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...
Granted I'm old and it is pretty much expected, but it was a shock when, at a recent doctor's visit I got measured for the first time in many years. Used to always reply when asked my height - 5' 3 3/4." Imagine my surprise when this time I measured 5' 2 1/4"!
I've had spinal problems since 1992 when I was injured and had no insurance. My right leg went paralyzed and I remained flat on my back for four months. Never really got serious treatment for the problem, but eventually got some pain pills and muscle relaxants, once I got out of my nearly homeless situation. So, today, I still deal with pain 24/7 and have some really bad spells where I can hardly walk. I do have some good days, too. But I digress - anybody else getting shorter?
Jan
I've had spinal problems since 1992 when I was injured and had no insurance. My right leg went paralyzed and I remained flat on my back for four months. Never really got serious treatment for the problem, but eventually got some pain pills and muscle relaxants, once I got out of my nearly homeless situation. So, today, I still deal with pain 24/7 and have some really bad spells where I can hardly walk. I do have some good days, too. But I digress - anybody else getting shorter?
Jan
I have had ddd since atleast 2000 i used to be 5'4" when i graduated high school and 12 years later I am only 5'2". when I found out that I shrunk I cried for a little bit, but years later it's just another thing I deal with. I was in constant pain for years and years, ive been on all different pain meds, none worked. However, last year my doctor sent me to a spine specialist who recommended for me to try a neurostimulator for my pain. WOW what a difference, i hated all the meds and just wanted off them, well now i am thanks to my stimulator. well i could go on and on if you would like to know more about my system please feel free to send me an email or message!
hope this helped
Becca
I'm so glad it worked for you. Many years ago my husband (spinal cord injury) had a TENS unit, but it didn't help him at all. I'm wondering if there have been improvements made. That would be a good thing. He is in pain 24/7 and only has oral meds. I had a friend who had a war injury and had an implanted morphine pump. He said it saved his life and he was able to be as active as he wanted. Don't know why they haven't offered my DH one of those.
Smiles, Jan
i use to be 5 foot 4 and then i had a double fusion on L4, L5, &S1, with hardware and now i am 5 foot 6.. the fusion straightened up my back and now im actually taller..so you might want to consider that.. Just kidding, but my point is, maybe your height will return if you get a fusion someday.. i dont wish that on anyone, and if i could go back, i would take the height decrease over the surgery.. it was a hard failed surgery, and it took 8 years to recover from, but thats a different story.. ..
~stinke~
As for me, I'm just too old to ever consider surgery again. I'm 75 and remember the aunt I resemble getting shorter and shorter. Guess it runs in the family. Plus, I've just heard too many horror stories about back surgeries, and I'm chicken.
Thanks for your response and good luck.
Jan