back pain returns after 4 year reprieve

Hi All-

I am a regular on the Depression forum.

I have had 5 back surgeries- two discs removed, spinal fusion, stimulator implant and removal, removal of bone spur growing off of the fusion.

Well about a month ago, the chronic pain returned. Felt like an elephant standing on my lower back. The pain did not radiate down my legs as it had for 12 years prior. So, that was good news. But one day, the pain became extremely sharp- like stopped me in my tracks. Like I couldn't breathe without it hurting.

Ended up in ER twice in a 24 hour period. They did an xray that showed-
* severe stenosis
* fusion still intact
* no disc between two vertebra above fusion- bone is rubbing on bone
* large amount of scar tissue and arthritis

Went to see my gp and we have referred me to a Ortho but I can't get in until Nov 25. Ugh! GP has decided that Ortho will order the MRI. I haven't had one in probably 5 years. I am going to dig out the old films today- hope I can find them! :)

So in the meantime, gp gave me Flexirill, T3, and Torridol. I know I shouldn't take Torridol daily. The ER gave me tramadol which didn't touch the pain along with Robaxin, a steroid shot and a 7 day pack. It was my second pack in two weeks. I also know that in my past, no pill has taken the pain away- it has taken the sharpness off of it and dulled it just a bit.

Questions (I know we can't diagnose or offer medical advice but,)
* Has anyone had a surgery to address spinal stenosis?
* Is there such a thing as surgery to "clean out" the scar tissue and arthritis?
* Between the meds, which aren't helping today, what else can I try? I do hot baths with my jets on, heat and ice, Ben Gay, not picking up things or bending over, sleeping on my side....

Just looking for other things to help until I see Ortho.

Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom!! And thanks for understanding. Only a few around me understand the effects of constant pain.

Hi, I'm sorry to read that you're going through so much physically right now.

A few things - why can't your GP order the MRI so that you have it when you go see the ortho? The ortho is going to order it anyway, right? Was the ortho someone your GP sent you to? Can s/he (the GP) call the ortho's office and just get the script written for the MRI so at least you can have the imaging when you first go to the ortho rather than just showing up there and having him (her) write you a script for an MRI, then waiting for yet another appointment?

Obviously the ortho may want more imaging after the initial MRI but at least that would be something to start with.

Also, alternating heat and ice works for me on my back, and a TENS unit, do you have access to one? If not, ask your doctor or google TENS units, you may be able to order one directly from a supplier or get one on a trial basis.

I'm trying to think of what else helps me. Gentle exercise - even sitting in a chair and doing 'bicycle' movements with my legs sometimes can be helpful. Stretching helps me too sometimes.

I wish I had more to offer you, but like Rick said, sounds like in addition to these other methods you need a stronger pain med. Flexeril has NEVER once helped me, though I know some people swear by it.

PS I've got a brand new soap box and it's called "don't eat dairy" if you have issues with inflammation, LOL.

ETA: They gave you Toradol to take at home? This is a personal fascination of mine as to why this is done so rarely. No narcotic has ever helped me as much as toradol does and I would absolutely LOVE to be able to take it at home but have never had it outside of a hospital. I haven't looked in to it much and I assumed that it's just because it's such a strong NSAID that it will tear apart your stomach if misused. I've really never heard of anyone being given it to take at home.