Back Pain and Internet Shopping. Thread Number 5.

[PavlovtheCat]

Those who have long term back problems know that the best way to help manage back pain is to internet shop for shoes, bags, and back support devices. Those who are new to back pain, these are important lessons to learn.

And here within this thread is where you will learn those lessons.

You will also find other helpful advice on pain management, different treatment options from hydrotherapy and physio to surgery, experiences of others navigating the big and scary medical world, both private and NHS (and abroad from the UK) too, as well as issues around work, being a parent while managing pain and disability, and the impact on the relationships around us.

Between us all, we have a huge wealth of knowledge and experience, and more than the practical advice, the jargon and information, we know what back pain is like, how much is affects everything around us, and sometimes, all we need is to have people listen who Get It.

We talk painkillers regularly, have hot water bottles and wheat bags galore, and hold hands a lot. It's potentially all very Unmumsnetty as we do actually show some lovin' from time to time, although we Never Ever call each other hun.

If you have advice, need advice, need a hand to hold, want to do some shopping, then come in. We are friendly. We talk a lot. Come in, have a and say hello

You will see just how much we do talk if you read our previous threads (where you may glean lots of answers about pain relief, surgery etc, best winter boots etc):
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/2049637-Back-Again-Back-Pain-Support-Thread
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/1871592-The-Back-Story
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/1992406-The-Back-Story-Continues
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/2023274-More-Terrible-Back-Stories

Does anyone know how I can find out what my Mumsnet password is?

Losty I felt the same about anti tnfs until the pain got so bad and so constant that i just thought fuck it! Started in August and no nasty side effects yet except boundless energy and good cheer (which is freaking out everyone who knows me ) :)

I'm sorry Berrie I always end up having to change it every time I get locked out

I can't change it without entering it though...where do I click to request a new one?

Thanks everyone for the good wishes about the scan :)

Can't believe another week is over. I've done a lot of travelling this week and the pain has been quite bad the last couple of days (I've woken up with it, which is unusual, normally I have to move around a bit first). I also found out yesterday when I rang to book an appt to get yet more Tramadol that my GP (who I spoke to on Monday) has left Does anyone have any experience of this please in terms of getting scan results - do I need to book with any GP to get them as the hospital told me they would go to the requesting GP. Also they said that the consultant would write a report and the GP would get it... do I not need to see a consultant to discuss the results? Surely my GP (whoever they are) knows nothing about back issues? In fact I know they don't as I researched all the specialisms of the doctors in the hope that I could get a back injury specialist.

Glad your ball went well Matilda. I hope you have an even better time tonight. Thanks for the tip about the paint - we are planning on doing some decorating next year.

Pavlov I hope you are getting some rest after your epic stint! We moved into our new house two years ago shortly before Christmas and made the decision just to have one room 'normal' and forget the rest - DCs don't notice messy houses but they do notice hot chocolate and santa

Berrie I am not sure sorry - I always get it reset and then change it to my default password (one I've had for years - periodically I change it to something new and then promptly forget it).

Sorry x-posts - Berrie can you click this link: www.mumsnet.com/info/faqs#Password ?

Ins, re your scan, the report is written by a consultant radiologist and is usually in very medical language. It does not generally include recommendations for treatment although if it states Red Flags then there are urgent issues to be addressed (surgery). So that means your GP needs to be quite adept at interpreting the findings and deciding on a course of action. Do ask for a copy < someone on here is a radiographer and might advise on the report if you post it>. If there is the slightest chance you might peruse legal action keep every single piece of paperwork and insist on copies of all letters and scans. Also request copies of scan discs from the hospital.

I have a night off from Balling. My Alexander Technique teacher actually suggested trying to dance a little. A relaxed, swaying type, I think as opposed to high kicks . DH not receptive last night so will possibly try tomorrow.

aided by tilidin, ibuprofen600, diazepam, 2 hot water bottles and a wheat bag

Every other night DH checks the feeling in my legs and feet and ability to lift my toes. Today both feet were equally strong in toe test! He asked if last 3 weeks lying flat in bed were just a mickey take and if I secretly dance the polka while he's out.

