds. Lyrica, Valium, Hydrocodone 7.5 1 twice a day, hydromorphone 4 mg 1 twice a day.
About 2 months ago I started having bad right hip pain. An injection did not help. A 10 day trial of prednisone did help but bothered by stomach so much that I do not know which was worse. All NSAIDS bother my stomach a lot. I have GERD.
I saw my GP for a follow up 3 weeks ago and he referred me to ortho for my hip. I had told him that my back pain was worse. He did not order another MRI or anything (my last one was about 18 months ago).
I have to wait until the middle of August to see the ortho. I called my doctor and spoke with the nurse and told it that it hurt, ecspecially while at work for 8-10 hours aday. She said that I could make an appointment to see a doctor. DUH!! I saw my doctor and he referred me to ortho.
There are no pain clinics anywhere near me. I guess I am lucky to have the medication that I have.
The problem is that I am in a lot of pain. I take a pill. It works in about 1/2 hour, last 2-3 hours than I wait 2 1/2 -3 hours until I can take another one. They cut the pain from an 8/9 to a 4/5. Which I don't feel is great but pretty good.
I am not a demanding person. I am not the kind to keep calling the doctor's office. It is just not in me.
I am just so sick of this. Most day's I don't want to get out of bed because I know what the day holds.
I am sitting here at work and my pain is about at an 8. I took a hydrocodone about 3 1/2 hours ago. It sucks.
Thanks for letting me vent. Any suggestions.

Thanks
Lee

Fabrashamx · 05-22-2007, 08:05 AM

Hi Lee,

I am so sorry, I can totally relate to how you are feeling! Have you asked your doctor about a long acting pain med? It would stop that horrible cycle of clock watching and the ups and downs of relief. There are lots of things to try, like the patch which is changed every 2 days if your doctor knows a lot, 3 days if he hasnt used it much (the consensus on the board is that although the company that makes the patch claims 72 hours of coverage, it is more like 48) or he might want to try you on oxycontin or methadone.
I also recommend anti depressants for anyone in chronic pain, I know they helped me a lot, and if they dont help, you can always go off them.
In the mean time, you can always vent to us, I know it helps, I have done it myself.

Take care and let us know how you are doing.
Your Friend, Fabby

ssmith1018 · 05-22-2007, 08:40 AM

Hi Lee,

Your pain sounds EXACTLY like my pain. I also work 10 hour days & by the time I get home, I am hurting pretty bad. I am in Pain Management right now. I was put on Cymbalta at first, but I had too many side effects so I had to quit taking them. I also have GERD, so I am limited to what I can take. I am taking Ultram right now, but they are not doing the job. You are lucky that you have a Doctor that will give you anything to try and help with the pain. I have a bulge at L4, but my doctor said that should not be causing that much pain. So I don't know what's going on with me, but I would really be interested to know what you find out. So, please keep us updated.

Sue

leebrown61 · 05-22-2007, 11:01 AM

Hi Sue,
You should have your doc check for Degenerative Joine Disease, Osteoarthritis, that type of stufff. I have a couple herniations and bulges but I think the arthritis and the DDD cause the pain. I am lucky to that he gives me something for pain that works if even for just a little while. I guess that is why I don't want to go in and complain. It is a shame that we have to feel like this. Afraid to speak up.