Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which is often called "degenerative disc disease" (DDD) of the spine, DDD is in fact a condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the quality of one's life. While disc degeneration is not a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe constant...
Hi all I just joined and wanted to introduce myself. I was diagnosed with ddd two years ago, but was told I have had it for about ten years. I am now 30 and still feel like I have most of my life ahead of me, but when I was first diagnosed I had a lifting accident that laid me up for almost 2 years. I recently had a lamenectamy and fusion of t5-t8 with 2 rods and 8 screws put in place. And even more recently had a neurostimulator implanted to help deal with pain in my lower back. My goal is to be able to deal with the pain with out taking any pain meds, unfortunately the doctors tell me I should be on meds to deal with the pain. Most recently they gave me dilaudid which I have refused to take all together. Any tips on what you guys do to take care of the pain would be great.
I am very sorry to read about all the back problems that you have had at a very young age. Even though I have DDD, it is nowhere near the problems that you have had and are having (another reason to move your post to the "Chronic Pain" Forum).
There have been a few people comment about have a stimulator implanted, but I cannot say that it is often mentioned. Most people do go the pain medication route for a variety of reasons. I looked at it briefly a few years ago and decided that I did not want, or probably need an implant. But again, I do not have anywhere near the issues that you have.
I understand your wanting to stay away from pain medications, but they can be helpful. I was on Dilaudid for about 3 years after trying several others pain medications. Dilaudid, for me, had the fewest side effects (none basically, except the constipation that comes with all opiate meds). It is a fast acting, and a fast stopping, drug that did give me problems because of its short half-life. To help that issue I stated taking one-half a pill every 3 hours, instead on one pill every 6 hours. A poor mans extended relief method that my pain doctor had no problem with since the total number of pills per day did not exceed his prescription.
There is an extended release (24 hours) form of Dilaudid called Exlago. I took it for several weeks before my insurance cut me off (it is very expensive, but works very well). I believe that it is available as generic now, but since I have weaned-off all pain medications, I have not checked its pricing. Anyway, if I was you and based on my experience with Dilaudid, I would recommend it over any other "by mouth" drug.
I hope you can find some relief soon, and come on over to the Chronic Pain Board!