Mum coming this weekend thankfully and neurosurgeon appt on Monday.

freedom I remember one time, before my last surgery, when I had numb foot and calf, I got DH to poke a knife into my leg, not literally, just the tip of a parring knife, to see if I could feel it. I couldn't do it myself as I knew I was doing it. I closed my eyes and he tested to see if I could feel different areas, very strange him doing that! Needless to say I couldn't feel a thing in my calf. Good news is that post-surgery I got the sensation back in my calf and my little toes, mostly. I have reduced strength in my left leg though since then, always gets noticed on tests, despite problems now being mostly with my right leg, the left leg has much less strength in it, and consultant said that won't ever return. I don't really notice it though, unless I try to stand on tip toes, which I can't do as not much power in my foot or calf muscle.

I did some cutting in - losty that's doing the edges of the walls and skirting not a huge amount, and very slowly. DH did the tops of walls so I didn't do ladders or reaching. I can't really walk though at the moment. Did school fair, and mostly stood/sat at a table while children went around with DH and friends/their parents. I was the bag and coffee guard for everyone! I tried to help clear up but was very clearly told by friends/teachers etc to stop! Now in bed, with much nerve pain in both legs, although as usual right leg/butt/hip is worse. Think I have probably buggered things up more.

Had a chat with a friend, discussed my fears around going to GP etc about the 'red flags' as they might send me to hospital, don't want the hassle if nothing significant to be done, and don't want anything significant to be done before christmas if it needs to be. She said that my consultant won't be dramatic and panic like maybe the GP etc, so I should call him, he won't suggest surgery before Christmas unless he feels it is needed, and if he does feel it's needed, then, well it's needed, regardless of the time of year and if that's his suggestion, I should probably listen, as he is the clinical expert. If he is happy to wait until new year as planned then I can be comfortable in knowing things are not going to be irreparably damaged until then.

matilda how are you today after your partying til the wee hours ? hope not too bad. Was it worth it, a good night?

freedom good luck with neurosurgeon appt on Monday. Although we will probably speak again before then.

And DH is not happy with the grey in the kitchen. It's too dark, and a friend is now here saying that it's gonna be really dark with the dark grey flooring, so instead of standing in the kitchen going 'ooh it's looking good isn't it?' they were stood there with that sort of 'hmm' silence, followed by 'you could always change the flooring?' 'i'm sure it will look fine' and DH saying 'we have to get the flooring right...' 'we will have a white cupboard there, and a white door...?' trying to convince himself and friend that it'll be fine.

If he had bloody not changed his mind at the last minute and refused to do a tester pot because he was sick of painting white, we would have had the 'right' fucking grey up! I personally like it, the green is darker than I thought, especially at night, but it's gonna have a white cupboard, white chairs and table next to it, Dh can't seen to see beyond the current empty space and expanse of colour. I am ready for it to be done now

ins I think you are right about the children not remembering mess. I want to spend time doing fun things. Had a good friend pop over with her children for an hour this evening after christmas fair, and the children were drawing, we have decided that as soon as the kitchen is done, we are going to have their children over to make some Christmas decorations together. that's what I really want to be doing with them. And make some biscuits to hang on the tree.

PAVLOV that sounds like a lovely memory making thing to do. With a pretty AND edible result. What's not to like. I held DD today for first time in 3 weeks. I've been able to stroke her and kiss her when she's placed next to me but today with some cushions we got a some brief cradled in arms action. So bloody happy, I cried. sap

