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General Discussion To Gateway To Airguns => Back Room => : Splash March 21, 2007, 10:06:57 AM
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What have you done that has helped. I injured my low back 3/31/06 and have not been able to get enough relief to go back to work since. It is hard to get comfortable enough to get a full nights sleep. The doctors have said that I have a herniated disc along with ddd. They said that I needed a spinal fusion surgery, but they would not do it. I have tried several differant nsaid's ,muscule relaxers and pain meds, nothing helps. Also have a tens unit which helps some while I have it on,but not enough. Physical therapy made it worse. Saw a chiropractor no help. I have tried to see other doctors, but they read my records from my current doc and say that they don't see anything that they think they could do to help,so they won't even see me. My doc has referred me to a pain management doc and I have been waiting a month for that to be approved. Anyone have any ideas that may help or that I could suggest to the doc. I have an attourney so mabe he can get something done with w.c. but I need some help having too many of them bad thought's. :0 Thanx for letting me rant.
Mike
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Mike, I feel for you dood :o . 12 years ago I was diagnosed with the same problem without the ddd. Like you, I did PT and after that didn't work I saw a bunch of back cracker doc's, as I call them but one doctor helped me with his "adjustments". He was able to get me back to work after 3 months. My suggestion is to try a few more chiropractors. If they can't help, there are medical patches I use today that help me when I get flare-ups. They are called Lidoderm patches made from 5% lidocaine. They ARE prescription only.
2 years ago I had a severe "flare-up" again....could not move or walk. I was referred to see a nerologist, he sent me to a surgeon and the earliest appt. to see this almighty surgeon was 1 month. During that time my lower back got well enough to get back to work via these patches my nerologist prescribed. So....short of crawling into the surgeons office,...he said no way to surgery...you are back to work and are mobile. MRI shows that my disk (L5-S1), now is completely ruptured and fragmented. Bottom line is do everything you can to get back to work. WC is terrible. They do everything possible to deny any comp. See more "back crackers", have your primary doc send you to a nerologist and get another MRI. Ask for those patches. Sometimes they help, sometimes they don't. Depends on the individual.
I do hope anything I have wriiten helpes you in some way. Hang in there.
Greg
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Hang in there guy, we need your imput here and family need's family. :) Ed
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Mike,...make an appointment with your primary doc and demand the patches! It's worth a shot. At the very least they might get you a bit more mobile, and there are NO side effects. They are made by ENDO pharmaceuticals. As a back pain veteran I know what you are going through. If anyone has never expierienced this type of pain, they will never know how BAD it can be. As my ex-wife once told me after one of my "flare-ups"......."thats worse than child birth"! Thats saying something!!! Good luck Mike.
Greg
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Hello Mile,
I'm sorry you are in such pain.
I have had back problems throught out my life, and have only found help with prayer and acupressure.
If I were you, I would find a Chinese trained Acupuncturist, a Chinese ! Trained in China !
They developed this Art ! Modern Medicine only accepted it after so many Medical Doctors were helped by it that they could no longer deny the advantages. Then they sent "Doctors to China, to learn. The "White Doctors" still do not believe all of the teachings, they do not understand !
Every day we are learning more about Acupuncture , Acupressure, and Herbal Medications.
Herbal Medications can NOT be PATENTED, so no one cares unless they can make a SYNTHETIC COPY of it.
I learned a great deal when I studied the martial arts, being young and inquisitive, I learned from my teacher.
Prayer is also important, a form of meditation, asking God for help !
I am caucasian, not asian, but believe me, If anyone can help you without fusing your spine, it would be a Chinese Acupuncturest/ Herbalest.
Call this my Opinion ! I wish you the best.
Bill
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Here you go Mike...
