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Posted 3/9/2013 7:00 AM (GMT 0)
ThI am 26 years old and suffer from chronic back and leg pain. I have 5 bulging discs, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. I am a single mother of three young beautiful little girls and was recently diagnosed with these problems. I have had 2 lumbar epidurals to no avail and go back next week for another. If it doesnt help, my doctor would like to do a facet injection. The epidurals have done nothing but cause me more pain and im scared to death to keep going back for different types. I get no pain reljef whatsoever from anything. Its effecting mine and my girls lives tremendously. Does anyone have any advice they can give? Please help! sad
Posted 3/9/2013 7:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi sevensams, welcome to the forum. I can definately relate with both the back and the leg pain, I had a fusion surgery in my lumbar in September, and still have other problematic discs in there that deparately need attention. My first question for you, is your doctor doing anything else besides the ESI's to try to control your pain? There are medications, physical therapy, TENS, and other things that they ought to be trying to include, as pain relief really ought to be a multi faceted approach. I cant say one way or the other, but it seems as though most people around here have stated that they would not go back for a 3rd ESI if the first two offered no improvement, in my own case, I went through just one, and it was found that the level they were trying to work on was far worse than they initially thought, and it was decided, to prevent further damage do the nerves, the only treatment available was a discectomy and fusion.

One thing I would like to say, don't feel tied down to one doctor, if this doctor is not meeting your expectations, and isn't providing you a way to function, it might be good to seek out a second opinion, most arround here recommend to seek out the opinion of a board certified neuro-surgeon or board certified orthopedic surgeon, they have to do far more training than the average MD to obtain and to maintain that board certification, so it's definately a desired quality in a doctor, especially when addressing your spine, which is one of the most complex areas to diagnose.

Are you under the care of a pain management doctor? It was a PM who did my ESI, my surgeon wouldnt do them, but I know that some do. If not, a referral to one might be a good thing for you to seek out, as this would give you yet another path of treatment, and, if your treatment comes to it, most doctors are not prescribing pain medications these days, or are very very hesitant to, and a lot of states are requiring additional licensing in order for a doctor to be allowed to write prescriptions for different types of pain medications long term.

I understand the impact that these things has on you and your family, I'm a single father with sole custody of my 3 year old son, needless to say, my own health going down hill over the last year, has had a drastic impact on both of our lives; but we are both addapting the best we can, and even at 3, he has been such a big help to me, even with simple stuff like getting dressed.

I hope you are able to find some help for your back, I know that the pain can be relentless, and impact everything. Take care, and keep us posted on what happens.
Posted 3/9/2013 7:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Sevensams -

Welcome to the CP forum of HealingWell.

Matt pretty much covered what I was going to say. :) I, too, suffer w/ back issues that have - in recent months - now moved down my right leg.

As he said - besides epidurals, facet blocks - there's medications (I use a combo of opiods, nerve meds, muscle relaxer and occasional anti-inflammatory)... and all the other things Matt mentioned.

I too would recommend finding a Pain Management doctor.

I absolutely understand how these issues can greatly impact one's life. I have a big family... and it's a full-time job just managing my health/pain issues.

Hope to get to know you better and take care --Tina
Posted 3/9/2013 7:51 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you both! I go to a pain clinic and my doc does prescribe me meds. He gives me Vicodin and tramadol and i still get no relief. My girls are 7 3 and 2 and def keep me on my toes so that doesn't help much lol... i was told that if the first two injections didn't help i wouldn't be told i should get the third but now I'm being told different. Not only are they not helping they seem to make the pain worse! I'm not sure where to go from here! When i was told this news i knew it would be a lifelong battle and told myself to find a way to accept it for what it is and find the best way to cope. I did good for a while but things are seeming to get far worse much too fast. This is the second doc I've been to with my problems and i do have a referral into the orthopedic group but have yet to hear from them. Its a hard thing to accept and even harder on days that at my young age i have to rely on my seven year old to help with my babies because my body wont allow me to get out of bed!
Posted 3/9/2013 9:10 AM (GMT 0)
Real quick,wanted to say hi and welcome. Keep coming to the forum and these folks will help you. You are lucky to have found a great group of people who understand living with chronic pain and all its issues.