I agree you should do what you enjoy with your children, rather than prioritising cleaning or chores. I've kind of come to that conclusion anyway. Our house is very messy and in need of redecorating, but it's (mostly) clean and warm and tailored to our needs. I really struggle with mess ( clothes I cannot (stretch to) put away, toys that are in the wrong boxes, but I have learnt to turn a blind eye, and let it float over me.
Pavlov I am glad you are having a less busy day. I had visions of you laying on your back (on scaffolding) whilst painting - like Michael Angelo in the Sistine Chapel. Ringing the specialist (or sending him an email?) sounds a good idea.
I don't think I can answer your question Pavlov about how I have learnt to slow down all that helpfully. Its something that has happened over a period of several years. Some of the scaling down happened due to ds needs - he needs routine and that is not my strength! I think I have mentioned that we used to climb and walk a lot. It seems a cruel trick of fate that as soon as ds was getting old enough to join in with more ambitious walks - we have had to scale down because of me! I have probably mentioned the camper van- which is still away being upgraded (heating fixed, etc). We are hoping it will allow us to be a little adventurous whilst giving me a place to rest and ds a secure mobile home from home). We hired a campervan (traveling through rural France) a couple of years ago and it worked brilliantly with dh doing the driving. We could drive to a col or lake or pretty village, the boys (DH and Ds) could tackle a ridge whilst I lay in the sun or the van or photographed flowers or whatever (and got the tea). It was the beginning of me feeling part of the world again - you will know what I mean. (I also discovered that I am better eating a salty diet because I have POTS as part of my CFS- and I don't think I would have discovered that by accident without all the lovely mountain cheeses - but that's another story and nothing to do with backs). We tried a canal holiday (long weekend) next (Dh was wondering about buying and doing one up- he needed a project) and that worked less well ( you need at least 2 healthy adults to work locks and look after an autistic child at the same time) , so Dh decided on an old 4WD campervan. So that's what we are working on at the moment. A different way of enjoying the countryside.
Matilda I hope you have a lovely second ball. Boundless energy and good cheer sounds excellent Denial. Long may it last. Good luck with your new consultant Lost, and for your appointment on Monday Freedom. Loon I think we could make up a good pair of legs between us, my left is doing well!
Inselaffe I think if a GP leaves in a group practice, the patients are re-allocated to others in the group. I don't know what happens with a single GP but there will be something put in place to ensure continuity of care. You should be informed of what that will be if it is not a simple transfer within the group.

Freedom - lovely you can hold dd a little again. Aaah!

freedom that's brilliant

Matilda my AT guy told me to try dancing as well ... are we seeing the same guy?

Pavlov - my left leg has been mostly numb since surgery (7 years ago) but don't fancy OH stabbing me to check lol

freedom that's lovely - so happy for you!

Such nice posts here. I agree that prioritising activities over chores is the way to go but easier said than done. Camper van in rural France sounds divine.

Pavlov sorry but you have lost me! Pics, please. I am likely to be biased because i adore grey .

freedom, that's wonderful.

Love the idea of getting DH to poke a knife in my leg - never even thought of that! Maybe I'm weird. Also like the concept of sharing a pair of legs, magso - there'd be no stopping us then, right?

Hope everyone has a good w/end. We have to go on a Christmas jumper search for the boys. They have poured scorn on the notion until now but there is going to be a Christmas jumper day for charity next week. And text from the school helpfully said no tinsel / antlers / baubles so there goes any chance of customizing an ordinary jumper. Waste of sodding money .

Oh FFS, sorry too introverted to even respond to everyone else. Having a really bad skin reaction to the pain patch and had to take it off, it was a bit bad on the other side last week but I hoped changing arms would be the answer, instead I have a perfect square of angry raised itchy red skin. In the leaflet it says to take it off immediately and discontinue using it if this happens. I think the pain I was having over the last week was because it wasn't working well with the irritated skin and now I am just trying to cope with tramadol SR 100's. I have so much to do, a party tonight and a pre christmas family lunch then hospital visit two hours away tomorrow which I just don't think I'll manage. Bugger, bugger, bugger BUM! AND I've got a giant coldsore which is giving me a headache and weird prickly skin on one side of my face. S'not fair .

Freedom
Magso First Lost with her bloomin' pretty much private beach and now you with your camper van. I'm going to have to stop coming here!
DH won't let me have a camper van - nor even a caravan but I am now over looking at them on ebay all the time ...

