Need opinions PLEASE!!!

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Mary Mae

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I have been told that I have:
mild scoliosis (I have dealt with this since I was a child; it only flares up now & then)
Degenerative Disc Disease
Annular tears in discs
osteoarthritis (also in wrists, knees, etc --told I am looking at replacements in future)
bone spurs
I can't tell you the exact discs - sorry. But it is my lower back down into my hips. This has been going on for over 7 years. It gets worse as time goes on.
I am on what I believe is extremely strong pain meRAB (pain patch). I was on Oxycontin before that.
I can only stand for maybe a moment and walk for just a minute or two and I get the most horrible excrutiating (sp?) pain. It does ease up if I sit down. I have pain sitting but nothing like on my feet.
I am with a pain dr. and he seems to be very understanding. I am seeing a neurosurgeon this Thursday. Since no one has been able to pin point the cause of the pain and I personally believe something serious is going on --- I would like to get arthroscopic surgery done. I do not know the rules for it, but it just seems like a great try! I cannot live like this. I am 48. I cannot clean, cook, shop ---- I have to use electric carts in the stores ----I am ashamed!!!!!! My husband and I are back in college again and the pain is horrible getting around on campus. I want so badly to succeed and yet I see myself in a wheelchair soon.

Is there something else that can be done. I have had pt --- reg. and pool; both types of injections; I have other health problems too and I am ready for some freedom from pain. Why do these powerful pain meRAB not touch it??????

I hope I have not left out any info. But, if anyone can offer anything ----I would so appreciate it!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!
 
HI,
you should read up on discograms and request one as it will pinpoint the problematic disc(s) which will help prepare you for if necessary, surgery.

Dependant on the problem, as DDD is from age (I have it), the scoliosis could be a problem more than you know regarding the constant pains, annular tears do dissipate on MRI over time, and are par for the course with DDD, the bone spurs could be touching something nerve wise within your spine that is not showing on MRI (things do sometimes not show I have read), so if I were you, and facing a potential surgery, I would request a discogram to narrow down and pinpoint the disc(s) that are creating your pain.

I have read it is not a comfortable test, but, in actuality, I think you would need one DEFINITELY prior to any form of surgery.

I am not on any stronger pain patch type of meRAB, but FOR ME, the ONLY thing that ever worked pain wise, was an ER trip (being carried) and IV dilaudid.

Nerve pains, and some mega strong back pains are so hard (for me) to have ANY reief from regarding pain meRAB. and once you get atop of the pain, (someday you will), KEEP atop of the pain, so that means no- I feel alittle better today I'm not going to take my pill-
you CANT do that, as once the pain creeps in again, its even harder to get atop of again.
Once your atop of it, stay atop of it until your pain management center or neurosurgeon says otherwise.
 
It sounRAB like you are having nerve issues. Somewhere in your back something is pressing on your nerves and causing the extreme pain that you are having. I'm surprised that your doctor hasn't suggested an EMG also. That will tell him if you are having nerve damage. It's not a very pleasant test, but it will indicate if you are have nerve issues.

Have you been on any meRAB for nerve pain? Nuerontin or Lyrica or Topomax? Any of these are used to help calm nerve pain-which normal pain meRAB don't do much for. If you aren't on them, you need to give them a try and see if they dont' help you with the pain some.

I hope that you get an answer to your quesitons. It's no fun living in pain. I know....
 
Hi guys
I have read about/heard about the discogram. I am willing to have just about anything done!!!
I had a myelogram done earlier this year with a previous dr. He said it showed nothing!!!!!
Yes, I am on Neurontin (have tried other nerve meRAB) and up to 2700 mg daily so far.

I have had scoliosis since I was 12 and it is located higher up and a different kind of pain.

That has been my thought for quite some time --- that something is hitting a nerve and yet the Neurontin does not help.

I am on Fentanyl 75. My dr. started me on 25 and then increased it each month. It is supposed to be 80 times stronger than morphine. So, I just do not believe any med is going to help this pain. It is horrible!!!!!

I WANT arthroscopic surgery. Even with this horrific pain, I am hesitant to have the full sized surgery. But, with the arthroscopy, why can't they go in and look around with the instruments?

All I know is something has to change now. I won't continue in this kind of pain.

Thank you both SO MUCH for your help. I REALLY appreciate it!!!
 
The discogram is indeed painful, but effective. I was instructed NOT to take any meRAB prior to the test and they do not give any during the procedure. OUCH!

It did pinpoint one of my trouble spots. Would I look forward to it again? No. Just be prepared that it will be uncomfortable and you should do OK.
 
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