New to forum - Nerve pain caused by scar tissue, need suggestions on coping and things to try?

Hi, Michelle,
Welcome to the HW forum, although I'm sad you have to be here, especially at such a young age. I've had many of the procedures you have, except I had a double lumbar fusion last Sept. which didn't work as far as eliminating the nerve pain down my legs and feet.

I'm glad you're seeing a psychologist, and hopefully someone who understands chronic pain. Yes, there are lots of losses and things to grieve, and this is a wonderful place to help with all that. I don't know if you'll be able to fix the issue; sadly, once most of this back stuff starts, I don't think it goes away, but there's always hope, and we are all watchful of new meds, etc.

There is some info. on recent threads here about the stimulator; some people have good results, but others, not. If I could afford acpuncture I would definitely try it before having something implanted. Does a TENS or other external stimulator help? That one of the first things to try. I have what's called an Intraferential stimulator at home, which is similar to a TENS. Got it through my physical therapist. It helps, but it's not a cure. Neither is acupuncture, but I've heard it can help manage pain for some people very well.

Just be sure to investigate things thorougly - especially any invasive procedures. I think too many docs may want to do these things so they don't have to deal with managing meds. long term. Is that why your pain management doc dropped you? It's important to know why he dropped you, so future docs won't think it's because you were abusing meds or something like that. But he may be that hte procedures he does haven't worked for you; a lot of pain management docs in my area only do the high tech stuff and don't prescribe drugs. Reading through many of these posts will tell you the struggles you may face. BUT they wiil also tell you that you're not alone. There's wonderful support here. Stay with us.

Don't know if this helps, but I wanted to welcome you.

PaLady

Michelle,

Welcome to Healing Well. We are so glad you are here.

First of all, I am not unfamiliar with chronic pain. Years ago I had a herniation of the L4/L5 disc and I first went through chymopapain injection. This helped for about six months. Then the pain returned. Mind you I had been laid up with excruciating pain for two years prior to that with no help in sight. Then after the pain returned after the injection, I finally agreed to surgery. The scar tissue that had built up was amazing. I also had spinal stenosis and a narrow foramin that the sciatic nerve had to pass through. So, I was in bad shape. Needless to say, I was happy after the surgery helped somewhat. I was in pain afterwards though. The muscles in my abdomen were weak from those years of being in bed, so I went to physical therapy for one year following the surgery. I still have pain from time to time from my back, but now mostly from my fibromyalgia.

The reason I told you my story is to show you that all is not lost. That just when it seems the darkest, you can find hope and that your pain may be resolved eventually. Could you have built up scar tissue causing the pain?? Could you have other factors not showing up on the mri's or the myleograms?? I did!.

I honestly feel for you. I know what it is like to be so young and in so much pain. I went to countless doctors too. I finally found one that was renowned and was in Miami, so I went to him and he performed my surgery. Don't give up your search for THE doctor. I will earnestly pray for you that you find relief and soon. God bless you Michelle.

Gentle Hugs,

Lindaloo