Update

Long time since I have posted. I have been doing good with pain management and not using anything other than Ibuprofen and Zanaflex to control pain.
     Last month, I got rear-ended. The force was so hard that I bent the driver's seat on a Volvo. Even the rear-view mirror was throw into the back seat. This was almost 8 weeks ago. (Mother's Day weekend) The first few weeks I thought I would be OK, but then the low back pain started increasing. I was actively pursuing medical treatments. Chiropractic, Massage, Epsom salt baths, Ice etc...The pain has steadily gotten worse. I had X-Rays and then a week ago had a MRI of low back which showed a ruptured disc. I now am having to go back on pain pills (Vicodin & Tramadol) to even be able to cope. There is no position that provides comfort. I will be having surgery soon. I don't feel that this decision is out of line or even back to 'using'. As soon as the surgery is done I will be getting back off the meds.
GTMI

[cathy5841]

Oh so sorry to hear this...but really glad to see you post...i sure do miss you and your sound advice...

[avisg]

Going ,
I am sorry ... Boy vic's and tram is going to be a double whammy .Is your wife hold on to the pills that is the best advice I can give .It seems to be so much eisier if you don't hold the pills or for that matter see the bottle.We have talked about this were are going to be times where you wont have a choice but be as careful as you can ..keep in closer touch threw this ok!!!!!\
avis:)

[GoingToMakeIt]

I really don't feel I have a choice. One cannot live with this kind of pain! They are rushing to get me done. I hope so. The surgery is being done by a neurosurgeon. Every medical expert has told me that the surgery is my best option. My chiropractor, who is against even taking Tylenol, told me enough! Time for the surgery.

[GoingToMakeIt]

So question. Do I call this a break in my 938 days of being clean? I tend to think that this is not abusing.

[avisg]

NO as long as you take it as prescribed it is NOT a relapse .I will tell you plz up in safeguards even with as much clean time as you have it does not take much for addictive thinking to creep on in . If you even consider taking a pill for anything other then the pain make sure to tell everyone so we can help OK ...That's why I want you to stick around you need support ..
avis

[GoingToMakeIt]

You're a doll. That is why I posted. It was not an easy decision to take these pills.

[IBKleen]

It is not a relapse. I am certain you did not plan to have an auto accident. We are not martyrs and there may come a time with any of us that we have to take pain meds. Taking them responsibly and being accountable is the key. Only you can do that.

Hope you are feeling better.

[dominosarah]

This isnt a relapse GTMI, just make sure someone is holding the meds for you.  Keep us updated on how you are doing when you can.  Keep your guard up also....this addiction is sneaky.  Hope you get to feeling better.          sara

[flmagi]

Very sorry to hear that you're going threw all this. You really don't have a choice, people can only bear so much pain. It shouldn't be considered a break in your clean time. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Magi

[GoingToMakeIt]

You know, it is awfully good to hear from all of you again.

[10356]

HI we really have never spoken but I'm very sorry about the accident and the resulting pain.. I had my shoulder replaced had my hubby hold on to the meds and used as prescribed.. I did not consider that a relapse and neither do I think should you... Congrats on all your clean time it is worth holding on too. and no guilt for sometimes we need to take meds.. I wish you a speedy recovery.. lesa

[dominosarah]

Its really good to hear from you again too......

[avisg]

Going how are you doing today

[GoingToMakeIt]

At 4:00am I woke for a pit stop & didn't take the pain pills (every 6hrs) and BIG MISTAKE. When I woke up at 7:00, the pain was sending me through the roof!

[vicki595]

Hey you~  Now don't be skipping med doses...it gets too hard to catch up on the pain relief !!    Hate that you're suffering.  Hope the surgery is soon and stay comfortable in the meantime!

All the best~
Vicki

[GoingToMakeIt]

I should hear tomorrow about an appointment for surgery. I hope its not too far out. It is getting harder to find any position that's comfortable.

[dominosarah]

Well let us know when surgery is.  You need to stay on top of the pain right now GTMI.  When you dont it starts to play with us emotionally also.  Do you want us all to come and take care of you??!!!

