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In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??

 
DDD Ruins Lives
User ID: 24289559
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09/23/2012 08:29 PM
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In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
While this thread is asking for help for myself, I hope this thread serves some advice for the many other sufferers of this condition around the world...

My Story

On and off for 10 Years I have had a bit of a sore lower left back pain...4 years ago, I was working in a public house moving a 22 gallon keg and my back cracked. I couldn't move for 15 minutes and was in agony. This resulted in me having to give up work and has up to now ruined my life...

In January 2011, I eventually had a MRI scan after 2 years of doctors fobbing me off with tablets. The MRI scan showed I had DDD, I have a number of discs on my left side bulging and impinging my Cal Sack. Also I have a disc that is Dry. I have had physio to no avail and had other tablets that don't really make a difference....

If I walk for more than 10 minutes, I keel over in pain. If I sit too long, I'm in a lot of pain. If I stand up straight for than 20 minutes, I am in pain....For 4 years this has been happening with little help from my many doctors up until May of this year...

In June, a doctor referred me to my local hospital for Spinal injections. I received a letter after a few weeks saying I had to have another MRI Scan...I had this done at the end of June and this also confirmed I had DDD...2 weeks later, I received another letter from the hospital saying that I don't qualify for Spinal Injections, my heart sank and I was stressed out...

I went back to my doctor and he has now referred me to the Pain Clinic..As of now, I am still waiting to be seen by them..

Just last Monday, I started to get this constant horrible pain on the lower left...By Wednesday the pain had moved to my lower spine, half way up my back and to my right hand side lower back...5AM Thursday morning I had to ring my out of hours surgery as I was crying in pain in bed...I was advised to take some inflammatory tablets and pain killers...I did this and all day Thursday, I had pain in my bowels and a bout of diareah...I had to stop the tablets that day....

On Friday, I had to get my doctor to ring me because I couldn't move..He gave me a prescription for Tramadol which my partner picked up for me...After taking these for 3 days now, they have not succeeded in taking any of the pain away...

I am sat here now in really bad pain, not able to sleep and scared to move in case my muscles spasm again as this is what's been happening I think...I am struggling to go to the toilet etc etc...

I have had enough, doctors don't seem to be listening. I have been to them at least 200 times in the last 4 years. I seem to be getting nowhere fast and I'm still suffering..This last week has been the worst time of my life, I have NEVER had pain so bad like this. I have been diagnosed with depression also and my mood is always low. I don't get out anywhere due to being scared of being in agony...

Yesterday was bad to a point that I nearly rang an ambulance. On a pain scale of 1-10, since last Monday, I have been hitting 8 & 9...I feel that it's pointless ringing an ambulance because they might think I'm putting it on...Also, with me knowing what I have, they won't be able to do much anyway...

Does anyone know if I should be on muscle relaxers now, as the spasms in my back are terrible. ATM, I am staying still on the couch, I have a constant ache but bearable but I know if I try and get up, It will be bad again...

Please, some help would be appreciated...Hopefully, others can look back on this thread as well to gain advice...

Thanks
Anonymous Coward (OP)
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09/23/2012 08:30 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
Also, for the last 4 years, I haven't been able to work. I am currently on ESA (Employment & Support Allowance)... I had a medical assesment done about 2 weeks ago by the Job Centre and I'm terrified that they will take me of the sickness benefits and force me onto Job Seekers Allowance...They have stepped up on benefit fraud recently in the UK and people who are ill are still being taken of the sickness benefits. My partner is one of them, she has Mild-Moderate Learning diffilculties and was on sickness benefits for 7 years...She had a medical recently and she has been taken off sickness benefits and put onto JSA...

I am scared to death of them taking them off me and forcing me to work when I have DDD & Depression...I wouldn't be able to fight or appeal if they took me off as I wouldn't have the strenght to fight back and appeal ...