Vickie
Posted 3/9/2013 10:43 AM (GMT 0)
hi sevensams, welcome to the forum. im sorry to hear about your pain. i also have back pain that radiates down both legs and athritis in both hips.

i know its hard to come to grips with what you are going through. all of us here have been right where you are now. with that being said, yes it does hinder your life as well as the kids life also. right now try to focus on you getting some relief. the kids will adapt and be willing to help mom feel better. kids are very resilient.

my pain management doc always tries the esi's three times and then at that point will try the facets. normally with me the facet injections work well. like i said though, he will try that three times also.
then during the process he may also order PT, TENS UNIT, WATER THERAPY, NERVE MEDS, PAIN MEDS, AND ANTI-IMFLAMATORIES.

please try not to stress about the what-ifs because i found it made me go into anxiety issues also. while you are going through the process please remember there are lots of awesome people here willing to listen and lend educated advice. you are not alone. as the others have said keep coming here and this great group of people will help you. im fairly new to the site . i have been dealing with pain for eight years now. i have never found, in this long eight years, people that are so compassionate. its so nice to talk with people that truly understand what chronic pain is like.

well anyway, i just wanted to welcome you and let you know there are tons of people hear to listen and give advice. most have been through the ringer and back and can educate you on most anything.

thanks for listening, janet
Posted 3/9/2013 11:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hello SevenSams!…and Welcome to the Chronic Pain forum!

I too!…am one of the members who suffers from back problems, and also had a double lumbar fusion back in 2010. Matt has given you some pretty good information here, and I agree with him.

I'm sorry that you are suffering so much, and to have three young children to take care of at the same time is more than difficult Im sure. You certainly are not alone when it comes to chronic pain, and most all of us here do understand all about living with it on a 24/7 basis.

Keeping your back muscles strengthened is just one of the many things to good spine health and is more important than most people know. Physical Therapy is one of the first treatments that most Dr recommend, and if that does not help, then they may try injections. (Epidural)

The very last choice for treatment may be corrective surgery, but again it should be a last resort. Pain Management is another source of help, but remember it will not cure the problem, but only mask it. You are so very young, and I have great sympathy for you, and this condition could possibly follow you the rest of your life. I would like to note, that surgery does not,... in many cases relieve the pain, although there are many who have gotten total pain relief from it.

It may take a combination of treatments to see any pain relief, such as meds, physical therapy, tens units, heat/cold packs, and others.

Chronic Pain... can cause mental stress and depression, and it is very important to seek out support as you have done here with us. Please consider making this forum your chronic pain home for support. Although there are other forums out there, I have found this to be the best hands down! We have a great group of members here and many of them are quite knowledgeable, and very compassionate.

Although changing Dr's may sound like a good idea…I realize that it can be difficult to do so, as it may depend on the type of insurance you have and the providers they support. I have recently looked for a change myself, and did not have much luck.

You will be your own best advocate when it comes to treatment, so make your voice heard at your Dr visits. If the pain meds you are on, give you little or no relief, then be honest and forthright with your communication, and let them know.

It can be helpful to keep a daily pain journal, so please consider keeping one. I believe that we have a form available on the Chronic Pain 101 link... at the top of our home page. Let me,.. or any of the moderators know if you need assistants in finding it.

If you can, it can be wise, and I actually am going to suggest taking a family member or a close friend with you to your Dr appointments…someone that can vouch for you and the suffering you are going through. My nephew was having a difficult time with his PM, and I suggested that his mother go with him. This made all the difference in the world in his treatment.

Again, if we can be of further help, and you have questions, then by all means ask. We will be there for you!

Take care, and the very best to you!