[GoingToMakeIt]

How sweet of you to ask. I'm in good hands right now. But if anything changes, I'll let you know. Lol

[dominosarah]

Couldnt you imagine all of us walking thru the front door!!!!!  LOL

[dominosarah]

Okay its tomorrow and we are waiting!!!  

[GoingToMakeIt]

oh, we'll I was preparing for your visit. Lol

Remember I'm on the left coast. Its only 8:30 here. Patience is a virtue, they say. Even though we all want it NOW.

[GoingToMakeIt]

Looks like surgery on July 7th.

[dominosarah]

Just for today i will work on patience!!!  LOL

[GoingToMakeIt]

Surgery is @ 6:45 July 7th. None too soon. I think the pain is getting worse. I didn't know this was even possible.

[GoingToMakeIt]

Life has been a living h*ll. I have never had so much pain as these last few days.

[dominosarah]

I am so sorry you are feeling so bad.  Hang on tight my friend.  Just a couple more days to go........do some breathing exercises............

[GoingToMakeIt]

Thanks Sarah. I sure hope the surgery works. I (anyone) can't live with this pain.

[dominosarah]

Think positive GTMI.  The surgery will be a success.      

[GoingToMakeIt]

You are right. It will be a success. I am having one of the best neurosurgeons in the state working on me. I have a great team here, backing me up.

[dominosarah]

That is always a plus!!  The fear of the unknown is always scary too and our minds cant ever sit idle so thoughts are always creeping in.

[dominosarah]

You have the best surgeon and medical team there and the best "mental" team here!!  Seems like a win win situation!!!

[GoingToMakeIt]

Surgery in about 9 hours, but who's counting. I will update as I can.

[dominosarah]

You are in all our thoughts and prayers GTMI.  Let us know when you can.......sara

[avisg]

I will be praying for you it will be ok ..we are hear for you ...
C

[dominosarah]

Crossing my fingers that surgery was a success...........

[GoingToMakeIt]

Surgery went well.t Dr said it was good he operated. The protrusion was directly pushing on the nerve! The Dr cleaned out the herniated part of the disc and took some bone out to give more room for the nerve. He said that there could be even more pain before it gets better. If a nerve is compressed for some time and then the pressure is released. There can be like a 'rebound' effect until the nerve can heal.
     I can feel pain, but it is different. I'm not getting the spasms that I did before. Hopefully, there is no permanent damage. Now I get to start the healing process.

[dominosarah]

I am really happy to hear this was a success.  How long are you going to be in the hospital?  Do you want avis and i to come and be your singing telegram ladies??!!!

[GoingToMakeIt]

Unbelievable offer but I'm already home.
     Into surgery @ 6:45am and  I was home @ 10:30 am. It was done in an outpatient surgery center about 16 miles from my house.

[dominosarah]

Wow......they do things so different now. in and out.  Well so much for singing to you!!  I will just wish you a good nights rest.  I do believe we heal better when we are at home.  Do you have stitches and all of that??  

[avisg]

yes they do things very quickly now

[dominosarah]

Hows the mouth avis??

[GoingToMakeIt]

Good morning.
     Less than 24hrs and I am very encouraged. There is almost no radiating pain down the leg. (It was down to my foot.) The is pain around the incision and into the spine, but hey. They cut bone to get to the nerve, they cut bone to to make more room for the nerve and they roto-rooted the disk to clean that up. Considering all of this, the pain is quite bearable. (of course the drugs are doing their job too).
    I again want to thank everyone here for their support. I do appreciate it.

[dominosarah]

Good thing i was sitting down when i read this as i would of fallen down!!  I cant put a bandaid on myself without getting lightheaded!!!  LOL

Sounds like the surgery is a success!!  That is just awesome........

[avisg]

its sounding very good i hope it keeps going that wait keep checking in

[dominosarah]

How are you today??

