What is Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. In fact, about 3 in 4 adults will experience back pain during their lifetime! The term back pain...
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I will try to keep this short. I had a major car accident in May 2001. I had PT, Chiropractic care, and massage therapy for 2 years. I felt pretty good but since then I will have a sore back from doing things I thought were not a big deal. (Like picking up boxes less then 50 pounds) Somewhat of a side note... I have had issues with my "female organs" Severe pain and other stuff. They finally gave me a Hysterectomy in Oct. 2008. I thought the pain I felt during those "Issues" would go away after the Hysterectomy, I was wrong.
If I try to sweep and mop the floor I can't stand up straight for hours. I have a hard time picking up the laundry, twisting the wrong way causes my legs to go out from under me, and at times I can not find a way to stand, sit, or lay down that will ease the pain or help me get comfortable. I have nights I can not sleep due to pain. I have tried Flexaril, Vicodin, Naproxen, and now I have started Tramadol. I have tried PT which only made things worse. My Doc sent me to an Ortho. Surgen who said he want's to do a Posterior Lumbar Fusion. I had an MRI, my results: Degenerative Disk Disease, Partial lumbarization of S1, disc desiccation at L5-S1, Hemangioma on right side of L5 measuring 1.5 CM in diameter, mild spinal stenosis secondary to a 5.6mm focal midline disc protrusion. Some of you may be able to understand all of that. I however can't think straight now. I feel like I am to young (34) to need back surgery. I have not gotten a second opinion yet, trying to work that out with Ins. right now. I would really like to hear from people who have had a similar back problem and either did or did not go through with a surgery. I want to hear about outcomes, how you dealt with the pain, anything that helped. I just know trying to have a surgery right now seems impossible. (Hubby in Iraq, no family nearby, and small children) But then again I can't even walk my kids to the park now or do much of anything. Thanks for any insight you can offer. Cristy Posted on 05/03/09, 09:05 pm |
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I don't know about you, but for me, knowing what's wrong is better. My best advice is to do research on the surgery!
I had an anterior cervical double discectomy with fusion (that wording may be off a little) last Monday (one week). I am hopeful that it will do the trick. I can already tell a difference in the way I feel...it's just not the same pain as before. I can only hope that this has been a success. If not, then I don't feel the surgery was a mistake. I can say that confidently. I look at it as me doing everything I could possibly do to get my life back. I'm 26 and the NS said I could possibly put it off if I wanted to, but I figure, the younger you are, the better you heal. My cousin had a fusion done on her lumbar last year and she says she hasn't felt this good in years. She's in her 40's. I hope that you get on track soon! My thoughts are with you! 
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i have had back pain for about 7 years now and use gabapentin and tramadol and tramadol 50 fr..
Doing house work makes the pain so much worse. I'm waiting to see what they are going to do as everything is getting worse. Rest and pacing helps out. I try not to bend over and do everything at bench level as it helps. I have don't pt and found that has helped out a little in helping with the postures and that. goodluck.
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Hi! I had the posterior lumbar interbody fusion with pedicle rods and screws on L5.L6. Three years ago. Please do research on the Surgeons I have heard bad stories before My back surgery and I was scared to death and put it off for 5 years.. I did get 2nd and 3rd opinions.and being 27 at the time,I felt i was way too young to have back surgery,but at the time I was also too young to be in bed most of the time.
Luckily my back surgery has been very successfull,I can run 4 miles a day even lift weights..basically do everything I could before and more much more. i do have a little trouble still with a nerve running down my leg,but the Dr said it would take a while to heal since it was being compressed for years by my disks.I take Lyrica which helps great,the surgery worked great for me,but that is just my expeiriance. Just do your reasearch carefully and good luck!
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Hi,
I had a 3 level 360 fusion from L2 thru L4 back in November of 07 due to DDD and many other issues. I had 3 opinions before deciding on surgery. I did PT, shots, accupunture, inversion table, etc. before deciding on my surgery. Unfortunately for me the surgery was not a success. I have not fuse yet is it's been over a year and I was also diagnose with fail back surgery syndrome. I know many people that have had 1 level fusions, even 2 levels and they are doing fantastic, the problem usually occurs when multi-levels are done (3 or more). I did a lot of research and I knew that fact before jumping into the operating table, but as a Nurse I knew that it was either surgery or a wheelchair, so I chose the surgery. You have age on your side. The younger you are the faster and better you will recover. So do your homework, become an expert in your condition, go at least to one more Doctor for another opinion and if you decide to have surgery, make sure to plan ahead of time. you need to arrange for someone to take care of the children for at least 3 to 4 weeks while you recover at home, need to have someone there for you for at least the first 2 weeks and you might not be allowed to drive for 6 weeks post-op so you need to prepare for that also. I am not trying to scare you, I am giving you the facts. More people have succesful back surgeries every single day, so do not get scare because a few of us had problems, as you know nothing in life is guaranteed. Good luck to you and hope that your pain can be taken care of soon. Hugs,
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I thank you all for your input. This is a lot for me to take all at once, which is why I started searching the web. I plan on talking to more docs. Part of me feels like I should just do it and pray the pain goes away, the other part of me reminds me not every day is a bad day... is it worth it?
