The Back Story Continues

[Matildathecat]

This is the support thread for all sufferers of back pain. Everyone most welcome to join.

Here's our first thread

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/1871592-The-Back-Story

My story long and grim but basically had failed surgery for disc prolapse, then further failed surgery to attempt to salvage the situation. I have nerve root damage and severe scarring around the nerve at L5 which won't get better. I'm 48, can't work, take a lot of drugs and have a blue badge. Currently battling several different agencies for ill health retirement and other benefits.

But I'm ok, having some fun despite the pain and have made some lovely friends on here.

Please post and include your story if you'd like to. No niggles too small, this is strictly non competitive!

[PavlovtheCat]

I'm sooooo excited! I have more pain today after a bad night, so I shall be not so much drinking £5 a bottle beer and more taking opiates

Hope everyone is ok. Take it steady and hope your pain levels are all manageable. I am late for work. I am always bloody late . It's a good job I work on flexi and just down the road!

[GoodnessKnows]

Run Pavlov! Run! ]

[livelablove]

But don't jar your back

[Matildathecat]

pavlov enjoy! Sounds like proper fun which is what we need.

I saw the chiropractor this morning. For those not up to speed(!) I'm on holiday in the Far East. This chap is a very old chum of my DH. Basically he has nothing to gain from advising me.

My X-rays ( standing) made total sense. My right leg is slightly longer than the left. This, by the time it reaches the pelvis/sacrum equates to a 1cm difference. This pushes the lumber spine out of alignment into an abnormal curvature and causes the disc at L4/5 to be squeezed to the left. Hence disc prolapse, dehydration and subsequent arthritis.

On top of the nerve damage and severe scarring caused by the surgery to reduce the disc.

The good news is that with treatment, some of this misalignment can be treated. Expensive and intensive. I need to find the right person and get my head round it all. Tbh I was in pain quite badly after one very gentle session. Apparently to be expected.

So I have lots to think about and the X-rays to prove it.

Also, apparently my bones are unusually thin for my age. Oh blimey. What next.

He advised Vit D, Turmeric ( for ever) and Omega 3,6 and (?) 9. Sorry am a bit shell shocked.

On my return I will be making changes. Also, my neck (seems fine) is a ticking time bomb, too. I will be making changes...

[sublimecorpse]

Hello again everyone

I've come back for a little more advice. I feel like I'm constantly taking and not giving but I don't have enough experience or knowledge of back problems to offer advice to anyone else so apologies for this

I went to the Gp on Monday who checked me over and said that my pain is around the L5 S1 area. He doesn't know what the problem is, it could be anything. He gave me a 3 day course of Diazepam saying that in acute episodes of back pain the muscles can go into spasm. He also gave me paracetamol and ibuprofen gel as I can't take ibuprofen tablets. He said to go back in 2 weeks if pain is not 50% better.

I've taken 5 diazepam and it's not had any effect on the pain. It's just made me sleepy.

When I stand up I feel like I have a lot of pressure on bottom of my back. Walking hurts, sitting hurts.

What can I expect from the diazepam? Does it take a while to work or is the fact that is not worked yet mean that it won't work?

I couldn't go to work yesterday or today. My colleagues are annoyed and my boss hasn't answered her phone any of the times I've rung in. I feel bad for not going in but I do admin and am sitting most of the time. At the moment I know that's not going to be possible

Just feeling a little useless and a little down today

[livelablove]

Wow Matilda a lot of new info there. Seems like fate you met this guy and even if you only get a small improvement and avoid future problems that is still a great help. Good luck with it all, and enjoy the rest of your holiday.

[livelablove]

Hi sublime I didn't find diazapam that helpful, it all depends if the main cause of your pain is muscle spasm. I found the biggest improvement when I took naproxen, which I know you can't take. I didnt find ibuprofen gel helped at all. Not even voltereol gel either. Have you got any codeine based drugs? You could try some from OTC at first but you can get stronger ones on prescription. Don't wait too long the GP is more likely to believe you are in pain if you make a fuss.

