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General Discussion To Gateway To Airguns => Back Room => : Splash June 23, 2008, 07:53:46 AM

: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: Splash June 23, 2008, 07:53:46 AM

As many of you know and the rest will learn. I injured my low back, L5-S1, 3/31/06 at work, I just bent down to pick up a small box, that contained 10 light switches. :0 I guess I moved wrong, cause my back popped and I have been out of work ever since. The only nice thing was that, all 4 of my boats, 1 truck, Tiff's car, were paid for, only had 2 payments left on my other truck. The first Dr that I was sent to was a joke, more of a Methadone Clinic, went to see a back cracker and after several visits was able to stand, somewhat upright. Still could not do anything, but atleast I didn't have to hold myself up to try and walk. I've been seeing an orthopedic for almost 2yrs, with zero relief. He is now refusing to refill my prescriptions, until he sees me again, but will not see me until I have an EMG,NCV tests done. I've been twice to have the tests done and the 2nd time the tech, stopped the test, said there's no way you can do this. See when the small electrical charge is sent, it tenses a muscle, that I've learned not to use, which moves L-5,S1 and hurts like HE!!. I went this morning to try and have the tests done again, got to the Dr's office, same place I was at 6m ago for the same thing, was told we don't have you on the schedule, in fact we don't do those tests until late afternoon. After a few PH calls they decided that they don't do these tests at all,WTF. I've had my last MRI looked at by another Dr and was told, that theres no reason for these tests and should have been in surgery a long time ago. I've had an FCE test and it's findings were, no sitting or standing for more than 30min, no walking more than a block at a time, no repetative bending, stooping, squatting and no lifting over 7lbs. I was denied disability, cause they said I can still work. I would like to know where you can work and not have to sit,stand,walk, or pick up anything. Yes I'm PO'd and thanks for letting me vent, almost ready to check out.

: RE: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: Bhawanna June 23, 2008, 08:19:40 AM

splash,
i know your pain.  i have bone spurs on the L-2 through L-5 vertibraes and i won't let them cut on me.  i have to go to the bone-cracker twice a week to stay mobile.  now they think i am getting early stages of rheumatoid arthritis in my spine.  ain't life hell?  like i said, i feel your pain.  getting old isn't for sissys!

: RE: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: Splash June 23, 2008, 08:29:39 AM

Yeah Rodger, it sucks, only thing is I'm only 37. I have no cushion left between L-5,S1, so I gotta be real careful, or I can't move. I would love to have surgery, to fuse them together, but now the Dr is saying that it's not an option, since I smoke,LOL.

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: yel01z06 June 23, 2008, 09:03:42 AM

mike I know how you feel just a few days ago the same thing happened to me I was watching TV went to stand up and could not my doctor has been very good and takes care of my pain when it happens to be really bad I broke c-1,c-2,t-6,t-7,t-8 and yes it does suck I take celebrex on a daily basis which takes care of allot of my pain but I still hurt every day the other kicker is my Ins. does not want to pay for the celebrex so I am forced to fork over 200+ a month for it I hope you get to feeling better .have you tried acupuncture at I?

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: Splash June 23, 2008, 09:09:20 AM

Trek, celebrex didn't help me at all, neither has any other meds. I wish they would, but haven't found one yet.

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: shootist June 23, 2008, 10:47:27 AM

I'm 58, and they retired me 6 years ago. My back started 20 years ago with the lumbar section. Then about 6 years later my cervical went. In 02, my thoracic went. I now have 11 discs gone and a displaced spinal cord in the thoracic area. At first they put me on Oxy's for 6 years. Then I became accustomed to them. The doctors, due to liability would not write me anything stronger. Finally they sent me to a local pain clinic because surgery is not an option. They put me on what I needed. I have since gotten a portion of my life back. I am not to tell anyone what I am taking. I will say that my surgeon said in some cases, they will give you what no doctor will. In my case, he was correct. My suggestion is to get a referral to a pain clinic from your doctor. I wish I had a lot sooner. I fought it because I thought they would take away what I was getting. Was I ever wrong. There are a lot of addicts out there. The pain clinics weed them out. Do yourself a favor and get the referral. GOOD LUCK!!!
PS- please let me know how you make out. Lee