This condition has impacted my life so much, not just my working life but my sexual life with my partner..It's a good job she is very supportive and knows what I'm going through or she would of left me by now....I am at my wits end, I just want all the pain to end so I can try and lead a normal life...I would love to work as hate being stuck at home 24/7, but there is not much out there now that I can do with this...TBH, I don't see much hope for my future at the moment as sick of being let down by doctors and the hospital...I know that many people out there are suffering from this and we shouldn't have to suffer like this...
Anonymous Coward
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09/23/2012 08:33 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
Come to mexico get operated and return to your country and be a man again, not a victim
Anonymous Coward
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09/23/2012 08:38 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
LISTEN AND PAY HEED. If you really want to do somthing to help yourselfs then forget about surgery. For the time being ask your doctor to put you on MORAPHINE and only MORAPHINE. Does the least damage and thats what they take themselves. Then go buy an INVERSION TABLE. Start slow. Use everyday. Morning when you get up and evening before bed. You are just suffering from gravity. We pound our bodys down all our lives. Hanging on a board stretches things back out and allows things to go back into place. Little by little. I had and did the exact same thing. I don't take the moraphine anymore. I am like a 40 year old again. NO SURGERY. Better than ever.
Satya Yuga

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09/23/2012 08:39 PM
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Also, for the last 4 years, I haven't been able to work. I am currently on ESA (Employment & Support Allowance)... I had a medical assesment done about 2 weeks ago by the Job Centre and I'm terrified that they will take me of the sickness benefits and force me onto Job Seekers Allowance...They have stepped up on benefit fraud recently in the UK and people who are ill are still being taken of the sickness benefits. My partner is one of them, she has Mild-Moderate Learning diffilculties and was on sickness benefits for 7 years...She had a medical recently and she has been taken off sickness benefits and put onto JSA...

I am scared to death of them taking them off me and forcing me to work when I have DDD & Depression...I wouldn't be able to fight or appeal if they took me off as I wouldn't have the strenght to fight back and appeal ...

This condition has impacted my life so much, not just my working life but my sexual life with my partner..It's a good job she is very supportive and knows what I'm going through or she would of left me by now....I am at my wits end, I just want all the pain to end so I can try and lead a normal life...I would love to work as hate being stuck at home 24/7, but there is not much out there now that I can do with this...TBH, I don't see much hope for my future at the moment as sick of being let down by doctors and the hospital...I know that many people out there are suffering from this and we shouldn't have to suffer like this...
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 24289559


It's exactly what my dad had and I have the early signs of it and have had the same experience you describe. My dad actually had to have 2(!) surgeries a couple of years ago (back to back), where they inserted these little balloons between the discs. Fixed him up really well and he hasn't had any problem since. Unfortunately, he let it get to that point and actually fell on his back and couldn't get up. I can't imagine going through pain like that for so long. I have a low tolerance for pain so if it ever gets to that point I will just opt for the surgery. hfyodahf
Satya Yuga
TDJ

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09/23/2012 08:46 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
I feel for ya. I have had two spinal surgeries and was off work a couple of years. Lost everything I had including my wife.

The ONLY thing that will help is a spinal fusion to keep the spine locked in place. They will probably do exactly what they did to me. They will go in and scrape the bulging disc away from the nerves that run along your spine, these are what is causing the leg pain. That will help for a little while until the fusion.

You will hopefully get some opiates to ease the pain until you have the first surgery. If you don't get off the pills as soon as possible you will end up taking them the rest of your life. After a while they won't work at all but you will need them to keep from getting really sick.

If you need anything just ask. Been there myself
If something can corrupt you, you're corrupted already.

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“The duty of a patriot is to protect his country from its government.”
THOMAS PAINE (1737-1809)

Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one. Bruce Lee
Anonymous Coward
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09/23/2012 08:47 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
Do the inversion table and get a Sacrowedgy. Google it. I had your problem and used one for about a month and it really helped.

Also start taking something that will help your body repair itself. A good mineral supplement and something like shark cartilage or glucosamine.

A good natural muscle relaxer is magnesium. A product called "Natural Calm" may help.

Stay off your feet as much as possible right now.

