Advice???
jselleck posted:
Hi, I'm new to this board, but am an active member on another board. I've always had back pain of some sort ever since I was in fifth grade. I'm in my* late 30's now, and the past two years have been some of the worst. I started seeing a back specialist last year after an mri showed two degenerative disks and the pain was so bad at times that I couldn't walk through a store without having to sit down. I've done physical therapy twice, and take cleabrex when the pain is the worse. I'm leery though of coming to depend on it, since it can cause stomach issues. The past week my husband and I had to pack up our apartment and move everything out because our apartment complex was ordered by the city we live in to replace the carpet due to some issues the city inspectors found when they came through in October. Since then I can barely get out of bed in the morning, the pain is so bad, and I've started to experience numbness in my hands as well. I just saw my back doctor two weeks ago and he gave me a clean bill of health other than a referral to a joint specialist for the pain I was having in my right elbow. I'm at my wits end and afraid of what may be happening. My father had to have back surgery two years ago for the severe pain he was having and it turned out to be lymphoma. He's in remission now after a year and a half of treatment, but I'm deathly afraid that the same thing may happen to me. Any advice/guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
JSelleck
JSelleck
14 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Advice???Hi, I'm new to this board, but am an active member on another board. I've always had back pain of some sort ever since I was in fifth grade. I'm in my* late 30's now, and the past two years have been some of the worst. I started seeing a back specialist last year after an mri showed two degenerative disks and the pain was so bad at times that I couldn't walk through a store without having to sit down. I've done physical therapy twice, and take cleabrex when the pain is the worse. I'm leery though of coming to depend on it, since it can cause stomach issues. The past week my husband and I had to pack up our apartment and move everything out because our apartment complex was ordered by the city we live in to replace the carpet due to some issues the city inspectors found when they came through in October. Since then I can barely get out of bed in the morning, the pain is so bad, and I've started to experience numbness in my hands as well. I just saw my back doctor two weeks ago and he gave me a clean bill of health other than a referral to a joint specialist for the pain I was having in my right elbow. I'm at my wits end and afraid of what may be happening. My father had to have back surgery two years ago for the severe pain he was having and it turned out to be lymphoma. He's in remission now after a year and a half of treatment, but I'm deathly afraid that the same thing may happen to me. Any advice/guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.<br /><br /> JSelleck
davedsel57 responded:
Hello and welcome.
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
The Tip lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. You should see a spinal orthopedic surgeon or spinal neurosurgeon for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. What type of joint specialist do you have a referral to see?
Keep doing your research. There are many sites on the internet that give good information regarding spinal problems and treatments. Try spine-health.com, spineuniverse.com and the WebMD Back Pain Health Center.
Keep moving as much as possible. Excessive activity does hurt those of us with chronic pain, but some type of activity every day actually helps.
Keep a positive attitude. This is vital when dealing with both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain.
I pray you can get answers and relief soon. Please keep us updated.
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
The Tip lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. You should see a spinal orthopedic surgeon or spinal neurosurgeon for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. What type of joint specialist do you have a referral to see?
Keep doing your research. There are many sites on the internet that give good information regarding spinal problems and treatments. Try spine-health.com, spineuniverse.com and the WebMD Back Pain Health Center.
Keep moving as much as possible. Excessive activity does hurt those of us with chronic pain, but some type of activity every day actually helps.
Keep a positive attitude. This is vital when dealing with both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain.
I pray you can get answers and relief soon. Please keep us updated.
Click on my user name or avatar picture to read my story.