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: yel01z06 June 23, 2008, 11:00:18 AM

Lee you are correct i went to a pain clinic after dealing with thjis stuff for years and then i kicked myself in the but for not doing it sooner

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: Splash June 23, 2008, 11:03:13 AM

I've been trying for over a year, guess they figure I'm just looking for dope, too much of that on the street, if that's what I wanted.

: I up and quit pain meds {etc} last year.
: 3n00n June 23, 2008, 11:42:27 AM

Insurance won't pay, and I'msure I don't trustthat the stuff is 'quality controlled' properly anymore. They don't need money from me anyway, that legal 'pill pusher' racket is all justto big for their own britches.

`

Sure some days 'crunch and grind' more than others, but it is better than the alternative as far as I'm concerned . . . (http://../jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-surprised.gif)

`

As well asno pursuit of the more thanyear old'cure' for cancer (http://"http://media.www.studentprintz.com/media/storage/paper974/news/2007/01/23/Opinion/Scientists.Cure.Cancer.But.No.One.Takes.Notice-2667600.shtml) continues to be monumentally apparent, because there is no profit (http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn10971-cheap-safe-drug-kills-most-cancers.html) in it!

: RE: I up and quit pain meds {etc} last year.
: Splash June 23, 2008, 12:04:56 PM

Your exactly right J. Some,not all, are just looking for the allmighty $ and the drug comp give it to them freely, the more they prescribe. I will not take anything that has not been on the market for years. My mother was just prescribed Boniva man that stuff is $127.50per pill,huh. They said since you only take it once a month it all works out,BS. If someone wants dope they'll get it o the street, one of the best pain meds is pot. :o But those of us that want to stay legal can't go there, so what's left?

: Splash, regarding your back.
: Tex June 23, 2008, 12:12:57 PM

I had a similar problem that started about 40 years ago.  Fought it and tried everything to keep from surgery, including pain management which didn't do much for me.

I recently had back surgery.  My quality of life had deteriorated to the point that I could hardly do anything.  I gave up on the pain management and found a highly regarded Neurosurgeon.   He does minimally invasive surgery and it really works.  I strongly recommend a Neurosurgeon as opposed to an Orthopedic surgeon.

The incision was about 5 inches away from my backbone and about two inches long.
 
Here is the procedure:  It is called a XLIF (eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) procedure.  The surgical approach to the spine was made through the side of the body.  This allows for more complete disc removal and implant insertion.  I am amazed that the incision isn't larger - it's only about 2 inches long. They used glue rather than stitches to close the wound and I had NO problem from the incision.    They removed the old disc and replaced it with a plastic cage and some titanium screws and a plate.  The doctor also straightened the spine (moved it into the correct alignment) as it was off center at the L3/L4 disc location.

You can Google the procedure and read all about it on the internet.

With the pain meds they gave me after surgery, I never had any significant back pain.  I did have to wear a very restrictive back brace every time I got out of bed,  but that was not a big problem for me and beats the heck out of pain.  I was able to get up and walk with essentially no pain the first night after the surgery and was walking all over the hospital the next day.  Three days later I was home.  All I had to do was wear the back brace anytime I was out of bed.  I wore that dang thing for 8 weeks, but it sure fixed the problem.  I did exactly what they told me to do for 3 months.  Some people don't and they regret it later.

It has changed my life.  I have ZERO pain now and can do anything I want to including play golf, which I had to give up before.

Find a reputable Neurosurgeon, NOT an Orthopedic surgeon.  Make sure they do "minimally invasive surgery."  You can check out there track record - usually on the internet.  I did a LOT of checking.  There are good doctors and not so good doctors and some really bad doctors.  If you can find a good one, you can likely get your back fixed.  I did and I am sure thankful that I did.