Your body CAN help itself, but it takes time, patience and the correct nutrition.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
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09/23/2012 08:48 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
LISTEN AND PAY HEED. If you really want to do somthing to help yourselfs then forget about surgery. For the time being ask your doctor to put you on MORAPHINE and only MORAPHINE. Does the least damage and thats what they take themselves. Then go buy an INVERSION TABLE. Start slow. Use everyday. Morning when you get up and evening before bed. You are just suffering from gravity. We pound our bodys down all our lives. Hanging on a board stretches things back out and allows things to go back into place. Little by little. I had and did the exact same thing. I don't take the moraphine anymore. I am like a 40 year old again. NO SURGERY. Better than ever.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 24303692


Thank you for your advice...

With regards to Morphine, they are VERY reluctant to give it out in the UK due to people getting hooked on it or something....

I have been taking Zapain, which is Codeine Phospate 30mg & paracetamol 500mg mixed together...These usually take the edge of the pain away, however, since last Monday, I have had these muscle spasms and/or Nerve trapping real bad and the Zapains haven't done anything...That's why I had to ring docs and get the Tramadol on Friday. They are suppose to be stronger than Zapain but I haven't seen no pain relief from these either....

Might get one of them inversion tables...Willing to try anything to be honest...Thinking about it, is this similar to what they do in hospital when they put you on Traction or something..Sounds the same sort of stuff but the do it a different way...
Jasto (OP)

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09/23/2012 08:50 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
No claims, but here are some things that may be worth researching and maybe considering in trying?


Knitbone (comfrey root)

Eggshells (crushed, powdered, you can do this yourself).

Macuna seed extract

Grape seed extract


I am in a similar kind of situation, and yes, muscle relaxants ARE useful, they allow me to get a few more hours sleep at night, instead of only 1 or 2, i get 3 or 4, sometime more.

ultimately I suspect we need to try DRX stretching back into shape, or injections to ease the grinding problems as needed, if other therapy doesnt work.

Also magnesium to help calm spasms.

Best of wishes,

Jasto
Psychobilly

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09/23/2012 08:50 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
REBUILD YOUR BACK WITH YOUR MIND.

Read every book you can and every video you can find on Joe Dispenza.
IMO, he's the real deal. He rebuilt his back with his mind, when he was supposed to get Harrington Rods. He defied medicine. HIM. He did it alone. You can too man.
The only thing that burns in Hell is the part of you that won't let go of life
HeavenlyAlchemy
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09/23/2012 08:50 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
Sorry to hear about your troubles, I can relate though.

The thing that has helped me is aquatherapy. And the specific thing, because I couldn't do anything else at the time, is traction.

What you do is place 5 pound weights on your legs and use floaty noodles one behind you and one in front of you and just hang there. It takes the pressure off the spine and slowly stretches your spine out.

Do this in 1 1/2 hour sessions to start. It is the best feeling to be pain free for a while. And for the spine to re aline a bit, even for just a while.
Anonymous Coward
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09/23/2012 08:51 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
OMega 3 atleast ten grams a day to promote antiinflamorty effect

water baths.
dont eat before bed
dont use a pillow and a hang bar in the shower after a really hot one.
Kirk

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09/23/2012 08:52 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
the inversion machine helped a lot but be careful.
The lack of sleep and back spasms was solved with medical marijuana. 15 minutes after dosing the spasms dissolved.
Government is a body largely ungoverned.
Kirk

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09/23/2012 08:55 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
LISTEN AND PAY HEED. If you really want to do somthing to help yourselfs then forget about surgery. For the time being ask your doctor to put you on MORAPHINE and only MORAPHINE. Does the least damage and thats what they take themselves. Then go buy an INVERSION TABLE. Start slow. Use everyday. Morning when you get up and evening before bed. You are just suffering from gravity. We pound our bodys down all our lives. Hanging on a board stretches things back out and allows things to go back into place. Little by little. I had and did the exact same thing. I don't take the moraphine anymore. I am like a 40 year old again. NO SURGERY. Better than ever.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 24303692


Thank you for your advice...

With regards to Morphine, they are VERY reluctant to give it out in the UK due to people getting hooked on it or something....

I have been taking Zapain, which is Codeine Phospate 30mg & paracetamol 500mg mixed together...These usually take the edge of the pain away, however, since last Monday, I have had these muscle spasms and/or Nerve trapping real bad and the Zapains haven't done anything...That's why I had to ring docs and get the Tramadol on Friday. They are suppose to be stronger than Zapain but I haven't seen no pain relief from these either....

