Author Topic: Sorry, but I gotta vent  (Read 4809 times)

Offline Splash

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Sorry, but I gotta vent
« on: 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.
Mike
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Offline Bhawanna

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RE: Sorry, but I gotta vent
« Reply #1 on: 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!
The hardest part of getting old is trying to look good naked!

Offline Splash

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RE: Sorry, but I gotta vent
« Reply #2 on: 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.
Mike
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Offline yel01z06

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Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
« Reply #3 on: 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?

Offline Splash

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Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
« Reply #4 on: 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.
Mike
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Offline shootist

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Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
« Reply #5 on: 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

Offline yel01z06

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Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
« Reply #6 on: 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

Offline Splash

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Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
« Reply #7 on: 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.
Mike
We can\'t control the wind, but we can adjust our sails.
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Offline 3n00n

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I up and quit pain meds {etc} last year.
« Reply #8 on: 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 . . .
`
As well asno pursuit of the more thanyear old'cure' for cancer continues to be monumentally apparent, because there is no profit in it!

Offline Splash

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RE: I up and quit pain meds {etc} last year.
« Reply #9 on: 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?
Mike
We can\'t control the wind, but we can adjust our sails.
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Offline Tex

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Splash, regarding your back.
« Reply #10 on: 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



Offline tjk

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Re: Sorry, but I gotta vent
« Reply #11 on: 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
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Offline Splash

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RE: Splash, regarding your back.
« Reply #12 on: 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.  
Mike
We can\'t control the wind, but we can adjust our sails.
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Offline Curioguy

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RE: Splash, regarding your back.
« Reply #13 on: 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. 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.

Offline Splash

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RE: Splash, regarding your back.
« Reply #14 on: 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.
Mike
We can\'t control the wind, but we can adjust our sails.
http://www.airgunspa.com
http://www.airgunone.com
http://www.airguntricks.com