If you want my doctors name, I will be glad to let you know, but he is in Conroe, Texas, so I don't know how far away that is for you.


Good luck with your recovery,

Tex

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: tjk June 23, 2008, 12:44:24 PM

Mike, Don't hold back, we've all got to vent once in a while. We wouldn't be human if we didn't!!! Besides you're amongst good company here,...right!?! Being a smoker myself, I've often asked myself, "why am I smoking this crap'??? "I don't even get high off of it"!!!!! Make you a deal pal, you quit the cigarettes, and I'll quit them too!!! Always easier when you've got a team-mate to support ya! Besides DR. TeaCups would agree with me. You might even get that surgery operation after all. I've sworn off Winston Reds and down to lights now. But we can do it Bro'!!!!!! Hang in there man, Thomas

: RE: Splash, regarding your back.
: Splash June 23, 2008, 01:00:49 PM

Thanks Tex, I've given up on my ortho and I'm looking for a neuro. Ofcourse I may end up having to do like some of the illeagals and trash the bill. :0 I don't want to do that, but which is better me on disability or not paying a bill, that should be covered.  

: RE: Splash, regarding your back.
: Curioguy June 23, 2008, 01:31:01 PM

Hey Mike, go ahead vent. As it has been said before we all need to let out a little steam now and then.(http://../jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-yell.gif) Man, I see the way you move so I know you are dealing with constant pain. I sure hope that you can get some relief and soon. In the mean time, just let me know when you want to sling some lead and have a couple of cold ones. It may not be the permanent cure but it sure can help refocus on fun instead of discomfort. My 850 is due in tomorrow so we can look forward to having a little play time with her. (http://../jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-cool.gif)

: RE: Splash, regarding your back.
: Splash June 23, 2008, 01:47:52 PM

Gary, that's what I need is some trigger time and a fishing trip. I've got the Cold Ones in hand, but they don't work as well as they used to, gotta double up. :o I'll see you tomorrow to get the 850 sited in.

: RE: Splash, regarding your back.
: Splash June 24, 2008, 11:13:17 AM

Thanks Paul, it will get better one day, I hope.

: Any lawers in the house?
: Splash June 26, 2008, 08:11:30 AM

I know every state is different, but I was told that if I go see my own Dr. then that would void my WC medical. Would this be true for Alabama, or will I be OK? I can no longer get a straight answer, from my current lawyer and need an answer to this ?, before I go see my own Dr. WC do boys are not helping and it's time to move on. I do not have any Ins, so an out of pocket surgery, would be tough to swing. Thank you for listening and I'm sorry for bringing my troubles here, just need some help.

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: shootist June 26, 2008, 10:36:55 AM

From what I know of WC law, WC is liable for your medical forever no matter who you see. Mine started as WC. They are liable for your pay check and medical until you and they go to court and settle. At that point, they are no longer liable for your pay check, but they are still liable for any surgery or meds related to your back. That is Massachusetts law. Not sure about your state, but pretty sure the laws are very close. Get yourself a new attorney.  You only pay them if you settle. Then they can only get 20% of your award. Not 33 1/3% like in other legal matters. Good Luck!! Lee

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: Splash June 26, 2008, 10:47:44 AM

The medical was left open, but I've already settled the compensation, cost me 15% here. I was told that they are responsible for my low back, unless I seek treatment elsewhere. It varies from state to state, so I need to know what I can do, without loosing.

: Minds better, butt
: Splash July 05, 2008, 06:11:20 PM

Backs gettin worse and the only relief, I can get is cold brew and OTC pain meds, Dr. was only giving MR's and that stopped in Feb.. I need help guy's and a BIG THANK YOU, to the ones that have been on the side. I've never been one to tell how bad it is, but I'm sitting here with tears rolling down my face. PLEASE I NEED SOME HELP.