[magso]

Subline (Hugs). Its not your fault your back is making it impossible to work! Try not to let work worry you, although I know that is difficult.
I've not used diazepam but I think my DH was given it when his back locked up to help stop the spasm. I'm not sure though. I use ibuprophen gel too (can't take NSAIs either), also the patches ( not together!) .

Matilda sounds like your chiropractor comes from the same school of thought as mine! Its nice to have some hope. I do feel my back pain has got worse since starting the course of treatment but I am functioning somewhat better. And she did think it was going to be a long haul for me. In the past chiropractors have got me out of trouble - indeed I could not function without one. whats new is the idea of regular ''treatment' where the movements of joints is tiny, to achieve slow change. I still would like an exercise regime. I know NICE has rejected chiropractors for the NHS- I think it was due to inconclusive long term benefit from a (short course of) treatment. I wear orthotics to try to balance me up.

[Matildathecat]

live, yes lots to think about. Only two days left until I bump down to earth in sunny England.

sublime, I'm not a doctor but IME diazepam works very quickly. If the muscle isn't in spasm then it isn't going to help much. You probably need stronger analgesia(painkillers) like cocodamol or tramadol and a sick note from work. The stress around calling your boss etc will make you worse.

With acute backs the mantra is rest, potter, rest. For me, resting is lying down with supportive cushions propping me up and more pillows under my knees to relieve lumber tension.

Hope you feel better soon. If not press your GP for more investigations.

[livelablove]

Btw my mum who is a nurse suggested rubbing the ibu gel in regularly even if it doesn't reduce pain that much as it may slowly bring down the inflammation and it would have a cumulative effect, so you could try that.

[Matildathecat]

Sorry x posts. magso, yes I need to find the right person. It's quite scary as I've had sooo much treatment over the past two years. I wS actually thinking of this year as a kind of 'get used to your new life' year.

I will do it. Not sure when.

Yes, orthotics discussed and very obvious, I guess. No pretty shoes just yet then?

[GoodnessKnows]

I have orthotics. I've got ones that were made using plaster of Paris to make them just right to fit the needs of my posture / degree of roll in, or whatever. They're not the full length of the foot. I find it next to impossible and annoying to use them on flats / pump styles. Heels too would b a problem unless they're quite deep. Around the foot. I ummed n aaahed (?) about getting them n thought about my future 'shoe limits'. But I'm so glad I did go for them. I wear pumps orthotic-free but I even wear my Uggs with orthotics. They're fab.

[GoodnessKnows]

Bon voyage, Matilda! ??
Wishing you an easy and uneventful journey home.
Definitely some sun rays through my window today. Things are looking up!

[LostInWales]

Matilda I saw an excellent physio for my 'lopsidedness' if you are in S Wales I can give you her name. Or really you just need to find a good spinal physio, mine over the course of two weeks, popped me back level and set me on some amazing exercises to help.

Just trying to work out whether to send the children to school tomorrow as apparently the apocalypse is coming to our coast. Joy.

[sublimecorpse]

Thanks for the advice again, sorry I can't give much back but hugs and sympathy. I really admire those of you who live with back pain constantly, I don't know how you do it.

I will take the rest of the diazepam, I'm due some more shortly and will then have 3 for tomorrow.

I'm using a hot water most of the time as suggested and will use the ibuprofen gel regularly as also suggested.

I have some tramadol and some co codamol 10/500. Can I take either of those with the diazepam? The go said he'd rather i didn't use those as ibuprofen would be better but I can't take that - my stomach is in shreds when I use it.

I will also do as someone advised and move about for a bit and then rest, mice and rest. Seems logical that short bursts of activity is best.

Will also try the pillow between the knees.

I need to get back to work though, as I said it seems that everyone is pissed off with me not being there. I sent my colleague a message explaining why I'm off, quite long and detailed and got a reply back saying "ok" so I can tell they're not happy. My boss hasn't bother to pick up or respond to any of my numerous calls or voicemails

I have an office chair with a back support that constantly falls down and it's so uncomfortable. Will take in my hot water bottle and a cushion I think.