I fell off a high platform, maybe about 12 to 14 feet.. Landed on concrete, on top of huge pieces of cast iron case.. Suffered two hurniated disc's and one crushed.. along with nerve damage.. This was in 1978.. Was in hospital for two weeks in traction. It was determined that I had to have back surgery by two different surgeons... Just so happened that my regular MD through my HMO, was a Chinese doctor.. After two weeks, I was released and refused any kind of surgery on my back.. I walked with a cane and was in awful pain constantly when I was on my feet. Was hard to sleep or sit as well.. I went back to my regular MD a week or so later and he said he may be able to help me without surgery... :) The treat treatment was for ten days.. Ten day in a row I went to his office.. and he would put these needles in my spine in 6 different places.. Needles were hooked up to an electrical device.. I do not know what the voltage was but the meter went from 1 to 10... He started me out on 1 for twenty minutes the first day and continued each day untill he reached 10..
On the 5 or 6th day I noticed when I got out of bed in the morning, I could stand on both feet and very little pain.. By the 10th day my pain was 100 percent gone. Have not suffered since that day.. I could walk normal except when I get tired then I limp a little bit..
People can say what the want about other Cultures medicines but he made me whole again...
Best of luck
Gene
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Hey Mike,
I also suffer from herniated discs. My main problem, like you, is my L5-S1 disc, but I also have herniations of the L4 and L3 discs, as well as C-5 and C-6 in my neck. I sustained these injuries at work in December of 1988 after I was assaulted and have been dealing with the pain, discomfort and sometimes sheer agony ever since. Matter of fact on February 16th of this year my L5-S1 disc flared up badly and I've been out of work ever since,,, and dealing with Workers Compensation doesn't make it any easier. I know exactly what you are going through. Hang in there, keep in contact with your W/C attorneys, and let them fight it out for you at the hearings.
I've been to see neurosurgeons in years past and they would never agree to perform surgery on me. I've been seeing a wonderful chiropractor for many years now who has helped me tremendously and has managed to keep me working. I will say though that I went through a couple of different chiropractors before I found one that really helped me. Try a different chiro, it can make all the difference in the world.
My neurologist had me examined by a pain management specialist last week and they were looking into 2 options. The first was spinal injections, I believe you already know about them,,,, the other was acupuncture. They've decided to put the injections on hold and give the acupuncture a try first. Very little, if any, discomfort from the treatments and I've been told it can be very effective. I know one guy at work with the same back problem who tried acupuncture and he said it helped him tremendously. So,,,, I'm gonna give it a try. I'll let you know how it works. Ask your doctor about it and see what he says.
The biggest thing for me,,, besides the pain,,,, has always been fighting very hard not to let depression set in during flareups. Don't give up. Work hard to keep a positive attitude and keep telling yourself, and believe it, that you are going to get through this and get better !! As for doctors,,,, Sometimes you have to be a little forceful (in polite way) with doctors. Most people, myself included, can be intimidated by doctors and sometimes we just accept everything they say as gospel. Remember, that doctor is performing a service for you, one that you're paying very well for,,,, so if you have questions then ask them. If you don't fully understand what they are explaining then make them explain it again.
Also, there is also a new technique out, although I don't know the medical name for it, where they insert a small metallic probe into your herniated disc. They then run some sort of electrical charge through the probe and the result is that the charged current actually "cooks" and hardens the gelatin like substance inside your disc. The effect, if it works, is to relieve the pressure that the fluid had been applying to the nerves causing the pain. I'm sure your doctor will know more about it.
Well, I didn't mean to write a novel here so I apologize,,,, but being in the same boat as you right now I really feel for ya and wanted to make sure I covered everything. Stay positive, keep as active as you can, and hang in there. If you need someone to talk to I'm always available, just send me a pm.
Jeff
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Jeff, read my post....:) It may interest you..
Gene
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Hi Guys;
My first post, so bear with patience. I've had lower back pain that hits me on and off every once in a while. This has gone like this for quite a few years, since I was quite a younger man.
I have gone through the whole list of painkillers,relaxants,NSAIDS,tens,therapies...etc. Well, the one thing that keeps me going when I have one of these episodes and feel like my back is going to start swelling is an anti-inflamatory that goes by the name Dolobid. I take it only once a day,its cheap,OTC,dont hurt my stomach like the NSAIDS,and it gets me feeling better the same day. I have no idea if it can help you but for me it's the best I've found. Hope you feel better too.
