Posted on 11/28/2006 6:05:19 PM PST by RaceBannon
I was almost suicidal after a year of this pain. I tried everything, but I limped into the hospital for surgery and walked out 24 hours later, a new man.
Recovery was less than two weeks. 12 years later, I 60 years old, can lift 300 pounds, walk 10 miles, and work 20 hours a day.
Surgery is the only answer. Get it and get over it.
Don't accept the excuse that it is workman's comp and let it keep you from geting the care you need. Take charge.
I suffered three years before I discovered the solution: get up and use those muscles.
Of course it's going to hurt like hell. But it's worse laying still.
Should have said:
I suffered on and off for three years . . .
Race, are you in the DC area? My doctor works miracles -- Dr. Thomas Schuler. Cannot recommend him highly enough.
Consider yourself lucky that you have anything to take.
The last few MONTHS of my Moms pregnancy, carrying me ... I was against her sciatic nerve. Talk about being a pain in the arse from the start ... LOL ... but TRUE!
She was NOT allowed to take anything.
BTW, I hope you feel better!!
I just got over my record breaking 10 day migraine. I feel for you believe me. I feel bad for anyone in pain.
I feel your pain and I will pray that you get relief.
I also have L5 (about 30 years now ... started when I was a kid). I started with physical therapy 5 years ago, and then we had to move ... way 'cross country. My PT's arranged for me to buy this device before we moved ... I can't remember what it's called ... label wore off a few years ago ... it's like a midievil torture device (just kidding ... sort of).
I lie down, strap it on around my upper legs and upper rib cage. There's a hand pump, and I pump it as much as I can.
It stretches me. It takes the pressure off the nerves and makes it possible to walk and sit pain free again. I only use it 3-4 times a year now ... used to be 3-4 times per day when I first started.
I also liked the STIM until I got this thing ... the best thing is I can use it a home whenever I want, and it's suitcase size, so I can take it travelling.
I think it's about $900 retail, but insurance paid over 90% (usually I have a 20% copay, but they covered more for this thing ... it has saved them a ton of money).
It's the most amazing device ... I even got about 1/2" taller (when I was using it 3-4 times per day).
I'd bet she threw that back in your face a few times, too!
:)
They aren't going to give me an MRI until they see therapy not working
I had the range of motion things, I have lost 25 to 50% of my reflex from my right achilles tendon area, my foot dont move at all that I felt
My foot is not 100% asleep, and it does have short moments where I can fell it "awake", but it doesn't last.
Cannot walk for more than minutes at a time unless I am right out of therapy
After some stretching, I can walk without a limp, but that lasts about 20 steps, then I have to limp.
Seven years ago, I ruptured two disks, L3-4 (minor) and L4-5 (major). That's what happens when you're built like a football linebacker and run consistently 6 miles daily on concrete. (Dumb as a linebacker too....)
I was miserable for 4 months, then it settled down for a month, then it came back with a vengeance. At that point I finally saw a neurologist, who ran an MRI and recommended me to a great neurosurgeon out here in the CA Bay Area.
I had discectomy and laminectomy, and after a month's recovery, was doing great. At first I was worried that it didn't fix the problem, as it took a while for swelling to stop impinging on the spinal nerves, but a six-day pack of steroids fixed that. Now I am almost good as new - I just need to make sure I don't lift heavy weights.
Good luck and avoid shamans like chiropractors. Incorrect, uneducated care of the back can lead to permanent nerve damage. Go to the pros, get proper diagnosis using real tools like MRIs, and let a neurologist - and not an orthopedist - handle the job. Orthopedists know about bones, and while they're important, they pale in comparison to the delicate touch needed around the spinal nerves.
They're hard to find (for me anyway) but ask around and avoid the "I'll need to see you three times a week for three month" types. A good chiro won't try and guess how much you'll need until you've had a couple of treatments.
Who will find a good one? I've found the best ones through local runner's clubs and, don't laugh, dance companies (ballet dancers can screw up their bodies pretty good). Avoid the ones that have big yellow page ads and TV commercials.
Best of luck with it, I know how bad it can hurt.
Pain was 11 on a scale of 1 to 10, I had to chew my hand to keep from screaming.
I would go with Coyoteman (Palmer) + painkillers / muscle relaxants.
If that doesn't work head straight for microsurgery, which wasn't invented when it happened to me.
2 days in hospital, 1 month in recovery...
BTW, the funniest thing was the night after surgery they had me in a semi-private room with my own TV above the bed and a self-directed morphine drip.
I was watching "Rocky and Bullwinkle" at 2AM and while each sentence was completely clear, by the time I heard the next line I had completely forgotten what the preceding line was.
Full Disclosure: long spells sitting at a computer (FReeping) can put a lot of stress on the lower back.
Cheers!
I don't know how you got thru that shoulder pain, it would have driven me crazy. I don't even like dull pain..although alchohol can cure that..or a hot bath..or BOB...lol..Gail
My chiropractor son-in-law finally convinced me I needed surgery. I figured if a chiropractor is telling me I need surgery he must be on to something.
The ortho surgeon said he would be glad to fix my back AFTER he replaced my left hip,which was eroded due to my gait trying to compensate for my back problems.
To make a long story short,I had the hip replaced and eight months later had L3,L4 and L5 cleaned out removed ,replaced with titanium spacers and morphogenic surgical protein and VOILA!...over thirty years of agony gone!
I was incredibly stupid and in denial when I turned surgery down thirty years ago....GET THE SURGERY!!
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