Lower back problem, inflamed nerve, and hard to walk help!

[Lightingbird]

For a few years my problem has been creeping up on me.  Recently, it has become hard to remain standing much less walking.  So I finally broke down and went to my doctor.  I've had an xray and a MRI, with nothing coming up.  I've seen two doctors and my current one gave me a shot in my back that gave me a decent amount of relief for a few weeks.  So he set me up for physical therapy.  I did that for about three weeks.  The basic pattern was that when I usually left for about a good hour or so, I'd feel great.  Then the pain and tightness would return and cripple me.  So now I'm scheduled for a Radio Frequency Ablation.  Which my doctor said will give me significant pain relief for  up to 18 months or longer.  So now I'm just waiting for my insurance to approve the procedure.  

Here is the problem.  About a month ago my doctor wrote a long letter to my employer allowing me to work from home.  I do have medication.  Tramadol but if I take two it halves the pain but I still can't walk in a few minutes and on top of that the medication slows me down.  If I take three, It puts me to sleep.  Then out of nowhere last week, I got a new job.   Clearly I haven't told them about my back problems.  My start date is three weeks from now and I fear that I might not get insurance approval before then.  So I'm debating trying to hit the gym and lose some weight.  My doctor said that may or may not help.  I am a bit overweight now due to depression and other reasons.

So here I am wondering if anyone has any advice, anything I can try, medications, anything.  I just want to be able to stand and walk for my new job and I'm nervous.  

[philnoir]

When is the RFA scheduled? Do you need a bilateral RFA or is your problem isolated to one side only?

Neurotomy procedures like RFA can exacerbate pain for 2 weeks or more. For the first week following this procedure, you're not going to want to do much but sit with an ice bag.

Activity beginning 48 hours after the procedure can help reduce inflammation and accelerate healing. Physical therapy after RFA is also beneficial.

Weight loss may help in the future, but it isn't going to help you in 3 weeks.

And what of the change in insurance when you change jobs? Will your procedures be covered? Make sure, or take the COBRA option at first because you do not want to be without coverage on a procedure that can cost over $10,000, follow up care, medication, PT, etc.

[Tuckamore]

Hi, Welcome to our Community. I'm sorry to hear about your pain issues - and now insurance problems.

You do have a choice when it comes to health insurance. You can maintain your current insurance until your new insurance becomes effective. it's called COBRA - and it's the law. Obviously you'll have to pay for it out of your pocket - but it may be worth it. I have seen ppl that do not carry COBRA and go without insurance and had a medical emergency they had to pay (forever) out of pocket. So I caution you my friend - we never know when that Fish Truck may hit!

You have low back pain? What is your DX (diagnosis)? Help me understand. The MRI revealed no structural problems. Is this muscle pain? Nerve pain? If there is no spinal structure problems why are they injecting the spine?

Have they evaluated your SIJ (Sacroiliac Joints)? SIJs can produce low back pain. They often produce pain in the buttock and sciatica. SIJD is often missed when considering the reasons for low back or buttock and thigh pain. You may not have those issues and if so my suggestions are a mute point.

We have lots of knowledgeable members that will offer their suggestions. They'll drop by soon. I'll look forward to hearing more from you.

Take Care,
~Tuck