Chronic Back Pain for 5 yrs

[stnick_77]

I have had chronic back pain for 5 yrs following a work related accident. I had an MRI done and it showed 2 hurniated discs in my lumbar spine, i also have severe sciatica, SI joint problems, and severe arthritis in my spine. I have tried physical therapy along with ultrasound treatment, and electrical stimulation, and different stretches of course. The PT did not help, so i have also been on opiods for approx. 5 years. I had a PM doctor that I saw every month whom prescribed my needed medications. Recently my Dr. moved out of state, i have seen primary care physicians and it seems like they just think that i am a "drug seeker" which is very embarassing because i have legitimate chronic pain. I quit seeing the PC docotors b/c of that fact. I decided to try to quit taking opiods and see how I would be able to function with out them....bad idea, I have been of opiods for about a month, or a month and a half, and i can barely function. I'm not able to work because of the chronic intense pain, I am only 23 years old and i feel like i'm 65! I am at the end of my rope, I dont know what to do but i do know i cannot continue to live with this debilitating pain. PLEASE HELP
sincerely,
Nick Frazier

[fromans]

Hi StNick,  I'm a 44 yr old woman who has had arthritis and a herniated disk for almost 10 years.  I have been on opioids for about 9. My experience has been that federally funded clinics are a good place to go. Somehow it seems the doctors there in my experience have been much more understanding.  There is a price, however.  You WILL wait forever for appointments and you WILL sit in the waiting room longer than a private physician, but the clinic doctors are for the most part great!  I have just been required to sign a new "med contract" because the state of California wants to know I'm not dealing my prescription meds.  I will be required to submit to blood/urine testing at random, and if I happen to have a bad day and am a biotch to the nurses, they can terminate my medications.  That's the bad part.  The good part of the clinics are that the doctors want to be there and they see a wider variety of issues than the standard primary care doctors do.  Good luck to you. Don't give up and jump through all the hoops and eventually you'll get yourself taken care of.

Take care,
Laura in California

[stnick_77]

Thank you all for your very kind words, your wisdom, and your support it really means alot to me. I just cant stand being in pain 24/7 as i'm sure all of you are also; and as we all know it holds you back from so many things you want/wish you could do. I did get a referal from one of my Dr.'s He refered me to a pain management clinic called Montana Back/Spine and Chronic Pain Clinic. I am a little worried about it, I just want to find an understanding Dr. who will help me, and not discriminate or pass judgement because of my age... You are all in my prayers, and nothing but the best for everyone of you!!!
-Nick-

[Tuckamore]

Hell StNick,

I am glad you found us at MedHelp's Pain Management Forum. It has been a great comfort for me over these past months. I hope you will find the same.

I could have written your post some years ago. I agree that your age maybe against you in your quest for pain control. I do not know  MT's practices. I do know here in WI we may be treated for pain control by a PMP or a PCP. In fact we have few actual PM Clinics.

I would obtain a copy of my medical file from your former PM. I would make a list of questions to determine what type of practice or atmosphere exists with each physicians. I would than begin my calls using this list to all area PMP or PCP. Once I singled out a few I would take my medical file to the appointment and start from there. Be sure and make a few copies of your file. You are only entitled to one free copy. Don't give up, keep searching. I believe there is someone out there that will listen to you and treat your pain.

I too have SI Joint Syndrome/Disease and I know the excruciating pain that if often  associated with the diagnosis. So please keep searching and let us know how you are doing. We are here for you. Take care, Tuck

[Cindee56]

I'm sorry you're going through this at such a young age.  Maybe the doctors think you are a pill seeker because of your age?  I guess it's unusual to have so many problems in a young person, but that doesn't mean you don't have them.  No one WANTS to be in pain.  I don't understand why a lot of doctors don't seem to get that.

It seems like you have tried a lot of things to get better.  I agree with Mollyrae that you should try another pain clinic.  Don't give up!  I'll keep you in my prayers.  Let us know how you are doing.

[Mollyrae]

Hello Nick and welcome to MH.

I am very sorry to hear of all the suffering you've had. Has any of the Doctors suggested Surgery ( Fusion) to try and eliminate your pain? I too had several Herniated disks and a pinal Fusion was the ultimate cure. It sounds to me that you have to find a different Doctor, possibly a Doctor that specializes in backs like  an MD,DO- A Doctor with added training in the Orthopedic area.

It takes a while for a Doctor to get to now you and trust that your not a drug seeker and if your really incomfortable with him/her then find a new one.

Just keep at the Doctors until your satisfied. Also, there are Pain Clinics available.  You might want to consider that option.

Take care and good luck,
Mollyrae