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Herniated Discs with Pinched Nerves

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Posted 1/29/2013 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Following rotator cuff surgery, my ?dear body? decided it was time to accentuate some already-existing conditions in my neck: age-related herniated discs, osteoarthritis,  pinched nerves, a little stenosis, etc.  I hear two different stories from my docs: 1) your MRI doesn't look 'too bad'; or 2) you're not a candidate for surgery because if we touch one disc it will disintegrate the integrity of the others............. So -- the result is like a lot of you (although most of you have SOOO much worse conditions and multiple conditions) -- lots of treatments, lots of waiting for the next treatment, lots of high pain (levels 8 and 9 at times that 'hits' the back of the neck without any event causing it). Each treatment has helped for awhile (PT, injections, muscle relaxants, acupuncture,  ablation, etc.) -- but nothing lasts.

I guess I'm having a rough time 'accepting' the fact that this situation is going to be with me for the rest of my life........my Pain Specialist and his PA are outstanding... I have no complaints regarding my care...I have a super-duper supportive hubby who never complains about helping me thru all of this........I'm just not dealing well with the constant pain.......Uffff, I sound like a wimp.

 

 

Posted 1/29/2013 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Maine, welcome to the group.

Everybody is different, so I can only share my own experiences with you - and from my experience, back problems do not tend to ever go to no pain once cp has set in. Although there are those on the end of the spectrum who may have significantly reduced or maybe even eliminated pain from surgery - most people find themselves just looking for some relief. Also, even with surgery, there are still many who experience increases in pain. It really depends on many different factors.

I have been dealing with back issues since early 20's and I am 35 now - I have not had surgery yet, but will probably be at a point of must have surgery within the next 5 years. If I have days with level 3-4 pain intermitent with the 5-6 pain then I am happy. As I sit typing this now, my smallest 2 toes are my left foot are numb...I just had a cervical esi Friday which has helped relieve the significant pain I was experiencing in my shoulder and arm on the right side....and even though I still have pain in my neck just having this temporary respite from the shoulder pain is relieving. I have come to realize that due to the shear number of issues I have going all down my spine, no surgery is going to solve my problem, I just try to take it one day at a time, stay up on my meds, and keep working as long as I possibly can because I am not sure how much longer I will be able to manage that either. I am sorry I do not have anything better to offer, but stay active as possible, eat healthy, do what you need to do to take care of you. Also, there are so many different medications that work differently for each person...what meds have you tried? And you are not a wimp...it truly is exhausting to deal with constant pain, it can totally disrupt life. Depression is common with cp sufferers - I fight depression frequently myself - but finding this group has been so helpful for me.
Posted 1/29/2013 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Maine, no you are not a wimp. I think we all feel that way at times. We are only human and have our times that is for sure. I am glad you have a good PM dr & a supportive hubby. That shoulder surgery you had was a rough one I am sure. I have always heard shoulders are the the most painful surgeries to have.

Come back here & get things off your chest whenever you feel the need. Take care...Susie
Posted 1/30/2013 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
thanks sore2thecore and straydog ---------- i appreciate your thoughts and ideas very very much...... it helps... perhaps my expectations are too high, but like you suggest, staying active, eating right, and doing whatever works to lower pain is the main priority.
Posted 2/1/2013 7:57 AM (GMT 0)
I too am a Maine Coon lover, we have 4 of the wonderful furry people right now and I know that when I am feeling really bad they sense it and at least one will be in my lap, kind of at 19 lbs he takes a lot of lap, and another will be behind me on the chair. Hope things go better for you.
Posted 2/2/2013 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi MtnGrInc --- Ahhhhh, another Maine Coon Lover ..... We adopted our two from a 'rescue center' for bigger kitties 3 years ago. Our 'little big guy' was only 1 lb. 9 oz when we took him home....and now he's a strapping 'big boy' of 17 lbs.... Our little girl has only a tad of Maine Coon in her -- but she is adorable...and had cuddled the baby boy when he first arrived at the center -- so we happily took them both. They get me thru many a painful day with cuddles, love and attention.. Thanks for your support
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