Why is the pain and loss of use returning?
wierdnaturelady posted:
In January of 2012, I had surgery for ruptured disks in C3-C5 most likely caused by an accident on the job about 19 years before. At the time, I was told that there were no disk problems in my lumbar region although I had a cumulative total of 25 degrees of curvature due to congenital scoliosis. I was actually paralyzed from the neck down for about 3 days just prior to my surgery which was great in a way because I couldn't feel the low back pain that I have lived with my entire life.
I was on a walker after the surgery until October because my right hip would unexpectedly "go out" on me causing me to fall. I have had so many spinal injections and Radial Frequency Burns that I no longer have that option, at least for a couple of years. I started Physical Therapy in August and was doing a lot of aquatic exercises, regained the strength and use of my leg and got off of the walker. I was almost pain free (down to about a 3 on a daily basis instead of the previous 7) until today.
For some unknown reason, the lump over my lower spine (where the back meets the buttocks) returned this evening, and I have almost fallen 5 times just getting up from a seated position; and my pain is back to a 7 or above. I have not done anything that I wasn't doing in the preceding days, nor did I injure myself in any way. I also just had my last physical therapy session last week.
I just don't want to get back on the narcotic pain relievers again because I had gotten addicted to them and coming off was almost as bad a nightmare as being on them. If anyone can suggest a way to get the pain back to a manageable level and explain why the pain returned I would be so grateful.
Lynda
I was on a walker after the surgery until October because my right hip would unexpectedly "go out" on me causing me to fall. I have had so many spinal injections and Radial Frequency Burns that I no longer have that option, at least for a couple of years. I started Physical Therapy in August and was doing a lot of aquatic exercises, regained the strength and use of my leg and got off of the walker. I was almost pain free (down to about a 3 on a daily basis instead of the previous 7) until today.
For some unknown reason, the lump over my lower spine (where the back meets the buttocks) returned this evening, and I have almost fallen 5 times just getting up from a seated position; and my pain is back to a 7 or above. I have not done anything that I wasn't doing in the preceding days, nor did I injure myself in any way. I also just had my last physical therapy session last week.
I just don't want to get back on the narcotic pain relievers again because I had gotten addicted to them and coming off was almost as bad a nightmare as being on them. If anyone can suggest a way to get the pain back to a manageable level and explain why the pain returned I would be so grateful.
Lynda
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Have you ever dealt with addiction to prescription pain medications?
- Yes, I am/was addicted to pain medications.
- No, I am/was not addicted to pain medications.
- I have a family member who is/was addicted to pain medications.
- I have worked with someone who is/was addicted to pain medication
- I have treated patients who were/are addicted to pain medications
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Why is the pain and loss of use returning?In January of 2012, I had surgery for ruptured disks in C3-C5 most likely caused by an accident on the job about 19 years before. At the time, I was told that there were no disk problems in my lumbar region although I had a cumulative total of 25 degrees of curvature due to congenital scoliosis. I was actually paralyzed from the neck down for about 3 days just prior to my surgery which was great in a way because I couldn't feel the low back pain that I have lived with my entire life.<br /><br />I was on a walker after the surgery until October because my right hip would unexpectedly "go out" on me causing me to fall. I have had so many spinal injections and Radial Frequency Burns that I no longer have that option, at least for a couple of years. I started Physical Therapy in August and was doing a lot of aquatic exercises, regained the strength and use of my leg and got off of the walker. I was almost pain free (down to about a 3 on a daily basis instead of the previous 7) until today. <br /><br />For some unknown reason, the lump over my lower spine (where the back meets the buttocks) returned this evening, and I have almost fallen 5 times just getting up from a seated position; and my pain is back to a 7 or above. I have not done anything that I wasn't doing in the preceding days, nor did I injure myself in any way. I also just had my last physical therapy session last week.<br /><br />I just don't want to get back on the narcotic pain relievers again because I had gotten addicted to them and coming off was almost as bad a nightmare as being on them. If anyone can suggest a way to get the pain back to a manageable level and explain why the pain returned I would be so grateful.<br /><br />Lynda
davedsel57 responded:
Hello and welcome.
I don't think a poll on an internet message board will get you the answers you are seeking. You need to start with your primary doctor and then see the surgeon again.
Read through this Tip that is at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community: http://forums.webmd.com/3/back-pain-exchange/tip/18
This Tip lists the recommended steps for getting back pain diagnosed and treated. They apply to your case as well. Within that Tip are links to websites having good information about spinal problems and treatments. Go to those sites and do your research as well.
Only about 1% of patients actually become addicted to prescription pain medications. There is a vast difference between addiction and dependence. I am allergic to all prescription pain medications or I would be taking something to help me manage my pain. That being said, there are also very effective methods for managing pain that do not involve prescription medications as I see you are aware. A good pain management specialist such as a physiatrist can help you with that.
Keep doing your research. Keep as active as possible. Keep a positive attitude.
I pray you can get treatment and relief soon.
I don't think a poll on an internet message board will get you the answers you are seeking. You need to start with your primary doctor and then see the surgeon again.
Read through this Tip that is at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community: http://forums.webmd.com/3/back-pain-exchange/tip/18
This Tip lists the recommended steps for getting back pain diagnosed and treated. They apply to your case as well. Within that Tip are links to websites having good information about spinal problems and treatments. Go to those sites and do your research as well.
Only about 1% of patients actually become addicted to prescription pain medications. There is a vast difference between addiction and dependence. I am allergic to all prescription pain medications or I would be taking something to help me manage my pain. That being said, there are also very effective methods for managing pain that do not involve prescription medications as I see you are aware. A good pain management specialist such as a physiatrist can help you with that.
Keep doing your research. Keep as active as possible. Keep a positive attitude.
I pray you can get treatment and relief soon.
Click on my user name or avatar picture to read my story.
Blessings,
-Dave
Blessings,
-Dave
Report This| Share this:Why is the pain and loss of use returning?Hello and welcome.<br /><br />I don't think a poll on an internet message board will get you the answers you are seeking. You need to start with your primary doctor and then see the surgeon again. <br /><br />Read through this Tip that is at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community: <a href="http://forums.webmd.com/3/back-pain-exchange/tip/18">http://forums.webmd.com/3/back-pain-exchange/tip/18</a> <br />This Tip lists the recommended steps for getting back pain diagnosed and treated. They apply to your case as well. Within that Tip are links to websites having good information about spinal problems and treatments. Go to those sites and do your research as well.<br /><br />Only about 1% of patients actually become addicted to prescription pain medications. There is a vast difference between addiction and dependence. I am allergic to all prescription pain medications or I would be taking something to help me manage my pain. That being said, there are also very effective methods for managing pain that do not involve prescription medications as I see you are aware. A good pain management specialist such as a physiatrist can help you with that.<br /><br />Keep doing your research. Keep as active as possible. Keep a positive attitude.<br /><br />I pray you can get treatment and relief soon.
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