The Back Story

[Matildathecat]

Hi to all fellow back sufferers. I've been on Spooning for a while but don't really feel I fit as I'm not actually ill, just have a chronic (and permanent) back injury. So please post here, no niggle too small. We can share experiences, tips and moans!

Quick history, age 48, last year had sudden crippling back pain eventually diagnosed as disc prolapse L4/5. All conventional treatments tried and failed so had micro discectomy privately.

No progress, and much worse leg pain followed. V long story short was finally seen by second neurosurgeon who diagnosed severe scarring around the nerve root as a result of the surgery. Poor outlook for surgery but we gave it a go, so had second op with similar lack of progress and final MRI showed even worse scarring. Only option chronic pain management . Had several injections with not much effect...

So, permanently disabled, use a stick, endless drugs and a lovely blue badge. Along the way dismissed from career of 25years for ill health.

Sorry, it's a grim story, but hey, I'm ok. Not depressed, have an okish quality of life with the help of my fantastic husband and friends. I walk, albeit slowly and not far, swim a bit and can please myself. Luckily my boys are young adults.

So come along and share. Moans and groans ok, tips and recommendations welcome.

Just don't tell me to see your lovely chiropractor, I might just punch you!(wink)

Oh I saw your post not an accident. But do take it seriously as it is probably a trapped nerve of some kind. This is all related to the spine. I am not diagnosing it at all but the shooting pain down the legs and pain in your back is like mine. Do make sure you see the dr tomorrow at the latest. Take ibuprofen regularly (with food)if you have it and try an icepack to reduce inflammation. You can take paracetamol with the ibuprofen. The dr will give you some stronger painkillers and/anti inflammatory meds.

What they told me when I first got really bad is they really worry if you have problems with urinating or bowels or weakness in that area as it is a possible symptom of cauda equina syndrome This is rare though.
Hope you get on ok tonight. Don't leave it too long to see a dr.

Oops link went wrong en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cauda_equina_syndrome

spongebobsmallpants I had an acute pain in my back which resulted in me not being able to get out of bed for 2 days (my ex had to drag me to the toilet and I fainted there because of pain)

noone was really interested (GP was a bit worried but I haven't had symptoms listed in link above)

I was ringing osteopaths and one (7 or 8 refused home visit!) was kind enough to come and help me
after her gentle massage I was able to tet out of bed myself and had few visits at her clinic afterwards

I'm starting to panic. Like water is coming in, near the top of a room I can't escape - can't breathe.

goodness I don't blame you for panicking I would too. Do try to use those deep breathing exercises to relax for a minute and say some affirmations. I know all a bit woo, but really that can help at least for a short while. Then chat to friends and family and get some hugs. You are strong and you will get through this.

How are you doing today spongebob?

dd didnt sleep well so I didn't have chance to get stiff which helps. ive managed to do a few household jobs this morning but starting to ache again now. Definitely better than it has been

I'm
Fucked off
DH told me garage is a hoarders' mess. It is. He wants me to clear it before Tuesday? I've spent two weeks clearing the house. He can F off or I'll jump under a truck!
Both preferable options to Tuesday's op

Ignore him. he's panicking,too. wishing you harmony and peace today. Got anything wlse planned after nails?

Are you going in tomorrow?

spongebob, it does soind horribly like a trapped nerve. Agree with all above. You can get paracetamol with codeine at the chemist but quite a low dose. Treat this seriously, it can get worse. In terms of activity its rest, potter, rest.

Any clever techies? My idad keeps saying 'cannot connect to server'...I can't do without it. Help!

which website you can't connect to Matildathecat ?

Thanks everyone.
seems I get about 3 painless hours after getting up then it starts again.
im just about to get a bath then I think im going to attempt the walk in centre.
dd (3) is being very helpful and doing all the bending for me. think shes enjoyed filling and empting the washing machine

well doctor was a nice idea but there not booking anyone else today as theres one doc on!

I am copying from my earlier post:

I can recommend this for relaxing your back obviously only if you can do them!:
www.imogenragone.com/lying-down-for-back-pain-relief/

esp variation#2 - you can lie on the carpet or a blanket, lifting legs like that would ease pressure on your lower back, let yourself 10-15 min and see the difference

also sleeping with a pillow between your legs helps to rest your back better:
backandneck.about.com/od/backpainandsleep/ig/Finding-Comfortable-Positions/Hip--Spine-and-Neck-Support.htm

antimatter, I can't connect at all using Safari on ipad. Laptop etc fine so think it's an issue with the pad. Going away on Tuesday and am filled with horror if I can't use it...

