Ongoing back problems and questions reguarding treatment.

[kitkat31625]

Hi,
I started having mid and lower back pain along with multiple other symptoms:headaches,pelvic pain, bladder control problems in Feb 2006. Due to the many different symptoms, i was sent to many different specialist looking for the answer to my health problems, Before being sent to a neurologist in Dec 2006.  He found out that I have a significate herinated disc in the cervical spine, Annular disc tear in my lumbar spine, and degenerative changes in my Thoratic spine.  I saw my doctor recently for a follow-up for diagnosis and treament plan. My doctor presribed physical therapy, to take 2 Aleve everyday, was prescribed Elavil .25mg at night for pain and was giving a referral to see a chronic pain specialist for epidural steriod shots. Before this diagnosis between June 06 and presently I have had 5 ER visits due to pulling my back out. Subquently have missed alot of work due to the problem.  A few days after seeing my doctor, before having an opportunity to see the chronic pain specialist for an epidural shot, I pulled my back out worse than ever and again ended up in ER a holiday weekend. I was treated with and anti-imflammatory shot and given percocet. To be on the safe side I called work right away and took a week of vacation. It has been 8 days since the ER visit and I am still not much better. My doctor has me taking propoxy in place of the percocet until my shot appointment in another 5 days. My concern is work. I can't afford to keep missing and I am wondering if I should be working under the circumstances?

[kitkat31625]

Another thing I forgot to mention is that I used up all my FMLA time due to this problem.

[lizz1976]

hi  there  i  have contastant back pain all  over  my back ..  now  i  had 4 children anytime i go  too  doc hes  telling me its musclar pain and gives me pain killers i have it  years its not so bad but just annoying pain from top 2 botton .. anyone with the  same problen please let me know  and tryput my mind at ease i keep thinking the worst .

[kitkat31625]

I have 3 children and work full time if I didn't mention it in my first post.  My doctor kept telling me the same thing that you are being told and treated me the same way with meds.
I have been going through this for a year.  Eventually he did do a few MRI's (June 06) and told me that the only thing seen was some Degenerative changes.  I was sent a month ago to a Neurologist for headaches.  I also told him about my back issues.  I had brought the MRI x-rays to the appointment and they showed alot more than just degenerative changes. I don't know who read them? I have missed alot of work and have been down many time due to my back going out. I can't even take care of the kids when it is out.  I would suggest that you have your Doctor send you for some MRI's to see if anything else is going on. Regular Xrays do not show much.

[kevin719]

What a nightmare it has been. I drive a truck, should say drove. I havn't work since 0ctober the 13th 2006.  A school bus full of kids ran a stop sign on a highway right in front of my truck, I did some great manuvering and missed the school bus. I reported it and after reviewing the tape thehead supervisor of the bus barn in charge of all the school busses in that area called me and praised my driving thankiing me over and over for missing the school bus. In missing the school bus I tore my rotery cuff in my left shoulder and ruptured two disc in my neck. Instead of reecieving the proper medical treatment the company I worked for (Fulton Concrete) fired me because they did not want to pay for the treatment. It has been in court since 10\13\06 and I have recieved no medical assistance that I have needed except from the medicaid program. Workmans comp does'nt help because state laws allow the companies to keep in court and no help yet. I am in severe pain in my neck, shoulder and lower back. Medicaid paid for some test and the MRI's showed rupured disc and a torn rotary cuff but can not get surgery because most surgeons don't accept medicaid and the case is still in court. I am a single father and this is a true nightmare of pain and frustration. I do not know what to do!