Might get one of them inversion tables...Willing to try anything to be honest...Thinking about it, is this similar to what they do in hospital when they put you on Traction or something..Sounds the same sort of stuff but the do it a different way...
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 24289559


long term morphine hammers your liver.
Government is a body largely ungoverned.
Anonymous Coward
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09/23/2012 08:55 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
trace minerals.
Amy_A

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09/23/2012 08:56 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
OP,

I feel very sorry for the pain you must endure. Chronic Pain will crush your mind, body and soul. I found relief from the never ending pain by changing everything I eat, drink, and what I do for the pain. I was on pain meds for over a decade and they will destroy you more than pain although they are needed in short amounts. There are herbs that decrease pain. Most are legal although the some are not. You can figure this out. Study natural ways to stop pain. Practice Yoga, Thia Chi, Qi Gong, Reiki, and other forms of eastern healing. Eat nothing but plants, fruits, and electric foods.

Try to stay out of surgery. I have had three spine surgeries with metal rods and screws. The metal will screw with the electricity in our bodies. If the body was meant to be cut on then God would have put a zipper on us. The doctors work for money. You will never find true compassion in them simply because they are not the one suffering.

Peace



Last Edited by Amy_A on 09/23/2012 08:56 PM
Amy
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09/23/2012 08:57 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
Run far far away from the pain clinic.

See a nutritionist/chiropractor. The good ones are usually found in what are called "wellness clinics"

Your spine will get adjusted and you will learn stretches which will slowly take the pain away.

Good luck friend.

hf
Anonymous Coward
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09/23/2012 09:01 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
My wife has herniated discs, and upper spinal sculiosis...her mother has ddd....her mother turned into a morphine junkie got a moph pump and going to another doc for pills....my wife: she uses medical mj....her mother lays in bed all day doped up out of her mind....my wife: she is more active....morphine may take away appetite cravings to help you loose weight but you'll have no muscles to exercise with.

I would reccomend MJ, make sure you use sativa during the day and indica at night (or when the pain isn't bearable)...don't smoke it (pipe/joint) try to get a whip vape or volcano if you can afford (whips are like $150usd, volcano like 500-600usd)....and a good double perc bong for when you need the convienance.

If you decide to grow it, take the sugar leaf trimmings and make tincture (everclear & trimming in jar like 2 to 1 ratio or so, in freezer 2-3 days shaken a few times daily...strain the liquid....3-5 drops in a drink works great...dry the solid leftover and pack some pills...excellent for pain, both the liquid and pills)
Anonymous Coward
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09/23/2012 09:02 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
No claims, but here are some things that may be worth researching and maybe considering in trying?


Knitbone (comfrey root)

Eggshells (crushed, powdered, you can do this yourself).

Macuna seed extract

Grape seed extract


I am in a similar kind of situation, and yes, muscle relaxants ARE useful, they allow me to get a few more hours sleep at night, instead of only 1 or 2, i get 3 or 4, sometime more.

ultimately I suspect we need to try DRX stretching back into shape, or injections to ease the grinding problems as needed, if other therapy doesnt work.

Also magnesium to help calm spasms.

Best of wishes,

Jasto
 Quoting: Jasto (OP)


comfrey root can be damaging to your liver, it shouldn't be used for long periods of time.


It seems as though this plan would help. replace muscle relaxers with cannabis
Anonymous Coward (OP)
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09/23/2012 09:03 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
I feel for ya. I have had two spinal surgeries and was off work a couple of years. Lost everything I had including my wife.

The ONLY thing that will help is a spinal fusion to keep the spine locked in place. They will probably do exactly what they did to me. They will go in and scrape the bulging disc away from the nerves that run along your spine, these are what is causing the leg pain. That will help for a little while until the fusion.

You will hopefully get some opiates to ease the pain until you have the first surgery. If you don't get off the pills as soon as possible you will end up taking them the rest of your life. After a while they won't work at all but you will need them to keep from getting really sick.

If you need anything just ask. Been there myself
 Quoting: TDJ


Thanks...