SE
Posted 3/9/2013 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so very much! I've only been going through all this for close to a year. I have an amazing support group at home but i don't think any of them truly understand what i go through! My mom suffers from many of the se things but hers didn't start until a later age and she wasn't raising kids on let alone three on her own so she's not very understanding. I have suffered from anxiety and depression my whole life. My kids have rid me of the depression for the most part but my anxiety has increased. I just started the pain meds a month ago. They've always been an option through my doctor but until not long ago I've opted to not use them because i was an addict for 6 years and although I've been clean for four it sometimes still worries me . I wasn't addicted to pills but Vicodin are very addictive and i watched m abuse them without even realizing she was doing it just to try to ease rhe pain. Im only a year into this and have a lifetime ahead of me! You're responses have already helped me see that there are many people out there like me and that one way or another i cam get through this! Any words of advice om how make this a little easier to accept?
Posted 3/9/2013 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hello again SevenSams!

Let me commend you for your openness here on the forum! Also you are not the first CP member that has suffered with former addictions, and won't be the last. I understand your concern and it is a valid one. Many of us do take pain meds, and of course the trade off is what we call dependency along with relief of pain. There is a difference between the two, in that we take them for pain relief. There is also the slight chance that a CP patient can become addicted, however the percentage is very small. The relationship between the dependency and addiction is that a patient may suffer withdrawals if we skip a med or come off of them too quickly, and is certainly not a fun ride especially when pain is tagging along.

I really don't know of a single member who enjoys taking pain meds, and actually,... I would say most of us loathe them. Have you visited with your Dr about your former addiction? Many of our members have to sign a contract with their Dr's/PM's and are required to give UA samples for testing. Does your Dr do this?

Also, there are some non-narcotic meds available, and you may want to give them a try. No one here will judge you on your past addiction…the past is the past, and again I applaud you for getting through those tough times and for being open here.

One thing you touched upon was the comment about no one understanding the chronic pain you are suffering from. That is a very true statement!…and all the more reason to seek out support from patients like us. We do understand! I will say that there are a few of us that do have wonderful families and spouses that support us, however!…they really do not understand Chronic Pain. Many Dr's do treat patients for chronic pain, but again many of them simply and sadly do not understand what we endure.

SevenSams!…you can get through this! You can!…you can! Again!…Support is the key!…along with a good treatment plan.

Seven, I work a full time job, and actually work seven days a week most of the time. I feel much like you, in that my mornings are full of thoughts…that I cannot get through this. This happens just 30 mins before taking my morning med, and after it kicks in those thoughts vanish. The point is..…that your mind will wonder around in the gutter until you are able to break that pain cycle up a bit. One of our members (Snowbunny)..suggest many times here on this forum,... that a combination of treatments may be needed to help suppress the pain…and I agree with her greatly!….it more than likely wont come down to just one med or exercise that may help reduce the pain…but a combination of them.

Acceptances of ones condition is a tough one,…and I'm afraid this is probably one of the biggest stumbling blocks within the chronic pain community. I suppose that hope has it's place within our lives…and remaining positive is another….however we do need to be real on what we may be facing latter on down the road. No one here can predict the future for you, nor can they say with certainty that you will once again enjoy the physical body of the past. Again this is a tough one…and even myself after 10yrs of suffering still seek the my old/young self…free of chronic pain. It is what it is!…and for now we just have to live with it day by day.

Keep focused on today…and enjoy those wonderful children!wink

I don't have all the answers for you, but I'm sure that many of our members will have suggestions for you, so keep checking this post. The other thing that I want you to think about,... is that our members are excellent in reaching out to new members like yourself….however you are looking for daily support, you will have to make an effort to stay involved. There are many ways to do this…one being, to post comments on other members post….even if it is a simple welcome aboard!

On Mondays one of our other moderators post a Monday check in type of post, and we encourage you to sign in and let us know how your doing. Bottom line is,...…you will need to reach back to those who are reaching out to you. I cannot express this enough to you. Hang with us!…and friends will be made, and information shared!

