The Back Pain Emporium is Open For Business. Browsers Welcome. Thread 7

[MatildaTheCat]

For anyone experiencing back pain it can be a terrifying time. What is wrong? Who can help? How long will this last? We,on this thread are here to support you;offer empathy and help to navigate the almost impossible task of getting a diagnosis and the right treatment.We are not doctors but people who have trodden this path slowly and painfully. We also chat a LOT and welcome all newcomers. It is strictly non competetive regarding pain and no niggle is too minor.

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. Not to mention the pain of dealing with claiming disablity benefits. .

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,sometimes drink , 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

Previous thread for anyone interested

It was certainly convenient to be seen locally.
I live in Carlisle and previously traveled to Newcastle to be seen by the neuro. I know others who have traveled to Preston.

IMO, the senior physio made a better and more thorough job of it than anyone else ever has. I think he discussed his assessment with the Neuro on the phone.

Dh is over the moon today, hire car is a vauxhall insignia cdti sri, that would be his dream family car, he nearly bought a nearly new one in December. He is at the local vauxhall dealers now seeing what they have. Mind you it isnt abad car, pretty powerful. I wont tell him that though. Our car at the moment is borderline whether it is repaired or not, they have took photos and are just getting exact pricing before a decision is made.

oh, I see what assessment you might be talking about - it's called a spinal pathway assessment here, a specialist physio lead does tests and goes through MRI etc and determines what the likely diagnosis is. In my experience, it was to determine if surgery was an option or if physio/pain clinic was the option - ie which pathway to send me down.

Didn't get to the gym/sauna/etc. I am going first thing tomorrow before I have my hair done, so I can be all pampered, do my make-up etc, before I go and get all trimmed and coloured. Then, I shall go shopping for new clothes. I am going to be a new woman when I go back to work next week

Ladies,

I am, again, looking for advice/solace :-(

I'm day 6 post microdiscectomy. All going swimmingly if it weren't for the niggling pains I'm getting on the opposite hip/leg to that which was operated on.

Immediately post op, I felt that the surgical pain was concentrated on the good side of my spine/hip. I queried it and was told everythings inflamed etc don't worry.

Is this possible?

Could the surgery have aggravated nerves exiting to the left ie my good side?

Could I have reherniated already on the opposite side?

The right side feels perfectly fine tbh.

In case it's relevant, the surgeon did note that the herniation to the right side was huge and had fully stuck to the nerve root making the operation longer and more difficult.

Feeling blue today.

Time for more codeine.

Thanks for reading

Hmm. It seems tea and a KitKat can have a same desired effect as 2 x 30/500 solpadol

But for how long, that's the question. ......

Pavlov just in case anything orderable in M&S is suitable, here is the 20% off code until midnight tonight FEB154A although I tend to find the petite trousers too short (I'm just under 5'2" but have longish legs for a shorty).
We've had hail and heavy rain here too.
Buzzard I attended a muscoskeletal pain clinic (which is mostly run by physios) and saw the dr/specialist who ordered up MRIs so did not see the physio - well not yet. On a previous occasion I was sent to a local physio and was given core exercises. (My core is weak but because of my back not the cause of it). My history is a little bit similar in that I have had very longstanding backpain that along with other health issues has almost stopped me working, so after all these years I am waiting for my first back MRI! In the end I just asked the GP to refer me for full assessment and an MRI as the symptons were getting worse and I needed to know what was wrong - and how to make the best of it. At the muscoskeletal appointment I was told about the things that could be detected externally (scliosis etc) and the findings from the neurological tests (loss of sensation in right leg). Good luck.
House wise our move will not happen until basic work has been done (wind and rain proof at least- although it is perfectly liveable in at present if we avoid a couple of rooms ). It looks like we might have to allow archaeological surveys/ digs before we can get permissions for upgrades, so it might be a while before we actually get to move in. Its all very exciting! We are doing things with the garden, and ds is enjoying the extra space (and getting very muddy) but not yet living in it. Fortunately we are keeping our old house (we had just finished that mortgage) - the original plan was to get our existing (very small) house ready for renting out (its rather battered and in desperate need of redecorating - result of having an autistic child in the house!). Don't worry I plan to use a removal firm, as Dh also has a dodgy back. Both houses are near by so we can kind of spill out into the new bigger house! Its got quite a big garden complete with what we think is a badgers set - oh and a small portion of water filled moat as a boundary. Ds is keen to look for 'treasure' himself but I think he will be disappointed!

