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Hi looking for friend with bilateral sacoiliitis could tell me abt injections..

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Posted 5/30/2010 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
 Hi..i have had bilateral sacroiliitis now for several yrs along with some other back issues spondylolisthesis..ruptured discs few other things...I have managed to keep the pain relatively under control with flexril..naproxen...until the last nine months its been totally out of control on Flexril..naproxen...hydomorphine and the pain continues....so next wk im going to discuss a injection to try and control the pain...If anyone has had these injections would be interested in hearing from you.

                                                                                                                                                             Thanks one_day_atatime

Posted 5/31/2010 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and Welcome,

Many of us here can give you personal information about the injections, as so many of us have had to have them. My personal experience was more of an "after the fact"....since the shots were after my surgery was not quite as successful as I had hoped. I'd be a poor choice to give you information on this one, but I'm positive someone will be along shortly who can help.

Again, welcome to the board.

All the best to you!
Posted 5/31/2010 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome!

I've had steroid injections at L5/S1, three of them in fact. Didn't get much relief form the but it did tone down the pain just a bit, for a while. There are others here with a lot more experience than I at having these. For me the injection wasn't a big deal...not as scary as some make it out to be. It's the unknown that's always frightening until you experience it yourself.

I do hope you find some relief and soon!
Chutz
Posted 5/31/2010 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and thank you for replying...this is the first time Ive ever joined or talked in a site like this..to be honest didnt know there was such a site...i did post here abt a month ago but think i posted in the wrong spot...well im relieved to see other people have what i do...starting to think i was the only one...and for my friends and family to understand it...is very difficult cause at times im not even sure i understand it.Im going to ramble abit here to give some background on how i got this way...Back in 1999 i was injured at work..lifting bundle of hardwood flooring turning to set down and felt like something let go with very sharpe pain shooting down right leg and buttocks all way across lower back...recieved a CT scan..March 1999 showed narrowing of the L4-5 disc spacing and first degree spondylolisthesis of the L5 on S1 with defect in the par interarticularis..central protrusion at the L4-5 level and a central and right-sided disc bulging at the L5-S1..with first sacral root irritation on the right. Recieved WCB...returned to work four months later upon working my back would bother me with meds. it helped so i continued to work not fully understanding what i actually did to my back.
In 2001 another work injury same thing happened again...CT scan revealed same findings as above only this time i also had what they called bilateral sacroiliitis which i had no idea what it was... i just wanted the pain to go away..my legs went numb in spots ...pins and needles in both legs along with the shooting pain going down my right leg straight to my toes across my lower back and into the buttocks...after alot of meds and physio therpy... i again returned to work...injury left me with no reflex in my right ankle and on my left side of my left foot stayed numb..still not 100% in my eyes...but after 6 months WCB was rushing me back to work.
So i returned to work once again..i now work on a farm/ nursery lots of heavy lifting ..bending and twisting...I managed for 10 years keeping things relatively uncontrol...with what i call flare ups...when this happened my boss gave me light dutied till it settled down...continued to take medication off and on which keep me working so i didnt put in claim to WCB even thou i continued to have problems.
During the ten years from 2001 to present i have not seen a specialist just my family doctor...Oct of 2009 while at work i turned to left to put some plants in a box when this familiar sharpe stabbing pain shot down my right leg once again with numbness same old story..send for another CT scan...resulting once again showing all of the problems above that i noted..only after 6 months i couldnt keep the pain under control with 10mg Flexeral 3x day...250mg Naproxen 3x day...Hydomorphine 2mg as needed...then a CT scan was taken of my SI joints this time...results showed sub-cortical sclerosis involving both sides of the SI joints bilaterally more severe on the left. Left SI joint space is preserved. There is suble indistinctiveness of the cortical margination of the inferior iliac portion of the left SI joint with similar changes a bit more extensive in the inferior right SI joint suggestive of erosive change. There is absolute and relative narrowing of the inferior right SI joint.
I am still not working and cant get the pain back under control...have not seen a specialist since 2001 just my family doctor she suggested i get these injections and frankly im scared to death..starting to get real worried my family doctor has me on a list to see a specialist but its been nine months and i still havent got there...and to make matters worse..i tried to reopen my 2001 WCB claim for it is a result of that injury and WCB denied me on all accounts says since 10 yrs have passed with no claim that this has nothing to do with the other injuries even thou the findings on CT scans are the same only my problem obviously has got worse..so on top of all the pain and stress ive been going thru ..i had to appeal them and now are legel battle b ut 9 months without any money and still counting :-((( sry for all the complaining im just so fustrated with the whole thing and its taking a toll on me and my family...so thats why i was inquiring abt these injection am waiting to recieve one and scared to death...any more input or advise or similiar experiences would love to hear you..Thank you to ones who have replied so far....again sry for complaining and rambling...