[livelablove]

Sublime you can take the cocodamol or tramadol with diazapam I think the cocodamol is quite a low dose is it helping? If not it comes in higher dosages.

[livelablove]

Have you tried taking ibuprofen or naproxen with a stomach protective med I think it is ometrazole sp?

[livelablove]

Does heat help a lot? You can buy stick on heat patches good for work, they stay hot 12 hrs. Buy in most chemists, but good value ones in wilcos.

[PavlovtheCat]

Fucking Awesome.

I danced. I jumped (not too much).

I now hurt.

I bet he hurts more! He fucking rocked! and he jumped! and he talked about his fucked up back (two discs) and I was Very Jealous that he absolutely rocked it. So. He is gonna hurt

Did I say it was Awesome?

[Matildathecat]

pavlov glad you had fun. It's worth it, isn't it, to have a lovely time sometimes even if you know it's going to hurt later?

lost, that's a good point about the physio. I'm in SW London but do actually see my physio/ Pilates teacher most weeks so I will show her the X-rays and discuss. I actually think there's a huge overlap between a good physio/ chiropractor / osteopath. It's all about finding the right person.

sublime thanks for the sympathy or rather empathy I guess since you are suffering! too. Chronic pain is different to acute pain but it's hard to say why. One of the main reasons is this: with chronic pain you can cause yourself pain ie going to a concert, but you aren't actually injuring yourself. Just causing pain. With acute pain / injury the pain is a strong signal to stop activity to protect the injury. You sound acute at the moment. That's why resting, ignoring your mean colleagues ( who clearly aren't bothered about you so why worry about them?) and allowing the injury to settle, is vital. Yes, cocodamol comes in varying strengths, 30/500 being the strongest. It's very effective but does make you feel pretty stoned! As above, we all love heat! Your GP sounds a bit hopeless tbh can you see someone else? We all find crying works extremely well, too. I'm sorry I can't remember your story but if sitting is impossible you sound like me and my initial problem was a disc prolapse at L4/5. There are no quick fixes, unfortunately so please look after yourself. Lots of people fully recover but, like live know it's lurking in the background. She is really back aware now as you can tell!

It's my last full day here, home tomorrow night. . We just been walking and swimming on the beach nice and early with the dog then big greedy breakfast in a waterside cafe with lots of other ladies with dogs. What's really funny is that all the babies are cared for by maids while the mummys take the dogs to the cafe!! Very different culture.

[LostInWales]

Matilda is wise, there is a big difference between days when you do stuff because you choose to and accept that it will hurt tomorrow but that is the pay off and fine ( Pavlov, glad it was totally worth it) and the pain that is shouting, 'STOP, you are damaging yourself, don't do this now'. If you have that pain you are making it harder for work in the long run because you will have long term damage. If you can explain to your boss it is more economic long term to let you sort this properly now rather than push yourself and do damage that will need sick leave for months in the future would that work?!

Right, I am going on a baking course today, DH has gone to work having been told he is in charge of tea because I do not expect to have functioning upper back/shoulders tonight but I will bring cake to make up for it .

[PavlovtheCat]

So sore! That's the chronic pain matilda talked about, if I was in an acute phase (which you can still get even with chronic pain) I would not have been able to do that without it causing some further injury. My god, yes it was worth it! But so glad I took today off as annual leave. I have maxed the codeine and paracetamol, heat pad on, laying on the sofa, but feeling very happy. And sad. You know those post Something Lovely Blues?

I shall go and read everything I missed due to being So Excited and post more later.

[PavlovtheCat]

matilda wow! so your trip has actually been much more than a relax and recoup your strength type of trip! FFS, this is what annoys me with medical routes, they just seem so random. A colleague has had x-rays but no MRI, and now told she needs MRI, which she needed all along. You have had this problem for, well probably your entire life right? And so when your disc prolapsed it could have been addressed then. Although, actually, maybe fate stopped that surgeon having anything to do with it. What a lot of new stuff! Is the [potential] neck problem to do with the thin bones? It's amazing how much new stuff comes about when proper thorough checks are done. I hope it doesn't cause you too much angst, as now you can at least do some work on improving how you feel, even if it is only a little. Enjoy your last full day there. Hope the slight ease of pain lasts for a while when back into Blustery Wet England.