Sorry Schmeegle (did not mean to ignore you - just missed your post) I cannot help with the answer to your question, as I have not had a microdiscectomy. Could it be that the operated side is still rather numb and the less messed about side but still fully functioning from a pain point of view is complaining? . Also I guess the surgery may have changed how everything sits. I think its normal to feel a bit blue a few days post surgery, when the initial shock has subsided but there is a way to go. In addition you did not have time to process having to have surgery as it was so urgent. I hope the 'good' side settles down, and tomorrow is a better day.

ooooh! M&S code, thank you I can always take it back if it doesn't fit right ? I am 5'3 but have short legs I prefer short to petite, i.e. they just cut the length of the leg instead of all the proportions. I have a pair of M&S grey stretch jeans in 8/30 so know they fit me well. My fave jeans actually as they fit all the right places well but not too tight.

ps matilda two pairs of trousers from Wallis look fine for work, and £20/£25 so not complaining. I did look at their blouses, but really....no trousers are nice and smart and one of them will be fine for court with my new jacket, so thank you, would never have considered Wallis.

schmeegle worth mentioning the pain to surgeon, he might want to do MRI to check re-herniation, as my understanding is they tend to occur quickly if they are going to, i.e. within 8 weeks on the most part. I think the stats are like 1:4 chances of re-herniation, but that's normally the same side? Not sure. But, wonder if there might have always been some pain on the other side, but never noticed it due to the proper pain being on side operated on, iyswim? It could also be that your nerves were irritated when prodded and poked about during surgery, especially as they were prodded and poked more than usual due to prolapsed disc sticking to the nerve.

I had pain in both sides when I had my discectomy. I actually started with relatively bearable right sided nerve pain, which shifted pdq into my left following some numpty physio insisting i did cobra exercise to stop muscle lock, during clear acute phase of a central prolapse, and subsequently, within a couple of days it shifted from one side to another, and with significant increase (I accept it might be coincidence, but the timing seems too close and the exercise itself was quite hardcore). Anyway, when that happened, my right leg pain disappeared. Except it didn't, it was just overshadowed by the significant prolapse on my right side. This surgery, it was my right side that was addressed, but it wasn't a disc prolapse that was the main problem, although some disc was removed (which the surgeon left last time as he was worried about causing instability), but bone that had grown. my pain returned within a couple of months, increasing slowly and slowly. And, it was probably always there/known about, certainly in the last two MRI scans, just not mentioned/dealt with by my last surgeon, for some reason.

So, now you have had the emergency, it might be worth taking some time to get a grip with anything else, if anything, that there might be happening. Like, what might have caused the prolapse (if you have not already asked), is there facet joint stuff going on, are your end plates ok? etc.

The chances are, it's just post operative settling pain and will ease, but won't hurt to just confirm that this prolapse was the only thing that was going on in there.

Fucking hell, I can't do simple posting. Still. Sorry for the waffling.

these are the jeans I have and they are so bloody comfy and look fabulous. I decided to get another pair. Not a single bloody pair in my size available, not even in the horrible mustard colour

Thanks pav and mag.

It'll probably is just ask things settling down but if it continues I call in a day or two as my post-op appointment isn't til 08/04.

Re shopping - I think Debenhams are have an online sale from 6am. 25% off all departments.

Oh dear. Typo-tastic there.

ooooh do they? might have to set an alarm. M&S don't have my size in most of the things I want, not even those not in a sale! I have a couple of things but not sure if I really want them. And, as I put things in my basket, they get removed again as they are selling out. Obviously, peeps are going mad before midnight.

it's not liking that code

M&S are wild for not having sizes available online, wrecks my head!

finished my essay, lots more to do this month. I also have a house that is trashed frequently by my wee autistic boy, had to keep telling him to come down from standing on the arms of them today and leaping onto the table in our living room space too, she (2.5yrs) does it too.
have a kind of exam on weds using stats program on the computer- can bring books with, no stress really but want to do well.
I didn't go town today- slept very late last night and had to sleep in the day today, maybe i was fighting off a cold? as i was very weakened giddy feeling. about to go to bed now, trying to get back into a better routine noe reading week is over. ds only got to sleep about 11.
a few of us have had problems start as or after spd haven't we? think it can change how they treat you as they just assume it will go away post fatally, but some people maybe its masking her issues.
hope you are all well tonight and sleeping slumberly

Hello ladies,! I have had surgery on l5 s1mfusion with and interbody cage for spondylitic spondyloluthesis. I am back to square 1 with the pin, i have now finally been booked into the pain clinicnin april and have no idea what to expect. I cant walk properly, clean iron etc i feel like a useless lump to DH. I am currently on 25mh of diazepam a day, bupramorphine patch, 100mg zomorph per day, pregablin 600mg ,citalonparam 40mg, baclofen 40mg, paryacetamol etc amd some others i camt remmber. I cant function until 1 have my first set of meds in the morniing as have 2 DCs to get to school. Have had physio, no use cant move the pct fund only 4 sessions of hydro so inow fund that myseld and hve 1 1/12 hr deep muscle massage 1 per week. I hate it im 29 and its bollocks. Can any1 r0tell me about the pain clinic? Specifically addenbrookes?
Thanks

Morning all, Pavlov , did I mention Wallis for tops? No,mi did not. . God knows why but they are awful. However, their jeans and jeggings are good and very reasonable. I just ordered black side zip petite jeans for £14. Our local wallis has relocated to BHS so I guess that does say a lot...

