Degenative Disk Pain, Dr says Inflamation But not correct...

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themartinfarm

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I have a Severe Degenerative (L-5) Disk & Arthritis in my back.
My lower back always hurts. It's mostly on the left side of my spine but my whole lower back always hurts. If I over do it in any way, it's worst. The Dr I was seeing says that the reason it hurts so much is Inflammation. However, Anti-Inflammatories do absolutely nothing.
Also, I've had problems for 12 yrs. I believe it was Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but was never diagnosed. Recently I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I believe the CFS turned into Fibro.
Anyhow, my Rhumetologist says that I tested negative for Inflammation. So, the lower back pain isn't from Inflammation.
The Fibro has caused me to have more pain elsewhere, especially in my upper back, neck & shoulders. Stress causes me so much pain I can't move.
Anyhow, what else could the lower back pain be from? I'm beginning to wonder if it's just another symptom of the Fibro.
I seen a Neurologist 1 1/2 hours away... She was no help. She was more interested in the Fibro than my Back problems. I already have a great Fibro Dr. I needed her help with my back problems. Needless to say after about 10 mins with her & the fact that she is a B%^$^, I yelled at her, had enough. I also turned in a complaint on her.
Any time I see a Dr they tell me the same thing. I don't know what to do about the pain. I don't know if there is something else wrong. Nothing. I can't afford any more medical bills. Just got them caught up & behind again.

Any help would be great!
 
You've had a lot of getting the run around. There is nothing I can offer except to urge you to see an Orthopedic SPINE Specialist or a neurosurgeon who does spinal surgeries as a specialty. You need a good work-up including an MRI and possibly even more testing. I know that isn't what you want to hear in the financial position you are in and believe me, I do empathize with you.

Having fibro can increase your pain as you well lknow. Has your rheumy put you on any medication such as neurontin or Lyrica? Lyrica has been approved for fibro treatment, but it is expensive, while neurontin isn't.

Do you have any pain that runs down your leg, particularly when you bend? Any burning sensation or pins and needles?

Some teaching hospitals have free clinics and take patients on a sliding scale, charging according to your income. Another option is state medical aid. Also, some drug companies will give you free medications or reduced costs depending again on your income.

I wish I could offer my than this and I hope you are able to find some answers.

Blessings.

Carol
 
Thank You :)
This last Dr did some nerve & muscle testing because I had some nurabness... But the nurabness was from over a month earlier & hadn't had problems since. I've had an MRI & X-ray also... I do think further tests would be good but no idea what to ask for. Plus I'm soooo frustrated. I just haven't been able to find a good Dr...
My lower back always has pain. It's worst when I move, stand up, walk, ect. If I step wrong I get that shooting pain... Most of the time if I step wrong & get that pain, then my back hurts even more afterward.
The other day I was moving chickens out of one coupe to another (on our farm). It was just to much for me... Between my back & the fibro it's making life soo difficult. I've worked hard to build our farm & now I've had to deplete most of the work load & my husband is picking up my slack.
Anyhow, not to rarable. I'll look around & see if anyone can recommend a Orthopedic Spine Specialist or a neurosurgeon...
I have been on the neurontin, gave me awful mood swings & made my anxiety worst. I've been on Cyrabolta which is also used for Fibro & it is wonderful for my Anxiety! Not sure if it's helping with the pain... That & my muscle relaxers are supposed to help... But I didn't realize the neurontin helped with that until I went off it & was in even more pain.
 
If you find a good competent spine specialist, you shouldn't have to ask for any tests by name.....he will know what you need. It isn't always easy to find a doctor with hom you can form a good relationship, but once you do it's worth the hunt.

Blessings.

Carol
 
Some neurologists are using a corabination of Cyrabalta and a low dose of Neurontin for pain. You might want to ask your doc about this. I have Fibro too:(...janiee
 
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