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Posted 6/18/2012 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
I am very near the end of my rope. Short version- car accident 20 yrs ago. Pain increasing over the years. 10 yrs ago became self employed because I was missing work 2 or 3 times a month. Increasing pain. Eventually had fusion L45 L5S1 5 yrs ago and then C67 3yrs ago. Fighting pain since. Told both surgeries went well but later told both failed. Fell in sinkhole and landed on tailbone. Tried narcotics w typical results- temp painreleif w side effects until no longer effective, then increased dosage or new drugs. Eventually addicted to morphine and dilaudid. No longer able to work as of about 5/11, shut down biz 10/11 and moved to FL, where wife was able to get job so she could support family of 5. Docs here refused to prescribe dilaudid- wanted to start from scratch and see if they could fix spine. Process is taking forever of course. Current situation= broke, without pain meds, nerve pain all over the map, depression, and waiting for SS to deny disability so I can appeal. I am terrified that my family is going to end up homeless because of IRS troubles. (Got behind on tax returns and was self employed. Now they are threatening in typical IRS fashion.) FL much more expensive than MT and now on single income. Need serious antidepressants but cannot afford to see therapist or pay for meds. Because my wife is working and we cannot afford daycare I am home w 5 and 6 yr old all day. Anyone have anything to offer? Im really desperate.
Posted 6/18/2012 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
PS. I should clarify a couple things. I have been off narcotics for 5 months, and have no desire to get back on them. I am seeing some of the best docs around but they are expressing concern that hardware from previous surg procedures may prevent repair.
Posted 6/18/2012 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
I can't really offer any help but just wanted to say I am so sorry for ball you are going through. I know what it's like living with back pain. I have had two fusions and go in to hospital next week for another back op. Have had my coccyx removed too.
I am not used to how getting meds works in the US, I am from the UK, but it sounds to me you need help in some form. I have heard people talk about different ways on here, maybe someone can help. Keep working with the doctors, never give up. I am sure there must be something they can offer. Well done on coming off the narcotics. That is a huge step, somethingnto be very proud off.
I really hope things work out for you. Thinking of you.
Jane
Posted 6/19/2012 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Jane. One horrible aspect of chronic pain is the feeling of isolation. I hope that a forum like this may help. Appreciate you taking the time to write.
Posted 6/19/2012 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome.

I've been waiting on SSD for almost 3 years now. My hearing is scheduled for August 15th. My lawyer seems to think I'll get it at the hearing. We'll see. I just wanted you to know I can understand the stress of waiting on SSD. During this wait I had gone through all of my savings and now only live indoors because I moved back home and my aunt helps me out. The stress is insane.

I've also had surgery on my lower back and my neck. I now have severe damage at L5-S1. My doctor is looking at more surgery, but she said it may be that no doctor will want to mess with another doctor's work. So I'm left hanging.

Grats on getting off narcotics, I'm just getting ON narcotics. I have to say it's a huge relief for me.

So after all this rambling I really have nothing to offer in way of advice, but I can understand your pain.

I do hope things work out well for you. Keep coming back and posting as there are a lot of nice people here who understand. :)
Posted 6/19/2012 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kaely. Good luck w the meds. While there was a definite downside for me (mostly thay the meds made me too tired to work) there was also a very necessary upside. The day they finally gave me oxy and hydrocodone was the first time in years that I wasnt in pain. I said I was happy to be off them, but I certainly can't say that I regret the decision to take them. And I will likely have to take them again. Ay, ay, ay.
Posted 6/19/2012 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
Anyone have a favorite (or least favorite) antidepressant?
Posted 6/19/2012 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
Cmonreally....

Your screenname is a saying that I use frequently around my house, lol. I feel like it's always one thing after another around here....

I'm sorry you are going through so much.... but I do welcome you here to the forum. There are many wonderful, supportive people here who have been through many things on life's journey. Hopefully others will be able to give input on some of your concerns and questions.

Re: antidepressants - medications vary from person to person. That being said, I was very happy on Zoloft for a very long time (10+ years). It finally got to a point where it was no longer effective and now I'm on Effexor - and that works well for me, too.

Take good care.... ---Tina
Posted 6/19/2012 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
Wow. I love you people. Thanks for the replies. I hope all of you can find happiness in spite of the pain.
Posted 6/19/2012 12:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi CmonReally and welcome to the chronic pain forum. Sounds like you have more than your fair share of stress on your plate right now, along with everything else. Kudos to you for getting off the narcotics. This may be in your favor believe it or not in more ways than one. For the past 2 years or so we have been hearing from various people that are having extreme difficulty obtaining certain meds in different areas of Florida. Oxycontin and Methadone are two that pop into my mind right now. If you will use the search feature here at the forum you should be able to pull up some fairly recent posts about this. I guess the thing to do is make sure when a dr wants to give you a script be sure to ask him is this something that you will be able to get filled.

Since you are down to one income have you filed to get Medicaid for you and the family? If not I would get that done so everyone will have it in the family and be able to see a dr if needed. Also if you will look in CP101 you will find a list of companies that help get prescriptions at a reduced price.

