what can improve my quality of life while waiting for care?

[hunnyback]

Im a 45 year female with advanced DDD, moderate herniated disc,spinal cord impingment,and nerve root impingment. At the 5-6 levels. I have loss of cervical lordis. Im waiting to go through a program which will help me address my back problems. I have lived with pain daily. It seems to be getting worse. I have gone to see Doctors about my problem but i need to see specialist. I filed a workmanscomp case but I was denied benefits. It seems my back problems were ongoing for a long while and a simple lift at work jacked me up worse. Pardon my lingo. I was refered out to a neuro. I have yet to see one. If the help Ive applied for doesnt come through, I will get to the neuro if anything just to see what my working capacity is. Then go from there. Meanwhile is there anything anyone can suggest for pain. My pain that accompanied the inital herniation has subsided. My secondary pain is more a severe ache with weekness. My ankles hurt alot. I have now been experiencing bladder problems. I did see a doctor about it. He said its probably cytitis a return of a bladder disease that went into remission in my early 30s. I think my back problems are causing my bladder problems. Im no doctor though. I guess what im asking is, can anyone please tell me whats a cheap way to alliviate pain. Im thinking about finding a pool to relax in. My husband doesnt want me in a pool because I have bladder problems and he has seen too many tv shows that show people getting infected with parasites from water. My old urologist also said swimming isnt good for bladder problems. If you have any ideas for dealing with pain without having to be on major pain meRAB. :wave: Also if you have had a simular spinal problem let me know what was done to help you. I sure could use some encouragment.

 

[SpineAZ]

If you were turned down for WC, does your employer offer Short Term Disability (STD) and/or Long Term Disability (LTD)? If so you should apply for those as soon as possible. If you've been out of work for a few months and remain at a disability level that does not appear to allow you to return to work in the next few months start the Social Security Disability application process ASAP.

 

[PEmom]

I am sorry you are in so much pain. It sounRAB as if you have several levels of pain issues. If you have L4 L5 S1 areas they can effect the bladder nerve and so the disc may cause the problem if it is in that area. That is serious and you need to be seen asap by a spine specialist. They usually can not really diagnose without an MRI, xray etc..
Different positions can sometimes help using an exercise ball to lie on, in a bed/couch with propped pillows, some stretching. If you have a disc that is out you may not want to try too much you may do more damage. If you have to take pain meRAB for a short time it is usually helpful because when your body is in a pain cycle it creates more issues like muscle spasms.
I would work on seeing a dr he/she may be able to give you a better idea of how you injured yourself and work may have to compensate you for something.