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...

675 Members
1,177 Posts
0 Online
Muscles & Bones
/ Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

Young and suffering

CF89
CF89

hi guys I'm new to this support group thing! I'm 27 and two years ago I had a discectomy of L5/S1. I had multiple steroid injections after as the pain wasn't going away. I was then referred to a pain clinic where I was told I have nerve damage and it is going to be a chronic condition. I ended up In a and e a few months back (I work there) and had another scan. The scan show I have DDD. My disc has halved in size in 6 months and I am dreading what is going to happen in another 6 months. I'm currently off work. Im a radiographer working In a Euro centre so know exactly all about this stuff! I have been told that my job is the cause of all this. I am now suffering much stress and anxiety about what the future holds! I worked hard for my degree and to get this career and now I may be faving the prospects of having to change my career which I really don't want to do as I lobe my job. I have been told I will need a fusion. Are there any other health workers out there that have been through similar experiences and what happened to you? My hair has also started to fall out. This happened right before my surgery I developed alopecia! People don't seem to understand what it is like living with chronic back pain. As it is a condition that can't be seen every assumes you are fine. It's not just pain you suffer it's stress, anxiety,depression and uncertainty. I thought I would join a support group to speak to people who understand what I am going through. My work aren't very understanding and supportive which absolutely shocks me as I work for the NHS. And for a neuro centre where we treat people with these problems everyday! I sometimes feel I would be better off dead. I can't go on suffering like this any longer. I should be at the peak of my life and I feel like it's already ending. I can no l

CF89
CF89
I can no longer work. Go to the gym or socialise. I currently feel like I am
Just existing
MustangMomma
MustangMomma
I'm sorry your job is not being sensitive to your condition. Unfortunately most employers are not caring. I find yoga and meditation helps. They offer AOA yoga near me, Adults with OsteoArthritis, so each individual does what they are capable of. Also, I take gabapentin, and noticed a big difference in my radiculopathy after starting this. Also, swimming is great, even if all you do is go and float around if your in too much pain, or do laps if you can. Either way, it's not putting pressure on your spine. My doctor has recommended Tai Chi, but I haven't tried it yet. Just getting out a few days a week to a swim class or Tai Chi may improve your spirits. Also look up your area to see if there are any support groups in your area for DDD or fibromyalgia, this can be a great support network for you emotionally. You will find people who know what you are going through.
I'm so sorry for what you are going through...hang in there! Things will get better!
CF89
CF89
Thank you for replying! I have currently started hyrdroyherapy which is a real help! and have now managed to get back into swimming. I was on gabapentin before my surgery, however it caused me to develop alopecia. As you can imagine for a 25 year old it was very difficult to deal with. I am
Now on all sorts of medication! I have tried looking for s local support group to no avail! Il have to just keep on going for now. If only people realised what torment we actually go through! Thanks for you're reply it is much appreciated!
stoic
stoic
Hi CF8g and all, this is my first post; I just discovered this site and have been reading some posts which have made me feel much better about some of the things I am struggling with. The main one being that people who haven't experienced chronic pain do not seem to understand that it is constant, varying in degree, but constant and they forget that it is something I deal with all the time.
I have severe degeneration at the L5/S1 vertebrae which are misaligned 50%. The disc between them is gone. The spinal surgeon, with whom I spent 2 minutes of his precious time, indicated he would perform the fusion, but it wouldn't help so he recommended not bothering, which I concurred with.
CF8g, I am wondering what your experience has been of having surgery to deal with the damage in your back. Has it helped? I am lucky as I can take gabapentin without suffering alopecia.
I have accepted that the issues of pain and a lack of mobility are going to be lifelong and am considering swimming as well.
Cheers!
CF89
CF89
HYDROTHEAPY! It's amazing you can actually move! I had a session today the pain afterwards was unbearable but it helps you to get moving and I should feel better in a couple of days! I had a microdiscectomy at L5/s1 a couple of years ago which helped until I lifted a patient at work causing it to prolapse again! And it's has been getting progressively worse ever since! My disc is now degenerative even though I was told it would regenerate itself! It has halved in size in the past 6 months between scans so I dread to think what is going to happen in another 6 months but a fusion is on the cards. I'm having steroid injections next week which I have had numerous amount of times! They work in the short term but any relief is welcomed relief!!! Just to feel slightly normal for a couple of months is amazing! Have you tried using a tens machine they really help!!! I have also been told I have nerve damage.. found the disc too late causing the damage! I agree one of the worst parts of this is people who don't understand as they haven't been through it! It hurts to have people thinking you are making this up! I would not wish this on anyone! I'm 27 and I feel like my life is over!!
NamedKim
NamedKim
I am so sorry you have this at your age. Most of my neck discs were damaged by a similar age. I think there will be more medical breakthroughs for your generation, so hang in there. I find Nortriptyline in the evening takes the edge off pain for me. I have Myelomalacia too (actual cord damage. I burn all over but sometimes go numb because nerve pain is so unpredictable. I am 60 now. I suffered a long 20 years of being told I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A pain doctor eventually did the MRI. Things are better now and hopefully will continue to improve for people like you.
ElisaB
ElisaB
Sometimes I think the suffering that accompanies the pain can be worse. The loss of a career, your youthful age. It sounds like you are also having great deal of stress. Since you are a clinician, you know the slippery slope of pain, suffering and stress. I have BEEN where you are as a former athlete, single Mom and type A personality. Not having full capabilities is tough. But you are NOT alone. You will be okay, you WILL find the right treatment or pain management clinic to learn techniques and tools to help yourself, which will make you feel better. I am thinking of you and praying that you are sent the right information and receive support - so that you feel better emotionally.