This is the support thread for all sufferers of back pain. Acute, chronic, agony or niggles, we are strictly non competitive. All newcomers very welcome. (Though be warned, the language can be a little 'ripe' 
).
Here are our previous threads:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/1871592-The-Back-Story
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/1992406-The-Back-Story-Continues
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.
So come and join us for moans, advice, downright rants or just a laugh.
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General health
More Terrible Back Stories
Matildathecat · 12/03/2014 12:13
fizzle trammy is an opiate that our Gps use when they don't know what else to do with us 
seriously, it's pretty much like codeine, find more gentle, and doesn't mess your bowels up so much (btw, if you are taking lots of codeine and not moving, which you aren't, you need to drink lots of water, prune juice and take some movicol from GP as you will get blocked up and that will make your back pain a whole heap worse, and more).
Thank goodness you have a supportive GP, although its so annoying we have to talk them step by step as to what they need to be doing for our treatment. And yes to crying. It's the only thing I find that works effectively, no-one likes a blubbering woman on the phone or in their surgery but to be fair, by the time we all get to that point we are so frustrated and in pain that our tears are very bloody real.
I hope you get to hear something earlier, well done for being so on the ball despite being so unwell.
Maizie I find the difference in prescribing between Gps across the country phenomenal. I don't get it. So, I have no idea why some won't prescribe. My GP has never even mentioned it, I never heard of it until talking to others with back pain. But then, I have always tried to keep to the lowest possible dose and so he probably knows I wouldn't be wanting to try it if stronger than tramadol.
To everyone else hope all is ok.
I think you'll find tramadol is an opioid , it's kind of codeine's older slightly more rawr cousin. Makes me quite cheerful and sleepy, which is nice.
Went out for an awesome meal last night, proper amazing cooking 6 course jobby. But that meant I sat in a chair for two hours. Therefore I have been up since 5am because I have so much pain in my legs and hips comfort is impossible. I have had a vat of coffee and it's made my eyelid have a tremor .
Happy Friday people, hope it's a low pain one.
He sounds like an awesome consultant Loon and that is a brilliant pair of options, I know it would be nicer to be pain free by tomorrow but the future is looking bright. I posted this before but my H had similar to you and is 95% pain free and fully functional on the injections, he just watches what he does a bit more (and I've banned him from playing touch rugby on the beach). MRI's are awesome aren't they .
Good point about sunglasses goodness. I may need to do some shopping.
I wonder if the inflammatory arthritis bit of my stupid body affects my reaction to tramadol. Part of that brings what they nicely call 'fatigue' but I call 'lying down on the nearest surface because sleep at that time isn't actually optional'. Theres is more concise. I think feeling wired would be nothing short of a miracle though.
That's good to know about your DH, Lost. I am feeling quite positive today - even the surgery option, if it comes to that, doesn't sound as scary as before now I've read a bit about microdiscectomy. Seems to be the least invasive type of back surgery, anyway. All this state of the art stuff is quite different to my past experiences in the NHS!
I know what you mean about the lying down on the nearest surface feeling, but I think that would take about 5mg of diazepam in my case! The co-codamol doesn't make me drowsy either.
Going to attempt some minor housework now - see how positive I feel after that.
It's the Stupid Arthritis that gives me the snoozes though, not any of the drugs, they just don't help
loon, that sounds a positive meeting. I would be asking for a little more clarification on the stats. My understanding is that when performed competently, a micro discectomy has a 90%chance of getting rid of leg pain but only around 50% chance of getting rid of back pain. So it depends a lot on what pain you have. (Sorry, I've forgotten, it's common on this thread).
The injections are definitely worth a go. They really help some people. It is, though, a very imprecise science. Several consultants have told me it's basically keep trying until something works. However, that's a real pain(!) because of the stupidly long waits for injections. Big sigh. Unless you have private cover.
I'm amazed re the day case though I've heard it before. I was hooked up to a morphine pump for the first 24 hours. If you do go ahead come and chat more, several of us have had disc jobs.
maizie, hi we never cross! you stay up at night and I'm here in the mornings. Just a thought and probably too obvious to be true but could you be sleepy because of all the opiates you're swallowing? Also, I'm slightly surprised you are still in so much post op pain...have you been checked over? Hope you're ok.x
Want to say useful things to everyone else but my memory and experience don't permit. So I'll just give you a big spring-time wave
Dark chocolate, anyone?
Help yourself.
Loon, sad to hear about your leg down pain. 
Oh yes - my DS and DD sometimes say they don't love me. I act like I don't care and cry inside. Lol
My son tells me often he'd like a different mummy (usually when he's not getting what he wants and angry). I once googled 'ugly woman' under images. I acted nonchalant and showed him who was available to mother him. He made an abrupt and panic stricken about turn. It was HILARIOUS. Reign through terror. Lol (joking)
Seriously, there have been many sad mummy moments when I've not been well. My DS has I think got asperges/ autism and found it hard. BUT it IS only a stage.
Talking of this stage... FUCK FUCK FUCK
IM NOW AT THE STAGE THAT THE SIDE PAIN IS BACK.
this means that not only can I not sit up normally but I can't fucking well lay down either as it feels like I've done a zillion side stretches all night.
Anyone else have that long side ache just in their waist?
Don't know which of my many meds to go back on.
MOAN ALERT: ... Can't be bothered to
Nothing booked for Mother's Day. Bicester or town (with OxyNorm).
No restaurants booked but I suppose in always on a diet so it'd be silly anyway.
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goodness, you have made me properly snort with laughter!!! ugly mummies and naughty boys school! Hilarious. As un PC as you could get.ha ha ha. Side pain very likely to be muscular, I get it a lot, it's the opposite side to my injury but still kind of makes sense. Heat and drugs, I'm afraid.
fiz, hi honey! you are amazing getting so sorted in a few days. I think surgery is sometimes done in the private hospital on the nhs but just because you are having the consultation there you might still go to nhs hosp. Nicer coffee machine in the waiting room though, and new copies of Hello! And Homes and Garden.
The friends thing is totally normal I think. You are literally consumed with pain, illness and babies. There is nothing left. Can you explain to your mum, DH or a close mate and just ask them to pass it on. You will be back soon. In the meantime all help accepted but visits either very short or not at all. Because they love you they will get it. My friends have been so amazing but sometimes even now it's just too much.
And yes, yes, yes to forgetful. A couple of weeks ago I discovered I'd forgotten we had been invited on holiday. So far nobody has trumped that. And I also start every sentence with ' have if said this already?'. It's very annoying but it's the drugs and also pain is very distracting.
Can you indicate what part of the country you're in? We've got some experience between us. I can privately name someone you really don't Want to see 
.
And, no matter what they say, your babies love you truly, deeply and unconditionally.
Enjoy the sun, girls. .
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