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See your doctor at all costs and MAKE them refer you to a neuro surgeon or an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spines.
If you truly have a herniated disc, chiropractors and accu-whatevers aren't going to help (sorry guys). A herniated disc is like a balloon bulging out right before it pops and generally these impenge on the spinal cord. This pressure on the spinal cord is what is causing the pain.
I myself see a chiropractor and I do believe in the potential benefits of other eastern remedies, however no one is going to make that disc unbulge. In fact more than likely they will only aggravate the spinal cord in the affected area. It is a done deal.
The only way to repair the bulging disc is to remove it entirely and fuse the vertebrae above and below the disc. This does carry some serious complications and one must weigh all options.
Pain management, I suspect, is a tool HMOs use to get you out of their face. Sure it makes you feel better (sometimes), but it doesn't fix what is wrong in the first place.
You need help and you must find an advocate that will get you the help you need. Do some research on herniated discs, find out everything you can about everything you can find. Don't let Workers Comp or some HMO tell you this or that. Make it happen.
P.S. -Get well soon and don't take no for an answer.
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The only thing that helped me was Celebrex I took a few a day for about 3 days and it felt better (a bit)
but after about 10 days it was "fine" no pain but still hurt in the mornings and I can never lay down / sleep
for more than 6 hours. It stats hurting enough to wake me about then. But the Celebrex stopped it.
I can't believe it but I go weeks without even taking anything now. If it starts up I nail it with a few Celebrex
and it goes away again.
Back pain sux sorry to hear that you have it.
Roald.
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Mike, we've talked about this before from the WC side, so just keep that lawyer pushing to get you what you need. Hopefully he only charges his % when he gets something for you. Keep the faith. I've got L3-L4 problems, but, thankfully I can get through it with exercise and ibuprofen. I'll keep pulling for ya, and all you other guys, too. You've been helping me and mine for the last month, and I'll do what I can to help you. Like Gene says----Family!
Ric G
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I've had back problems for a few years now & found that a Flotation tank works really well at some Temporary relief. I'm not sure on it's long term effect on relief, but I DO know that for the time you're in there and for a few hours later I feel good almost as good as new.
A floatation tank is big, BIG bath tub filled with body temp water & about 700 pounds of Epsom salts dissolved in it. No light, No sound, No movement. Just Float. It takes all the weight (so to speak) off of your back and provides a good bit of support. Nice and relaxing. Costs about $40 bucks for an hour and a half. Makes for a GREAT nap, well worth it I think!
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Well the pain management doc was not approved. :0 I had to get my lawer to conact my primary doc, just to get meds refilled, which only offer limted relief. :0 He now wants to do another MRI, but said it will probably be denied, since it has been over a year. :0 He scheduled my next appointment for 2 days after the MRI, that will probably not be approved, if that makes sence. My back is alot worse now, starting to effect bodily functions :o and that is not good. I guess that I need a different lawer. I definitely need a new doctor, one that is willing to help, instead of waitng for me to go away. The doc that I am seeing now will not give me any pain meds. I guess he thinks that I am drug seeking. I dont know anyone that would do that for over a year, if you want dope its readily available on the street. He told me that I needed surgery and that he wouldn't do it, so he needs to hand me a referal to someone who will. I need some relief. That's all for now.
Mike
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Oh man... That sucks BIG TIME.
Change Doctors and/or hospitals IMMEDIETLY if possible! I don't trust doctors any further than I can throw em! Get a second, third or however many opinions it takes to get treatment!
My dad went through the same type of thing for the last 3 years. He kept telling his doctor that he had trouble breathing,trouble walking because his legs were swollen etc and that he thinks he had a stroke and that it was effecting his balance.The doctor never really did any tests or anything and just attributed all his symptoms to Diabetes & Diabetic Neuropathy. My dad was pig headed and never changed doctors or went to any other hopital. He ended up passing away in March from Congenetal Heart Failure & Brain Trauma from multiple strokes.
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Hay Mike,
Real sorry your still in pain, I was hoping that you were doing better.