Thank you
Brenda
Posted 5/31/2010 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi False and welcome to Healing Well's chronic pain forum. I am very glad you found us and hope that you will continue to share with everyone here. As you know from reading we all have our own story to tell as to what brought us to this forum. One thing we all have in common is pain and what the effect and impact it has on our lives. Pretty much everyone of us would say I never thought I would end up in this shape or my life in the shape it is in right now.

 

From what you have listed on the findings of your CT Scans you really do have some bad problems going on with your back that are not going to go away. Of course none of us here are drs but I have read many, many, MRI reports and Ct Scan reports. Has any of the drs in the past recommended surgery to you? I realize with it being worker's comp in the beginning most of the drs are really conservative and trying to save the insurance company a bundle of money. How are you paying for your medical care now? One thing I will only say about having the injections done and I am assuming you are speaking of eppies which are done in a series of thee injections spread out over time. Its a real crap shoot on whether they will help your pain or not. Some folks get relief and some don't. Some of us have had the nerves burned by radio frequency and again, some its helped and some it didn't. You say you are on a waiting list to see a specilaist, may I ask just what kind of list this is, I have never heard of anything like this before. No one should have to wait 9 months to see a specialist and what kind of specialist is this? Do you live in the states? All of the leg pain you speak of sounds very much like a pinched or compressed nerve which comes with narrowing of the spine.

 

I know a bit about how worker's comp goes, I worked for attys all of my working life and we handled WC claims. But each state is different and have their own laws they go by and it is very restrictive and limiting.  I will pass this tidbit on, the incident working at the nursery can be considered a new intervening injury if the old worker's comp insurance company gets wind of it. They would love nothing better than to get off the hook totally. This is why they are not jumping up and down to help you out. They are going to put you under the microscope to see if you have had another incident with your back. The fact that you are doing heavy work at this nursery is something they will look hard at. Did I read in one of your post you were putting some plants in a box and twisted and felt the old pain like before start all over again? They can consider that incident right there a new injury is they want. Its called an aggravation to a pre-existing condition. If you went to see a dr when this plant incident happened alot depends on what you told the dr and what the dr wrote in the medical records. You will most likely have a long battle ahead of you and I hope that you have a good atty helping you out with this. I do hope the atty specializes in WC claims and is not one of these that piddles in a little of this and that. You need someone specialized that handles nothing but worker's comp claims.

 

I do not know if you have read much about the problems you have going on in your back but I urge you to get online to some place like SpineUniverse.com and read up on your conditions. The more knowledge you have about your back the better for you. I will be honest, considering the shape you are in I am shocked that you are able to do the work  you were doing at the nursery, no wonder you are in pain. That type of work is work that should be avoided with someone that has a back in the shape yours is in, this is why I say read up on what you have going on. 

 

Please take care of yourself and keep us posted on how you are doing.

 

 

 