SE wink
Posted 3/9/2013 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks screaming eagle! Im new to all this but i will of course comment on other posts and what not once i figure it all out! Lol... i have tried other numerous non narcotic meds and just like the vicodin i got nothing from them. If i take a vicodin and a tramadol together it seems to help some. My doc does require me to take random urines which im more than ok with and he also requires me to bring in my script every time i see him so he can see that im not taking more than what im supposed ... again something im perfectly ok with ... maybe it will keep me in line! Lol... i cant express to you how much nust the few comments ive received have helped me! All i want is to be able to get through each day and i think this forum will help me so much in doing that! Ive always believed that you will never be dealt something you cant handle. Ive been through a lot of hardships in my life and ive come out on top every time but this has just tore me down so much and i know im not alone but its hard to see that when you suffer physically alone every day with no one feeling how you feel! I will be on here every day trying to help other people just like yall are doing for me! If i could hug every one of you for making this day a little easier for me i would do it in a heart beat! If you could give me some pointers on how to comment on other peoples posts and how to even get to the posts that would be wonderful! Im not very internet savvy and i can only get online on my phone!
Posted 3/9/2013 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
Ok…Little one!….at the top of this page you will see a help button! Press that little sucker! wink

…once there, you should find step by step instructions on how to navigate the forums. You are doing a great job on replies, and it appears you were able to produce your first post. If your on the chronic pain home page, you should see everyones post. Just click on any of them and that should open it up for viewing. If you wish to reply…just look for the post reply button and type away! wink

Also, I wanted to bring to your attention…the little search button located close to the Help button, in the upper right hand corner of the page as well. I have learned more than anything by using that little button.

If your still having troubles with getting around on the forum,…I'm sure other members and or Moderators will be happy to help you out.

It really sounds like your Dr needs to explore a few more of the meds out there used for chronic pain.

Oh!…and I will take the "Hug"…I need it! LOL

SE wink
Posted 3/9/2013 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
Ok so now my prob is im not on the chronic pain page! ****... im truly lucky that i even got my first post to go where it was supposed to... but im gonna tap that help button and see where it takes me! Thanks again :)
Posted 3/9/2013 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
…I now see what your doing! LOL your finding post on the big ole web, and taking you straight to the members post. Well to fix that…go to HealingWell.com and once there look for the forums button. Then look for the forum you want to view…such as Chronic Pain…and you should be good to go! wink

Have a wonderful afternoon!

SE wink
Posted 3/9/2013 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Yes every time someone replies to my initial post i get an email and click on the link and it brings me straight to the comments! Lol im a simple gal but with your help ill be a pro in no time ... one more thing ... i love smileys ... where do i find the ones you are using? Lol
Posted 3/9/2013 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
…ok!…now Im a iMac user, so the page on a PC may be a bit different, but when you hit the reply button, you should see them right next to the window that you will be placing your reply on. tongue turn yeah LOL

One more little tidbit for you!…it is wise to read the forum rules first. This is a family type of site, and every once in a while we have minor's joining us here. Abbreviated swearing…will get you noticed, and a warning, plus editing of the offending post may take place. wink

Also, the weekends have been known to be a bit slow around here, so be patient and allow members some time to get back and reply.

every time I reply back to your post, I want to call you SevenSeas for some reason! LOL …I guess it's a mental tick of mine. smilewinkgrin

SE
Posted 3/9/2013 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
I have three girls so i tend not to have a potty mouth so no worries there! ... thought you must have a reason to say that to me so i checked my comments... not sure why those are there but i can assure you they do not mean any cuss words! And as far as the smileys, i see none so i guess i have to make my own :)
Posted 3/9/2013 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Ok good deal!…was just checking. Hopefully one of our members can help you find those smileys. They are there, I just cannot remember where on a PC.

SE
Posted 3/9/2013 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Seven and welcome to the chronic pain forum. While I am glad that you found us, I am sorry that you have to be here. The other people that have posted have given you some excellent ideas.

You know when it comes to pain and pain medications its like having a two edge sword in your hand. Its like Screamin Eagle said addiction and tolerance are two different animals. No matter how responsible a patient is with their pain medication, if its taken long term there will be tolerance issues to deal with. This applies to all medication taken long term.

Something else you may want to consider is consulting with a pain addictionologist. A lot of people that have had addiction issues in the past get under their care and they have excellent success without running into old problems. These drs are not anti-medication either. Lets be honest, once you have CP you will always have CP, but that does not mean that you can't good quality of life either. With the vast majority of us this involves being on narcotics long term along with adding things that are not medications to help us out. Have you ever used a Tens Unit? If not, talk to your dr about trying one.

