HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Newbie that got shot when younger and things got worse

Support Forums
>
Chronic Pain
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/30/2012 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
In 1972 I was playing in my front yard as two teenagers were walking across the street facing traffic. I heard a yell a screach of tires and a loud bang. By that time my parents were in the doorway yelling to get inside. We all ran to hide behind a room divider as we heard more bangs going off. After a short time I didn't feel well so I got up to sit on the couch complaining my side hurt. I moved my hand to see blood. My mom screamed I had been shot but I didn't even realize it. So I have a 22 lodged near my L-3. They could not take it out it was too close to the spine. And I have been dealing with chronic low back pain for so long I can't even remember how many years. Which has also led to leg pain and nurological issues down legs and into my feet. After many years of Doctors then going to pain clinic and the treatments working less and less. They suggested I get a spinal stimulator. I have had that since this summer. I do see a little better relief in low back but then now I realize I have pain in both upeer arm and shoulder area. Along with some body shaking going on and off. I just saw a nurologist about this but he really didn't even act like he cared that I was having these symptoms or not. I do take pain medication and wish I could stop but some relief is better then none.

I could fill a book with the amount of Doctors tests and medications I have been through. I also can not have an MRI as soon as doctors hear that they don't want to bother with your case.

I am happy to know there are others who understand. I look forward to reading others stories too.
Posted 12/31/2012 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Just out of curiosity have you recently spoken to any surgeons about removing the bullet? There have been a lot of advances just in the last 5-10 years in regards to surgery on and near the spine. I don;t know if surgery is an option now or not as I am not a doctor but just think if it has been a while since you talked to either a neurological or spine surgeon about it you should. Worst that can happen is you are in the same boat you are in now.
Posted 12/31/2012 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome to the chronic pain forum. Wow, what a story you have to tell as to what started your life of chronic pain. Every person here has their own story as to what caused them to have chronic pain too.

I am glad to hear that your SCS unit is giving you some relief. Those things are a hit or miss many times for people that have them implanted. I am always glad to hear someone say theirs helps because we read about so many not helping people for various reasons. I am sorry that the neurologist was of no help but this does not surprise me. Personally speaking, I have ever found a neurologist that was all that helpful except in managing my migraine headaches and thats it. She did nothing for my neck and shoulder pain, like you mine pretty much blew me off. I do hope you will talk to one of your other drs so they can get you to a dr to have this checked.

You mentioned nerve problems. Does your dr have you on any of the nerve meds like Lyrica, Cymbalta, Neurotin, or Amitriptiline to name a few? A lot of people take one of these for nerve pain as narcotics have little effect on nerve pain.

Anyway, I wanted to pop on and tell you hello and welcome aboard. Take care....Susie
Posted 12/31/2012 5:30 AM (GMT 0)
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor.

Having a .22 bullet lodged near L3 should not prevent them from taking it out, especially now. You are correct, MRI's are a big no-no, but a CT scan should show what's going on. With all of the problems this thing is causing you, it does not belong there, unless it's entangled in the nerve bundles. And even then, with microsurgery, that could be taken care of. I think they would be worried about it shifting at some point and causing real damage.

Get a 6th and 7th opinion if needed, but I think you are right, It should be out. (My opinion only, mileage may vary)
Posted 12/31/2012 7:01 AM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to say woow...LC sounds right..I would think getting that bullet out should be looked into more.
Posted 12/31/2012 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
I have been to many Doctors over the years but not one who was willing to remove it. I have had many cat scans and milograms done since I can't have an MRI. I have tried several nerve meds but I always seem to be so sensative to meds and get so many issues that I gave up on them. Also years ago I had acid problems and had to have by esophagus tied to my stomach to prevent the acid from coming up into my throat. I was close to having throat cancer. But that surgery makes it so I can not throw up. While that sounds great my body does not know the difference so if I get sick I got through very rough dry heaves. I have several meds for nausea to help but many times it doesn't help you can't stop your body from going through a process.
Posted 12/31/2012 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Maine, I think Jim69 was wondering if you have been seen by a surgeon in the last 2-3 yrs. He is correct, they are doing more and newer things in the past couple of years. You are correct about not having an MRI because of the metal in you and the magnets used in the MRI.The Ct's are perfectly safe because magnets are not involved. It never hurts to keep getting opinions because of the advancements made in medicine these days. I would be looking for a board certified neurosurgeon to consult with for an opinion.

Take care....Susie
Posted 12/31/2012 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there...wanted to share in the welcome to the boards:)

I agree with others in that finding a really good Neurosurgeon to look at your latest CT scan (should be in the last 6 months or get a new one) and that they should be able to get the bullet out.

All spinal surgeries (that many of us here have had...I've had 3) are all extremely close to the spine. In fact, with herniations themselves, this is when the disc has penetrated the space and is pushing against the spinal cord and nerves.

So as Susie mentioned, this surgery shouldn't be anymore complicated to a skilled Board Certified Neurosurgeon than a fusion surgery as they are just removing the bullet and cutting away any adhesions (scar tissue)...

Obviously we aren't Drs. here, but just going on our own knowleddge of things and as mentioned, things have come such a long way since the 70's and any type of spine surgery.

As well as not sure which nerve pain medications your tried or for how long, but this is where a good Neurosurgeon can look through your treatments.

I can empathize with the acid reflux as I was born with only a partial esophageal sphincter so I have to really watch what I eat and not lie down after a few hours of eating. Thankfully I've been able to avoid any surgery with doing things like this and use of medications.

Hope you stick around the boards as we all can truly understand what it's like to live with chronic pain...
Posted 1/5/2013 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
The last time I talked to a Dr about removing the bullet was in the late 90's. So your right I should talk to someone again about it. I think between being rejected by Doctors and I'm sure some fear I gave up and should try agin. It was drilled into me so much when I was younger I think maybe I began to believe it.
I am currently on oxycodone and hydrocodone for pain. The worst pain is the times where I feel like I have what I describe as a compression/pressur feeling. It's the most uncomfortable feeling over all others for me.
Thanks for the posts I think it's time to get back to the Doctors office again.
Posted 1/5/2013 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
I can truly understand what you are saying and why you feel as you do. Like you say, the constant rejection of being told to leave it alone and being told no. But, you just never know like we have been saying perhaps there is something new out there for you where it can be remove without a lot of problems. It sure never hurts to ask. If you decide to take this direction, please let us know what you find out. I think it would be pretty awesome if you could get help with this.

Take care.....Susie
Posted 1/5/2013 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Maine, I think I read a post somewhere that your in Maine. I could be seeing things too. LOL

I'm not sure if your down south or up north. Anyway if your down south have you been to The Maine Spine Center? Great group of neurosurgeons and that also run the Neuro Dept at Maine Med. There main office is in Scarborough but I believe they also have satellite offices in Brunswick and Oakland.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply