DDD options?

Wendy88 · 01-05-2008, 07:06 PM

hi everyone,
so i've had DDD forever... Im 33 and I'd say about once a year i totally throw out my back (either slip a disk or tear fibers) that leave me in horrible pain and bed ridden for close to a week and then in pain for a long time after. This just happened on Dec 25th... not ever sure what I did, but I was bed ridden for a week in terrible pain, back spasms etc... and Im still not able to sit or stand without being in a ton of pain.
During the course of the year, my back will give me smaller issues and may throw out one more time... it totally sucks as you all know...
I take percs 10/325, usually relafen but it hurts my stomach so im now taking 3-4 advils at a time instead, and I am now trying baclofen for a muscle relaxer. It seems to work ok.
I'm doing a standing MRI next week as Im in so much pain when I stand for more that like, 5 minutes, or even sit for too long. Ive done regular MRIs in the past.

My question is (and of course I'll ask my doctor when I see him in 3 weeks) - what other options besides meds, PT etc are there? Like, what kinds of surgery could I look up online or read about on this board and learn about so I can be educated for my next meeting with my doctor? Im terrified of any surgery, especially on my back, but I think I'm realizing Im too young to live like this... this weekend Im still in bed, I've missed work and dont know what Id do without my meds, I think i need to possibly try something else.

Thanks!!

Wendy88 · 01-05-2008, 08:14 PM

also - sometimes i dont feel the percocets work as well as they should... like i need to take about 2 at a time when im as screwed up as I am now after having such a flare up... and even then, i can still feel pain. i could have a bit of a tolerance to them as i also take them for migraines (and they work fine and of course for "regular" back pain as well as when these more severe episodes happen)... and as I said they work fine for that stuff but not for what Im going through now... it's like i get breakthrough pain. I think my doctor was hoping the new muscle relaxer would help.... but i feel like it could be better.

what are those pain patches people write about? what is the benefit of those? Do any of you put those on and then go into work or do they cloud your head?
again, just curious as to other things to talk to my neurologist/PM about... he is a really good doctor and very kind/ understanding... and always gives me time to ask anything I want.
thanks!

scrappinmaniac · 01-05-2008, 10:44 PM

Hi Wendy,

I can relate to your situation. I'm young, 29, and was originally diagnosed with DDD when I was 27. In addition to having DDD, I also have problems w/bulging and herniated discs and permanent sciatic nerve pain/numbness.

Are you in pain in between your flare ups, or only during them? I have chronic pain but probably more so from the bulging and herniated discs than from DDD. If you're experiencing chronic pain I would recommend discussing a longer lasting (extended release) pain med with a shorter acting pain med for breakthrough pain with your doctor. I take oxycontin 2x's a day and percocet (10/325) for b/t pain. There are lots of extended release pain meds on the market that last up to 12 hours like oxy. I like oxy b/c it controls my pain well and I don't have to take it every 4 hours like I would if I were just taking percocet. I don't have any experience with pain patches but you may want to check on the pain mgmt board, there are a few people there that use them.

You may also want to switch the meds you currently take for migraines to something else, so when you take percocet for your back, your tolerance level is higher. Have you tried any other meds for migraines? I take topamax for sciatic nerve pain but I know it's also on the market for migraines. One of the side effects of topamax is weight loss, which I have to say is a plus. Just a thought.

Please let us know what you and your doctor decide to do. Either way, I sincerely wish you the best.

Take care,
Scrappin'

Wendy88 · 01-05-2008, 11:54 PM

hi! thanks for writing me.

yeah - i have some bulging disks too, numbness/tingling/icy feelings in my left thigh when im in certain positions, sciatica that comes and goes, arthritis etc... it's really fantastic.

My pain comes and goes during the year (in between flare ups) although not to the level it is now. This situation Im going through now feels like a disk herniation, although i think it's just a tear. However, during the course of the year i think i can get away with the percocets when i have pain... but in this situation i wish i had something longer lasting. I'll probably ask my doctor about the oxy when i see him after my standing MRI. something must be getting compressed due to the pain i feel when im sitting/standing.

yeah i take topamax already for migraines. It worked great for a while but i think it is starting to not work quite as well, and I dont want to up my dose. So I mostly rely on percs... cause a lot of other typical migraine meds dont work for me. It also did really helped me with the tingling numbness in my leg, which is a bonus. and the Baclofen sometimes can help with migraines my dr. said, so if it does, Im going to go of the topamax for sure.
Anyhow - I'll take a look at the pain management board. I didnt think of that. thanks!
Has anyone discussed any surgical options with you? Or that injectable disk material i think they can do now?
thanks again for writing me back! sorry for such a long response! no one I know has this issue and it can make you feel lonely to be going through all this pain and that it isnt just some ache. and of course, being basically trapped indoors for 2 weeks isn't so hot either.

wendy

Mel52 · 01-06-2008, 01:51 AM

I have two herniated discs L4-L5 and severe arthritis in my lower back. The surgeon said he can't help the arthritis only the nerve pain down the legs but wants me to see another surgeon. A few weeks ago I simply bent over to pick up a pillow and went down on the floor in agony. I couldn't move. Hubby rubbed my back for awhile and I was able to get up on the bed but everytime I moved I thought I would throw up the spasms were so bad. I had pain patches that were prescribed for my wrist (I have rsd) and had him apply one on my back. An hour later I was able to move. The patches are linocaine patches 12 hours on 12 hours off. My mom used them for her osterporosis (which I have also) For me, the patches helped me get through the next week until the pain eased up to the bearable stage.
My mom has stopped using the patches as she says she has no pain for the first time in 4 years. She takes Glucosamine Hydrochloride and chondroitin pills called MoveFree. It's supposed to be good for the joints.