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Posted 12/24/2009 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I'm usually in the fibromyalgia forum. New to this forum. Two days ago, I did something to my lower back trying to pull a garbage can out of the snow. I heard something, like a rubber band, SNAP and felt it from my lower back, right side, all the way down my leg, into my ankle. The pain is almost unbearable. I can barely do the stairs in my house. I've been living on flexeril, vicoprofen, ibuprofen, ice and heat. I got in to see the rheumy this morning, an "emergency" visit and she gave me samples of Lidoderm patches and an Rx for a Medrol pack. In the past, when I had something similar to this, the Medrol did nothing. Went on to have an epidural, in fact two of them, and also did nothing.  I am wondering if you could share with me your experience with Lidoderm patches and a Medrol dose pack? You know, I am use to pain. I was diagnosed with FM over 20 years ago and live with chronic pain but this, this is making life very difficult. I am one to exercise; either walking outside or using my elliptical and I can't do either now, can barely walk.

I'm just looking for some help, please

thanks so much and happy holidays

Miriam

 

Posted 12/24/2009 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello MT! My sister did something very similar to what you did, and she has a Annular tear, so be very careful going to PT until you know for sure what you have done to it. Its just a gues on my part, but sounds like it could be a possibility for your diagnosis. Take care, and I'm sure others will be along to suggest better options than I have to give.

Michael

I also, just sent you a warm Holiday wish, with an e-card!

Post Edited (Screaming Eagle) : 12/24/2009 9:31:41 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/24/2009 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Michael,
I read your email before I read your post, so forgive me, my reply said I wasn't sure who you are. Thank you so much for your response and warm holiday wishes. How nice of you.
I will have to do a search on annular tear to see what that is. Do you know how they were able to diagnose it? I've been thinking of going to see a massage therapist...I wonder if that could help?
thanks again
Miriam
Posted 12/24/2009 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Miriam, I would be very careful until you find out what is wrong. An Annular tear is a very serious thing and can take several months to heal. However, we don't know what you have done yet, so I wouldn't put much faith in what I thought it sounded like. I think it will take an MRI to find it, but might be done with a CT scan as well. Take care, and I just sent you one more card for Getting Well!

Michael
Posted 12/26/2009 1:56 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Miriam

I do not believe we have met before but Hi how are you doing?  I hope better.

I would seriously go ask for a ct or MRI to see the extent of this problem. May want to go to Ortho Doc.  Sciatica is a symptom of a bigger problem.  Also nerve issues are nothing to play with as they can become permanent problems.

Best of luck to you and Be well!

Rhonda

Posted 12/26/2009 2:54 PM (GMT 0)

The annulus is the outside layer of the disc.  I don't really think you could feel when the annulus is actually torn but it can cause sciatic problems. 

I have tried the lidoderm patches in the past for back problems but it didn't really help because I think it doesn't go deep enough to reach the area of my back that gives me problems.  It is normally prescribed for shingle pain, which it does help!  You can wear up to three patches at a time.  Wear for 12 hrs then off for 12 hrs.  I found that if I put them on too soon after a shower they wouldn't stick so make sure skin is clean and really dry.

I think the medrol pack are steroids.  Not sure on this one but if it is they should help with any inflammation you are experiencing.  Good Luck and hope it clears up soon.  Do try to take it easy for a few days though, give your back a rest!! 

Posted 12/26/2009 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

Sorry to hear about your back.  I am a chronic fibro sufferer as well and once in a while my back goes out (like now) and I have to resort to my back routine.  Here goes;  hot baths, heating pad, lidoderm patches and above all rest, rest, rest, with the knees flexed.  If it gets bad I go to bed for 24 hours and get up ONLY to go to the bathroom.  I put pillows underneath my knees and STAY THERE.  Once I get up, I am still a little sore but the inflammation goes down.  This really works for me.  I can't help stressing this enough.  And it is hard to stay in bed too.  My back hurts even while lying in bed, but I do it, and I take my percocet every four hours and my diclofenac twice a day.  It's important to take the meds too, whatever your doctor prescribes.

Hope you are back on your feet soon and that you didn't do much damage.

God's speed and Happy New Year and a healthy and blessed New Year for you as well

Lindaloo

Posted 12/26/2009 5:16 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Miriam, welcome to CP forum. I am so sorry to hear what happened to you and the worst timing right at Christmas!!

Sciatic pain is awful. I have danced a tune or two over the years with it and can only say it can make you miserable. The Medrol Dose Pack is a steroid and should help with the inflammation. If you continue to remain the same and not get any better, perhaps getting into you PCP may be the route to take or go back to your rheumy. You may well need to have an MRI done to rule disc pathology.

The best thing you can do is take it easy over the next few days, Some say go to bed, some say stay active, its really hard to say what to do anymore because of so much conflict, lol. I have to say I try to slow down somewhat but I find it much better if I stay up and moving. I like moist heat, it just seems to go deeper over dry heat. I have no experience with the Lidaderm patches, sorry.

Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.

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