Sounds like you will be ok till you can see the dr sponge but be really careful and rest as much as you can. Keep on with the ibuprofen as this will help to prevent inflammation and use the icepacks and heat packs. Can you get to a chemist for some codeine based painkillers? You can still take the ibuprofen as well. You want to avoid it seizing right up so you are stuck in bed for a week! So take it really easy.

Matildathecat - do the hadr reboot
I can't remember design of Ipad but keep pressing off button until it shuts down, restart again.

Going in on Tuesday (arrival 2pm. Op. 6pm). 4 hours of WHAT exactly?
Cosying up to a film with the children and DH at the moment.
Breathing better. Had row with DH. Everyone is anxious and he's lost both of his DPs over the last three years (both times following operations). My messy garage reminds him of theirs.

Sponge bob, how u doing? Not well , I'm sure. Sending virtual hug (not too tight as don't want it to hurt you).

I currently have noooooooo back pain. It's so very strange to be voluntarily serving myself up on an operating table for major spinal surgery - when I have NO symptoms.

Tidying the garage will be something dh can do while you are recouperating, keep him busy! Don't blame him for getting bit upset though, it is a horrible time for you all. Is there someone your dh can talk to for support? Stay strongx

I feel like a bit of a fraud posting here with all the problems everyone else here is having with their backs

I've had lower back pain for what feels like forever. In reality it's probably only been a few years, but for the last two years or so it's pretty constant.

When I get up in the morning I'm stiff and painful, if I get up from sitting down it's the same. Carrying shopping bags hurts, leaning back hurts.

I've been to the Gp a few times but I'm always told it's my weight. I'm in no doubt that my weight is contributing to the problem and I'm working on that, but I'm not convinced that it's the root cause iyswim?

I can't take ibuprofen or any kind of NSAID, and I don't find codeine and paracetamol to be too helpful.

Heat helps a bit though.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to get my Gp to take me a little more seriously? Would I be unreasonable to ask for a referral to physio? Would a chiropractor be worth exploring? Would swimming be beneficial?

I'm grateful for any tips or advice. Oh and and for those of you having a hard time with your backs at the moment

Hi sublimecorpse I had minor back pain for quite some time before my last bad episode. This is what i have learned recently and wish i had done earlier! A bad back that is not due to injury, is often caused by bad posture and doing lots of little things that stress the spine. This over time leads to stiff spinal joints and a degeneration of your discs. Being over weight does put additional stress on your back as well as making your posture less good sometimes. But other things all contribute to the problem.

As your dr is being unhelpful he may not refer you for physio or if he does they may just give you exercises. The ideal thing is to have some private physio or visit an osteopath for massage. If you can afford to go to this even a few times. Then you can get some exercises to stretch and strengthen your core muscles. Losing weight can help, my mum found a lot of improvement after she lost weight. But you still need to get some help with your back itself too. Can you afford the private physio or osteopath?

Oh yes sublimecorpse have you tried heat pads on your back a lot of people find it very helpful.

im coping thanks.
bit annoyed as id readied myself to brave the doctors.
ive spent most the afternoon watching films with dd and did an easy dinner so not much standing around.
I currently have the body bandage, I was given when I had SPD, on with a hot water bottle in and the relief is amazing. although finding my hips are beginning to hurt more.
I shall be attempting doctors tomorrow.
DP (dont live together) is here tonight so he will sort DD if she wakes. im going to take slightly stronger pain killers tonight. I havent been taking codeine as it makes me drowsy

Matilda I (the most computer illiterate person out there) think if the Ipad has crashed you have to reboot it by switching it off (top right hand edge on my Ipad 1- might be different on newer ones).
It was sitting in dh car that set my back off this time around- its an older style low down sports car with bucket style seats. Have not been in it since! Cars and sneezing seem to be quite hazardous.

It must be very strange for you Goodness. My Dh seemed to be quite grumpy and picky whilst I was in hospital- I think it was his way of covering up his fear too. He is always a bit that way too when jet lagged - and yours is both jet lagged and worried! Garages are always messy in winter, that's what I think any way. Where else do you put everything?

I've had sciatica on and off usually on my right side (all down the hip back of leg ect.), but in the last few weeks I' ve also got pain in my left thigh -at the front. I don't know if this is also back related. Could it be a different form of sciatica?

sublimecorpse - I am going to physio , it will be 3rd visit next week
he makes perfect sense giving me small exercises to do and investigating my spine step by step
chiropractor and osteopath will fix probelm
physio will work with you to address how to improve your muscles and I think for me at least it's the best thing now

I am overweight - he never mentioned that as reason for my issues! bad posture, bad habits - yes!

so ask for referral