I know that no two surgeries are alike and I do want to hear the good and bad outcomes. This isn't something that has to be done right this minute so I guess I don't have to rush it. Cristy
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thanks for your input on my blog.unfortunatley at this point i have no advice for you.but i can appreciate your pain.i know.i was scheduled for surgery may 22.i cancelled the surgery lookn for a second opinion.as soon as i have the second opinion i will decide on the surgery or not.i was injured 5-5-09.i fell off a ladder from about 15 ft.what a life changing fall it was.i will keep you informed of my situation.this web site has helped alot.just knowing im not alone seems to help.god bless u and your husband!
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Good for you-being informed is the best thing but remember we do not have MD after our names either, we live inside our bodies and deal with it everyday, it is such a catch 22...we are literally at their mercy...
Cristy- I waited 8 years to have my surgery until I could no longer walk or function...sounds like you are about there. My first surgery went really well...had complications at 15 days post op- spinal fluid leak-and needed a blood transfusion as well. After 8 months of physical therapy and working part time for a company that, get this, CARED...I was at almost 80% function in my personal opinion. So,have faith...ask questions...get 2nd and 3rd opinion if you need to, my surgeon was an ortho and neuro so I was lucky as each have their own ideas on how to treat us. I cannot stress this part enough: PHYSICAL THERAPY IS THE M O S T IMPORTANT PART OF THIS WHOLE SITUATION...POST-OPERATIVELY I AM SPEAKING. Best of luck to ya Respect- Nancy
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I was suspose to have my first spinal fusion in early 04 due to a fracture at L-2. I put it off because my father got really sick. Long story short he was in the hospital for a year. He ending up losing his hear, legally blind and ending up having to have both legs aumptated. I brought him home to care for him. I had him home for 10 months. I tripped over his lift and shattered my back. I had no choice to have the fusions at S-1 to L2. I have had chronic pain due to the hardware. I could feel the heads of the bolts. I had the hardware removed and had to have another fusion at L-4 and L-5. I'm back a square one. I can still fell the hardware( right l5 screw head). The 2nd fusion Oct 08, my father n law passed away the day before my surgery. I went into it with a broken heart. Nov 16th 08 I had a massive heart attack at the age of 43. I know have a stent in my heart. My heart is healing well. But I still live in chronic pain due to the hardware, burtsis in my hip and sacroillitis in the right side. I did go and do accupunture in my hip and on my back. I have to say it really helped the burtsis in my hip. I have no more hip pain and I don't limp anymore. I would try accupunture if you have no tried that. I don't mean to scare you but this is my story. If you need to talk or just vent, I'm here for you. Please do your research and get 2nd opinion. You do have age on your side. I do know people that have had good outcomes with spinal fusions also. Big Gental Hugs, Peach
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About your female issues...
Have your every had your sacral area MRI-ed? I have two cysts in S2. On bad days it feels like I gave birth to a bowling ball. From other's I have learned that "tarlov cysts" give you horrible pains and weakness anywhere from the waist down. Do me a favor, and have it checked out. PS Most doctors will tell you that Tarlov Cysts do not cause problems. They are wrong.
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First, I'd like to say that most of the people with successful surgeries are not on this website; they're out enjoying their lives.
I have an L5-S1 herniated disc among other spinal problems. I'm 22 years old and I've had back pain for 7 years, the past 3 being severe. I was offered surgery, but I'm refusing at this time. Since I'm young, I'm worried that other discs will go bad earlier in my life due to them taking all the pressure that my L5-S1 used to take. It takes the most pressure out of any segment of your spine. When you take it out(fuse it), other discs above it have to take the pressure. This can cause them to go bad at an increased rate, then you're back at square one. There are plenty of stronger medications you can try if you choose. I know that surgery for me is inevitable, but I'm putting it off as long as possible to try to avoid more surgeries earlier in life. One thing that I will say, although I have balance problems, my legs don't generally give out on me. This might be a sign that your surgery time has come. Obviously I'm not a doctor, but, as you know, this is not good! Did the surgeon talk to you about a microdiscectomy, which is a lesser surgery than a fusion? Ultimately, my best advice is to make sure in your heart that you feel you've honestly done everything prior to having surgery and that you've given these things enough time to work. This can include nerve meds and stronger pain meds, only if you want to try them. Research all the therapies, such as aqua therapy, auriculotherapy (which is a miracle for my nerve pain), acupuncture, acupressure (great for muscle spasms), and so much more. If you can honestly say you've tried everything, just make the decision you are comfortable with. Enter your decision with a positive, hopeful, fighting attitude, and you will do great! Once you have surgery, there's no going back! I wish you all the luck in the world making your decision! Please remember that these are only my opinions! Much love and understanding, Lisa
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