Chronic Pain for Thoracic

[Scubby]

I have a large extrution on my T-12 disc and 6 bulging disc.  I have turned down the surgery when I found they would have to go through the front of my body and remove a rib, defalte a lung, move the liver to repair the disc.  they can't promise that it would even relieve the pain.  it is compressed on the spine.  I will only do this is I lose my bladder.  Also there are not allot of doctors that have done this surgery since T12 is only 1% of all ruptured disc.

I am on allot of mediaction and have turned down pain medicine other than lortab.  I am very depressed and feel pretty hopeless, I quit my great job in hope of helping the pain if I slowed down and lost some stress, but it has been almost a yeat now and still have pain 24-7.  My life has changed so much, I dont know who I am.

I am on nuertotin, lortab, cybamlta, Wellabtin, Loratb, restoril for sleeping which is one of my worst times...sleeping is painful.  Any suggestions..Desperate ( I know the spelling of meds are wrong...sorry about that)  I have tried therapy, acupucture, massage, injections and even meditation.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Christy,

I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through and your chronic pain. We all know about chronic pain and how it disrupts our lives. I am not an expert, none of us on this forum are but we can relate..

Ten months ago I too was forced to give up a wonderful career due to my severe chronic pain. I still miss at times. My pain didn't decrease to any great degree either. What it did provide was an opportunity for me to rest when I needed, take my medications as prescribed, see my PCP regularly and the peace of mind that I didn't have to get through 8-10 hours of work in severe pain after a sleepless pain filled night. Your comment, "My life has changed so much I don't even know who I am." is heard here often in one way or another. It's a normal part of the grieving process when CP causes so many life style changes. We do search for who we are now.

I think I would have made the same decision you made regarding surgery. But remember that every year or two they make progress in surgical procedures and treatments. In time they may find a way to treat your condition without such an invasive procedure. In the meantime I suggest you find ways to make the wait easier.  

It sounds like you have tried a lot of things to ease your pain, I did too. I reached a point that I had to come to terms with this is as good as it gets. When I began to accept that fact I actually started to feel better. My life is a daily ritual of things I have found to ease some of my pain. I use such things as a massage chair, hot rubs,  medications, and certain short term body positioning and the like to help me through the day. I must spend a lot of time resting my body but I keep my mind active. I encourage you to find a few things that at least bring some short term relief and do them daily. Do something you enjoy every day. Smile often and laugh at every opportunity. Prayer helps me too.

You may want to discuss your depression with your PCP. There are other antidepressants that might work better for you. A GOOD therapist, one that you can relate to well may also be helpful. There are some good Pain Management Therapists out there. Be assertive in your health care. If a more potent narcotic is required to better manage your pain, don't be afraid to try it. We are here for you and we will never think you are complaining. We all need to vent, that helps with our mental health. You'll hear all of us vent from time to time.

Last but not least, stay with us. Respond to posts and post when you need to post. Send PM's if you would like. I welcome all PM's and I know many members do too. We are here to support one another. There is a lot of caring and understanding here. I know this process of acceptance would have taken me much longer without this forum and all the wonderfully kind and understanding members. And there is a difference between giving up and acceptance. I have not given up. Please let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your posts.
Best of luck and take care Tuck

[Scubby]

Thank you for responding,

I have spoken to four neo surgeons and all have said the same.  It ***** because I dont know what to do...Chronic pain makes you feel like your crazy...Im leaning to get different drugs for pain but scared to death.  I am 48 years old on the 11th and feel like I'm 80.  Complain, Complain, I know.

Christy

[Mollyrae]

Hello Scrubby and welcome to the Pain Forum.

Gosh, this is the first time I have heard of such a radical treatment for your spine. However, I have heard of going through the front and the back at the same time, not just the front. I find it hard to believe that they have to remove a rib and deflate a lung. I think it is in your best interest to get a second or even third opinion to see if there is a possibility of a more civilized surgery. Your right on the procedure, I would not undergo such a radical Surgery either. Get that second opinion. Please take care,
Mollyrae