to go or not to go

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carken

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An 8 year history of back problems beginning with a lurabar L5S1 fusion and then two decompression surgeries have left me with intermittent back pain but my ability to function has been pretty good.

Recently, the pain became worse and I decided it wast time to see the pm doctor. While waiting for my appointment, I had about 10 days of excruciating pain. After examining me and determining that it was probably not a nerve problem, I was given another appt. 3 weeks later for an MRI and x-rays. I also have scoliosis, and he was suspicious that that was what was causing the pain. Well, about 2 more weeks of pain have passed, but now the pain is just about gone. I can't believe it, because I was rating it as sometimes as much as 8 and nearly always a 5 or 6.

Now, my appt is on Wednesday, the 22. I'm to go for the tests and then to the doctor's office. I feel rather stupid going now if I'm in little to no pain. However, I certainly wasn't imagining what was going on in my body the past few weeks. What would you do? As you can tell, I'm someone who doesn't like to go to doctors unneccessarily.

I'm 68 years old and in good health other than this crazy back. In fact, I've only been in the hospital for my back surgeries and to have my babies. What would you do?

Carken
 
Yes, that's what I'm thinking. Guess I'll go ahead and go because I know how long it takes to get appointments. I'ts probably that way everywhere.
 
Carken:

Let me know what happens when you go. I'm having some symptoms now, 16 years after L4-s1 fusion, that I am trying to figure out as well. Going to PT, had some pain injections, etc.
 
I forgot to mention that activity, whether washing dishes or walking from the house to the mailbox does set the pain off, both in my lurabar and in my legs. Still, it's not to the degree it was two weeks ago. Any input?
 
Carken,
I would go and get the tests done to see what may have caused the problem. That way, if it flares again, your PM doctor will have a starting point in treating your pain.
Back
 
I'll report. Ironically, late yesterday evening and last night were bad for me. Who knows? I should be thankful that it's not constant like many on here, and I really am, but I just hate going to the dr. if it's not necessary. Oh well, maybe this is.

Carken
 
The visit to the PM was really unproductive. The MRI showed several things that could be contributing or causing the pain, but nothing pointed to it specifically. A couple of things were arthritis and narrowing of the nerve openings in the spine.

I have a script for Ultram to take for a couple of weeks, wear my back support, and continue with the pain patches. If the Ultram doesn't help, then maybe a shot to block the nerve - a temporary thing.

Oh well. If I just sit around I do pretty good, but that makes me stir crazy. I have to be busy and since I'm a widow with a house in the country and children and grandchildren living with me, that's also impossible.

Best of everything to you, SpineAz,
Carken
 
Thanks, I guess that's the sensible thing to do. I just feel like I need some input.
 
I would definitely get the tests done. Something was causing the severe pain you were experiencing and hopefully the tests will show what's going on. Be honest with your doctor when you see him/her next time and explain how your pain has progressed and what causes it to get worse. There may be something simple that can be done to help your pain or fix a minor problem. If you had that severe of pain recently, chances are good that it will happen again in the future.
 
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