So sorry to hear you lost your wife...Some people will think your wife could of stood by you and stayed with you if she really loved you and I did think like that at first but, after seeing what I have put my girlfriend through for the last 4 years, I wouldn't blame her for leaving me...I have put her through a lot as I use to get really angry over the slightest thing and this would turn into an argument...Also, she does all the cooking, cleaning and everyday she has to her me moan lol..

I had to leave my family home for 2 years to calm down...Since being back, I haven't argued once with her. She has been a rock for me but she is starting to get a little stressed, I can see it and having a 5 year old son running about it making things any better...

As for the Spinal fusion, I don't think they will do that on me...I get the feeling that they think I am putting all this on..I wish I were as the pain is real bad..I wouldn't wish it on my worse enemy...

I do get sciatica often down my left leg and get very tingly on the bottom of my foot...My recent MRI like I said shown that I had DDD, but the Radiologist and Neurologist looked at me scan results and decided that it wasn't affecting my nerves, so they are reluctant to do spinal injections. If they are reluctant to do spinal injections, I don't think they will do the fusion...

This is why all this is a pain in the ass, I know I have a bad back, they know I do from the Scans. I know I have occasional Sciatic & now this muscle spasms and they don't believe I have sciatica because the scans revealed (At that time) that the discs weren't touching my nerves...

I feel like I'm in a endless battle with no win in sight, while I'm still suffering in agony 24/7....
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09/23/2012 09:04 PM

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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
I have DDD as well and LOVE my slantboard. It is a lifesaver and the natural traction feels so good. DDD sucks and is very painful, I know. I think a muscle relaxer would help you, and like some other posters have said, beware of the pain clinic. Beware. You do not want to have to deal with a physical addiction in addition to your current dilemma. Have you tried any Kratom? Weed?

ETA, spinal injections didn't do shit for me- just made me feel like I had a piece of wood in my spine.

Last Edited by snark on 09/23/2012 09:06 PM
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The virtue of courage is a prerequisite for the practice of all other virtues, because otherwise one is virtuous only when virtue has no cost. There are times when something needs to be done, and yet we know that if we step up and do this needful thing, we will pay a heavy personal price. -C.S. Lewis
HeavenlyAlchemy
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09/23/2012 09:07 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
the inversion machine helped a lot but be careful.
The lack of sleep and back spasms was solved with medical marijuana. 15 minutes after dosing the spasms dissolved.
 Quoting: Kirk


I should look into that, no matter what they give me or I do, I always have muscle spasms. Sometimes less painful than others but they are all way there.
Anonymous Coward
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09/23/2012 09:07 PM
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Dear Friend, I understand and feel your pain. I am not joking and truly am empathetic to what you are experiencing. Both myself and SO have been on a similar path and if you permit me, I will give you a few words of advice. Take these words and choose carefully, for what you will do in the next year will impact your entire life in the future.
DO NOT...I repeat DO NOT have surgery. Worst thing I ever did. Handicapped me for certain. You must have the appt. with the Pain Clinic. Ensure that the docs there are anethesiologists, for if they suggest epi-durals, GET THEM. Usually a series of 3, these are your best bet, as they will hit the area of disc disease and affect it positively. You will get an injection, under hosiptal or clinic doctor and nurse personnel and with twilight sleep. Upon wakening you will find that you will experience at first an increase in pain (or may be one of the very lucky ones and have immediate relief...but I don't want to lead you on, so hence, that is why I am telling you that you may feel pain at first) but I promise you, you WILL progress during the 6 week period and feel better.
Secondly, a muscle relaxant RIGHT NOW, TONIGHT, may help you. Take as directed. You might want to apply a heating pad with the oral medication as heat relaxes your muscles and you seem very tense. (Of course, who wouldn't?) Epsom salt baths work well for me and I usually take about 1 cup of Epsom Salt and put it in the tub with water boardering on hot and sit there until I am feeling a bit better. This will alkaline your body, hopefully removing some of the toxin buildup (nitrogen) which you may have. It will make you feel better at any rate, I promise you. Also, my doc perscribed LIDODERM patches and they help a lot. So be sure and ask your physician about this. You can get pain patches OTC (over the counter) at any drugstore. They won't be LIDODERM, but there are various kinds and will work to take the edge off in the interm. Inversion therapy is acceptable and you might find it to be a good therapuetical tool for you. Reflexology is a homeopathic remedy to investigate. So please do this as well as massage. A good massage therapist is worth his/her weight in gold and can make you feel like a new person. When you do start to feel better I would suggest yoga and/or pilates. You absolutely need to move-move-move for if you don't stretch you will find yourself in a place that you won't be able to rise up and out of your bed again. This is very important. Daily stretching and range of motion. I'm not asking you to go and play tennis. I am asking you to stret

