Aa
pain
I joined this forum couple weeks ago. I was asked to tell my story. I will another time. But right now my question is has anyone have s7ch severe low back pain that it radiates to tailbone and into rectum. (I have major disc issues and nerve entrapment in low back) right now pain meds not even taking edge off. Anyone heard of this or how to ask dr and help with this unbelievable pain. Thx
It certainly sounds like you have multiple reasons for pain - my heart goes out to you. Our Phil has offered some great suggestions. I won't repeat them or offer more!
I had a similar PCP as you. He was from another country, which I didn't mind but like you I could understand about half of what he said. It was maddening. He in turn understood about half of what I said - and about a quarter of my complex medical history. I actually had to change insurances to get rid of him. I encourage you to do the same if possible - if not contact your insurance provider and insist upon a change. No one should have to have a physician that cannot understand - or that they are not comfortable with. It's gotta be a "right."
I know the issues one can have with families of medications - but truly don't give up on a medication that treats nerve pain. I can make a world of difference. I can take only one antidepressant without "head" issues. I don't take one now but know if needed there is at least one (out of the four I tried) that doesn't mess with my head. So you may want to reconsider. Neurontin was not just ineffective foe me - it too messed with my head but pain made me try another.
It's also true that when you have issues in a portion - or portions of your spine - other areas will hurt and sometimes be very painful. This pain is often due to the the way your body compensates to "protect" the injured areas. You (we) change our posture, ambulatory gait and so forth to protect weak or painful areas - this puts more stress and pain on healthy structures. My former D.O. said your body did this unconsciously. So your coccyx area may be fine and just compensating for the rest of your spine - at least we can hope.
I know you'll keep in touch - which you know is appreciated. Take good care and leave no stone unturned.
Peace,
~Tuck
I had a similar PCP as you. He was from another country, which I didn't mind but like you I could understand about half of what he said. It was maddening. He in turn understood about half of what I said - and about a quarter of my complex medical history. I actually had to change insurances to get rid of him. I encourage you to do the same if possible - if not contact your insurance provider and insist upon a change. No one should have to have a physician that cannot understand - or that they are not comfortable with. It's gotta be a "right."
I know the issues one can have with families of medications - but truly don't give up on a medication that treats nerve pain. I can make a world of difference. I can take only one antidepressant without "head" issues. I don't take one now but know if needed there is at least one (out of the four I tried) that doesn't mess with my head. So you may want to reconsider. Neurontin was not just ineffective foe me - it too messed with my head but pain made me try another.
It's also true that when you have issues in a portion - or portions of your spine - other areas will hurt and sometimes be very painful. This pain is often due to the the way your body compensates to "protect" the injured areas. You (we) change our posture, ambulatory gait and so forth to protect weak or painful areas - this puts more stress and pain on healthy structures. My former D.O. said your body did this unconsciously. So your coccyx area may be fine and just compensating for the rest of your spine - at least we can hope.
I know you'll keep in touch - which you know is appreciated. Take good care and leave no stone unturned.
Peace,
~Tuck
Oh yes my friend, I do know Godot - which for those that don't know has come to mean (for some) "Waiting endlessly and in vain for the arrival of someone that never comes"
Samuel Beckett wrote the play - both in French and English. I am French - and you'll never believe my real last name. ;0)
~Tuck
Samuel Beckett wrote the play - both in French and English. I am French - and you'll never believe my real last name. ;0)
~Tuck
Unfortunately, the pelvic symptoms are consistent with lumbar stenosis -- either of the cord or lumbar nerve roots.
I'm sorry, but it may be time to investigate lumbar decompression surgery. You'll need a new set of lumbar MRIs and a referral to an experienced back surgeon (not the one who messed up your arm.)
He/she can tell you if spinal decompression can help. Get this looked at soon -- if this is indeed stenosis in the right places, as the disease progresses there's a possibility you may lose control of the bowel or bladder.
In the meantime, explore information about decompression of lumbar stenosis. Spine-health.com has good information, as does the websites of Dr. William Dillin, MD (DrDillin.com)or Dr. Donald Corenman, MD, DC (you'll have to look it up -- he's in Vail, Colorado) Dr. Corenman is a "doctor's doctor" who reviews the work of other spine physicians. William Dillin was still practicing (last time I checked, maybe 2 years ago), and is an excellent surgeon. He's in Southern California.
Experience is important in choosing a spinal surgeon. An experienced surgeon knows when to cut, and when not to.
Sometimes more conservative therapies can help, and they should be tried first, but with your history of spine disease, this may be too late. Still, explore it with a qualified physician.