Oh lost, what a fucking pain. Don't you have anything other than tramadol? Sorry, can't remember many people's meds. - do you have co-codamol too? I guess you can't even use heat on really irritated skin.

Sorry, I'm being unhelpful. I have mega sensitive stupid bastard skin, though, so sympathize about the redness & itchiness. Can you calm it down with hydrocortisone cream, to at least ease that part of the problem?

Freedom so happy for you :) Did St. Nicholas visit you last night? He put santa decorated toilet roll in my wellies

Thanks Matilda and magso for the information about the scan and GP. I have an appt on Monday with a 'permanent' GP after I got upset at the receptionist, who was actually lovely (there are two nice ones and one miserable one). I think I might cycle through the remaining permanent GPs until I find one I like. I don't actually have an assigned GP - it's a very chaotic system where you either get pot luck or specify who you want to see. Which to be fair can work to your advantage as you aren't stuck with a bad GP.

I will also be calling Beneden back (healthcare people) to see if 'diagnostic treatment' includes a consultant chat if I already have the scan and also asking at the musculo-skeletal clinic (Monday!) whether their attached consultant can advise after the scan. Any tips for the clinic? I have been told it's a chat with physiotherapists only. I was going to take pictures of the car after the accident (totalled) so they can see how bad it actually was.

Today has been a bit weird - I woke up feeling very achy as if I have 'flu, which has got worse as the day has gone on. I thought I was just sickening for something (I have the tail end of a cold - for about a week now) and have taken the ibuprofen & paracetamol but not Tramadol as I only take it when I really can't cope (which has been about 4x 50mg a day for the last 8 days, have been taking it for a total of a month). I have had an urge to take it quite early on to get rid of the aches but thought hard and realised it wasn't really back pain and I don't like being loopy so I chose not to. I am now wondering whether it's not taking the Tramadol that is causing this? I am very cautious about 'addictive' stuff, like smoking and computer games, as I tend to have an obsessive personality - I take up new hobbies very easily, do them 24/7 (have done this with games as a teenager) then drop them when I've exhausted it for something new... I don't want to start with something that is less easy to get rid of! Anyone on Tramadol think this is likely?

Funniest moment of the day is DP's sister emailing me from Germany to say that she is very excited about the wedding but "concerned" (translation, not sure I have it right) about the quick engagement, with a I did think she already knew but the invites have been ready for months, DP was just too lazy to send them to his family. I will enjoy him trying to explain now they think we're having a shotgun wedding

I have elected to go back to bed for the afternoon so I don't ruin everyone else's day with my stinky mood, a good plan IMHO . I only have the tramadol in at the moment, I might have to go and steal some Calpol from the boys medicine box! Can't do NSAIDS because I wrecked my tummy taking them years ago which is unfortunate! I was using the patch and topping up with tramadol so now I'll just have to take that. Didn't think you could take coedine with tramadol, I'm always worried I'll stop breathing if I take too much or something. Topical steroid a good idea for the rash, may go and see if we've got any stashed away.

I'd love a camper van, that's my dream purchase. We do a lot of camping but that's not exactly ideal nowadays. Would love to follow the whole of the Tour de France one year in a camper with my boys in little pop up tents we could just chuck out whenever we stopped.

I'm sure I had something helpful to say to someone but I've completely forgotten now!

Ah yes, that was it. Don't worry about addiction with the tramadol if you are in a lot of pain. If it is all being mopped up dealing with that you won't be getting the high/buzz that can be addictive. I think the danger is when you sort out the pain but don't stop the painkillers, then they can be hard to stop. I have quite an addictive personality and I would stop taking them tomorrow if I could.

Thanks Lost Hope you have a nice comfy rest... I have just dragged myself out of bed onto the computer (better for typing than the tablet!) hence probably why I don't feel so much pain as I haven't been moving/lifting. I will continue to take the Tramadol and not worry about it. To be honest sometimes the Tramadol doesn't quite cut it but I don't want to take anything stronger for the once or twice a week that it isn't enough.

Nothing quite like a bed cocoon on a wintery day. The Tour de France idea sounds excellent.