Posted 6/1/2010 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hello straydog thank you and yes i plan on looking for as much information on whats wrong with me as possible for i have not really understood what all this stuff is i just assumed id get better..I live in Canada so my doctors visits are covered and i have a drug plan which covers my drugs but as far as physio or massage theropy anything along those lines im no longer getting that care...My medical is exhausted it only pays 1000 dollars a yr so its long gone...since i dont have a income i cant pay for it myself.As far as the injections im really not sure what they are my family doctor said she didnt know much abt then other than she said should relieve my pain...she sent req.paper to the anesthesiologist for they are doing the injections that was over a month ago and i still havent heard from them for appointment my family doctor said they would explain what these injections are...i do know they are going to put injection into my SI joints....i dislike needles very much so im scared to be honest i dont know if it just one shot or a set of three like you mentioned guess ill find out when i get to that anesthesiologist..really wondering if im going to be sleeping or awake..really pray im put to sleep...my doctor also sent a referral to the specialist (Orthpoaedic Surgeon) which i have been waiting to see since end of Janurary and still waiting...last wk i asked my family doctor to refer me to a surgeon i had been to once for my thyroid just for his opinion on my back.. Cus my family doctor cant answer my questions she is only a GP...so i thought if i saw this surgeon he might be able to answer some of my questions abt my back until i can get into that Orthpoapedic surgeon..which he will see me June 3rd .You asked if surgery was ever suggested ..back in 2001 the Orthpoapedic surgeon i saw...did suggest it if i continued to have trouble...but last ten yrs the pain has been manageable with meds.. flare ups happened but always settled back down...since my flare up Oct 09 it just wont settle..so when i do finally get to the specialist im not sure what will be suggested after all this time has passed..but they need to do something they cant leave me this way..I should have asked my family doctor yrs ago to have sent me back to the specialist but she never suggested it so i didnt think my back was that bad until this time since we cant get it to settle down this is first time she suggested i see Orthpoapedic surgeon again...as far as WCB yes i have atty that deals with WCB claim..called the workers advisers program im meeting with them on June 4th...so hopefully i will know more then..would like to thank you for the info any lilbit helps and i will keep you posted.

Take care of urself as well
Brenda
Posted 6/1/2010 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
I am concerned about you not getting care any quicker. I am in the US and our system is quite different than Canada, but I wonder why you can't get in any sooner. This is nothing to play with and back pain is horrible.

Because your health care system is so different, I don't know what to suggest. I'm afraid, however, that surgery may be suggested instead of injections (but I am NOT a Dr and cannot give any medical advice). The sharp stabbing pains that run the nerves is never good.

I wish you all the best!
Posted 6/1/2010 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Brenda,

 

I did not realize you were in Canada and this waiting thing to have been put through is terrible. Please answer something for me if you can. I have heard that there is a shortage of specialist in Canada and there is always a long wait to see one, is this true and is this what happened in your case? Is is because of this being a work related injury? I wanted to tell you there are many different types of injections done by drs and it depends on the type as to whether or not some light sedation is given. Trigger point injections do not require it, but most drs give some with epidurals and blocks. Honestly, considering what is showing on the MRI's I would not get my hopes built up much for injections to help you. You really have some serious problems going on with your back that generally end up requiring surgery. I know that if there is a long delay alot of times surgery fixes say the defect or problem but does little for the pain. But doing nothing can also lead to more problems so it is a real catch 22.

 

Please let us know how the appt goes and be sure you take the MRI reports and films with you to the appt.