Schmeegle, I'm going to fall into the camp of 'don't panic'. A week is nothing in post surgical terms. It's fab that you feel so much better. Is it even remotely possible that it was there all along but overshadowed by the pain on the other side? The irritation explanation also makes a lot of sense. Are you still taking your anti inflammatories? At this stage everything is scary and you do feel acutely aware of every twinge. Also remember that recovery is not linear and it is best to compare recovery week to week or month to month rather than day by day. It takes time. Quite a lot of time. Having said that it sounds as if you are doing really well.

Mags, moat and archaeoligical dogs? OMG it sounds fab. I bet you can't wait o get stuck in. Sucks that your MRI is taking so long, though.

Maizie, good luck with the test?my our student benefits sound good. I need a new office chair for at home. Does anyone have a good yet not too expensive one to recommend?

pancakes hello, come on board and welcome to our merry band. So sorry you are in such a predicament at such a young age.. I have been to two pain clinics and I won't lie, they have their limitations but are staffed by mainly kind people who do want to help. You are on a lot of medication, they may review that. I'm guessing you have been sent to PM because no further surgery is recommended? I do know a neurosurgeon at Addenbrookes who I trust if you are seeking another opinion. Anyway, Pain Clinics. I was seen by a consultant who took a history and did an exam. He then suggested a lot of spinal injections which inevitably too quite a long time to arrange but I did have them over a longish period of time. I also had a lidocaine infusion, acupuncture, I attended an eight week Pain Management course, had eight one to one sessions of Alexander Texhnique and I have a monthly counselling session. So, it's multi disciplinary. The doctors tend to be offering injections, epidurals etc. there is also the option of a Spinal Cord Stimulator. If you haven't read up on this I suggest you do because it's the last thing on offer, I believe. (I'm not suitable). In my case it has been the alternative therapies that have helped most. Getting your head around accepting life long, life limiting pain is a head fuck. But, frankly you have to try. Learning to get on, pace, manage and have some quality of life is, IMO the key to having a good life despite the shit stuff. I'm actually seeing a new pain doctor in London next week but really for me it's a check that I am on the best possible combination of meds, see if he has any other non invasive ideas and then I think I'm ready to get on with it with my very excellent GP. Do keep posting, we are a group who do understand. It really does suck.

And now I should get up. I have set myself a few tasks and the sun is shining.

Hello everyone! Sorry have not caught up mainly because Pavlov is obviously having a lot of meds at the moment! but have skimmed bits.
Sorry about your crash Pink I had someone go into me as I waited at an island a couple of years ago. The driver did stop but then claimed I'd reversed into him! As he had hit me at such speed causing huge damage they didn't believe him but it took an AGE to sort out.
Re. cars (sorry can't remember who) my most comfy sit up high car was a Renault Scenic but was a crap car- a new one would be OK if you didn't keep it long enough for bits to fall off. Now have a Nissan Almira Tino with a similar sit up high position and a cheap strap on heated seat pad from Amazon!
Pavlov can't help re fashion as I am too fat for skinny trousers and I don't 'do' blouses.
Schmee my recent injury was on the right but the pain would often swap to the left and the physio said that was normal.

Aaaanyway! Where shall we go in Devon this year oh Devon experts? We have been going to Cornwall for 25 years and though we love it so we need a change. We had tried to go elsewhere for summer but somehow used to end up giving up and driving to Cornwall after all 'cause it wasn't as good! We like a rugged sandy beach, beautiful countryside and a nice little town with shops. We usually camp but feeling a bit fed up of this too...so...Any ideas?

I killed the thread!

Berrie

Morning all!

lol Berrie that happened to me too one weekend and I got all paranoid We had a very wet week in Devon so never forgave it (was so bad we came home early) but Cornwall was only freezing so much nicer (and yes it was summertime but we are lucky like that). There is always Scotland!

Morning ladies - the sun is shining here (but freezing outside) - hope its shining on you too

Berrie, I love the South Hams. Bantham is my all time favourite beach and dogs are allowed in the estuary area which is amazing. My dog goes wild with joy when we go there. If you like a good traditional town, Totnes is great. It's inland but half an hour from the coast. The whole area is very beautiful though can get busy in the peak weeks.

Waves to everyone else.

Sunny but the sky is black...
Would love to go to Scotland - it's on the list...a Veeeery long list which, due to my advancing years, is beginning to feel a bit like a bucket list and we still never go!
Hey Ally - did you see the Next advert in the magazine on Saturday with the dungarees and think of Shmeegle? Even the model looked terrible!
I bought some volumising dry shampoo following on from volumising hairbrush chat and it certainly did the trick. Trouble is - my hair felt like a brillo pad so didn't bother again. Mind you - I don't bother much anyway!

Speaking of , two very smart new houses are being built near me. On the advertising board outside is a painting of said smart new family outside their new home and the woman is actually wearing them. .

That doesn't make it right or good, btw!