[PavlovtheCat]

sublime hugs. Lots of things to say.

1. please please don't rush back to work. They will have to get on with it. I remember the terrible guilt of leaving my colleagues in the lurch. I remember my old boss giving me a 'gentle' bt of advice that I need to get back onside with my colleagues who were a little resentful as having to shoulder the burden, she suggested getting some cake for them. What, to apologise for being ill?! It took me a very long time to get over the immense guilt that I was wracked with each time I was off knowing it was going to be weeks, not days. I still feel guilty now and worry what they think, but, firstly there is another colleague with similar problem now so empathy has increased a little and secondly, I just cannot worry about them. You MUST get yourself over this acute phase before you can go back to work. If you are having trouble sitting, standing, walking at all, then you just cannot do it. I understand completely how their poor attitude can affect you, but, with their attitude, they won't actually thank you for returning, they will NOT understand that being back is hurting, that you are in pain, they will just be glad you are back, not what you are sacrificing for them. And, when you do go back, you must get a work station assessment and get your chair changed. If your employer is a small business, they can get help through organisations such as (down here it's called) PLUSS+ which helps people stay in work by funding equipment.
   

1. Diazepam deals with muscle spasms, so if it's not doing anything, then perhaps the muscles themselves are not causing huge problems. Interesting that the doctor has located a specific area, and identified it with vertebral numbers, but said it could be anything - clearly thinks it could related to that somehow or else he would not have given it such clear location. Diazepam tends to work quite quickly, certainly it has for me when I have had severe muscle spasms that stop working - firstly it chills me out and stops me worrying, so all of me relaxes (not a bad thing as when in pain, we tense everything up) and then it relaxes the muscles, takes about 1-2 days to work for me, usually some relief within a few hours. But, if your muscles are severely spasming and have for a while, maybe it will take a little longer.
   
2. live is right that 10mg of codiene is a very low dose. If that is not working, talk to your GP about increasing this, especially if you are not working.
   
3. I get some pressure on my low back, sometimes, as the pain sort of ebbs and flows I feel pressure in my bowels. Sometimes it reminds me of a contraction, that deep rolling pressing down pain (giving birth was easy compared to my acute back pain). Is that what you mean? I am not sure exactly what causes it for me, I guess it's just how the pain eminates. Docs are not concerned (but they tend not to be concerned about much ime), however, if you find that the low back pain causes actual problems with your bowels or sensation changes, report this immediately to your GP. Also, keep an eye on your bowel movements as sometimes taking lots of different painkillers, especially opiate based ones, can make you sluggish, which is typical as the pain of constipation can make back pain so much worse. If you feel things slowing down, drink more water, prune juice, ask your GP for movical to help things tick along.
   
4. Don't feel bad about not 'contributing'. This thread is to support everyone, and soon enough you will be giving advice to new posters, I bet you! We all have days (I have lots!) where we are in such a bad place, all we can do is ask for advice and a hand to hold and not be able to do much back. and are actually plenty enough, especially given their scarceness elsewhere on MN!
   
5. matilda is right (she always is you know ) about acute vs chronic pain, especially as you don't know what's going on. Acute pain means you must rest more than move. You do need to keep mobile, but that can be as simple as going to the loo and back again, or walking to the door and back. If you try to go back to work too soon, you will be off work again.
   

Phew! I said I had a lot to say!

[PavlovtheCat]

ok everyone that needs new shoes, for medical purposes of course!

Amazon have 70% of shoes (not all) and handbags and, with code BONUSTEN you get another 10% off.
I have these already, but petrol green is not great with my largely black work wardrobe so, given the significant price drop, it would be slack of me not to buy them right?