elessar

Close Back Pain

Severe cervial disc disease since 1993. 7 surgeries. Mostly metal neck. Chronic pain. Depression. Ulcer. Marriage problems. What fun!

Treatments

Acupuncture Too Soon to Tell

Dr.dumped me after I told her I was on narcotics.Hoped acupunture might cut my need for narcotics. No other acupuncturists around.

Epidural Injection Somewhat Helpful

Worked quite well until Dr. messed up and gave me a huge subdural hematoma resulting in a stroke and a dropped foot. Regained use of foot and stroke was minor, but can't have epidurals again.

Fentanyl Somewhat Helpful

Helps but doesn't last 3 days. The last day is a bitch. Must be very careful not to overdose.

Heat Somewhat Helpful

Can help short-term with muscle spasms.

Hydrocodone Somewhat Helpful

Use this for breakthrough pain that fentanyl can't handle.

Ibuprofen Not Working

not much

Naproxen Not Working

not much

Physical Therapy Not Working

Useless

Relaxation Not Working

Enjoyable,but doesn't help pain.

TENS Somewhat Helpful

Not very helpful, but did help with muscle spasms occasionally.

Close Degenerative Disc Disease

I have DDD in all areas of my spine. I have had 7 operations on my cervical spine. I have had paralysis in both arms, at different times, but it has been fixable so afr. The last several years my legs have become involved with difficulty walking and serious neuropathy. This has caused Charcot Foot disease in my left foot, with other problems in the right. no one can believe I'm not in a wheelchair. I'm very stubborn with a high pain threshold. Pain breaks thru all meds I've taken, but helps.