Posted 6/2/2010 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
HI Straydog....Well for being short doctor in Nova Scotia yes they are...nurses...CCA's our whole medical system is terrible at least with my past experiences...alot depends on what type of specialist your needing to see...depends on how long you need to wait sometimes very long time and Orthpoapedic surgeons happens to very hard to get to see...unless ur family doctor pushes real hard to get you in and then sometimes dont speed things up...My family doctor is NOT a pusher by no means...thats why this doctor i asked to see this thrusday is the type of surgeon that will push to get me into Orthpoapedic surgeon...or im hoping he will...i went to him couple years ago i had the left side of my thyriod removed due to multi-nodular goiter and he really pushed to get me to a Thyroid specialist...i had alot of serious problems at that time and fell thru the medical system cracks for over a year until Dr McKenney took over my case and things finally got moving with alittle luck he will do the same for me again...only thing is this WCB claim is a big mess and my case worker was the one that put me in this big mess....she was a well words cant even describe this woman..i ended up putting a formal complaint against her in writing according to there rules when a client issue a formal complaint..the case worker is then removed and a new case worker is to be assigned to your case...but what do they do... assign her back to my case so im sure you could see how helpful she was going to be now...when i questioned them on why in god names would you give her back after my formal complain...there reply was ohhh it must of been a misunderstanding..so it was pointless of me even of done up write formal complaint against her it just made it worse for me she had real hate on for me after that..she took 7 months from that point to deny my claim on all accounts including opening a new claim even with all my MRI reports ...doctors letters...physio letters...letters from my boss of ten years stating that i have a back problem..case worker would not listen or return my calls ..she took half the imformation left out things and ignored anything i told her concerning my back and how the incident happened on Oct 7...so they forced me to appeal cuz if there is any justice in this world they are not going to get away with this . This injury is a direct result of my 2001 injury all of my doctors agree as well as my MRI's prove it...But as far as being a work related injury does not slow the process of getting into a specialist it just cuz waiting lists are so long regardless if WCB is involved or not. Hope that answers your questions will let you know more on Thrusday after my app. until then take care everyone and God Bless
Posted 6/2/2010 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
For me, they helped for the short term (facet injections -- epidurals just caused complications) -- by short term I mean 3-5 days. But it was a good trial run to know that I wanted to do RF nerve ablation. That helped long term. I had RF 18 months ago & am still getting good relief.
Posted 6/2/2010 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Frances..wow 3-5 days isnt very long...did they hurt when you recieved them? Another question what is RF nerve ablation...Im not very up on this stuff for im just starting to understand whats wrong with my back even thou ive had the problems for ten years i never received much in treatment wise other than meds by mouth and physio .... im very glad for you that your still getting good relief from that even thou i dont know what it is
Posted 6/2/2010 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
Brenda are there many neurosurgeons in Canada? If you have an option over an orthopedic or neurosurgeon I hope you will consider a neurosurgeon. They are more trained to deal with the nerves in the body versus an orthopedic. The ortho is more trained in the bone structure. From what you have described in your symptoms you have a lot of nerve involvment going on. Also, do a google search on trigger point injections, Epidural Steroid Injections, and Radio Frequency Ablation to get get a correct understanding of the process. I had the radio frequency done on my low back and got very little relief so it did not work for me. It did work on my neck. My PM dr gave light sedation for the radio frequency.

My question now is whether its work related or not can you get the medical care you need?
Posted 6/2/2010 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Brenda and welcome! Sorry for the reasons that brought you here, but glad you are here! I had a similar injury and it was workers comp also. The docs I was dealing with did not seem to care much and the only DX I got was a "non-specific" problem at L5-S1. That was 3 years ago and things have only gotten a lot worse!! I was scheduled for a series of 3 epidural injections and trigger point injections. The first time it helped a little and was painful but not unbearable. The gave me light sedation just to kind of relax me because they were giving me over 70 trigger point injections. The second time it was terrible and seemed to do more harm then good so I did not go back for the third! My doc told me that I needed to do the series of three to see if it was going to help or not, but after the second I was not going back! To be honest, I felt like the doc was great the first time....he took his time and in general seemed like he cared. The second time he did not say hardly anything to me, he seemed rushed and distracted. I felt like there was some sort of scraping on the bone while he did it and it was just awful! However, I had a friend who had quite a bit of luck with her injections so I have even considered doing it again!! It is a personal decision and if it works great! I know this does not help a lot and I am sorry, but I don't want anyone going into it blind about it! Take care of you! And keep coming back here.....let us know what is going on!

Beckey
Posted 6/3/2010 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone you dont know how much i appreciate your support and advice..not matter how small..cuz i am going into this blind..even thou ive had all this since 1999 i really didnt know the seriousness of any of it...which im as much to blame cuz i didnt ask alot of questions over the yrs..had flare ups yes..but flexeril and naproxen..tylenol #3..heating pad ..physio on and off would settle it..so assumed it wasnt to serious.

Well i had my appointment with the general surgeon this morning, didnt go quite as i hoped but i think ive made tiny bit of progress..He told me he wasnt a back surgeon..which i knew that..just wanted his professional opinion to despute what WCB is trying to say...to go with what my family doctor is saying..and what my CT scans confirms..he agrees with whats wrong me..but i need Othpoapedic surgeon for proper treatment and diagnoses..he did say surgery wasnt going to help the bilateral sacroiliitis..as for spondylolisthesis and everything else he didnt say..But he did order me a MRI instead of CT scans my family doctors been sending me for in the past so hopefully that will show something more to convince WCB..he also gave 50mg Apo Prednisone for three days and Tecta for three days to see if my pain improves..and going to try and speed things up ..to get me in for these injections which im not clear exactly what type..so guess im back to the waiting game for the specialist and these new pills do something but if they work..three days isnt very long..hope he gives me more but theres no refill...

