Hi there, just checking in

[happyhbmom]

I'm just checking out the forum.

I'm 44 years old, mom of 2 gorgeous kids, happily married.  I was injured almost 3 years ago in a horseback riding accident, and although I managed quite well for about 2 years, the last year has been tough.  I have had epidurals, facet ablation, and steadily increasing meds to try to stave off surgery but am now preparing to bite the bullet and do it.

My injury is bad and the surgery will be nasty, not looking forward to it ;)  I have a fully collapsed vertebrae that will have to be removed, my spine realigned and fused together.  

Anyway, I will likely always be a chronic pain patient, I finally have come to terms with that.  But I do like to be involved with a community specific to chronic pain.  

[happyhbmom]

Thank you for the information.  I am told that vertebroplasty is appropriate for unhealed collapsed vertebrae.  We did not find mine until after it had healed (long story, I will tell it some time!) and so was not a candidate for vertebroplasty.  By the time I figured out what was going on, the only option was this huge surgery, so we chose more conservative treatments in hopes of putting it off for a long time.  

But indeed if they had found the issue at the time instead of sending me home, there probably would have been many great options :(

Anyway, I'm sure you can tell I'm quite daunted by the prospect of this surgery looming ahead!  Even though, yes, my surgeon thinks there is an 80-90% chance I will have a significant improvement in my functioning.  Even I can't argue that those are great odds, but it's scary.

I think I joined the site last year looking for a veterinarian forum.  LOL, who knew you could find so much in one spot!?

[Tuckamore]

Hello Happyhbmom,

Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us but sorry that you will also have chronic pain for life. I think all of us here are on the same path. We can relate to the challenges and frustrations that this difficult journey presents.

Similar to you my accident was some years ago and as the time passes the pain and limitations have increased. I am not glad to hear that you require surgery but I am hopeful that it may ease some of your pain.  

You've had some good standard treatments. I am sorry they were not successful in relieving your pain. Some collapsed vertebra can be repaired with a newer procedure called vertebroplasty. In some cases it can be done in place of fusion. A surgeon injects a material called PMMA or polymethylmethacrylate into the collapsed vertebra that rebuilds it and reduces pain. PMMA is a bone cement. This is said to greatly reduce the percentage of vertebrae/discs that weaken or blow above and below a fusion sites. Not everyone is a candidate for this procedure and not every surgeon utilizes PMMA. I was just curious to know if this was an option for you.

I hope you will become an active in our community. I will look forward to hearing from you and your participation. Our members are kind, informational and supportive. We welcome you.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[flower12345]

Welcome to the forum. Everyone is so very caring and helpful here. There are so many supportive members that really understand what it's like to be in pain every day.

[Sarajmt]

Hi Happy!  Welcome to the Pain Management forum.  None of us are doctors but there is a lot of experience with pain on here.  We support one another using our own experiences and wisdom.

I am really sorry to hear about your pain.  And that surgery doesn't sound pleasant but just perhaps you'll come out of the other side with much less pain.

Stick around.  I"m sure someone else will be along to give you better replies.  

Good luck and welcome.

Sara