Bad News for Me.

jannieC · #1 10-12-2006, 08:33 PM

I threw my back out about a week and a half ago and immediately went to my family doctor who gave me a shot of Demerol

and a prescription for Prednisone (this is our usual about twice yearly treatment when I throw my back out). It's been a life-long battle for me, and she decided that it was time to take a closer look at my back and run some tests. I haven't had anyone x-ray my lower back in many years, so we went ahead and did it. They called back with my x-ray results yesterday afternoon and it's not good news. In addition to the congenital disorder I had as a child (and subsequently had a spinal fusion for at age 10), I also now have been diagnosed with having the following:

Spinal Stenosis- (Narrowing of the spine)
Arthritis
Degenerative Disc Disease

I am so depressed! I'm better than I was yesterday, but I feel so crappy about having all of these problems at such a young age. I'm worried about what I'm going to be like as I age!

Anyway, I start physical therapy (again

) tomorrow, so hopefully I'll be able to get this under control. I've tried physical therapy before, but never stuck with it due to the expense and time. I've committed to once a week (because of graduate school, I couldn't possibly do it any more often) and I'm hoping that it will be enough.

Anyone have serious back problems here? If so, how have you managed your care?

JazmenFlowers · #2 10-12-2006, 08:38 PM

oh good lord. I'm so sorry. I don't have anything near that serious, but "bad backs" run in my family. the best way I can manage it is good posture, lots of good rest, a good mattress and massage.

what does the doctor say long term will be?

jannieC · #3 10-12-2006, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JazmenFlowers

what does the doctor say long term will be?

Rather than make an appointment to go back and talk with her about it, they faxed my results to the physical therapist that my family doctor (highly) recommended. So, he and I will talk about it tomorrow, I imagine.

JazmenFlowers · #4 10-12-2006, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jannieC

Rather than make an appointment to go back and talk with her about it, they faxed my results to the physical therapist that my family doctor (highly) recommended. So, he and I will talk about it tomorrow, I imagine.

oh ok. well I'd do a little research on my own before you go so you know what to expect and what to ask. let me know how it goes. good luck!

BTFLCHLD · #5 10-12-2006, 09:32 PM

oh jannie...dear. I thankfully do not have back problems; although I do know three very close people in my life who have had innumerable back and neck surgeries. I can tell you that the medical community has come a long long way with treatments and procedures that I can assure you that you will be OK. I know receiving news such as this problably has you feeling like "eh ok? not so much" but I have a very good feeling about my jannie girl and I will be praying very hard for you. Also, with regard to degenerative disc disease, while incredibly frightening words, is something we all have in varying degrees. The backbone naturally degenerates over time. As well, the very close people in my life that did in fact go through the surgeries, etc (including my brother) have all recovered and come through with remarkable results. Obviously, not having any knowledge of the extent of your diagnosis, I couldn't even say that surgery is an option or necessary for you at this time or in the future, but I want you to know that you will be taken care of by the doctors in the know, and I do pray that you are healed very soon. I hope you are not in a lot of pain, as I know that can be excrutiating what with my recent fall and sciatic nerve issue. Gosh Jannie...please take care and know how very special you are to me.

Johnny Stew · #6 10-12-2006, 09:38 PM

I'm sending good vibes... and good luck... your way, Jannie.
I really hope that with physical therapy you'll be able to control your back problems.

ragandbone · #7 10-12-2006, 09:43 PM

I am so sorry to hear this. I have degenerating discs, and it runs in my family. Alos, since I had my son, I periodically get sciatica. Bed rest, and lots of regualr sleep has helped me when I I have thrown my back out, as well as ice, and anti inflammatories. Yoga has helped me some but also injured me some, but then I was doing Ashtanga, which is not always gentle. I think Physical therapy was very helpful, and in particular the therapy they do with the little electrodes (I think) that pulse in a pattern designed to confuse your pain receptors. I got a lot of relief from that. I will try to find out, for you, what that was called.
Really be aware of your posture when you work at the computer, specially if you are working on school papers on your computer, or working online and under pressure. Following a long night of work at the computer, I tend to injure my back.
I hope you get some relief soon.
p.s. my aunt had a terrible back, and had discs fused and that was 30 years ago. Today she has very little back pain. She told me that she think rest is the most important thing.

Neb-Maat-Re · #8 10-12-2006, 10:03 PM

My sympathies go out to you, Jannie. Back pain is a bitch.

My wife has 2 permanently bulging discs which 4-5 years ago prevented her from continuing to work full-time. Since being supered out/pensioned off (in her early 40s) she has been able to continue her post-grad studies, so there was an up side.

Although she still has significant problems (and difficult days) she manages the condition as long as she is careful - no lifting, limited sitting, lots of walking. Every condition is different, so treatment varies, but in my wife's case physio and osteopathy were the worst things she could have. Luckily she got on to a leading neurosurgeon through a friend and through his advice has avoided surgery.