I cannot remember but have you been seen by a neurosurgeon? I would get in with one for a consult if you have not seen one. With what you are saying that you have going on in your back you are probably going to end up having surgery at some point because you have so many levels involved. Do you have any nerve involvment? Ever try any of the nerve meds like Lyrica or Gabapentin? Narcotics have very little effect on nerve pain that is why so many people use the meds I mentioned.

I really hate to see someone as young as you with a family and children to care for and have to start the long hard journey of living with chronic pain. If you ever feel that you are getting no where with your PM dr, by all means find another one. You are going to need a good one in your corner. One thing I have to remind myself is, instead of thinking about the things I can no longer do, I try to be thankful for the things I can still do. There is always someone around the corner a whole lot worse off than me. I had to build a new life and it was not easy by any stretch but it can be done. I have a pain pump and my pain is managed much better by having it.

Anyway, I wanted to pop on & say hello and welcome aboard....Susie
Posted 3/9/2013 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Susie! I have not yet tried a tens unit... im new to all this and have not too long ago started to find a treatment plan that works for me. I have tried gabapentin. We are not really sure yet if the nerves are involved but my doctor is thinking so so after i get my next lumbar epidural we are going to try the facet injections and if those help i will bave a procedure done to burn the nerve endings at the site causing the pain. At first of cojrse it was hard to hear all that was wrong with me but i accepted it as it was because theres no point in stressing over what you cant change... but it seems to be getting far worse far to fast! I have new symptoms quite often and its hard to accept and deal with it all. I do know that with this forum it will make every day life a little easier because there are people here that know what im going through! What exactly is a tens unit and what is a pain pump?
Posted 3/9/2013 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
A tens unit is a little machine that sends out like a pulse, and you put the little pads where ever you are having pain and it will help relax muscles for one thing. There are several different kinds out there. Usually you get them from a physical therapist,the insurance will pay rental on one to see if its helping.If it helps then they get the insurance to pay for you a private machine of your own.

Yes, the drs do the medial branch blocks to see if you are a candidate for the RF burning of the nerve endings. I had great results when they did my neck. I hope it works for you too.

A pain pump is an implanted pump that delivers pain meds into the intrathecal space. I have low back pain & ran out of options with oral pain meds. Reached the point there was nothing left to try. I am now on my 2nd pain pump, had a new one implanted Feb 6.

You are so right, there is no point in stressing over what you can't change.That takes up too much energy that you need. Work on what you can do to make yourself feel better.

You hang in there....Susie
Posted 3/10/2013 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome sevensams.

I've got the same knee pain coming from my spine. This is a new one caused by lifting a kid and twisting. Besides pretty bad spine pain for a year and a half I've got tingling in my feet and calves on both sides and pain in left knee makes me limp. Epidurals worked on my previous spine problems and they stopped the hurting long enough for the disks to dry up, which is what they do if you can wait long enough. My first caudal injection worked too, but the last one I had since this new injury didn't help at all.

Now I've had the facet joint injection and it worked. It only has to work for a few days, and that's all it did work. It's a diagnostic injection, not a treatment, as you already know. Mine worked and I'll get the RFA soon, but first I'm getting EMG and nerve conduction to see if there is damage to the nerve itself or nerve root disorder, which is what I expect since I know when it started and why. Make some notes and call your doctor if you get even a few days relief. That's what my doc said to do.

Pain meds like Vicodin don't help at all for this problem, at least for me, although tramadol gives some relief. Celebrex, which I take for my post-op shoulder, is better than nothing, but the only way I can sleep right now is with melatonin and Ambien.

I'm not scared of getting the nerves burnt. I've had so many epidurals and other treatments I'm just not going to get worried about it. The local that's given for the epidurals and facets stops that pain except for a feeling of pressure. I had 6 facets last time and walked out with just my ice bag. The nerve pain was gone. I wasn't limping! I bring my own nice big ice bag that holds at least a quart and is somewhat padded so I can put it right on my skin.

I'm avoiding surgery unless this gets worse and no temporary treatment helps. RFA is only temporary, but if I get 6 months I'll be happy.

Best wishes.
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