Straydog ill consider seeing anyone thats best suited to fix me...to be honest i dont know much about Neurosurgeons so not sure if there is a shortage in Nova Scotia or not...or how long i would need to wait..b ut guessing the wait would be longer than Othepoapedic surgeon but will ask othepapedic when i ever get appointment its really fustrating. I had a big meltdown yesterday the stress of everything going on..dont know how much more of this i can take...WCB my god ive never deal with people like this...especially that case worker of mine...i want rid of her.

Thanks everyone and im sry for venting..will keep you posted... Brenda
Posted 6/3/2010 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Straydog my answer is yes it happened Oct 7 2009 while i was at work...and the 1999 and 2001 were also worked related with i got compensenation from them till i was good enuff to return to work..i worked from 2001- 2010 seasonal on a farm...i had flare ups during that time period but my boss accommatdated me with light duites ..meds so no claim was put in to WCB during that time period...so they consider me 100% healed...but there wrong..even thou i worked i wasnt 100% healed...so that is one fight they are giving me...and the second fight is...while on the phone last nov to my case worker..i told her i felt first severe pain on oct 7 while at work ..worked all day 7th thinking i might have pulled a muscle ..and upon getting out of bed and standing up on the 8th pain shooting returned from day before but feeling now like a strain..i continued to go to work...worked all day...On the 9th i continued to work pain was constant..by this time the spondylolisthesis entered my mind..but being stubborn...I went to work on the 10th by 10 o'clock on the morning of Oct 10 the pain went thru the roof..went to boss said i had to leave my back was killing me...sent for CT scans showing showed same as 2001 CT scan only worse now..i have erosion now as well....WCB wont open new claim cuz they say this all happened getting out of bed on the OCT 8th....which they are right out of there flipping minds...but thats why they denied me on all accounts...and why i have no money from anyone now for 9 months...my medical is now exhausted cuz ive used it all trying to get better so i can return to work.My doctor wont sign me back cuz im not fit...and she wrote more letters to WCB telling them to open a claim but did no good....so i had to go to the workers advisor program to help me fight them...was suppose to meet tomorrow morning but they had to rescheule till next friday...so i wait
Brenda
Posted 6/4/2010 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
I sure hope something can be done to help you get the medical care you severely need. Anytime a person has an injury at work and then has problems crop up later on down the road its always a fight and battle. I have dealt with this type of law in the past and I understand why they are claiming it happened getting out of bed. Something for them to try and hang their hat on to get them off the hook. People have to be so careful when speaking with ins companies, because something you say may sound totally harmless can ruin a claim. This is going to be a tough one for sure, just try and hang in there the best you can. My biggest concern here is you getting some medicare care to get you back up on your feet. Your back is rally in a mess and check out SpineUniverse.com to learn about your back conditions. Knowledge can be powerful.
Posted 6/5/2010 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Facet injections usually don't last for more than a handful of days. Sometimes they can help with acute pain & actually get rid of the pain for good, but they usually don't have any long-term effect on chronic pain (though sometimes we get lucky -- so it's probably worth a try). Does it hurt? Well, for a second or two while they stick you, but as long as I ice it afterward it doesn't continue hurting. I get relief pretty much immediately.

Epidurals hurt a bit more, but sometimes can give a bit longer relief -- maybe 1-3 months. They can't be done in every case & they come with higher risk. about 5% of people get horrible migraine-like headaches about 1 day after the epidural shots. I happen to get them almost every time. They can be done under flouroscopy (similar to x-ray with a dye), but there can still be complications -- air bubbles, infections, etc.

For those reasons, it was worthwhile for me to look into longer term options. I have had 4 RF procedures. 3 of them worked. They test with shots first & if those work they will consider you for RF. In RF they burn lesions on your nerves above & below where your pain is so that the pain signal gets trapped in between & you don't keep feeling pain. It lasts much longer -- average is 18 months. It doesn't work for everyone. Some people say you can predict how long it will last by checking SED rate (blood test can be done at primary care doctor's office). That's been my experience, but I'm not a doctor & don't know what the research is in favor of that. My SED rate tends to be high & my RF procedures that worked have lasted for years (first one at C2 for 6 years, subsequent ones were done on low back -- still helping, but it's only been 2-3 years for each of those). There's more info if on this site if you search "Ablation" (note: they use the same procedure for things other than CP, so be sure you end up in this forum) -- they can also do chemical ablation & cryoablation. Either a pain management specialist or a neurosurgeon can do the procedure in the US -- not sure who does them in Canada, but if you read through old threads maybe you can find out b/c I know we have had Canadians post on the topic before & their level of success with the procedure.