For relief read my last post, for correction and repair Dookie is correct !
My wife has three herniated discs, she does not want surgery, I treat her pain using acupressure and hot packs. This helps for a week or two before I must repeat treatment.
You may need a pushy lawyer that is 200% on your side, and demands results.
IMHO
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Hang in there Mike. I know what you're going through as I'm going through basically the same process myself. I just recently went back to work on a light duty status after being out for almost 3 months with herniated discs. NY State workers compensation doesn't want to approve any tests or treatments and my lawyers have been fighting them constantly. I just got approved for an MRI, which I had done yesterday, however I'm still waiting for my other tests and acupuncture treatments. I have another hearing scheduled for the end of this month.
If you're not getting satisfaction with your doctors and your attorneys then definitely do yourself, and your back, a favor and find a new doctor and attorney. It really can make all the difference in the world. I do know that if your bodily functions are starting to be effected that's not a good thing at all. I don't have such symptoms but my doctors have all told me that if I should ever experience such symptoms it would indicate a serious degeneration of my condition that would require immediate attention. Make sure your doctor/attorneys are fully aware of your situation and if they can't or won't do anything for you I'd say change em fast.
Also Mike, don't let it get to you emotionally. I only say that cause I know how fast depression can set in when dealing with back problems,,,, I've been there. Try to keep a positive attitude and don't give up. I work very hard at that every day, sometimes it's a real challenge to say the least.
Take care and hang in there.
Jeff
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Hey Mike, like Jeff said,...hang in there. Do what you have to do to get yourself better. Try everything you possibly can. Accupuncture just might help too. Have you tried the Lidoderm patches. I had an earlier post on them in this thread. They might give you some temporary relief. Find a doctor who will prescribe them for you. Above all, keep your head up high and don't get down. That's the worst thing you can do. Good luck.
Greg
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Thanks guys, it really helps alot to know that I have your support. This is truely a great place to be. I have been staying as busy as I can to help keep my mind off of things. That's why I made a stock for my rifle, a couple of sets of grips for a few people. I have a brake and shroud for my S1K, but I fubared it, sorry Gene. It is going to work out ok though, ended up with 2, just have to get them painted.
Thanks again, Mike
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Mike, although I do not have any back problems which is probably a blessing. I do understand your frustration with the medical community. I am a type 1 diabetic going on 27 years now. Any of the things you hear about the complications of diabetes I have pretty much gone through. As far as dealing with insurance companies and denial of this or that service or Dr's unwillingness to fix a problem unless you throw a serious amount of money at it I have been there and understand your problems with that. I was living in Houston and working a pretty good job when I had gotten sick about 4 years ago. The doctors had told me then that my kidneys were on the road to failure..... yet they also told me nothing could be done until they reached a certain percentage of failure. I have read this whole thread of posts and I kept seeing Jeff talk about depression...so I understand his concerns of this aspect of your dilemna also. It is very easy to be lulled into dpression when you are told you have a problem but you keep on hitting a brick wall with no help or idea in sight. Its very frustrating and I feel for you in this respect. A little over a year ago I returned to work. I basically have started ignoring my health issues as far as pain and discomfort are concerned. I told myself ok screw it if the doctors wont do anything for me I will just do the best I can with what I have to work with. All in all my health has not gotten any better but my demeaner has. So having a positive attitude does help a situation in my mind. You may still feel like crap but if your attitude is in the right place it can almost... and I say this loosely almost balance the agony out. I wish you the best in your endeavers with your back associated problems and I hope that you can find a happy medium in all of it soon.
John
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Don't know what happened to the last entry, so I'll start over, Mike. My attorney:
Don Schaar
Taylor and Associates
320 E. Virginia Ave., Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-254-1977
http://www.taylorandasociates.net
WC is just about all this firm does. They helped me get what I needed. Don has been doing WC for about 35 years, 25 or so on THEIR side and currently on OUR side. Don't know if they do out of state. but they come very highly regarded, so may be able to refer you to someone in your area. Hope it helps someway.
Ric
:)