[GoingToMakeIt]

I am very fuzzy headed. Not sure what is going on. I slept most of the day and still feel groggy. My back seems to be OK. I am not experiencing the radiating pain anymore. That is such a relief.

[vicki595]

Hey you~   Are you eating and drinking enough??

Sounds like the surgery was successful!!  You were very descriptive...I can handle it but poor Sara..  LOL

V.

[GoingToMakeIt]

I thought so, but I am increasing fluids. I am thinking that I am experiencing a drug interaction. I am so 'drugged' feeling.

[vicki595]

Are you keeping track of when and how many pills you've taken?  I learned that lesson a long time ago!!  Sometimes we swallow those pills so automatically that we forget!!

Keep pushing the fluids and try some coffee to perk you up...even though it's kind of late...and keep posting..

V.

[GoingToMakeIt]

Yes, mom. :)
We are logging all the pills etc. It just feels that they all started to catch up with me. And you are so right. Taking pills can be so 'automatic'.

[vicki595]

Yup...just can't take the mommy and nurse out of me !!!

I hate that feeling...you got me thinking about it...Yucky Poo !!!

Did you have enough to eat do you think??  It does sound like it's all catching up and surgery of an kind is such a "body wrecking" thing!!

Feel better...I'm going to eat now...LOL

xo

[GoingToMakeIt]

I think we just figured out what's happening. After getting the blocked colon working again, all the pills not yet processed got their turn to finally work. :) In other words, I was getting a bunch of meds into my bloodstream? It's the only thing that makes sense. I was feeling over drugged . Well hopefully I will do OK? I will watch what meds I take now and go from here.

[vicki595]

I don't think that was it.  The pills get absorbed from your stomach to blood to brain and organs.

I think you'll be okay. I wouldn't take anymore pills til you feel a little less drugged,though.

There is little scientific proof but I'll tell ya : The 3rd day is always a bear !!!   I've seen it over and over.  Folks are great post op and the next day or so and then out of no where
they feel like crap.  It's "The Third Day" syndrome...and here you are.  It's just all catching up...

I'll bet you're not in pain or are you??

V.

[GoingToMakeIt]

You are right. The pain is mostly gone now. There is pain at the incision site. Almost all of the pinched nerve pain is gone.

[dominosarah]

Well its still a good thing that i am sitting down.....The "incision site" just about made me hurl!!!

[GoingToMakeIt]

Wasn't trying to upset you with vivid images or bad dreams. Sorry.

[dominosarah]

Oh its all good!!!  I am such a pansy when it comes to medical stuff!!!  My dad used to laugh at me and just shake his head!!!  

[GoingToMakeIt]

I'm a little concerned that the next round of pain meds the surgeon ordered is my DOC. I have been good so far with using the meds the way they are supposed to be. I'll have my wife keep an eye on me.

[vicki595]

Have your wife hold on to those pills for you.  ;)

V.

[dominosarah]

Can you talk with the doctor and tell him your concerns?  Maybe there is something else you could take.  If not, have your wife hold them and stick close to the forum.....We are here for you GTMI.         sara

[GoingToMakeIt]

This was from the surgeon. My GP is aware of the problem, as is my wife.

[dominosarah]

Are you still having alot of pain?

[dominosarah]

That was rather a dumb question wasnt it!!!  It's late here, well that is my excuse anyways!!  

[GoingToMakeIt]

I thought it was a fair question. Especially since on the 10th I told Vicki the pain was mostly gone. I went almost  24hrs w/out pain medicines. But then the pain has come back. I checked in with the surgeon's nurse today about pain and pills. She said I would need them for awhile. The Dr does a step down dose type of a program.

[dominosarah]

You sound like you are covering all the bases and the doctor sounds like he knows what h e is doing too as you mention a step down.  You dont have that radiating pain anymore now do you??  I thought you mentioned that part was gone.  Recovering after surgery takes some time and we arent 20 anymore so takes a bit longer.  Just continue on your road to recovery as it hasnt really been all that long since you had surgery.       sara

[GoingToMakeIt]

The radiating pain that I had is now gone! The pain I am having now, is from the surgery.

