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Major back pain-

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Posted 10/1/2017 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
It started as a minor pain 2 weeks ago. Now I can't stand up without yelling out. The wife is yelling at me to go get a bunch of tests run.

I was hoping it would start getting better after a couple of weeks, but it just keeps getting worse.

My psa dropped, and I'm not due to have any tests done or appointments for several months.

I guess my big question is, if bone metastases is happening, how fast does it progress? Are we talking days, weeks, months?

I'm thinking it's a herniated disk causing it, but my wife tells me I'm a fool for not calling the hospital right away.
Posted 10/1/2017 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
Mets? months, years. Sudden acute pain is unlikely to be mets.

Get thee to the doctor for an eval, now.

Andrew
Posted 10/1/2017 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
Were you lifting anything (and twisting) when the back pain started? I've had back issues off and on for most of my adult life and for me it's either a muscle spasm or osteoarthritis flaring up. If your back isn't getting better get it checked out. And like you suspect, discs are a major problem for a bunch of folks.
Posted 10/1/2017 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
Listen to your wife...

When you start a thread here, including a signature so we know what your PC status is would be helpful.....
Posted 10/1/2017 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
Do have this checked out. I'm guessing a herniated disk as well if it's causing that much pain. I don't know your particular PCa situation, but mets would typically take quite some time to set in.
Posted 10/1/2017 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
It started as a mild pain I started noticing in a new spot on my back. I've dealt with back and neck pain for a long time, and usually do sit ups, and leg lifts, to keep my spine in line. But it seems like every thing I try to do is making it worse.

Last night I was yelling for the wife to bring me a crutch, so I could get up off the bowl...

This morning, it hurts constantly, but when I try to twist or stand, it's off the charts-
Posted 10/1/2017 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
it wasn't until I was flat on the floor and couldn't get up that it hit me that the pain in my back needed looking at.

Surgery was 50/50. Celebrex took care of it so dodged the bullet.

Going to the doctor is hard to do

I was probably in my early 40's at the time.
Posted 10/1/2017 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
I go the the VA, where they'll tell me to drive to the ER (over an hour away, with usual heavy traffic) but when I get there, they'll act like I really shouldn't be in the ER for back pain, unless I have major blood leaks, and or bones sticking out. (I've been down this road before) Then I'll spend the next several hours waiting for tests, and leave with an appointment. After a month or so, the doctor will tell me I need to schedule a specialist appointment, and get further tests. I'll visit the surgeon, after a trip or two to the clinic for more testing, who will asses me, and tell me I need nsaids and lots of physical therapy. But I can't take nsaid's due to stomach issues. I can try all the physical therapy exercises at home. I won't take opiates, or muscle relaxers. The surgeon will recommend conservative treatment (do nothing). My primary doctor will try once again, try to get me on something for depression. I don't like prozac, or any type of mood altering chemicals that they love to pass out, so I figure I can just save $50-$60 worth of gas driving back and forth, and a ton of stress and aggravation going to several appointments by fast forwarding past it all, and just wait for it to get better-

Or...

It might be the news that I most certainly don't want to hear-

But from the sound of it, I have a month or two to think about it...
Posted 10/1/2017 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Approximately, where do you live? See if you can get your PCP to schedule you for a CAT scan of your spine..They should then be able to spot what is wrong..
Posted 10/2/2017 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Chiropractors are great. Massage therapy can do wonders. Rest, ice, heat,.....
Posted 10/2/2017 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I'm going to have to call tomorrow...

Sadly, this guy can't function any more-

Lucky for me I have a 9 year old boy, to take care of all my light work smile
Posted 10/2/2017 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
Along with the CAT scan, a bone scan might also be helpful..
Posted 10/2/2017 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
I wonder just what percentage of the population, feels great relief when a very probable SHINGLES rash starts to appear on their spine?

It's ONLY shingles...

YEE HAAA-
Posted 10/3/2017 5:55 AM (GMT 0)
I've had shingles (no fun) and I have never heard of anyone being thrilled about it. You must have been in some serious pain. Did you listen to your DW and go to the doc? If not, now would be a good time to dodge the VA and just go to the urgent care or ER.
Beth
Posted 10/3/2017 11:42 AM (GMT 0)
The pain wakes me up every few minutes. finally gave up at 2am, and started coffee...

After I noticed the rash starting yesterday, I recognized the feeling, since I've had shingles before.

Then I googled **spinal nerve root herpes zoster**

Over the past few years, specialists have been realizing that herpes zoster (shingles virus) can infect spinal nerve roots, causing severe pain, similar to disk injury/stenosis sometimes with very little or no skin rash.



I'm pretty sure this is what's going on...
Gotta love the internet-

And I'm thrilled to know that after spending the day convincing folks at the VA that I know what's happening, I should be able to get some pills to take to help me get past this quickly.
Posted 10/3/2017 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
My wife and I got the shingles vaccine years ago when we were in our 50s, her mom had shingles, really suffered, and we wanted to be proactive.

Fully understand your description of VA health care, I'm in the system as well.
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