I have a real problem and need any advice I can get. As you may remember from a previous post, I've been diagnosed with Degenerative Disk Disease. Basically, my disks are melting away somewhere in my back, and lower back pain rules my life. I can find no type of pain medication that I can tolerate and still function. Most prescription meds either send me into a coma, or make me so nauseas I'm miserable, or both. The pain is increasing, and simple chores such as a short trip to Walmart for groceries is fast becoming a real issue. By the time I am checked out, I can hardly move my back without excruciating pain. (And I look like I'm 100 years old as I walk to the car.) Most of the time, just sitting down relieves the pain, but if it's too severe, even that doesn't help so much.
Have any of you out there dealt with this? If so, can you tell me how you deal with it? Any medical folks out there who have any suggestions, I'm all ears. I was told by a friend who works at a physical therapy clinic to do two simple exercises. I was given Ultram for the pain, but can't take that. (See above) OTC meds are not helping, except Excedrine dulls it a little bit. My stomach is fast becoming raw hamburger with all I've tried to take. I've tried walking for exercise and by the time I get back to the house, I'm almost in tears.
I really don't like the thought of driving that weird wheelchair around Walmart, making folks get out of my way and hogging the aisle. And I know if I ever start something like that, I will deteriorate at a much faster pace. So, gentle readers.....suggestions anyone?
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7 comments:
I tried Ultram for my headaches and all they did was make me sick and didn't even touch the pain. That's all I have to say. I have no words of wisdom. Sorry you're feeling so bad Mom. I didn't know it was this bad. Sadness.
I don't know if this would help or hinder but I have lower back pain often (nothing like what you are explaining) and when I workout my abs and make them stronger it takes some of the pressure off my back. The only thing, it hurts while I am working out but after about 2 months or so of doing it everyday it gets much better.
I don't know if that helps any but I thought it was a great insight for me. It may be very painful for you though....sorry no real answers here.
I have several friends who have had the shots and one or two that have had pain pumps put in (not sure if it is the same problem you have).
The two exercises my friend gave me were to strengthen the abdominal muscles. It makes sense. I've had an epidural for the pain in the past. (before it was even this bad) and the shot was so traumatic, I swore I'd just deal with the pain. It must have something to do with messing with your spine that makes it so devastating to get that shot. Everyone I've ever talked to who got one, was sure they'd never do it again. But, after a while, you start thinking, "It might not be sooo very bad" after all. Thanks for the suggestions! I appreciate it.
I should have some suggestions since I'm a nurse and all, but all my suggestions were not feasible b/c of your body's inability to deal with pain medicine. I have recurring back pain, too, but no one has ever done an MRI to be sure it wasn't skeletal, they have just dx'd me with muscle spasms. So, they give me Flexeril. It sometimes helps and it some times doesn't. But, that wouldn't work for your problem since it is not muscular. Sorry. :-(
I have no answers but I am so sorry your hurting. I know my Pa Roland has major problems with his lower back and the best thing he does is water aerobics. It takes all that impact away being in the water and its helped him tremendously. He also visits a great chiropractor every week. (I know a lot of people are so not into that at all but hey whatever helps the pain) He doesn't take any pain meds either and its been good for his double knee replacement. My sister loves the Water and Wellness center so maybe that would be something to check on? Its pretty reasonably priced also.
Have you tried pilates? I have no idea if it would help or not, but I have some videoes and the exercises are meant to strengthen your core muscles: abs, pelvic floor, and lower back. I was having some problems with muscle spasms and pilates really helped that. It's not the same thing you have (and certainly not as bad), but it's all I've got.
I'll certainly keep you in my prayers! I have a condition in my feet called tarsal tunnel syndrome and there's no cure for it. I've had surgery to alleviate the pain, but it's not cure. I don't react well to pain meds either. My doctor told me if the surgery didn't work, he'd refer me to a pain management specialist. That may be an option for you.
Oh yes, I've tried Pilates. They nearly killed me. They made my neck hurt so badly, I couldn't continue. (I have a little arthritis my neck)I sure don't want to deal with pain management if I don't have to. But I appreciate all the good thoughts you folks are sending my way. Thanks a bunch!
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