Chronic back pain- and I'm only 26!

[holly413]

Hello all,

I am 26 yrs old and I just found out a few months ago after having 4-5 years of severe back pain from MRI and x-rays that I have 5mm of anterolisthesis of L5-S1 (which means that bone is pushed out) and retrolisthesis of L3-L4 and L4-L5 (which means that bone is pushed in). The back specialist that I had a free consultation with told me that there was nothing he could do for me. He suggested I go see a spine surgeon, which is $360-$720 for just a consultation. At this time I have no insurance. So here I am, and the only thing I can do at this point is be on some very strong meRAB which are methadone 5mg and percocet 7.5/500, also baclofen (a muscle relaxer) and ibuprofen 800 mg. I'm trying to get on medi-caid and disability at this time, but am having some problems due to my living situation. I live with my boyfriend of 3 yrs and I was told before I even applied for medicaid that I would probably get on it since we werent married and had no children together. But now they're saying otherwise. I guess what I'm asking is if there is any one out there who knows a surgeon with a kind heart who would be willing to help me out. We have 4 children in our household and it is so hard to keep up the house and do normal everyday things with the amount of pain I'm in on a daily basis. So please, if anyone knows anyone who is willing to work with me on a payment plan or ... something. My prayers would be answered. Thank you to all.

 

[Megss]

Hi Holly-

I don't have an answer to your question, but I wanted to post to you anyway.

I am 27 and dealing with a very similar diagnosis. I have Spondylolisthesis. My L5 vertebrae is slipping off my S1 toward my belly. I also have herniated discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1. I am in a a lot of pain too and I consider myself somewhat disabled, which is so depressing at such a young age. I am seeing my surgeon for the second visit on Wednesday, and we will probably schedule surgery.
Can you afford to try physical therapy until you have insurance? PT won't cure your problem, but it can help you learn how to move properly to avoid more damage and strengthen your back muscles.

Good luck hun!

 

[Mamasan2007]

I hope this helps!

When I was 24, I herniated a disc L-4, L-5, and was in {horrific pain} the worst of my life, for 2 years.
I did not have surgery, I just did a lot of stretching and laying around.

After 2 years passed the pain was totally gone. And I had many many pain free years, I even was able to jog again.
Until I was 44, when a few more discs herniated. Took around one year, and I was fine again.

Now some 10 years later, I am on my third bout with severe back pain and sciatica.

Point being, don't get discouraged , I recovered and led a full life until now.
You have young body's, and they can heal them selves.

I hope you both have many years pain free ahead of you!

 

[SpineAZ]

I had spondylolysthesis in my early 20's and had a fusion for it (and a subsequent further fusion to strengthen it). The key issue is coverage by insurance. If you get a job that does offer insurance you will likely be subject to a pre-existing exclusions (where the back pain won't be covered for the first 12-24 months of employment). Ever since having my back problems in my 20's one of my key questions when changing jobs has been about the type of insurance, exact insurance companies, etc. I'll choose better insurance over more income at this point.