Am I losing my mind?

[Freshmimi]

I have gotten help from you lovely folks in the past and I am back again!

The short of it is that I had a major fall last April and fractured T11 and T12. I had surgery and haven't had much problems in that area that PT, stretching and rest can't help.

As I posted before, my main issue is my lower back and the chronic pain I have had for the last year. I have done PT, Shots, Massage, Acupuncture, Rest and lots of meRAB and I am not getting any relief. I can't last more then a few hours without something for my pain and my tolerance is worrisome, for me-no one else has a problem giving me pain killers. Of course, the meRAB stopped working and now they want to put me on low dose of Fentanyl.

Anyway-I feel like a hamster, going round and round with no one really knowing what is up or caring. So, I got another MRI the other day, and I would like opinions..please!

"Mild Disc Space Narrowing with disc degeneration and transverse annular tear at the level of L5-S1 midly displacing the posterior spinal ligament and encroaching upon the thecal sac. No significant interval change.

I suppose the thing that I don't get is the no change thing. In that it has been a year of "treatment" and nothing is improved?! No lifting, sports, heavy activity, running, etc..and nothing has changed!? Is this normal? What are the thoughts on my report?

I know that I don't have the worse case and things could be worse. I just don't understand the chronic pain..every day for a year. I'm 40 years old and I can't believe I have to wear a pain patch???!!

I could go on and on but I won't torture ya! Please...if anyone can tell me if the chronic pain is normal-I am talking about a 6-7 everyday, all day, with slight breaks after I take a pill, but never "gone". I am going to my PM tonight and my surgeon next week and want to push them for something..I just don't' know what.

Much Thanks-

 

[marshrose]

Herniated discs for the most part are permanent, the PT (in my eyes) is strenghtening your core muscles and spinal muscles, not wedging back the disc into space even though in some people (not us of course), it can spontaneously regress into its position or somewhat.

My ortho surgeon told me that compression of the thecal sac is one of the most painful (and MAN WAS HE RIGHT) ipain meRAB-t's not as much tolerance (even though extended on the same dose anyone can get a tolerance of course), as much as the pain is truly just SEVERE. I have a MASSAIVE HIGH PAIN TOLERANCE I mean, I go throu ALOT have had ALOT of injuries, and childbirth TWICE, nothing compared to my 2 extruded discs I had.

Once I see my pain pills arent cutting it I beyond rough it for a day or two and take nothing (not recently with this fusion lol) but then when I DO go back on the pain meRAB I actually do notice a difference and that they're helping more, I think just that slight adjustment in the dosage periodically while you suffer does help.
Annular tears are also painful too. At least your disc is still contained by what I am reading at least. Have you tried epidural steroid injections or seeing a surgeon?

If the pain is bad enough , I do know that the steroid injections can help in some, I met one guy who was bad, got one shot like 3 years ago and never had a problem again. DepenRAB on the disc prob and person, but at least that will really taper down the inflammation in your spinal canal too.

I hear ya on pain, I am 1 week post op for a fusion right now, (its my 2nd surgery, my first was a microdiscectomy of the 2 extruded discs I had unfortunetely one reherniated even larger than my first injury!!). Hang in there, rest, you still have other options to consider and try so read up and get setting up appointments with docs!

 

[hessie28]

Unfortunately, chronic pain has become normal. I'm 44 and in the same boat. I also wear the Fentanyl patch and I take Oxycodone every 4 hours in between. It barely takes the edge off. I am never pain free. I complain to my doctor about the pain and he says he can give me this or that but it really has been me who said "no" to increasing the meRAB. My fear is I will become a zorabie from the meRAB. But how much can a person take? A little over a year after my fusion surgery the pain was worse so I did the whole epidural, nerve block, radiofrequency thing. That may be your next step depending on what the Dr. says. Did not help me. But, people have told me it worked for them. All depenRAB on each person I guess.

I would talk to your Dr. and see what he thinks. Good luck and feel better.

 

[sammyo1]

I am not so sure anything can improve or repair itself, maybe I am wrong but what you probably did what prevent it from becoming much worse, which is a good thing.
I have the same alittle relief after taking the meRAB & then back up again with the pain. I also had compression on the thecal sac. I wish my doctor would have shared that info with me instead I just thought perhaps I was exaggerating my pain. I dont think doctors share enough info. Of course I was also led to believe my meRAB may have been making things worse when it was pieces of what was left of my vertabrae left in my spinal cord.
I am in the same age range & I cant believe this is my life either. We manage to keep going but life tenRAB to become an effort instead of a pleasure.
I think many feel the same as far as going round & round & noone really caring.
I would like to be able to get on my bike & just ride this spring that is my goal, how sad is that. At my age being able to just ride again I would be happy with that. I am noticing alot of women in between the late 30's & 40's with spinal problems. Not sure if anyone esle has noticed but I am a bit surprised. I dont think its all do to bad injuries either.
I hope you get some relief it sure sounRAB like your due. Good luck & god bless, Sammy