Hi, My Name Is Cindi

Hi Everyone,

My name is Cindi and my chronic pain in my lower spine and neck brought me here. I have had a herniated disc in between my L4 and L5 vertebrae since I was in my 30's. I am now 54 and in the past year my spine has significantly worsened. I had an x-ray a year ago and was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease and deteriorating S1 joint. I had an MRI in October and was diagnosed with a herniated disc, DDD, endplate erosions, osteoarthritis, edema/inflammation in adjacent vertebrae and endplate erosions. The radiologist suggested vertibroplasty (not sure I spelled that correctly). After reading up on vertibroplasty, I noted it is used for fractures in the vertebrae. I see a neurosurgeon who is a military doctor this next week.

I am so scared due to what I have read about more complicated issues than simply one problem in the spine. Does anyone have experience with any of this or preferably, the whole enchilada with everything included?

I was told stenosis at one point and following the MRI, they did not mention stenosis or the S1 joint but, I have much pain in the S1 joint region. I cannot sit long, stand long or do much without having to lie back down on a heating pad. If I did not take pain meds, I could not even function. I am so stiff and it is not just my spine, it includes my neck, shoulders, elbows and hands sometimes but, mostly spine, neck, shoulders and elbows.

I have always had chronic pain but, tolerated it. Now, it is completely intolerable and has affected every part of my life. I just completed one year without a monthy cycle and am in menopause. I am not sure if that is what has caused the osteoarthritis or what. I also read about erosive arthritis but, it normally affects the hands. I am having the least trouble with my hands.

My primary care doctor is saying that I will never be out of pain and that I have the spine of a 65 to 70 year old at 54 years old due to wear and tear when I served in the military and genetics. She also said there is not much the neurosurgeon will be able to do with what is wrong with my spine and the complexity of it.

Any advice?

Thanks! I appreciate the advice!

Hi Skylar! It is all new to me and I already have a partial disability from the military due to the problems years ago when I was discharged in 1999. It just became completely unbearable over the past year or so. I am sure I could qualify for permanent disability but, am concerned about being so limited financially. I just finished raising my three children and getting them through college (well, the last one is still going but, on his own).

I think you have to keep working with your doctor and let them know how bad it is. I received that reaction from my doctors for quite a while but, after this last x-ray and MRI, they are taking it very serious. Have you had any x-rays or MRI's of your feet? Considering you are diagnosed with moderate osteoarthritis of both feet, I would think you have. Moderate sounds painful to me because it means has progressed from the initial states I believe.

I moved this post over to the Chronic pain post and so many people in this forum have been so helpful. Skylar, they provided me with many options for treating pain and I am trying them now. I will post the webpage below so you can see what they suggested.

I am so sorry about your pain and that you could barely walk during the first flare up. I agree with you...it is soooo painful. I just don't think people who do not have this can understand just how incredibly painful it is. I wish you the very best and hope that some of these recommendations will help.

Also, as far as disability goes, it takes most people quite a few times to get it and I am not sure why. They seem to deny about two or three times before they consider it valid or something. I am not really sure how it words but, I did have a friend of mine in Florida who was given disability on her first attempt. You really have to prove your case and need an attorney to help (at least I think it is best). I am also thinking maybe the same thing you are about deterioration further damaging your feet because I know that part of my problem is "wear and tear over time" has damaged it from being in the military. My doctor was the one that told me that...also, genetics.

Here is the link to the suggestions:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=16&m=3565525&p=1

Wishing you the very best!