Incidentally, lumbar disease and cervical disease often occur together -- it's happened with me. This is because both areas of the spine work to keep the head centered above the hips. When one area loses normal curvature due to disease of the "tri-joint" meaning the disc and two facet joints, the other area must adjust to compensate.
Seek info on those websites. If I can be of further help, let me know.
Best wishes.
I'm sorry, but it may be time to investigate lumbar decompression surgery. You'll need a new set of lumbar MRIs and a referral to an experienced back surgeon (not the one who messed up your arm.)
He/she can tell you if spinal decompression can help. Get this looked at soon -- if this is indeed stenosis in the right places, as the disease progresses there's a possibility you may lose control of the bowel or bladder.
In the meantime, explore information about decompression of lumbar stenosis. Spine-health.com has good information, as does the websites of Dr. William Dillin, MD (DrDillin.com)or Dr. Donald Corenman, MD, DC (you'll have to look it up -- he's in Vail, Colorado) Dr. Corenman is a "doctor's doctor" who reviews the work of other spine physicians. William Dillin was still practicing (last time I checked, maybe 2 years ago), and is an excellent surgeon. He's in Southern California.
Experience is important in choosing a spinal surgeon. An experienced surgeon knows when to cut, and when not to.
Sometimes more conservative therapies can help, and they should be tried first, but with your history of spine disease, this may be too late. Still, explore it with a qualified physician.
Incidentally, lumbar disease and cervical disease often occur together -- it's happened with me. This is because both areas of the spine work to keep the head centered above the hips. When one area loses normal curvature due to disease of the "tri-joint" meaning the disc and two facet joints, the other area must adjust to compensate.
Seek info on those websites. If I can be of further help, let me know.
Best wishes.
Geez I am writing on my phone sorry for screw ups. Lol. Oh I forgot have neuropathy in left arm wrist hand from surgery.
I respond from phone so sorry for all errors, hurts to much sit at computer.
I respond from phone so sorry for all errors, hurts to much sit at computer.
Hi there phil. I don't remember your name but it doesn't matter if you have helped in past than thank you. Now onto what I know about my dx. According to MRI, my neck has DDD herniated disc,bulging disc and nerve compression same in upper thoracic. Left arm and shoulder torn rotar cuff. Spiral break in humerus bone put back together with plates and screws. Elbow ulnar nerve surgery. The surgeon in placing screws. ..put nerves and muscle in wrong places. Upon a nerve test damaged radius nerve. On to my lower back. again DDD spinal stenosis,herniated disc,nerve entrapment... my tailbone evidently has its own problems not sure why yet. (Probably jealous rest of body getting too much attention Idk)
Supposedly a nerve problem which goes around hips,privates front and back. This is just what I know from MRI tailbone no testing as of now. Oh I also have serious cardio issues. I'm only 56 yrs young not 100. But my body thinks differently. So hopefully knowing this you guys can help with more suggestions to try or help. Thx
Supposedly a nerve problem which goes around hips,privates front and back. This is just what I know from MRI tailbone no testing as of now. Oh I also have serious cardio issues. I'm only 56 yrs young not 100. But my body thinks differently. So hopefully knowing this you guys can help with more suggestions to try or help. Thx
Tuck my friend, I am the Godot of MedHelp, so you must be the Samuel Beckett.
If you do not know that of which I speak, it matters not.
But people out here in my desert often find themselves "Waiting for Noir."
Luv you, good lady.
If you do not know that of which I speak, it matters not.
But people out here in my desert often find themselves "Waiting for Noir."
Luv you, good lady.
I seem to remember that we spoke months ago, but I have not looked up the post.
Please inform me, by private message if you want privacy, what are your diagnoses.
Please inform me, by private message if you want privacy, what are your diagnoses.
Well had trigger point injections. Can't say really hurt. Being in so much pain they were nothing. Did it help idk. Maybe 11 down to 10. Actually can't even tell. But anyway I'm sure I'm not only person with this problem or level of pain. Thx for support
Thanks for your response. Yes I had endoscopy done. it showed other issues like hernia and gastritis. Anyway I don't have a contipastion problem. I eat very healthy along with vitamins. Anyone want to know about that just ask. I live in California and health care here is the worst. My primary dr is Russian and speaks broken English I've tried to change pmc for a year still no luck. I have a great pain management Dr but very limited bc primary. I was in hospital over a week for sepsis. But dr said cannot treat or even test for this issue bc health care crap. I've asked for spine dr over a year primary refuses to do a referral. I go to pain dr today for trigger point shots I have fought this for long time they are not good for you. besides it's putting a bandaid instead of getting to root of problem. Oh yes I tried the nerve pain meds wow never again. it effected my brain in very bad way. lol. Oh I had nerve blocks and epidural in my neck. It just irritated so bad. Ok any other suggestions I would love to hear. Thx all just knowing the support and understanding is such a blessing.