Blessings,
-Dave
Blessings,
-Dave
Report This| Share this:Advice???Hello and welcome.<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 /><br />The Tip lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. You should see a spinal orthopedic surgeon or spinal neurosurgeon for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. What type of joint specialist do you have a referral to see?<br /><br />Keep doing your research. There are many sites on the internet that give good information regarding spinal problems and treatments. Try spine-health.com, spineuniverse.com and the WebMD Back Pain Health Center.<br /><br />Keep moving as much as possible. Excessive activity does hurt those of us with chronic pain, but some type of activity every day actually helps.<br /><br />Keep a positive attitude. This is vital when dealing with both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain.<br /><br />I pray you can get answers and relief soon. Please keep us updated.
jselleck replied to davedsel57's response:
Hi Dave, thanks for replying to my post. I don't know if it's just my computer which I just got out of the shop AGAIN, or just the browser I use, but the link you suggested leads no where. I actually saw my doctor's pa when I went two weeks ago and all he gave me was the referral's name. So I'm hoping and praying that their office calls soon and I can get some answers. I will however try the other sites you mentioned and hopefully I can get some answers or at least some questions to ask this new doctor. I just pray it's not something serious like what happened to my dad or just as worse in my mind arthritis. My maternal grandmother started to develop it right about the age I am now and she's so crippled by it that she can barely get around or feed herself. I really hope that's not my future. Well thanks again for answering and I'll keep you guys posted.
JSelleck
JSelleck
Report This| Share this:Advice???Hi Dave, thanks for replying to my post. I don't know if it's just my computer which I just got out of the shop AGAIN, or just the browser I use, but the link you suggested leads no where. I actually saw my doctor's pa when I went two weeks ago and all he gave me was the referral's name. So I'm hoping and praying that their office calls soon and I can get some answers. I will however try the other sites you mentioned and hopefully I can get some answers or at least some questions to ask this new doctor. I just pray it's not something serious like what happened to my dad or just as worse in my mind arthritis. My maternal grandmother started to develop it right about the age I am now and she's so crippled by it that she can barely get around or feed herself. I really hope that's not my future. Well thanks again for answering and I'll keep you guys posted. <br /><br /> JSelleck
Hi Dave, the new doctor's office finally called. He's an orthopedic surgien and my appt is next wednesday, the 26th. Thanks for the web sites, they've given me some helpful advice. Hope this new doctor can give me some good news. We'll see. Hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas.
JSelleck
JSelleck
Report This| Share this:Advice???Hi Dave, the new doctor's office finally called. He's an orthopedic surgien and my appt is next wednesday, the 26th. Thanks for the web sites, they've given me some helpful advice. Hope this new doctor can give me some good news. We'll see. Hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas.<br /><br /> JSelleck
davedsel57 replied to jselleck's response:
I am glad I was able to help. Please update us after your orthopedic surgeon appointment next week. I hope he can give you the answers you need.
Merry Christmas to you, too.
Merry Christmas to you, too.
Click on my user name or avatar picture to read my story.
Blessings,
-Dave
Blessings,
-Dave
Report This| Share this:Advice???I am glad I was able to help. Please update us after your orthopedic surgeon appointment next week. I hope he can give you the answers you need.<br /><br />Merry Christmas to you, too. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
jselleck replied to davedsel57's response:
Hi Dave, bad news. The area of Texas I live in got 3 inches of snow today on top of 2 inches of rain. So the roads are a mess. Add to that below freezing temps and people who don't know the meaning of the word salt, or how to use it, we're not going anywhere for a few days. Hopefully the roads will be better next week and I can get in to see the doc then. Hope you had a good Christmas. Take care and thanks again for all the advice you've given me.
JSelleck
JSelleck
Report This| Share this:Advice???Hi Dave, bad news. The area of Texas I live in got 3 inches of snow today on top of 2 inches of rain. So the roads are a mess. Add to that below freezing temps and people who don't know the meaning of the word salt, or how to use it, we're not going anywhere for a few days. Hopefully the roads will be better next week and I can get in to see the doc then. Hope you had a good Christmas. Take care and thanks again for all the advice you've given me.<br /><br /> JSelleck
davedsel57 replied to jselleck's response:
Hello.
I'm sorry, but I had to laugh when I read your post. Three inches of snow is nothing to us up here in Western New York. Life goes on unless we get more than a foot and it falls fast, or we get an ice storm. From what I understand Texas paves their roads with a material that would not withstand salt so they have to use the sand.
I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and hope you did as well.
I'm sorry, but I had to laugh when I read your post. Three inches of snow is nothing to us up here in Western New York. Life goes on unless we get more than a foot and it falls fast, or we get an ice storm. From what I understand Texas paves their roads with a material that would not withstand salt so they have to use the sand.
