posted 02-10-2003 04:34 AM            

Dave

posted 02-10-2003 01:35 PM            

Welcome

I don't have any answers for you, it may be caused by many different problems.

I would also ask your doctor, because if it's a bad disc, you need to be seen right away.

I'm sure that somebody will be along soon with some better answers.

I hope you stick with us, this is a great group to be a part of

Be Well,
Baxter

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

posted 02-10-2003 02:31 PM            

Regards

posted 02-10-2003 02:38 PM            

When I get the flu, I usually get the muscle aches, but not so much in my back.

Back problems can cause so many different symptoms.
Some people are relieved by laying down, others by standing.

I think the nurse is correct by doing the urine test, kidneys can cause alot of pain, especially bladder infections.
When I get those, my low back aches all day, more like a tightening feeling, and sore to the touch.

If the urine test is negative, maybe you can see your primary doctor and they can order X-Rays and an MRI.

I was so happy to hear that you checked it out, it will be worth it in the end.

Please keep me posted, I wish the best for you

Also, you may want to try heat or ice, they always both help me

Take Care,
Baxter

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

posted 02-10-2003 06:27 PM            

I have a thought....could your back ache be (maybe) a need for a new mattress? If you don't have the pain going to bed...but wake up with it. That's the first thought that pops into my head. Your cold and flu could definitely be exacerbating your back pain... but I'm not convinced they are "connected". If you just got a new mattress...then maybe it wasn't right for you and you need to exchange it. Either way...try a new mattress before you spend a bunch of money on doctors and stuff. If you have to...go to a siblings' house (that has a 'new' mattress and spend the night). Don't laugh! I'm serious. How else can you test out this theory without shelling out a bunch of money for a new mattress when that wasn't the problem? Hmmm?

I really REALLY hope this is your solution and it is not something worse. Please keep us posted...because we all DO care.

posted 02-11-2003 05:52 AM            

I took my sample to the nurse and she has tested and found it to be 100%, no traces of anything nasty in there. So she suggests I get myself some Ibuprofen and take it until I can get to see my doc (about 1 week).

My matress isn't new, but I have tried a different bed and this doesn't help. She has asked me to see if peeing relieves the discomfort, so i'll try this tonight.

posted 03-01-2003 12:42 AM            

From past experience, the advise that I would give you, is to see a Massage Therapist to see if you would get any improvement from his / her Therapy. Find a very good one. You got nothing to loose and you may get a lot of relieve.

posted 03-11-2003 10:54 AM            

Did you ever find anything out about your back problem? I have the exact same symptom. My back doesn't cause me trouble during the day, but any given night, I can expect to wake up in agony about 2-3 hours after I fall asleep. Unfortunately, I have no health insurance, so trips to specialists are kind of out of the question right now, but I do have a doctor that is a friend of the family who will see me for free and can write me prescriptions if need be. He gave me a sample of Bextra and told me to take it before bedtime, but it's not really helping. He also told me to stop stretching and doing ab and back exercises (which I was doing religiously to try and overcome the back aches.) The only thing that I've found that helps the pain that wakes me is opioids like percocet or Tylenol 3. Unfortunately I only had a couple of those left from a previous prescription, and my doctor said he didn't recommend them because they just mask the problem and don't help with anti-inflammation. Hoping that you've found out something that can help me?

posted 03-11-2003 11:04 AM            

Sean, talk to your family friend about anti spasmodics.
That is the only real class of meds that does any good if it's the Colon contributing.
I take hyoscyamine and it's wonderful.
It does a lot to help with my pain even though a lot
of my pain is skeletal from an accident.
I have layers of things going on so any little bit helps.