I'm Wrecked & Bonkers!

[Starlight]

Oh Walrus, I am sorry... You have my total sympathy as I can identify as I have stenosis in my lumbar back, which is similar in a way and which is a narrowing of the spinal canal which puts pressure on the spinal nerve. This causes chronic and truly acute and eye-popping sciatica and other pain, both in my back and leg right down to my foot. This is on top of several other degenerated discs! I have repeated shots of steroid and nerve block into the spinal nerves, which helps a bit. Otherwise, it's surgery and we're trying to avoid it for now. I feel for you as I know how painful and disabling it can be.

Very annoying when tests like that get cancelled! I hope you manage to sort it out and that they get you another soon. And that there may be some treatment other than surgery

[Uselessdreamer1]

im sorry to hear about so many illness' on the boards. I too suffer from major depression and chronic pain as well as stomach issues that currentally have no reason to be there. and im 21....


I realized that all you can do is try to enjoy your life and life it the way YOU want too.

[Walrus]

Oh Walrus, I am sorry... You have my total sympathy as I can identify as I have stenosis in my lumbar back, which is similar in a way and which is a narrowing of the spinal canal which puts pressure on the spinal nerve. This causes chronic and truly acute and eye-popping sciatica and other pain, both in my back and leg right down to my foot. This is on top of several other degenerated discs! I have repeated shots of steroid and nerve block into the spinal nerves, which helps a bit. Otherwise, it's surgery and we're trying to avoid it for now. I feel for you as I know how painful and disabling it can be.

Very annoying when tests like that get cancelled! I hope you manage to sort it out and that they get you another soon. And that there may be some treatment other than surgery

Thanks. I also suffer from stenosis & bilateral sciatica. I've had surgery on my L4-S1, and have 6 titanium rods in my lower back. If this current issue results in surgery, it would be my third (c4-c7 also). My family already refers to me as Iron Man. I've had shots, physical therapy, traction... not sure what alternatives are left.

I'm sure it will get sorted out. I guess one day's notice just wasn't enough to get the paperwork done.

[TxTrouble]

Hi Walrus. I understand what your going thru. I had c5-6 surgery several years ago. I have either 5-6 discs that are either "slightly bulging" or small herniation. I have the Cervical Radiculopathy as well. I have had way to many epidural steriod injections to count. They have been doing rhizotmys (not sure of spelling) the last few years. Basically they burn the nerves that branch off the spine to the neck and shoulders. Only problem is that it only lasts 4-6 months. But for me its worth it right now. If it gets worse then I may have to break down and see a surgeon again.
I also had no idea (before I had my c5 c6 surgery) the surrounding discs around the "fixed" disc will wear out and probably another surgery.

[Jules22871]

I have a small section of my sacrum fused so they could re-attach my pelvis and I know how bad it bothers me. I can't even begin to imagine what you must go thru. Then to have to deal with incompetent people in scheduling only makes it worse. I hope you can get everything settled soon and without to much trouble.

[Mary Kay]

Well Big guy, what has happened? Isn't trying to do scans and stuff hard when you have rods in your back? Mom had her back fractures cemented. They stoped when they realized she was getting yet more fracture s every day. I told her if she got anymore, she wouldn't be able to go swimming without sinking!

[Walrus]

Well Big guy, what has happened? Isn't trying to do scans and stuff hard when you have rods in your back? Mom had her back fractures cemented. They stoped when they realized she was getting yet more fracture s every day. I told her if she got anymore, she wouldn't be able to go swimming without sinking!

Well.. I had the MRI, which they decided was inconclusive. I'm scheduled for a CT Myelogram on the 29th

[JABLUES]

Well.. I had the MRI, which they decided was inconclusive. I'm scheduled for a CT Myelogram on the 29th

Hey Walrus, i havent been in wrecked and bonkers in a couple days and just read about your recent problems..hope all is alright although i know once you get to a certain point, it will never be alright. I just had surgery on my neck 2 weeks ago..put a cage and some nuts and bolts in my neck..i was losing feeling in my arm and bad pain..2 weeks later pain seems worse and numness is back..i also have a lot of back issues like you and i feel like i can relate. Hope ur doing as as good as can be..hang in brother

[Kamanjah]

I love men in kilts! Boy, do I fit in here or what?!! I was looking for some updated info on fibromyalgia and landed on this thread. I'm on my way back from a major 10 day flare - I'm still using PG, but just got some VG today to try to see if I feel any better. I think the PG may exacerbate fibro & chronic fatigue, but it's still better than sticking rolled herb in your face and lighting it on fire!

I drink lots of water - always have - in an effort to keep the lactic acid flushed out.

Also have the neck/back thing (stenosis, degenerative disks & arthritis) going on and was told yesterday by my chiro (the only reason I haven't had to have surgery!) that I have sciatica in my shoulder blades. Geez! Having it down my leg is just enough, already!

I even have "bionic" toes - had to have the big toe joints replaced - one was a success, the other, well, too much bone loss & only partially successful, but I can walk!

One interesting note on blood pressure - I had quit smoking for several years, and had to be on BP meds. Got started smoking again (dumb me!) and the BP went to normal and I was able to stop taking meds. Now, it's been borderline since about 4 weeks after I smoked my last analog. Keeping an eye on it.

Anyway, glad to have found this group. Hope everyone is having a low pain day!

_______________
Love my Janty Stick!

[bonniegirl]

Walrus, I am so sorry for your pain. I feel for you.....really. I had open heart surgery and the a holes cracked me open too far and crushed 3 of my cervical vertebrae. I have had epidurals for radiating pain and numbness down my arms for 3 years and have been on dilaudid as well. In addition, we share anxiety disorder, who the hell wouldn't be anxious in our condition? Keep your handsome chin up and your sense of humor and we wrecked and bonkers will keep on keeping on.
love and peace
Bonnie