I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and hope you did as well.
Click on my user name or avatar picture to read my story.
Blessings,
-Dave
Blessings,
-Dave
Report This| Share this:Advice???Hello.<br /><br />I'm sorry, but I had to laugh when I read your post. Three inches of snow is nothing to us up here in Western New York. Life goes on unless we get more than a foot and it falls fast, or we get an ice storm. From what I understand Texas paves their roads with a material that would not withstand salt so they have to use the sand.<br /><br />I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and hope you did as well.
jselleck replied to davedsel57's response:
Great news!!! The roads were clear enough that we were able to get out. Was only 10 minutes late to appt. Had fun though digging our Ranger out. Doc says that I have tennis elbow and recommend that I stay off the computer for the next week and come back on the 7th. So you won't see me on any of my boards for a a while. I know what you mean about laughing at my post. I'm from southern Indiana and like you in New York 3 inches is nothing to us. My poor family though has almost a foot now!!! Feel sorry for them. My mom has a little Rav so they can get out of about anything. Glad you had a good Christmas. I did too, other than the dang snow. Take care and thanks again for all the great advice.
J
J
Report This| Share this:Advice???Great news!!! The roads were clear enough that we were able to get out. Was only 10 minutes late to appt. Had fun though digging our Ranger out. Doc says that I have tennis elbow and recommend that I stay off the computer for the next week and come back on the 7th. So you won't see me on any of my boards for a a while. I know what you mean about laughing at my post. I'm from southern Indiana and like you in New York 3 inches is nothing to us. My poor family though has almost a foot now!!! Feel sorry for them. My mom has a little Rav so they can get out of about anything. Glad you had a good Christmas. I did too, other than the dang snow. Take care and thanks again for all the great advice.<br /><br /> J
davedsel57 replied to jselleck's response:
Glad you got to the doctor. Sorry about the tendonitis (aka tennis elbow). I hope you can rest it and it has less pain soon.
What I posted yesterday must have been prophetic. We are now getting a winter storm that will leave us with 8-12 inches of snow by morning. Many churches have cancelled activities, and many places have cancelled bingo. You know it is bad when bingo is cancelled. LOL.
I hope to see you back in the WebMD communities as soon as you are able.
What I posted yesterday must have been prophetic. We are now getting a winter storm that will leave us with 8-12 inches of snow by morning. Many churches have cancelled activities, and many places have cancelled bingo. You know it is bad when bingo is cancelled. LOL.
I hope to see you back in the WebMD communities as soon as you are able.
Click on my user name or avatar picture to read my story.
Blessings,
-Dave
Blessings,
-Dave
Report This| Share this:Advice???Glad you got to the doctor. Sorry about the tendonitis (aka tennis elbow). I hope you can rest it and it has less pain soon.<br /><br />What I posted yesterday must have been prophetic. We are now getting a winter storm that will leave us with 8-12 inches of snow by morning. Many churches have cancelled activities, and many places have cancelled bingo. You know it is bad when bingo is cancelled. LOL.<br /><br />I hope to see you back in the WebMD communities as soon as you are able. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
jselleck replied to davedsel57's response:
Hey guys, I'm doing better and back on my boards on a limited basis. I see my doctor again on monday and hope for good news. Not really thrilled with this new doctor. Feel that he really didn't give me a good enough exam and ignored some of my symptoms. Hopefully he'll listen better monday. Elbow feels better, hands are still going numb at times, but now I've got pains in my right hand and wrist. Thought it might be the lithuim I'm taking for the bipolar I have, but according to my doc the dose I'm on shouldn't be causing those symptoms. AGGGGH!!!!! Feeling really frustrated right now. Monday can't come soon enough. Well thanks for the rant. Have a good week-end everybody. Peace.