: Add this
: Splash July 05, 2008, 07:15:29 PM

Unless I can find a better way to relieve my pain, I'm sure I'll be single soon. Jeff. I don't see how you can move,but keep them hunts comin, they help.

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: PryorDaniel July 05, 2008, 08:42:11 PM

I couldn't find much about the laws in AL, but I did find this.

http://www.workerscompensationinsurance.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=629

It's a forum for people who were injured at work in AL. They should be able to answer your question(s). Hope this helps.

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: shootist July 06, 2008, 12:49:27 AM

Have you tried the pain clinic yet??? With the shape you are in, if I were you, I'd be getting my butt there. How are you sleeping?? If you are not sleeping or it is broken sleep it is amazing what they will do for you. It's because if your sleep is not there or broken, you can not regenerate for the next day and it only gets worse from there. It got me my third dose for the day which really did the trick. Good luck and get your butt there FAST!!! Lee

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: shootist July 06, 2008, 12:53:25 AM

Tell you what. Why don't you give me a call, I've been dealing with the same thing for 20 years. There is a lot I can tell you about my experiences and how I got where I am today. It was a very long road. the # is 413-7961431. I am on the east coast. Lee

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: Splash July 06, 2008, 02:55:09 AM

Thank you Daniel, that helps allot, wish I would have found this site several months ago.

Lee, I'll call you about lunch time.

: Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
: longislandhunter July 06, 2008, 03:10:05 AM

I feel for you Mike,, I know what chronic back pain is like.  I've been living with it since 1988 when I first got injured and it's been a 20 battle that is still raging.  I've had several  recurrences over the years  that have resulted in me being wheeled out of my home on a stretcher and taken to the hospital by ambulance where I stayed each time for several weeks until the pain was tolerable again and I could return home.  I know how depressing it can get but resist the depression as hard as you can, it only makes it worse,,, I know first hand.  Don't give up, try and keep a positive attitude as best as you can, make sure you keep doing the things that you can still do, seek out alternative medical treatments and doctors and evaluate them to see if they can help you, and remember,,,,, every year medical science comes up with new and more effective techniques and treatments that may be able to help you.  

Hang in there Mike and keep fighting, I know it aint easy but it's what ya gotta do.   I pray each night for the strength to continue my battle with my back,,,, I will add you to my prayers as well.  

Jeff

: Gimme a call Mike
: 3n00n July 06, 2008, 07:43:34 AM

Might have something that could help, but I'll need some info from ya.

: RE: Gimme a call Mike
: Splash July 06, 2008, 11:00:34 AM

J, I didn't hang up, my bat went south. I hope all goes well tomorrow and I'll talk to you again soon. Thanks again.

: Yup . . .
: 3n00n July 06, 2008, 12:50:51 PM

Modern technology at its finest . . . (http://../images/emoticons/surprise.gif)

`

Thanks, and I'll be pulling fer you too. It'd be cool if stuff works well enoughso youcan be 'put back right' real soon. Like I said, gimme a call if there's anything else I can be of help with.

: RE: Yup . . .
: Splash July 06, 2008, 01:44:47 PM

I gots me fingers crossed.

: Got back here a few minutes ago.
: 3n00n July 08, 2008, 07:10:18 AM

Sherry had to stay overnight, but I got a package out 6:30am today while she was sleeping in the room- so maybe it'll be thereby Thursday. Let me know if it helps. I'll probably get to see about the fullscrip later this week when she starts to feel better and doesn't need help to sit or stand up.

: RE: Got back here a few minutes ago.
: Splash July 08, 2008, 08:39:29 AM

Thanks J. Was there any complications, or did they just want her to stay, for observation. I just got back from the Dr. they said he was called in, for emer surgery this afternoon, and they tried to call me yesterday, to reschedule my appt, hmmm.(http://../jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-undecided.gif) I guess I'll try again Thurs.