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Severe Pain
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An_245885 posted:

I have had a number of car accidents and falls. I suffer from chronic lower back and sacroiliac joint pain. I had an MRI that showed bulging discs, a narrowing of the spine, and arthritis. I was seen by a pain mgmt doctor who wanted to do epidurals. I had one in January and that has made my problem worse. The pain has magnified 10 fold since. I have been prescribed lortab 7.5, which until last week (physical therapy), traditionally helped. I called my PCP and was told to go to the ER for a pain relief shot. I called the ER to see what the wait time is and they told me they had no idea. The problem starts when I have to sit in the ER waiting to be seen. This exacerbates the problem. What am I to do? This is extremely frustrating! I am a graduate student trying to make something on myself, but I can't get past the pain so that I can perform at my maximum ability. I truly need help!
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Severe Pain<br />I have had a number of car accidents and falls. I suffer from chronic lower back and sacroiliac joint pain. I had an MRI that showed bulging discs, a narrowing of the spine, and arthritis. I was seen by a pain mgmt doctor who wanted to do epidurals. I had one in January and that has made my problem worse. The pain has magnified 10 fold since. I have been prescribed lortab 7.5, which until last week (physical therapy), traditionally helped. I called my PCP and was told to go to the ER for a pain relief shot. I called the ER to see what the wait time is and they told me they had no idea. The problem starts when I have to sit in the ER waiting to be seen. This exacerbates the problem. What am I to do? This is extremely frustrating! I am a graduate student trying to make something on myself, but I can't get past the pain so that I can perform at my maximum ability. I truly need help!<br />
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annette030 responded:
If the only answer is to go to the ER, try pacing or standing at least. I would ask the doctor to write a RX for an oral pain med, it is usually faster, cheaper, and easier than going to the ER for a shot of a pain killer. Sitting makes me hurt all over, so anytime I have to wait, I usually do it standing up. I can read while standing, that helps pass the time.

The ER cannot give a time frame over the phone, because anything can happen from moment to moment to change the wait time. People would be furious if they were told they would get in to see a doctor in an hour and it took three...

Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Severe PainIf the only answer is to go to the ER, try pacing or standing at least. I would ask the doctor to write a RX for an oral pain med, it is usually faster, cheaper, and easier than going to the ER for a shot of a pain killer. Sitting makes me hurt all over, so anytime I have to wait, I usually do it standing up. I can read while standing, that helps pass the time.<br /><br />The ER cannot give a time frame over the phone, because anything can happen from moment to moment to change the wait time. People would be furious if they were told they would get in to see a doctor in an hour and it took three...<br /><br />Take care, Annette
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mamads responded:
Have you contacted your pain managment doctor who did the epidural? That is the first person I would call. I just had my #6 spinal steroid injection (3 each in my cervical spine and 3 in my lumbar spine) for my severe arthritis in my cervical and lumbar spine. They have helped me. I go in for a follow up in 2 weeks to see how I am doing. They told me there are other options for my spine without surgery if needed.

Please contact them to see what is causing your pain and what to do next.

I hope you are feeling better. Pain is not fun!
Report This| Share this:Severe PainHave you contacted your pain managment doctor who did the epidural? That is the first person I would call. I just had my #6 spinal steroid injection (3 each in my cervical spine and 3 in my lumbar spine) for my severe arthritis in my cervical and lumbar spine. They have helped me. I go in for a follow up in 2 weeks to see how I am doing. They told me there are other options for my spine without surgery if needed.<br /><br />Please contact them to see what is causing your pain and what to do next.<br /><br />I hope you are feeling better. Pain is not fun!
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Anita532 responded:
I also have osteo of hip and L4L5S1. I get steroid injections on all sites. Have you tried a good chiropractor. Mine has helped me a lot and given me really good stretching exercises. At one point I could not get out of bed. Am doing fairly well now. The stretches are easy and very helpful. Also putting heat on lower spine helps. Good luck.
Report This| Share this:Severe PainI also have osteo of hip and L4L5S1. I get steroid injections on all sites. Have you tried a good chiropractor. Mine has helped me a lot and given me really good stretching exercises. At one point I could not get out of bed. Am doing fairly well now. The stretches are easy and very helpful. Also putting heat on lower spine helps. Good luck.
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