J
J
Report This| Share this:Advice???Hey guys, I'm doing better and back on my boards on a limited basis. I see my doctor again on monday and hope for good news. Not really thrilled with this new doctor. Feel that he really didn't give me a good enough exam and ignored some of my symptoms. Hopefully he'll listen better monday. Elbow feels better, hands are still going numb at times, but now I've got pains in my right hand and wrist. Thought it might be the lithuim I'm taking for the bipolar I have, but according to my doc the dose I'm on shouldn't be causing those symptoms. AGGGGH!!!!! Feeling really frustrated right now. Monday can't come soon enough. Well thanks for the rant. Have a good week-end everybody. Peace.<br /><br /> J
Hi J - welcome back -
glad that you're feeling somewhat better though you seem to still have problems in your hands. I think this would be a vital sign the doc needs to address - or rather you need to address to the doc - make sure you point that out as that could be a couple of things causing it. one which could be carpel tunnel and the worse would be disc problems.
Just remember one thing - we employ docs so if he's not giving you the best exam, proper tests and diagnosis then I would get another opinion from either Orthopedic Spine Specialist or Neurosurgeon Spine Specialist.
You need to make sure all areas are covered. I remember a couple of years ago I pointed out to my pain specialist that my arms/hands/fingers would go numb/burn/tingle. He examined my neck and when he got down my arms to my elbows thats where the pains started. He had me see the other pain doc for an EMG and Nerve Conduction Test which confirmed I had carpel tunnel. I thought funny cause I have been en-employed since 1/08 (Manager of Accounting - 26 yrs) and wondered why I didn't develop symptoms when I was working.
Anyways - be sure the doc listens and properly treats you - if not then get another opinion.
Keep us posted~~
glad that you're feeling somewhat better though you seem to still have problems in your hands. I think this would be a vital sign the doc needs to address - or rather you need to address to the doc - make sure you point that out as that could be a couple of things causing it. one which could be carpel tunnel and the worse would be disc problems.
Just remember one thing - we employ docs so if he's not giving you the best exam, proper tests and diagnosis then I would get another opinion from either Orthopedic Spine Specialist or Neurosurgeon Spine Specialist.
You need to make sure all areas are covered. I remember a couple of years ago I pointed out to my pain specialist that my arms/hands/fingers would go numb/burn/tingle. He examined my neck and when he got down my arms to my elbows thats where the pains started. He had me see the other pain doc for an EMG and Nerve Conduction Test which confirmed I had carpel tunnel. I thought funny cause I have been en-employed since 1/08 (Manager of Accounting - 26 yrs) and wondered why I didn't develop symptoms when I was working.
Anyways - be sure the doc listens and properly treats you - if not then get another opinion.
Keep us posted~~
~~ Click on my name or picture and read my story ~~
Take care ~~ God Bless ~~
~~ Joy ~~
Take care ~~ God Bless ~~
~~ Joy ~~
Report This| Share this:Advice???Hi J - welcome back -<br /><br />glad that you're feeling somewhat better though you seem to still have problems in your hands. I think this would be a vital sign the doc needs to address - or rather you need to address to the doc - make sure you point that out as that could be a couple of things causing it. one which could be carpel tunnel and the worse would be disc problems.<br /><br />Just remember one thing - we employ docs so if he's not giving you the best exam, proper tests and diagnosis then I would get another opinion from either Orthopedic Spine Specialist or Neurosurgeon Spine Specialist. <br /><br />You need to make sure all areas are covered. I remember a couple of years ago I pointed out to my pain specialist that my arms/hands/fingers would go numb/burn/tingle. He examined my neck and when he got down my arms to my elbows thats where the pains started. He had me see the other pain doc for an EMG and Nerve Conduction Test which confirmed I had carpel tunnel. I thought funny cause I have been en-employed since 1/08 (Manager of Accounting - 26 yrs) and wondered why I didn't develop symptoms when I was working.<br /><br />Anyways - be sure the doc listens and properly treats you - if not then get another opinion.<br /><br />Keep us posted~~
Hi Joy, I've been tested for carpel tunnel in the past, and the tests turned up negative. I have bipolar and take Lithium for it,which one of the side effects can be hand tremors and numbness. I talked to a psychiatrist I know and the dose I take is too low to most likely be causing my symptoms. I'm putting my foot down tomorrow though, and if the doc doesn't give me a good enough answer I'm seeking a second opinion. So we'll see what happens. Thanks for the advice. Hope you have a good week.