Hope you find something that works!
frances
Posted 6/6/2010 11:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks again everyone for your imformation ..concern and support...i have a question...with all this stuff goin on in my back ..and when i get these shots and say they work and relief the pain..wondering if im going to be able to return to work...Do most people recover from this and return to their jobs?? Glad my MRI is on Tuesday for some reason the pain and stiffness has travelled up my spine on both sides to b ase of my neck into my shoulders and chest bothers me to breath some not real bad but certainly noticeable along with lower back...so not sure whats going on there or is it all connected to my back issues at moment..Cuz if it continues to bother my breathing its worrying me but this started after i saw surgoen on last thursday and he pushed and shoved alot on my tailbone and right SI joint so maybe he just got me stirred up...hopes thats all it is..will keep you all informed on my progress or lack of it :-( feeling fustrated seems like the more time passes the more something else starts paining.Not sure if im mentally geared to handle this if pain doesnt go away only thing keeping me going now is you people here...my family.. and the hope that this is going to go away and return to just MILD flared ups like it use to be back last AUG...i could handle that..there i go complaining again...you people here have far more problems than i...so i should be thankful.. things could be worse.

Thanks Everyone Brenda
Posted 6/6/2010 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
 

 

    Dear Brenda,

 

      Good morning! I am so sorry I am late in my introductions! I am currently on vacation, so please excuse my tardiness! My name is dani *hugg* It is very nice to meet you. I cannot help with adivse on WCB. I live in the united states and have insurace called or termed "PPO". SO, vastly different from you no doubt! But, I have extensive understanding in cortisteroid epidurals in the spine. I have a series of 10 (5 along either side of the spine) done every 3-4 months or so. I am currently maxed out on amount of cortisterteroids & peroid of time allowed. I am unsure though if the "limits" are just due to my individual circumstance or not. I have a progressive spinal deformity and steroids are a pivitol part of my pain management. But, unfortunatly just one part.....other therapies are needed aswell.

 

      Here are some links I think you will find VERY useful. There are MANY types of injections and large amount of "combinations" available. There are some frustraiting parts though. Often the first series is a "trial" it will not only help with diagnosis, but also will help with understanding the areas you are in most need. After that, you may have larger amount and different delivery methods (injections, epidurals 'cath') I would highly suggest you get someone to drive you home and go for full sedation. In the beginning I was only given 3 reg injections. Now I am up to 5 epis on each side of my spine. It lasts a while. Well..... until recently. Okay, enough chatting here is some info!

~~> http://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/pain-management/spinal-injection-nerve-block-therapies-back-pain

~~>  http://www.painbalance.org/pages/default.aspx

     It really is nice to meet you. I look forward to getting to know you better as time goes by. Stay strong and try to find a few moments to rest when you can! You are in our hearts here.

 

*hugg*

  dani

Posted 6/7/2010 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
Here's a link to possible treatments for chronic pain (by American Chronic Pain Association):
www.theacpa.org/documents/ACPA%20Consumer%20Guide%202010%20010410.pdf

You need to ask your doctor, but I've not heard of sacroliitis causing breathing problems -- yes, it can & if not fully treated often does travel down the legs and/or up the back to the neck. Could it be just that the pain is indirectly causing it (either by wearing you out or by aggravating asthma or some other condition)? Like I said, I'm not a doctor. There are conditions that can cause breathing issues, but they typically occur much higher up the back. But maybe you have some kind of an usual case. I would check with your doc about that. Just fyi ... here's a link for more info on that condition: www.mayoclinic.com/health/sacroiliitis/DS00726.

It's not unusual for those of us with CP to have multiple diagnoses. I only bring it up because you might even receive complete relief for one thing & still be in substantial pain from something else.

Whether or not they work, if you have been working up to this point you should be able to return to work the same day or next day, unless you get sedation (may be offered, shouldn't be required). I never do any shots under sedation. I just don't see the point. The shots are over so quickly.