Now for a funny...I was told to buy an elevated toilet seat, which I did. And yes it was probably good because it did make it easier to get off of. So yesterday I removed it, not needing it now. The thing is, the seat must have pressed on a nerve in the glutes because I was having radiating pain down my right leg. That pain is all but gone now too. Go figure!

GoingToThe Market!!

[dominosarah]

I like elevated toilet seats!!!  That will be my next one!!!

GoingTo Market........that was still the funniest dam thing ever!!!!

[dominosarah]

How are you today??

[GoingToMakeIt]

     I am hanging in there. Have been trying to adjust meds from 4hr to 6 hr. Have gone from Oxy's to Vicodin (Norco) 7.5/325s. Since I was precribed, 2 tabs every 4-6 hrs and I am taking 1 every 6 hr (a little more at night to sleep), I think I am doing OK on dosages. I can't function, pain wise, without taking them yet, but that is my goal. I am able to move around a bit more. Walking in short spurts feels good. Not having to live with the nerve pain is wonderful! It was only a week ago yesterday when I had the surgery.

[dominosarah]

I am so happy that the surgery was a success.  Now it is just the healing period.  Keep us updated.

[GoingToMakeIt]

I had a similar experience yesterday with the 'over doing the drugs'. I haven't taken any pain pills for 27hrs and I still feel groggy?? I slept until 9:00 and then napped until 3:30. I do not understand this. I am doing fine otherwise.

[dominosarah]

Our body has to work overtime to heal up.  Take advantage of the napping as soon you will be feeling better and up and at em again.

[GoingToMakeIt]

    I have been sleeping and restin alot. The thing is, I didn't/don't understand why it seems these drugs are hanging on. Even today I woke up from sleeping 10 hrs and I feel groggy. Like the drugs are still in me. It was 2:00pm on Thursday when I had my last pain pill. I do understand half-life but I am wondering if my body is somehow not metabolizing them properly. Hence they catch up with me. Hence they drag on.
    On the plus side, if the pain levels feel like this, I won't be needing them anymore! As long as the pain doesn't get much worse than this. I can certainly live with it. What I am feeling now is fa less than what I was dealing with prior to surgery.

[dominosarah]

Maybe it is that "fog" so many of us talk about??  Oh i am just grasping at straws here!!

Are you ready for a triathalon today??!!!!

[GoingToMakeIt]

Triathlon, why yes. I might take 3 walks today. I did yesterday, does that count as tri-athlon. LOL

[dominosarah]

Yep it does!!!

[dominosarah]

How are you today?

[GoingToMakeIt]

Why fine, and you?
Actually I woke up quite sore today. I must have overdid it yesterday or the day before & its catching up with me. I am just getting up and moving. 8:00am, sleeping in today. I am taking a supplement called Boswellia complex. It is supposed to help with pain and such. It does take a few days to kick in so we'll see. My nutritionist says it can be as effective as vicodin once it starts working. I guess we will see. Thanks for checking in on me.

[dominosarah]

Oh i am getting ready to head out to work.  Why i was born with a plastic spoon instead of a silver one is still a mystery!!!  LOL

Take it easy today.......remember we arent 20 anymore!!!

[GoingToMakeIt]

I know all too well !!!!!!!

[GoingToMakeIt]

    It has now been only 16 days since the surgery and I feel great. I have been pain pill free for at least a week! My outlook on life has been getting better. I have lived with this back pain for a long time, but when I got rear-ended and the disc ruptured, well that made life not much worth living. I am looking forward to being able to be more active again. I hope that works out. I have my first follow up appointment this Monday.

[dominosarah]

Congrats on being pain pill free for a week!!  This surgery was a huge success. How great is that!!

[GoingToMakeIt]

    Well today was a lot of pain. I must have overdone it this weekend. I did take 1/2 Norco this afternoon, and again, tonight. Ibuprofen, muscle-relaxers and ice weren't cutting it. I guess my body is telling me to 'slow down pardner'.