J
J
Report This| Share this:Advice???Hi Joy, I've been tested for carpel tunnel in the past, and the tests turned up negative. I have bipolar and take Lithium for it,which one of the side effects can be hand tremors and numbness. I talked to a psychiatrist I know and the dose I take is too low to most likely be causing my symptoms. I'm putting my foot down tomorrow though, and if the doc doesn't give me a good enough answer I'm seeking a second opinion. So we'll see what happens. Thanks for the advice. Hope you have a good week.<br /><br /> J
Hi JSelleck -
years ago when I was going thru my divorce my doc was trying all different types of anti depressants on me which they all had the same side effect (made me climb walls~~couldn't sleep and felt like I was on speed~)
at one time, the doc discussed lithium and I refused as i didn't want to have to go in every other month for blood work. Do they get blood work on you?
Just a thought~~take care~~keep us posted~~
years ago when I was going thru my divorce my doc was trying all different types of anti depressants on me which they all had the same side effect (made me climb walls~~couldn't sleep and felt like I was on speed~)
at one time, the doc discussed lithium and I refused as i didn't want to have to go in every other month for blood work. Do they get blood work on you?
Just a thought~~take care~~keep us posted~~
~~ Click on my name or picture and read my story ~~
Take care ~~ God Bless ~~
~~ Joy ~~
Take care ~~ God Bless ~~
~~ Joy ~~
Report This| Share this:Advice???Hi JSelleck -<br /><br />years ago when I was going thru my divorce my doc was trying all different types of anti depressants on me which they all had the same side effect (made me climb walls~~couldn't sleep and felt like I was on speed~)<br /><br />at one time, the doc discussed lithium and I refused as i didn't want to have to go in every other month for blood work. Do they get blood work on you?<br /><br />Just a thought~~take care~~keep us posted~~
Good idea Joy. I see my psychiatrist on the 22nd. I'll mention it to him. I think the last time he ordered my levels checked was either september or october. Which means it's time they were checked again. Thanks for the kick in the pants so to say. Usually he's on the ball about that, but the last time I saw him was the day before Thanksgiving and I think he had other things on his mind. Like dinner. lol. Plus his office was fuller than it usually is on a normal day. So it might have slipped his mind. Appreciate the tip. We'll see what my orthopedist has to say first. Three and a half hrs till I see him. Hope this appt goes better than the last.
J
J
Report This| Share this:Advice???Good idea Joy. I see my psychiatrist on the 22nd. I'll mention it to him. I think the last time he ordered my levels checked was either september or october. Which means it's time they were checked again. Thanks for the kick in the pants so to say. Usually he's on the ball about that, but the last time I saw him was the day before Thanksgiving and I think he had other things on his mind. Like dinner. lol. Plus his office was fuller than it usually is on a normal day. So it might have slipped his mind. Appreciate the tip. We'll see what my orthopedist has to say first. Three and a half hrs till I see him. Hope this appt goes better than the last.<br /><br /> J
Finally got the computer away from my darling husband!!! My appt went well. Doc gave me a better exam this time. He's concerned about the pain I'm still having, but wants to give the physical therapy he's ordered a chance to work. The place I'm going to for pt is very reputable and I've been there before. So the people there know me. I'll discuss everything with them at my first session next monday and see what they have to say. I might have to see my back doc soon. We'll see. Hesitant to see him so soon after my last appt. Hoping things will get better SOON!!!! Everyone have a great week.
JSelleck
JSelleck
Report This| Share this:Advice???Finally got the computer away from my darling husband!!! My appt went well. Doc gave me a better exam this time. He's concerned about the pain I'm still having, but wants to give the physical therapy he's ordered a chance to work. The place I'm going to for pt is very reputable and I've been there before. So the people there know me. I'll discuss everything with them at my first session next monday and see what they have to say. I might have to see my back doc soon. We'll see. Hesitant to see him so soon after my last appt. Hoping things will get better SOON!!!! Everyone have a great week.<br /><br /> JSelleck
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