We are delighted that you joined our community and that you have been active and provided support for others. We want 100 more like you!
I've been "waiting" for Phil to reply. I consider him our unofficial spine expert. :o) Now my two cents.
I don't have the lower spine issues that you have. I have severe SIJD (Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction). Additional just a few weeks ago I was DX (diagnosed) with Cervical Spine problems - to yet be evaluated in detail.
What I - and most of us here do know is Chronic Pain - So we can relate to that degree of your lower spine issues. I assume you have been DX following a thorough diagnostic evaluation.
I don't recall if you are also taking a medication to treat your nerve pain. If not it really can be great addition to your opiate therapy. Lyrica has been a very effective addition to medication regime. Neurontin did nothing for me. It depends on how our systems react to the chemicals in a specific medication. What's effective for one isn't always effective for another.
Treating chronic pain should be more than just opiate therapy where and when appropriate. For some ppl RFAs are effective or Steroidal injections or other treatments offered in interventional pain management. If your pain is not well controlled look for other options/additions.
I'm so sorry your pain levels are high - so are mine and my heart goes out to you.
~Tuck
I've been "waiting" for Phil to reply. I consider him our unofficial spine expert. :o) Now my two cents.
I don't have the lower spine issues that you have. I have severe SIJD (Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction). Additional just a few weeks ago I was DX (diagnosed) with Cervical Spine problems - to yet be evaluated in detail.
What I - and most of us here do know is Chronic Pain - So we can relate to that degree of your lower spine issues. I assume you have been DX following a thorough diagnostic evaluation.
I don't recall if you are also taking a medication to treat your nerve pain. If not it really can be great addition to your opiate therapy. Lyrica has been a very effective addition to medication regime. Neurontin did nothing for me. It depends on how our systems react to the chemicals in a specific medication. What's effective for one isn't always effective for another.
Treating chronic pain should be more than just opiate therapy where and when appropriate. For some ppl RFAs are effective or Steroidal injections or other treatments offered in interventional pain management. If your pain is not well controlled look for other options/additions.
I'm so sorry your pain levels are high - so are mine and my heart goes out to you.
~Tuck
Hello dolphin lover. Sorry to hear of your pain problem.
Nerves that exit the lower spine innervate the lower abdomen and its organs, and can cause rectal pain, as well as bowel (and bladder) dysfunction.
Indeed, many understand and are treated for this problem.
Your primary care doctor may be the best place to start an examination of this problem because someone must rule out bowel disease, bowel impaction from the chronic constipation of opioid therapy, and other GI centered problems that may be causing this pain.
But once GI involvement is ruled out, your spine and pain doctor is likely the best choice to begin exploration of spine involvement, as well as treatment of pain.
Any pain doctor will want to know a few essential bits of information to help solve your pain problem.
The location, intensity, and quality of the pain.
Activities that exacerbate or relieve pain.
Any traumatic events leading to the pain, or history of chronic conditions of the lower spine or pelvis that may be causing the pain.
If, as you mention, you have preexisting spine disease, please bring films and or MRI reports from those diagnoses. As an experienced spine pain person, you know the drill.
Let me reiterate that ruling out GI involvement is an important step to begin this exploration, and if you haven't had a recent endoscopy, this may be the perfect opportunity.
Best wishes for quick relief.
Nerves that exit the lower spine innervate the lower abdomen and its organs, and can cause rectal pain, as well as bowel (and bladder) dysfunction.
Indeed, many understand and are treated for this problem.
Your primary care doctor may be the best place to start an examination of this problem because someone must rule out bowel disease, bowel impaction from the chronic constipation of opioid therapy, and other GI centered problems that may be causing this pain.
But once GI involvement is ruled out, your spine and pain doctor is likely the best choice to begin exploration of spine involvement, as well as treatment of pain.
Any pain doctor will want to know a few essential bits of information to help solve your pain problem.
The location, intensity, and quality of the pain.
Activities that exacerbate or relieve pain.
Any traumatic events leading to the pain, or history of chronic conditions of the lower spine or pelvis that may be causing the pain.
If, as you mention, you have preexisting spine disease, please bring films and or MRI reports from those diagnoses. As an experienced spine pain person, you know the drill.
Let me reiterate that ruling out GI involvement is an important step to begin this exploration, and if you haven't had a recent endoscopy, this may be the perfect opportunity.
Best wishes for quick relief.
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