OT Back Problems

[Dave Ronyak]

Lou,

A very belated wish for your continued speedy and complete recovery, and for a very Merry Christmas and pain-free, prosperous New Year.

Tinker,

I wish you complete healing for the New Year.  You are an amazing man; I enjoy reading your many stories, and have learned a lot from you.

Dave R.

 

[Michael Kellough]

So Lou, how is the back doing?

Haven't you noticed that I've been less annoying around here this past week? I went back to work this week, so I didn't ramble on with posts. The back is still a little sore, but its only about 1/10th of the pain I was dealing with before I had surgery and its a different kind of pain. Overall, I'm doing extremely well. The Docs are mad at me because I went back to work, but what are ya going do? The mortgage company doesn't care that I had surgery... I'm 100% capable of doing anything I want, but I'm still restricting my activity. Especially lifting.

Thanks for asking...

John Lucas is recovering from surgery but it's been a few months since Lou had surgery.

How are you doing Lou?

And where's Tinker been?

 

[colinw]

Steve CO,
              As a veteran back pain sufferer ( many hundreds of visit to PT and three major surgeries) my interpretation of back problems is rather like Festools it's a slippery slope and things tend to get worse rather than better. Cortisone shots tend to be a little  hit and miss some people get great relief others do not but one thing is they are only temporary. The best advise i could give you would be stay moblie get a physical therapist to give you a list of exercises for your "core" and keep them up religiously, also look after your back dont lift unless you are doing it correctly if you don't know how to lift correctly get someone to show you how.  best of luck

Colin 

 

[sw1211]

Colin,

I tried those facet injections, they ended up costing me close to $1K, that equates to a couple of what could have been nicely filled systainers 
They provided me with probably $5 worth of relief.  There was a well known woman (who owned a furniture store chain) who recently died out here from back injections, they called it an adverse reaction.  Adverse to me would more along the lines of an infection, not death.  I won't be going in for those any time soon again.

I've been going to a new chiro for the past 1.5 months, he seems to be helping and I still do my exercises from my 50+ visits to PT last year.  I'm going to get some orthodics probably next week and give those a try. 

 

[Fred West]

Steve-CO, I am also a fellow back pain sufferer. In the last 15 months I have had 5 epidural injections, 3 in my neck and 2 in my lower back, 2 MRIs, 3 CT Scans and 2 x-rays, one provocative discography/discogram, the single most painful procedure I have ever experienced, one EMG of my lower back and legs and one EMG tomorrow of my neck and arms plus countless hours with the chiros and PT. I have been diagnosed with stenosis of the C3-C7 & L4/5-L5/S1, scoliosis, arthritis, bone spurs, annular tears, degeneration, herniation. In addition I have bilateral nerve pain of both the arms and legs. I live on the 100 mcg Duragesic patch, 4-6 10 mg Percocet and 3 300 mg Neurontin a day. They want to do an 8-10 surgery that would start in the front and end in the back. 90% chance of relieving the nerve pain in my legs and 10% chance in my back. This does not address what they want to do with my neck at all. Since the largest part of my pain is in my back and neck and is much worse than the nerve pain I don't see the point especially as they are saying it is a six month recovery. Anyway, I have no advice except do WHATEVER you can to stop the pain and get back your life. Fred

 

[dltflt]

Have you tried steroids?  It really helps me with my lower back problems and my wifes arthritis .  You definitely want to take as low of dosage as possible because it is hard on your liver (I believe).  You may start out with a large dose then cut back as far as can and still be comfortable.  My wife has to get blood test done every month.

 

[sw1211]

Wow Fred, I feel guilty for complaining about my back issues, compared to what you've gone through.  I'm starting to think I don't know what back pain really is, based on what you and others have experienced.  Hope you're able to come up with a treatment plan that works too.

 

[Fred West]

Don T, the docs have ruled out steroids for some reason that escapes me right now but thank you very much.

Steve-CO, back pain as in all pain is relative. What I or anyone has or has had may or may not be more painful, etc. than you. Truly it does not matter as all of us are having our lives disrupted by it and ultimately getting our lives back is what matters. Please never feel that what you have is less or easier than any of us. Never the case and what I posted was mostly just out of frustration as no I have no treatment plan that works just a lot of freakin drugs.  Fred

 

[dirtydeeds]

ouch

there are a lot of people with back pain here. ive been lucky so far just minor twinges on odd occasions

i only know of back pain second hand, my best mate has back problems for 30 years

you couldnt make this story up

one sunday morning going throgh town on his 750 a woman backed out on him in a beetle

he went with the bike, up a 9inch step through the pub door (the pub was shut) so he took the door frame out as well and landed back first against the pool table

what did the woman say "i didnt see him"

what did the police say about her backing out into a main road (strictly speaking its illegal here)

nothing...............

it was back in the days when being a biker made you the scum of the earth

we used to get stopped by the police just for wearing tasselled leathers and cut offs, the cafe racers and choppers probably didnt help

 

[Tinker]

Don T, the docs have ruled out steroids for some reason that escapes me right now but thank you very much.