One thing you might consider is seeing a pain psychologist. They specialize in working with chronic pain patients & teach us behaviors to help prevent/limit pain as well as techniques for coping with it so that it has the lowest impact possible on our lives. They don't do the typical "talk therapy" you might typically associate with psychology. They use more of a problem-solving approach & usually visits are limited to a certain number of sessions needed to teach you the techniques. I'm not sure what's available in your particular area, but we have had Canadian pain psychology students post research studies here in the past so your doctor should be able to help you get in touch with someone.

best wishes,
frances
Posted 6/7/2010 7:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Brenda,

 

I think its great the general surgeon ordered an MRI on you, they will many times show much more than a CT Scan so thats good news for you. I just wish things could be sped up to get you the right care that you needs instead of the drs passing you around they way they are. I would be very careful asking the orthopedic dr to refer you to a neurosurgeon, they both do a lot of the same work on people and he may get offended and get mad. That you don't need is a dr getting mad and writing something in a report he shouldn't. So, I do not think I would discuss that referral with him. That would be something to discuss with your primary care dr and get her/his thoughts, at least for a second opinion if nothing else.

 

You asked about the injections, everyone is so different and their medical condition and problems are different from yours no one can say what will happen. You need to understand the injections will not fix you or correct your back problems, they are just something used to try to lower the pain level, many people get no relief at all. Then, you have some that get a little relief. But, please do not think they will cure you because they will not. Just another tool used to attempt to lessen a person's pain.

 

You mentioned this dr giving to a steroid to take, many times they help decrease a person's pain so maybe they will help you. I do not know what the other medication is that you spoke of, so I have no idea what it is. Frances gave you some good links to check out so I hope you will be able to read up some and get some good info. Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Posted 6/7/2010 10:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Brenda, welcome to the forum. Like Straydog said, injections are not a cure but a temporary fix. I've had many different kinds of injections over the years in my lumbar & cervical spine but none of them really did much good. The most relief I ever saw from them was 3 months but everyone is different. Don't disregard the orthopedic surgeon too fast. I had an orthopedic surgeon do my lumbar & cervical fusions and he was a very skilled and competent surgeon. I was very happy with his level of skill and he did an excellent job with my care after the surgeries. Some people do prefer a neurologist when dealing with the cervical spine area but it's not a requirement. Definately do check out any surgeons credentials before allowing them to work on you.

I'm glad to hear your doctor has finally ordered an MRI for you. I think this will show more than the CT scan and the MRI is a safer test. If I'm correct, CT scans do give rather large doses of radiation and are not something that you want to have done often. Normally an MRI is ordered for disc or stenosis issues.

Good Luck and keep us informed of what your MRI results are!
Posted 8/7/2011 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hello to all! I am a PT and also a patient. At age 25 I diagnosed myself with Spondylosis and went to an ortho for oblique Xrays to confirm. I am now 39 and have managed my condition well based off of basic understanding of my restrictions. First let me say, there has to be a decision made. You have to understand that this condition will not heal. PERIOD. If you want to avoid pain and surgery you have to follow these guidelines. NO heavy lifting, bending, or prolonged flexed position to work for any amount of time. Something as basic as bent vacuuming or spreading bags of mulch etc can aggrevate your condition. No excessive weight most especially in the abdomen. This puts undue stress on the lumbar region and fracture sites. Exercises are very important but the type and extent are also very important. Remember core strengthening and painfree are the key. Lastly, the med most effective for myself and 99% of all my patients is Lodine. Used for years but for some reason MDs tend to move away from good meds when these new ones come out and reps "push" them to change. Always consult your MD about any contraindications for meds and one last thing, caution with a "manipulating" chiropractor or PT. Manipulations tho they give immediate relief also tear tissue, facilitate scar tissue and can increase instability of which you already have and do not need any additional or accelerated problems. Hope this helps. :)
Posted 8/7/2011 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PT and Patient...welcome to HW...Just FYI...this particular thread is from last year...So to both welcome you...and help others get to know you...We would love for you to post your own thread...There is a button that reads Post New Topic...

Again...welcome to HW...it's a great place for support and care from other people who live with chronic pain..
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