Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

I was a home care nurse taking care of a 230 pound paralyzed patient for 20 years. I had a neck injury (spinal cord contusion). I also have lumbar compression of L5S1. Also, my cousin was a hospital nurse for 25 years and had total degeneration of her back. My company denied me also, and I took them to court and won. So, did my cousin's. Keep fighting - it will take awhile but you will win. Make sure you have an experienced workman's comp attorney. Good luck and God Bless. Mary Anne

I totally understand how you feel. The fear, the sadness, the depression, the anger, the worry, and the pain. I have been diagnosed with severe DDD, severe spinal stenosis, and severe psoriatic arthritis which is rheumatoid arthritis' evil twin. I have 3 surgeries, two to repair herniated discs at the L3-L4 and L5-L6 and one for my stenosis. I currently in pain management. Luckily I am still able to work and I have too realized that there are folks on here that are worse off than me. I guess those are my two bright spots. My wife, family, and so-called friends think they understand but they truly don't. I have been sad and depressed over the last couple of years and it's not because want to be as they think. I try to be happy, find happiness, and the positives, but it seems like everytime I turned a corner something is there to drag me right back down. I'm convinced that all the meds I'm on to keep me going effect my mental well-being. But what can I do? I have to keep going and support my family. It's just that my friends and family are so quick to give me remedies for my sadness and expect me to just buck up and get on with life. They think because they may have had some pain from an injury before that they can relate to me and how I feel and think if they could be happy again then so can I. It's not that easy. I try to fight, but the fight in me is slowing going away. Anyway, I'm glad you are here and just wanted you to know we understand what you are going thru. I will be herr if you ever need someone to talk to.

Take care,

John

Thanks for the replies, the support is very helpful.Just to talk to someone who understands what I'm going through is a relief!I watched a show that was very inspirational today. It was a man born with only partial limbs and how he deals with daily life, his positive attitude was infectious. It was called John Robinson-Get Off Your Knees. I haven't looked him up on the web yet but I plan on it. He definately has lived through loss,depression,unemployment, sadness, frustration and all the other emotions I think alot of us deal with. Thanks again-I'm here as well with an open heart and lending ear!

I know where your coming from.We had a family get together at a resturant.I got up and tried to walk around but my legs felt sooo heavy and weak.I was all hunged over and horrific pain.I said I,m sorry but I have to leave early.I,m in so much pain.My step mom gave a hug and said are getting worse I said yes.More disk are degenarating my mom goes you have scosiosis I said no Ihave ddd.I been to mayo clinic 2 and thats what my diagnosis is.As I was leaving one of my sisters goes it was a short visit then my Dad was yelling at me as I was walking out time for a wheel chair!!I felt so embarrassed.I have a great family but they really got on my nerves last night.Could be worse.

Wow, I'm so sorry you had to experience all that! Family members love you , but they do not understand! Sometimes I feel really alone, and I know my family gets tired of hearing about my back problems.But that's what these kind of resources are for, and thank God we have access to them! We can share in our pain, our fears and also our hope. Hang in there, I understand and I care!

Does anyone have more pain when they drive. I drove to therapy today and I had to take pain med the minute I got home. It is my right leg which is on the gas pedal. Both of my legs are weak during therapy (it is for balance) and I have to rest frequently. But, driving kills me.

No, I usually don't have more pain, but struggle with my legs going numb.

My right leg and my arm go numb but the pain is awful. Luckily, when I lie down and take my meds it goes away.