Steve-CO, back pain as in all pain is relative. What I or anyone has or has had may or may not be more painful, etc. than you. Truly it does not matter as all of us are having our lives disrupted by it and ultimately getting our lives back is what matters. Please never feel that what you have is less or easier than any of us. Never the case and what I posted was mostly just out of frustration as no I have no treatment plan that works just a lot of freakin drugs.  Fred

As you say, Fred, "Back pain is relative"  I have entered more than my share of BP posts on preceeding pages of this discussion.  For my situation, not saying mine is worse or better than anyone elses, i have refused medication, drugs and surgery.  i have been very fortunate over the past nearly 30 years to have found an excellent chiropractor.  Among the various problems in my back that i have previously mentioned was that i had severe scoliosis when i first went to him by crawling on my hands and knees.  A couple of years ago, after a rather irritating discussion with Medicare (Here i break a habit of long term by going politcal for a moment.  For all of those who may think Universal Health Care is the way to go, be VERY AWARE of what you are thinking.) during which i was told they would not pay for chiropractor, MRI or anything else to do with my back, simply because i had not gone to an MD with my problem.  They not only told me I could not go to my chiropractor, I was not to be allowed to pay directly for either treatment or MRI.  I was ultimately informed  (after direct question) by my chiropractor that NONE of his patients had ever been directed to him, or any of his compatriots for that matter, by any MD.  Medicare sent letters to me, my chiropractor and the MRI people telling ius all it was illegal for them to have anything to do with me or for me to go to them. (go back to my political statement above, please)  I ultimately went to an orthopedic surgeon (friend of my chiropractor) who agreed to look me over with the understanding i was NOT interrested in either surgury or pain killing medication.  he looked at my MRI report and told me i was lucky, but also it was good that i undrstood the basics of my problem.  after short discussion, he wrote a letter to Medicare and i am now back in good graces of my chiropractor and visit him once per month.

Why won't i go for operation?  Lou said it best when he told how afraid he was until he finally accepted such.  I guess i am not to that point yet.

why not pain killers?  Because the pain is what tells me the severity of my problem.  by now, one pain tells me what will come next.  some pains tell me i only need to slow down and/or change the way i am doing things.  sometimes, even a very slight pain in certain area tells me i had better get to my chiropractor right away. NOW.  I have been going to chiropractors since I was 3 or 4 years old.  Some wer good for me.  others were down right frightening.  So i guess the TREATMENTS can be relative also.

Some horror stories (Latest is my sister-in-law who had a nerve permanently damaged while being operated on her back.  Germany has Universal Health Care and so she has no comeback (go back to my above mention about UHC)  I have a neighbor who had three operations before I told him part of my problem is one short leg.  His doctors investigated and found his problm was his knee.  fixed his knee and end of problem.  back to work in days instead of the many months after back surgery.  others have had success with one operation.  Me, I'm happy to visit my chiropractor once a month.  NO pills please
Tinker

 

[Fred West]

Tinker, I very much respect your position and situation. Unfortunately for me the pain level finally got to such a level that I had no choice. I have been seeing my chiro for 26 years and he has kept me walking  and working. However the pain is now constant and severe and without the meds I would not be able to function at all.  Fred

 

[nickao]

I have had back problems since I was working on the United Terminal in Chicago in the 80's. I have been to therapy , chiropractors, MD's, specialists, had the injections in the spine several times, pain management, steroids, everything I can think of, nothing helps, except pain meds.

I can not remember one day as an adult without thinking of and dealing with the back pain everyday, day in and day out.

After 20 years of  dealing with the pain  I am resigned to the fact the meds are the only thing that helps. I have no idea why I resisted the meds for so long. I should have taken them long ago. I do not feel guilty at all about taking the meds as it is the only way I can deal with it.

Being in pain and refusing the meds was my stupidity, don't fall into the trap of thinking you are not a good person because you need medication for the pain. Or that you are week. If these pills take 5 years off of my life, so be it. It is the quality of life that matters most. No one should have to live in a constant state of nagging pain.

Nickao

 

[Fred West]

I have had back problems since I was working on the United Terminal in Chicago in the 80's. I have been to therapy , chiropractors, MD's, specialists, had the injections in the spine several times, pain management, steroids, everything I can think of, nothing helps, except pain meds.

I can not remember one day as an adult without thinking of and dealing with the back pain everyday, day in and day out.

After 20 years of  dealing with the pain  I am resigned to the fact the meds are the only thing that helps. I have no idea why I resisted the meds for so long. I should have taken them long ago. I do not feel guilty at all about taking the meds as it is the only way I can deal with it.

