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Posted 11/21/2009 4:15 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Fibro Friends

Have not been on much this week been in alot of pain some from my fibro but mostly from back.  I am pretty new here but have talked with a few of you.

I finally made it to the Back Pain Specialist today.  He was very nice and knew what he was doing much better than the one I saw like 2 yrs ago.  The Doc also found something else to go with the DDD and 2 herniated discs L5 and S1 he noted a large area of Osteo arthritis in same area.  So that may be why I have had some added or different pain lately.  It was not there or noted in my last MRI in Feb 08. 

Anyway he will schedule me for bilateral L5 floroscopic steroids injections soon as Insurance approves it and he prescribed me percocets for BT pain.  We hope to settle down some of the leg pain with these injections.

After that if we can get the leg pain decreased and if the back is still in pain we can discuss surgical options again (never had surgery so thats a bit scary but willing to try anything) and other procedures/treatments for arthritis.  So I am hopeful and thinking positive I can get this back stuff under some kind of control.

Yes was also told again NO bending NO bending,,, also no heavy lifting, watch how I sit and such have to really watch that sometimes I forget and just find myself stooping over to pick something up or getting into dishwasher etc but it really does make me feel worse.

Now if we can find a cure for everything else like Fibro we would all be feeling like spring chickens heh?

Heh Question does anyone out there have a zero gravity or stressless reclining chair and how do you like it???

You all have a great painfree weekend.

Rhonda

Posted 11/21/2009 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rhonda,

I hope all goes well with the injections. I feel for you with the DDD, my husband has a bad back and I know that he suffers a lot. He has lower lumbar stenosis or something like that. I hope that the medications work for you. It sounds like you have found a good doctor. Best wishes for feeling better. Continue to post and let us know how you are doing.

Take care,

Hugs, Karen
Posted 11/21/2009 9:54 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Karen

Yes he is a good Pain Doc so far plus I also have a great Internal medicine Doctor I just love.  I have lucked out here.  Have had some doozies over the years Haven't we all us FM'ers and Chronic Pain people?

Yes back pain well can be a pain in the butt.  I know some people have it much worse but even just a little back pain is enough to hamper alot of activities along with fibro it is like a jail sentence of sorts.

Thanks again Karen and will keep in touch!

Rhonda

Posted 11/23/2009 4:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rhonda, I also have DDD. Have you ever considered back surgery? I had a lumbar
laminectomy on L4, L5 and S1. Before that I did physical therapy and was on vicodin and
muscle relaxers. After the surgery I continued with physical therapy to help build up
muscle and gain flexibility. I no longer take vicodin but will take Flexeril when my fibro is
flaring. I had the surgery because I also had sciatica and ended up with drop foot. My right
foot dragged behind me. The surgery corrected that. Not all back surgeries are sucessfiul
and there are risks involved. I still have to be careful with my back but that pain is no longer
constant.

Hoping the injections will work for you and that you find pain relief!

Hugs

Robin
Posted 11/24/2009 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Robin

Glad your surgery was successful.  Two and 1/2 yrs ago went to a neurosurgeon for same problem and was told let it ride out and not to do it it could open a can of worms.

But now it has worsened or at least continuing and now arthritis in same area so we will see about surgery and other options Doc suggested.

First Steroid Injections and hopefully will bring me some leg/nerve/sciatic relief.

Thanks for the message

Rhonda

Posted 11/24/2009 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Rhonda, I'm so glad you found a doctor that you like and will work with you.  The meds will help with the pain and it sounds like this doctor will get to the bottom of things and help you feel better.

 

Did I ever post to you how to get out of bed and out of a car properly?  ~Stupid fog!~  I've had back problems since I was a teenager..not as bad as yours but still had to watch with bending and lifting.  I learned how to pick things up off the floor with my toes!  I'm really good at it, too!  tongue    You don't have to bend that way.  Anyway, below is the info.  I was told this by a chiropractor and my back improved a lot once I started doing this.  So, this might help you too.  I sure hope so because back problems are pretty miserable.

 

First of all, I do not sleep flat on my back because it makes my back hurt more.  I don't sleep on my stomach either.  I sleep on my sides with a pillow wedged behind my back.  This way, I can partially be on my back but have support.  That helps me.  I also get out of bed using a cane.  I roll on my side, draw my legs up in a sitting position so the legs are actually hanging over the floor, and then I push off with the cane.  Gravity will bring your legs down and you will be pulled to a sitting position without using your back muscles.

 

When getting in and out of a car, sit on the seat with your feet on the pavement.  Then, either using the seat or the steering wheel, swivel your feet into the car while keeping your back straight.  I buy cars with leather seats because they are slippery.  But, when I rent a car and get cloth seats I had to come up with another idea...and I did!  I get a garbage bag and a towel.  I lay the garbage bag on the seat and the towel over it.  Then I do the above.  The garbage bag and towel let  your rear end swivel like you were on a lazy susan!  LOL  Just reverse the above to get out of the car.

 

Don't use your back muscles when you are lifting things up.  Use your legs instead.  By doing the above things, my back rarely hurts me now.  I hope these suggestions will help you, too!


Sherrine

Posted 11/26/2009 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
I just saw my first pain specialist, he is supposed to give me injections in the shoulders, neck,back and maybe the chest. I hope it works, I hope your treatment works too! Maybe we can get some much needed releif!
Happy Thanksgiving, try to have a good day!
snowangel123
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