Our friend had a significant accident many years ago and for a long time was considered an "incomplete paraplegic", meaning he could walk around but really shouldn't be able to do so. Eventually the degeneration and pain became too much, and the neurosurgeon (who only operates as a last resort) put in 2 titanium discs - but also had to wire 1 of the veterbrae together with titanium wire once he got in there.

JazmenFlowers · #9 10-12-2006, 10:14 PM

I forgot to add that my back pain is between my shoulder blades. the pain is so intense sometimes that I am numb in that area. and other times a touch in that area makes me cringe as it feels like needles. so, I can empathize with you. I hope physical therapy can help you.

also, does anyone else's chest pop? like...well, I'm not sure how to describe it...but pop, like your knuckles pop?

goldie · #10 10-12-2006, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jannieC

Anyone have serious back problems here? If so, how have you managed your care?

Been there! I couldn't walk for a few weeks because of it, even!

I think everyone has some form of degenerative disc disease.

This is how to feel better: go to amazon.com or the library and get the books on back pain written by John Sarno. His theories deal with "mind over back pain", things like that. I read his books and honestly, I was cured just by reading and comprehending his theories on how to heal yourself. I also had some chiropractic visits as well. PT didn't work for me.

Good luck to you! I hope you feel better soon!

estranged4life · #11 10-12-2006, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jannieC

I threw my back out about a week and a half ago and immediately went to my family doctor who gave me a shot of Demerol

and a prescription for Prednisone (this is our usual about twice yearly treatment when I throw my back out). It's been a life-long battle for me, and she decided that it was time to take a closer look at my back and run some tests. I haven't had anyone x-ray my lower back in many years, so we went ahead and did it. They called back with my x-ray results yesterday afternoon and it's not good news. In addition to the congenital disorder I had as a child (and subsequently had a spinal fusion for at age 10), I also now have been diagnosed with having the following:

Spinal Stenosis- (Narrowing of the spine)
Arthritis
Degenerative Disc Disease

I am so depressed! I'm better than I was yesterday, but I feel so crappy about having all of these problems at such a young age. I'm worried about what I'm going to be like as I age!

Anyway, I start physical therapy (again

) tomorrow, so hopefully I'll be able to get this under control. I've tried physical therapy before, but never stuck with it due to the expense and time. I've committed to once a week (because of graduate school, I couldn't possibly do it any more often) and I'm hoping that it will be enough.

Anyone have serious back problems here? If so, how have you managed your care?

your way. Hope everything works out for you and you back problems.

I have major back problems (I have a herniated disc in my lower back), which was 'asymptomatic' (Due in part to the arachnoid cyst in my brain ) but now is turning 'symptomatic' At this point there's not much I can do for the pain, I have to deal with it 24/7 because no amount of pain killer will help (ie-Demerol-Only burns my ass after being injected into my hip, usually cause the nitwit RN hits the hip bone *OUCH*!!!!)

What's really ironic is that arachnoid cysts, if found in the Pia Mater (The Pia Mater is the root of your nervous system. Think of the root of a plant, which supplies the brain with blood and connects via the arachnoid trabecula.) it can eventually lead to paralysis. So imagine that, I 'could' possibly go from chronic back pain to no pain.

desertangel · #12 10-13-2006, 02:56 AM

I'm so sorry you are going thru this! I've had back pain so I know what you're feeling. Mostly I can relate to the part where you mentioned being so young and being burdened by this. The last few years, I've found myself saying the same thing many times. A diagnoses like this has a way of changing your life. Please try not to get TOO depressed. It's all about management and you can do it. No matter what all falls apart on your body, you will still always have your beautiful heart and mind!

jannieC · #13 10-13-2006, 06:33 AM

Thank you so much for all the advice and kind words. I should mention that I've had back pain since I was a little girl, but it was always a result of that specific disorder I had and despite trying EVERYTHING (well, almost) to get better, it just always seemed like a way of life for me. Like, something I had to deal with.

The only thing I've never done is really get into physical stuff. I've done chiropracty, accupuncture, massage (good stuff, there), steroids, pain medicine, inti-inflammatories...you name it. So, my doctor and I *did* discuss Yoga and she is all for it, AFTER I see the physical therapist. She explained that there are some moves I would not be able to do because of the congentital disorder, but that she was sure that there are many I can do. I also forgot to add that about a year after my back surgery when I was ten, I dove into a pool, hit my head and fractured my spine. I also had disc surgery in my neck about ten years ago- (so Jason, I totally relate to that pain in the middle of your back, as well.)

I don't want to be defined by my stupid back. I know I'm fortunate that I'm not overweight (unless you want to count that stupid 10 lbs from last year's quitting smoking), but I have NO stomach muscles. They simply do not exist. And apparently, they NEED to exist when you have a bad back. So, maybe all this is a blessing, and I'll lose those stupid ten pounds and become a hot bod at the end of it all.

Seriously though, thanks again for all off your well wishes.

sara1998 · #14 10-13-2006, 06:45 AM

Oh, Janet.... I'm so sorry. Find me tonight. I'm sure I'll be around! xoxoxo

GODDESS6 · #15 10-13-2006, 06:48 AM

aawwwwww, my thoughts are definitely w/ you!!!

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