Being in pain and refusing the meds was my stupidity, don't fall into the trap of thinking you are not a good person because you need medication for the pain. Or that you are week. If these pills take 5 years off of my life, so be it. It is the quality of life that matters most. No one should have to live in a constant state of nagging pain.

Nickao

Nickao, I second, third and fourth you on that sentiment. My pain has been ongoing for 16 years now but was ramped up about three years ago when I stupidly moved an upright piano onto a truck and then into my house virtually by myself. Since then the pain level has skyrocketed.

Here is to all of us with back pain or any other kind of pain feeling better as 08 progresses.  ;D Please join me in a toast to this. I did my toast with a latte.  ;D 8) Fred

 

[Tinker]

I have had back problems since I was working on the United Terminal in Chicago in the 80's. I have been to therapy , chiropractors, MD's, specialists, had the injections in the spine several times, pain management, steroids, everything I can think of, nothing helps, except pain meds.

I can not remember one day as an adult without thinking of and dealing with the back pain everyday, day in and day out.

After 20 years of  dealing with the pain  I am resigned to the fact the meds are the only thing that helps. I have no idea why I resisted the meds for so long. I should have taken them long ago. I do not feel guilty at all about taking the meds as it is the only way I can deal with it.

Being in pain and refusing the meds was my stupidity, don't fall into the trap of thinking you are not a good person because you need medication for the pain. Or that you are week. If these pills take 5 years off of my life, so be it. It is the quality of life that matters most. No one should have to live in a constant state of nagging pain.

Nickao

Nickao, I second, third and fourth you on that sentiment. My pain has been ongoing for 16 years now but was ramped up about three years ago when I stupidly moved an upright piano onto a truck and then into my house virtually by myself. Since then the pain level has skyrocketed.

Here is to all of us with back pain or any other kind of pain feeling better as 08 progresses.  ;D Please join me in a toast to this. I did my toast with a latte.  ;D 8) Fred

Fred, I'll join you on that toast.  I'm about to fix my afternoon tea.  Of course it won't be a chug-a-lug until it cools a little.

I do consider myself very fortunate in that so far my treatments with chiropractic has worked for well over 50 years now.  Along with pain and treatment, one needs to keep a balance with a good sense of humor.  you seem to have that and I'll drink to that as well.
Tinker

 

[colinw]

Steve ,
          My back problems started when a fully laden semi truck ran over me doing a Lot of damage including :- fractured pelvis in four places, both knee ACL Ligaments torn badly needing reconstructive surgery , various broken bones and the rupturing of three disks in my back. while receiving treatment for the back problems a MRI revealed a tumour growing inside my spinal canal the DR had to remove this and I had to have a 5 level laminectomy ( If you think of your vertebrate as circular they cut them in half in roughly a c shape to get to the dura in which your spinal cord is encased. much to my suprise they leave these open not replacing the bone or putting plates in ) since having this surgery I have had two discectomies .......apparently any surgery you have adds strain to the next disk up or down.... so i guess you have to live with what you have  and try look after  it the best you can.

Colin.

 

[nickao]

Steve ,
          My back problems started when a fully laden semi truck ran over me doing a Lot of damage including :- fractured pelvis in four places, both knee ACL Ligaments torn badly needing reconstructive surgery , various broken bones and the rupturing of three disks in my back. while receiving treatment for the back problems a MRI revealed a tumour growing inside my spinal canal the DR had to remove this and I had to have a 5 level laminectomy ( If you think of your vertebrate as circular they cut them in half in roughly a c shape to get to the dura in which your spinal cord is encased. much to my suprise they leave these open not replacing the bone or putting plates in ) since having this surgery I have had two discectomies .......apparently any surgery you have adds strain to the next disk up or down.... so i guess you have to live with what you have  and try look after  it the best you can.

Colin.

Colin I feel for you, what a horrible accident.

Nickoa

 

[Fred West]

Colin, I second Nickao sentiments and wish you nothing but the best going forward.

Tinker, thank you and yes a sense of humor is required with something like this and just makes it so much easier to withstand everything. Thank you for your toast. ;D Fred

 

[colinw]

Thank you guys,
The accident was five yrs ago now and I do what I do best and thats to carry on to the best of my ability enjoying my wife, kids and my festools lol

Colin

 

[Fred West]

Colin, other than the fact the things you enjoy was WAY out of order I am glad to hear things are going well.  ;D : 8) Fred PS Just tell your wife that the Festools are german made and she will understand why she is in second place. :

 

[sw1211]

I can't imagine going through an accident like that.  A couple of chiros ago, one of them asked if I had a bad car accident in the past, he thought that was the cause of some of my problems. My neck has almost a reverse C curve to it, although it hasn't bothered me.  I did wrap a car around a telephone pole 20 years ago which at the time only resulted in some stitches in my head (the car got the worst of it), who knows if that's the source, but it would make sense.  

Hopefully everyone can find something that works for them and maintain a good quality of life.