Those with Back problems

0

05RamSRTkid

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2006
Messages
490
Reaction score
0
ok well breif history. I have had 1 surgery already to repair two severely herniated discs in my lower back particularly the L-4 S-5 region or somethin like that. Well its been exactly two years now and I am still in pain. My latest MRI shows that I have Degenerative Disc Disease, meaning that the discs never fully regenerated and what little did id herniated again. Also My nerves particularly the Sciatic (*SP*) one is being pinched causing severe pain in my left side that radiates down into my leg causing sharp pain numbness and tingling. The Docs are also seeing a formation or growth on my spine that may have to be removed.

Has anyone else had these sort of problems before. I have tried every remedy and medication form Some of the best Pharmacutical drugs to electroshock therapy. I have to use a cane now to walk to alleviate some of the pain. What kind of treatments has anyone had. Just tryin to get an idea of whats in store for me. Im only 22 yrs old and coming up on my second back surgery doesnt really sit to well with me
 
I have no words of wisdom but can certainly relate to your troubles. I have occasional back pain where a lower back muscle will spasm (charlie horse) so severely that it throws my entire back out of alignment. I'm just getting over such an event and still have some minor pain, tingling and numbness down my left leg. 22 is way to young to be going through your ordeal. I hope that if you have a second surgery that it is totally successful for you and leaves you pain free.
 
sorry for you kid.... can't help you much with my story ....
about 10 years ago i had a hernia . After scan hospital-specialist told me no other solution as urgent surgery ...went to my local doctor who advised me to try first 6 weeks flat rest...really flat , just standing for toilet...that's something which in our buzzy days is more an more not even a option...i did it... hold it out 5 weeks and was cured ! now i feel my back when working ( gladly normaly office ) and know when to stop for rest... but i can live with it and glad i didn't
jump into a surgery at that time....

keep faith !:rock:
 
I did the exact same thing, where my left leg felt like it was on fire. I had the disc partially removed quite some time ago, but about 4 years later I started have problems again. Fortunatly I found out a few things about how the spine works and how to keep it working fine. I don't know if you are far enough gone where you need more surgery of not, but if if you want to I will PM you my number and you can call me and I will explain it.

Bill.
 
Thanks Guys I appreciate it. and BEGOOD I am returning to the VA on Monday where they will hopefully determine my fate. But after that I would definately be interested in what you know. At this point Ill try anything
 
You should find the most experienced and respected neurosurgeon you can find. Ask him for all of the options to include risk, chances for relief, future prognosis and what is on the horizon in future treatments.

If your body is suffering from Degenerative Disc Disease, you have only a few long term options. There are some experimental procedures that are in clinical testing...but your physician should be the one to discuss those with you.

I understand your dilemma, but you are not going to find someone here that will be a better expert than your physician...put your trust in him/her and do your homework. There are also support groups on the internet that can keep you abreast of the latest advances and where they are in clinical tests.

At your age, while it may not be what you want to hear, you may have to wait a few years for a palatable solution...but research is racing forward in this area (when not hindered by bureaucrats) and the future is bright with promise.
 
I had the same pain you are experiencing now - down the back of my right leg and into my foot. I went with surgery when I was about 25 and it was the best thing I could've done! I've been basically pain-free now for ~14 years.

Sadly I'm no help for what you're going through now. Hope ya get fixed up soon because I know the pain you're in, and it absolutely sucks.
 
Prof said:
...but research is racing forward in this area (when not hindered by bureaucrats).
Click to expand...

Words to live by for all (of us) in healthcare............

D
 
Sorry to hear about your trouble. I can certainly relate.

I had the same disc herniated (L4-S5), along with a fractured vertebrae from a parachute jump in the military. I also have degenerative disks and joints from the 21 years of parachuting and other ways the army found to abuse my body.

Unfortunately it's only going to get worse. I wake up in pain (back) every single day of my life. Nothing you can do but live with it. Meds have too many bad side effects, especially with long term use.

There is an awesome artificial disk that's on the market now. Has been used successfully in Europe and is FDA approved. But right now insurance and VA do not cover it in the US. I'll be among the first in line for it once insurance starts to cover it.

http://www.devicelink.com/mx/issuesupdate/05/02/Spinal_Disk.html

Hopefully the VA will take care of you. They only granted me a measley 10% for it (about $100 per month). Some thanks for all the pain, sweat and blood huh?:eek:
 
Get another opinon, surgery should be the Last Option.

I have had 3 cervical fusions and they wanted to cut my back also. I was 25 when I told them no Lower back surgery, Iam now 59 and yes it has hurt, but, I learned to live with it.