I have always said I would rather owe the Mafia than IRS, lol. But, one thing I learned is they will work with you and let you set up a monthly payment They will need a list of your current monthly expenses. I would not ignore them as they can take money out of your wife's check.

Any way, I wanted to pop on and tell you hello and welcome aboard.....Susie
Posted 6/19/2012 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
I've had very good results with Lexapro and Celexa. Celexa is also one of the drugs Walmart sells cheap. I was paying 10 dollars for a 3 month supply. The only other antidepressant I've tried was Effexor and I hated it but I only gave it three days then refused to take it any more.

Everyone is different with antidepressants. It all depends on your brain chemistry. Something that works great for me might make someone else miserable.
Posted 6/19/2012 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum!

I am sorry you're having such pain but I agree with Susie on getting Medicaid. I live in South FL and it didn't take long to get approved and get everything. Getting the list of doctors, though, is a different story... I haven't had issues getting medication, yet, but I haven't been on too many...

I hope that you can get Medicaid because it does cover psychiatrists. I haven't gone to the one I chose, yet, but do plan on it soon.

Where in FL are you? To apply for Medicaid, food stamps and cash assistance (might be worth trying), just Google "my access FL" and it should come up.

Good luck and keep us updated!

Kathryn
Posted 6/23/2012 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Update: Finally saw neurosurgeon I've been waiting to see for several months. Now I just have to wait a month for the surgery. Re-fusing L4, L5, S1 and removing/replacing screws in S1. CT shows 2 screws in S1 wobbling around and grinding larger and larger holes. Can't imagine why that would cause excruciating pain. (sic) Truly can't imagine how it took 5 years for doctors to discover the problem. (I'm guessing others have seen this and just didn't want to work on "damaged goods.")

Surgery July 24. Dr. is going to remove whatever they stuck between L4, L5 and S1 and replace with newer stuff (supposedly there is something new called BPM, or something similar, that is supposed to generate new bone growth and ensure fusion) replace those 2 screws, and also remove a giant spur that is impinging sciatic nerve at L5. (Again, this thing is so obvious on the CT that I can't help but wonder how it's been missed all these years.) I'm sure this will prove to be the longest month of my life, but I look forward to the potentially life-changing procedure. Hoping it works this time.
Posted 6/23/2012 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
 

       Good morning Cmonreally!...and a belated Welcome to you! I guess I somehow missed your post when you first introduced yourself.

      I also had a double lumbar fusion at the same levels as you....and sadly sit her in quite a bit of pain. Mine was done back in 2010...and am now on Fentanyl for pain management.

    I hope they can get you back on your feet, and this surgery is a success for you. Wounldn't that be nice! yeah  

   Please remind us when you get ready to go in for the surgery, so we can give you a good send-off, and support during your recovery. It makes a big difference to have this. I remember the support I recieved here from this forum, and it meant the world to me, and was a great comfort.

       Take care, and again Welcome!

        SE wink

Posted 6/23/2012 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
It's funny that you said "others have seen this and just didn't want to work on "damaged goods."". My doctor has ordered a new MRI for my lumbar region as the last one was over two years ago.
During the conversation about this MRI and the fact that i need surgery my doctor asked me if the doctor who did my Laminectomy 21 years ago was still in practice. I said well I don't know but I'm thinking no because he was an older man 21 years ago and has probably retired by now.
She then said she didn't think another doctor would want to work on the area that another doctor had already worked on. I said, "What? Is it like a tattoo that has faded and no other tattoo artist will work on it?!?!" She said, "yeah, something like that".
It's back surgery not a tattoo!!! Does anyone else find this a little crazy? Is this normal?

Post Edited By Moderator (Screaming Eagle) : 6/23/2012 11:18:22 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/23/2012 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
 

         Hello Kaely!

     Yes this is very common, and we even see this with PM's who do not want to take over "Epidurals" given in the same place done by another PM. I myself, experienced this firsthand here acouple of years ago.

   There are surgeons that will do this, but it may depend on the referring PCD and their relationship with them. I would think if the surgeon is still practicing, then the problem would be referred back to them for further treatment first unless your PCD has reason not to.

      SE wink

Posted 6/25/2012 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Cmon, i wanted to drop in and welcome you aboard our chronic pain forum. Glad you found us but sorry you are having so much pain. As you have already noticed, the members here are very caring, compassionate and understanding people. Also a ton of experience and knowledge. Hope you will keep posting with us and keep us informed as to how you are doing.
I sure hope this surgery is your answer and that in the next month you are able to cope on a daily basis.

Take care
Suzane
Posted 6/25/2012 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
SE,

Thanks for the info, I was really surprised by this.

I'm really not sure the doctor I went to 21 years ago is still in practice. He looked to be in his 50s then so he'd have to be in his 70s now. I'm not so sure I'd want someone in their 70s messing with my spine.

If he is still practicing I can't find him by his last name, so I'm thinking he's not.
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