ch and bend. (As far as you can without discomfort.) As for meds, be careful. You do not want a horrible life on perscription medication, but you do sure sound like you could use a little help now and that is what medications are for. Next time you are in that horrible pain and are at an 8 or 9 (almost unconscious level!!!) call an ambulance and have them take you to the ER. Speak up! Speak out!
Keep a pillow (or two if you can handle it) under your legs at the knee caps) when you are lying on your back in bed. Use the heating pad on an intermittent basis under your back as you lie there. Twenty minutes on. Twenty minutes off. Good lower back range of motion exercises will make a difference too. Take it slow. One or two reps the first day, then add a rep. Pelvic tilt. Ask your doc for PT (physical therapy) as a goood physical therapist can help you enormously. If you don't like the PT at first, ask at a local gym. You MUST be pro-active. This is your body and you need to take control.
I don't mean to upset you, only help you. I have lived what you are going through now ...for twenty years. Believe me when I tell you that I wish someone had told me some of the above when I first started out.
Also, ask your pain clinic doc about Trigger Point injections. Less traumatic then Epi's, but you will experience help and assist with the trigger point injection and they can be done right at your doctor's office.
OK...I guess that's it. Hope I helped you and if you have any questions, I will try to touch base with you again. Many Blessings. Stay strong. Stay consistent. Keep the faith.
*HAARP Lady*

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09/23/2012 09:09 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
All I'm going to say is "Tart cherry Juice" from Montmorency Cherries!!

Take concentrated doses!! It helps you sleep and is a mild pain reliever AND is a major anti-inflammatory agent! A friend of mine takes it all the time for kidney problems - I take for RLS (Restless leg Syndrome!) Amazing stuff!

~ Haarpy
Don't get mad - Get a Pepsi!
Anonymous Coward
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09/23/2012 09:09 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
and like some other posters have said, beware of the pain clinic. Beware. You do not want to have to deal with a physical addiction in addition to your current dilemma.

 Quoting: snark


This 100%
Kirk

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09/23/2012 09:12 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
the inversion machine helped a lot but be careful.
The lack of sleep and back spasms was solved with medical marijuana. 15 minutes after dosing the spasms dissolved.
 Quoting: Kirk


I should look into that, no matter what they give me or I do, I always have muscle spasms. Sometimes less painful than others but they are all way there.
 Quoting: HeavenlyAlchemy 23961878


2 hours max sleep per night. The stress was spacing me out. Friend gave me a couple hits. RELIEF. Got my mj card and a quarter oz. Slept 9 hours first night.
Government is a body largely ungoverned.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 4259718
United States
09/23/2012 09:12 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
Here's what I did: I lived with it for 5 years before the bottom two discs finally blew out. Back when they were just bulging and the first time I met my pain doctor she told me "your back looks like shit, you're gonna need surgery one day". I was like "yeah right, just gimme that shot, I'm good." That was when I' take a long lunch at work, go get a cortisone injection, and come back.

As it progressed, the painkillers that were helping me sleep at night had to be taken in small amounts during the day if there was any chance of making it to 4:30pm. My accuracy and production started to slip. The cortisone injections stopped working so it progressed to a nerve block. They burn out the nerves in the facet joints of the affected area in the spine.

Had two of those, and then the third didn't work. There was a moment at work where I got up from my chair and couldn't stand up straight. Gun to my head or for a million dollars it couldn't be done. I had a feeling this was it, and I was right. Went for another MRI and clear as day there were two herniated discs.