1) find the best neuro surgen you can find ( really look, some are far better than others)

2) Discuss all other possible treatment plans. IE: Physical Therapy , bio feedback, nerve blocks , Electo stimulaters, implanted Drug dispensers ( implanted so a very small amount of drugs are released at the source of the pain., although addictive as are most drug therapys. For now that is our best option untill we get insurance issuse resolved.( Debilitating Pain, or Drugs , not a lot of choices for now.

3)Some life style changes may be nessacary to avoid more injury and / or pain.

4) Surgery IS THE LAST OPTION .............IMHO
The more cutting ,the more scar tissue, and that will always leave some residual ouches.

I really have a good idea of what you are going thru as my son is battling the F**k'in insurance companys as I type over 2 broken vertabra T5-T6. This Battle has been going on for more than a year.:mad: He has been prescibed Methadone (a drug developed by the Germans as as a replacement for Morphine ) it's half life is almost 24 hrs, requiring far less drug therepy with very few side affects.

The head Neurosurgen at Loma Linda Medical Center Ca. is helping the fight and is ready to help our son , but, the g.d. insurance &$^%%^@#*I%^.............

Just do not get in a hurry. You are really young and have a lot of time, so make good use of it and search out the Best before deciding anything.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, best of luck, and a speedy recovery
 
Last edited:
once again thanks for all the advice and words of support. I am doing a lot of research and really looking into all of this. I dont know how many VA med centers I have been to now. Countless evals and MRIS, X-rays. Along with Phys. therapy and lots of medication. I hope that I do not have to go the route of surgery again. If I do I hope that it is a small invasive preferrably laser as they can burn away some of the scar tissue and fix the problem without cutting into any muscle. Its just going to be a long battle that I am not goin to give up on, not as long as I am in pain

Worst part is though that If my conditions worsens and I continue to lose mobility in my left leg there is a possibility that it would be in my best interest to sell the truck, but I have good expectations right now :)
 
Man,I hate to hear that you are in that much pain.Hope you get this resolved soon.If you need anything,you have my number.
 
MOVED FROM REPEAT THREAD!!!

I had a lamenectomy for the L4-L5 disc back in 85. My back has never been the same. I can only stand for so long before my feet start burning and tingling.

There is some new disc replacements out there that are looking very promising and are FDA approved/

There was a UFC fighter who had a replacement and was back fighting and winning!! Mikey may know who it was?? I am trying to find out what disc replacement he used??

It has to be tough to put up with what he goes through!!

Just be patient, see a couple of good experts. At all cost try to avoid fusion!!

Good luck
 
05RamSRTkid said:
once again thanks for all the advice and words of support. I am doing a lot of research and really looking into all of this. I dont know how many VA med centers I have been to now. Countless evals and MRIS, X-rays. Along with Phys. therapy and lots of medication. I hope that I do not have to go the route of surgery again. If I do I hope that it is a small invasive preferrably laser as they can burn away some of the scar tissue and fix the problem without cutting into any muscle. Its just going to be a long battle that I am not goin to give up on, not as long as I am in pain

Worst part is though that If my conditions worsens and I continue to lose mobility in my left leg there is a possibility that it would be in my best interest to sell the truck, but I have good expectations right now :)
Click to expand...
Having the same condition u have since 1995,being offered surgery in 1995 and again in 2000 i declined,reason being is simple,they cannot guarantee that u will get any better,yes some do benefit from surgery while others dont.

My advice:change the way u sleep(on ur side in the fetal position is best) ,exercise (even if it hurts),and learn to just deal with the pain ,ur gonna have ur good days and bad ones.

Pain killers and muscle relaxers might be necessary,but dont rely on them to always work ,use them only when needed.

Last of all,ur mind can do wonders if u let it,meaning if u always think about the pain then its gonna consume you,block it out the best u can,train ur mind to deal with pain,most likely ur gonna have it the rest of ur life.

Goodluck
 
Well I can certainly relate... I herniated so bad that the Neuro surgeon wondered if I would walk again...lost my entire right leg, buttock, and part of my sack...as a result of SWAT training in 2001. I was the worst herniation the Neuro had seen in 26 years of practice. My post operative report summarizes that "the gap between L-4 and L-5 is wide enough to pass a hockey stick handle between them".
I had an awesome Physical Therapist get me through an extensive rehab...and I was lucky enough to return to the FD in 2002. I then played two and a half years of flag football afterwords.:dontknow: Call me stupid.
To date...I have chronic fasiculations to my right calf...incidental back pain and pain down my right leg.
I would not want another back surgery ever again... so I have to be liberal with stretching, mechanics, and lifting. It helps and
As stated surgery should be your last option if you can avoid it... find a good PT and see if they can get you stretched, mobile, and good core strength... and hopefully pain free.
I would not let an Ortho do the surgery..only a Neuro MD.

Good luck, I hope it get's better for you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Support Us

Become A Supporting Member Today!

Click Here For Details

Random Media

2010 06 12 13.49.49
image
washed trucks 004
TIAWAN
Back
Top