I
iamhoss
Guest
Hi All:
I know this is a somewhat common story but any help or advise will be greatly appreciated. In July of 2007 I had an RNY Gastric Bypass which was a huge success. I lost from 368lb to 201lb, which better suits my 6'3" frame. The only negative effect has been back pain. At first I was referred by my Gastric Surgeon and was told that my back was likely just adjusting to it's new surroundings.
I initially talked to my family MD (a friend) who kept me in liquid Lortab for a while. Quantity was kept in check and it helped tremendously in the evenings. As the pain got worse, he recommended I try a specialist.
On to an Orthopedic (another friend) who prescribed Lyrica, Soma, Lortab, and Ultram (not all at the same time). Sent me to pain mgt for 3 blocks, which didn't help. Ortho then sent me to a Neurosurgeon who sent me to PT. PT was great while I was there but didn't help overall. Ortho then sent me to Rheumatologist (Elavil, Lyrica, Voltaren) who tried to look up my shorts and Neurologist. Neurologist did nerve study (normal), full workup of bloodwork (normal), MRI (compression at L5/S1). Over time, he gave me Lyrica, Lortab, Cyrabalta, Klonopin, Arabien, Soma and Flexeril. Neuro sent me back to pain mgt, did 2 more blocks which didn't help, and didn't go back.
My wife recently expressed her concern about my Lortab use and I realized that I was out of control, taking 12-18 10/500's a day. I tapered myself off over 3 days and was completely honest with my doctors about it. I stayed off for over 2 weeks and now have no problem taking a couple in the evenings to take the edge off my pain. I also took myself off all the other drugs I have listed, none of which helped anyway.
I have started seeing a Chiropractor who may actually be helping. I still have breakthrough pain daily which is excruciating in my lower back, hips, legs, and feet. I also have RLS which has to be worse than Chinese water torture.
The only thing that I have been prescribed that provided any relief is Lortab but since I was honest, I am treated like a junkie now and none of my Docs want to prescribe it. I know (coming from a family with substance abuse problems) what the consequences are and that I am not willing to take even a 1% chance to subject my wife and kiRAB to what I grew up in.
I do the McKenzie Method exercises and apply ice to my lower back which provides some relief but I am still fighting the worst pain I have ever endured. This is starting to affect my work, my attitude, and my relationships with my family and frienRAB. I am generally a very happy person but am now miserable all the time and it shows.
Does anyone have a similar story, advice, suggestions, or anything else that may help me? I feel like such a whiner but I really don't know where else to turn.
Thanks for reading and any help.
I know this is a somewhat common story but any help or advise will be greatly appreciated. In July of 2007 I had an RNY Gastric Bypass which was a huge success. I lost from 368lb to 201lb, which better suits my 6'3" frame. The only negative effect has been back pain. At first I was referred by my Gastric Surgeon and was told that my back was likely just adjusting to it's new surroundings.
I initially talked to my family MD (a friend) who kept me in liquid Lortab for a while. Quantity was kept in check and it helped tremendously in the evenings. As the pain got worse, he recommended I try a specialist.
On to an Orthopedic (another friend) who prescribed Lyrica, Soma, Lortab, and Ultram (not all at the same time). Sent me to pain mgt for 3 blocks, which didn't help. Ortho then sent me to a Neurosurgeon who sent me to PT. PT was great while I was there but didn't help overall. Ortho then sent me to Rheumatologist (Elavil, Lyrica, Voltaren) who tried to look up my shorts and Neurologist. Neurologist did nerve study (normal), full workup of bloodwork (normal), MRI (compression at L5/S1). Over time, he gave me Lyrica, Lortab, Cyrabalta, Klonopin, Arabien, Soma and Flexeril. Neuro sent me back to pain mgt, did 2 more blocks which didn't help, and didn't go back.
My wife recently expressed her concern about my Lortab use and I realized that I was out of control, taking 12-18 10/500's a day. I tapered myself off over 3 days and was completely honest with my doctors about it. I stayed off for over 2 weeks and now have no problem taking a couple in the evenings to take the edge off my pain. I also took myself off all the other drugs I have listed, none of which helped anyway.
I have started seeing a Chiropractor who may actually be helping. I still have breakthrough pain daily which is excruciating in my lower back, hips, legs, and feet. I also have RLS which has to be worse than Chinese water torture.
The only thing that I have been prescribed that provided any relief is Lortab but since I was honest, I am treated like a junkie now and none of my Docs want to prescribe it. I know (coming from a family with substance abuse problems) what the consequences are and that I am not willing to take even a 1% chance to subject my wife and kiRAB to what I grew up in.
I do the McKenzie Method exercises and apply ice to my lower back which provides some relief but I am still fighting the worst pain I have ever endured. This is starting to affect my work, my attitude, and my relationships with my family and frienRAB. I am generally a very happy person but am now miserable all the time and it shows.
Does anyone have a similar story, advice, suggestions, or anything else that may help me? I feel like such a whiner but I really don't know where else to turn.
Thanks for reading and any help.