Fast forward to the surgery. They went in from the front. Under the bellybutton. What was supposed to be a two inch "window", turned into a 6 inch gutting. Felt like I was cut in half for the first week or so. Half a dozen screws, two spacers and that bone protein crap that received all kinds of bad publicity. Couldn't piss on my own so I shuffled around with a catheter at home for two weeks until they finally taught me how to run a line up my dick when I needed to piss. It was humbling to say the least. Finally pissing on my own again was a huge milestone.

Became addicted to opiates. Needed a full 12 mo for my back to heal. Diabetes probably affected the heal time. Just released to work two weeks ago, and I'm making great progress on an opiate wean with my doc's help. I took it every day for 3 1/2 years. Got a job interview this coming week, and I can truly say I physically feel just as good if not better than before any of this crap started.

You might eventually need surgery OP, but do yourself a favor and get a second opinion on HOW they want to fix your back. They have a new laser procedure that is supposed to drastically cut pain and recovery time. Good luck, I hope everything works out for you.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 23108313
Hong Kong
09/23/2012 09:12 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
I was diagnosed with degenerative disk disease also. Neurologist said no surgery can help. They said that it is genetic and that eventually I will be unable to walk at all. I was in a wheelchair/bed for several months and in excruciating pain. I lost my job and my home. I did a lot of reasearch on the subject. The main culprit is not genetics, it is flouride. Long term ingestion of flouride causes something called skeletal flourosis.Eliminate all flouride from your diet and life immediately. Drink only distilled or reverse osmosis water. Buy only flouride free toothpaste from a health food store. No more flouride treatments at your dental check ups. Then start juicing daily and taking supplements.Vitamin D3, calcium, magnesium especially. I juice carrot and apple daily. You need this for the large amounts of live enzymes required to heal yourself. I also like to take a greens supplement and aloe vera juice as well. In less than a year doing this I was walking, and being able participate in all normal activity free of pain.No more wheelchair, No more pain. I do not listen to doctors anymore. I found the documentary "The Beautiful Truth" About Dr. Max Gerson very helpful in understanding why these chronic degenerative illness occur and how to heal yourself. I hope you get well.
Innards_outward

User ID: 1080787
United States
09/23/2012 09:12 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
Run far far away from the pain clinic.

See a nutritionist/chiropractor. The good ones are usually found in what are called "wellness clinics"

Your spine will get adjusted and you will learn stretches which will slowly take the pain away.

Good luck friend.

hf
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 3243979


Doctors only do pills and referrals to more pill pushers. chiropractors are The only answer to back and neck problems!
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Kirk

User ID: 10818676
United States
09/23/2012 09:13 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
All I'm going to say is "Tart cherry Juice" from Montmorency Cherries!!

Take concentrated doses!! It helps you sleep and is a mild pain reliever AND is a major anti-inflammatory agent! A friend of mine takes it all the time for kidney problems - I take for RLS (Restless leg Syndrome!) Amazing stuff!

~ Haarpy
 Quoting: *HAARP Lady*


Also good for cancer. The dark sweet is the best thing in the world for a gout attack
Government is a body largely ungoverned.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 24289559
United Kingdom
09/23/2012 09:14 PM
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Re: In Agony With Degenerative Disc Disease - What The Hell Do I Do??
Do the inversion table and get a Sacrowedgy. Google it. I had your problem and used one for about a month and it really helped.

Also start taking something that will help your body repair itself. A good mineral supplement and something like shark cartilage or glucosamine.

A good natural muscle relaxer is magnesium. A product called "Natural Calm" may help.

Stay off your feet as much as possible right now.

Your body CAN help itself, but it takes time, patience and the correct nutrition.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 24291285


Thanks for your suggestion..while I'm on my ass and can't move, I will look them all up and gain further info...

Believe me, I am trying to stay off my feet as much as possible...I have a indentation on the couch from where I have been lying since last Monday lol....

7 days now I have had these muscle spasms and it doesn't seem to be going whatsoever...Am thinking about getting onto my docs tomorrow and asking for muscle relaxers, as getting to the toilet is a pain in ass...I couldn't stand straight up before going for a wee and my girlfriend called me Quasimodo, I couldn't help but laugh and this caused more pain in my back...She now has to run out of the room when I get up in case she starts laughing, which might set me off....

But, it's no laughing matter really...





GLP