Extreme Pain

[Linda910]

Hi, I will try to make a long story short. Since I was young I have had problems with my back. As my family is well known for doing, or not doing, I did not seriously seek doctors help until I was 48. I am now 53 and 2 surgeries later. I had a lower back fusion and 3 vertibrae cemented. (Sorry, I do not know the medical term. ) Surgery did noy help and I am always in some degree of pain. My back doctor said he didnt know what else could be done for me. I had already gone thru therapy and pain management. I am now on Time released morphine and hate my life. I am very limited in my movement, havent had a whole nights sleep in years and very tired. Any good suggestions out there?
Linda910

[Teck]

I hope you don't feel like I have led you a stray by suggesting the book, that was not my intentions.  If you are going to "live with your back as it is" then it would definitely be worth reading the book.  I don't believe every little thing, but a lot of it made since.  

I believe the Dr. that requested me to read the book was trying to get me in a better mind set before I go for my third surgery.  Do I think depression has a lot to do with back pain?  Yes, for those who already deal with back pain.  It is a vicious cycle, first you have pain that causes depression, which I believe causes more pain.  So try the book with an open mind.  It may not cure you, but it may help you deal with the pain in a different way if you are going to just live with your back as it is.

I hope you find some relief and happiness.  

[Linda910]

I am so sorry for all your pain cyndi57. Man it sounds like you and I have led the same life. I too feel like I can not go on any longer at times, but I always pull myself back out. I will check these websites and books out but I agree that no Doctor or any amount of lip service is going to take away my pain. I will do as my doctor says and I will also give him my opinion at times. We have a good patient, Doctor relationship which is also a big help. I have done all kinds of physical therapy and it has not done me any good because there is nothing I am really able to do. I  do what I can though, and thats all I can do. I will live with my back as it is, which I am not looking forward to, and keep going day by day. I do thank you all for your advice and actually talking to you has helped me alot. lol Who Knew !!  lol
Linda910

[cyndi57]

Oh My Gosh; I have read most of Dr. John Sarno's book regarding Back Pain, but mind over matter doesn't stop the pain, so don't feel guilty taking what the doctor prescribes for you. I am a 50 year old female and had my first lumbar surgery in 83 with 7 lumbar surgeries total with one being an ALIF-doulble lumbar fusion with hardware removal 2 years later. I have also had one neck surgery, and 3 shoulder surgeries (both shoulders), moderate depression. I also got CRSD/RSD in the lower right leg and foot. These surgeries were not asked for, nor are yours, they are medically necessary, and some are not as lucky as others to be able to exercise your body and mind back to good health. If I could have my sciatica nerves cut, I would, but my point is: It is normal to feel the way that you are feeling. Dr. Sarno says, "discontinue treatments such as spinal manipulation and physical therapy because they tend to reinforce erroneously a structural causation for the chronic pain." Stick with whatever your doctor tells you, especially physical therapy. I did, then I signed up to the gym and make it a point to get out, 3-4 days a week to do some physical activity, but be careful and not to over do it. And its okay to come home and take an hour nap as I do. And its okay to take your prescribed medications, I do. Dr. Sarno cannot get rid of your pain, but he may help you mentally manage it differently.
I am including a couple of websites for you which may assist you about Dr. Sarno. I am glad that this book/video has helped some.

http://www.healingbackpain.com/media.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tension_myositis_syndrome#Treatment

Good luck and do not give up; I am right there with you!
cyndi57

[Teck]

The book is called "Healing Back Pain" by Dr. John Sarno.  Google Dr. Sarno's name and go from there.  I hope this helps.  Of course, I wish I could say my back hasn't been bothering me more this week.  I seem to do good for a while then, back to the same old thing.  I, like the rest of the people on this forum, get sick and tired of the whole thing.  Believe me when I say I know how you are feeling about not being able to do the things you like.  I love to dance as well.  I enjoy doing fun stuff, but with backs like ours, you pay the price after you do anything like that.  Anyway, hope you feel better soon.  

[Linda910]

Thank You Tech, I am not worried about any one passing judgement on me who has been thru the same thing. You know what its like so you would never pass judgement on any one like that. I am trying to find your book and I seem to be having a little problem? Help please? I do have a little depression, I am really upset that I can not do what I want to do. I will say the heck with it and do it anyway, then I am in bed for however long it takes to get my movement back. I was a very active person and I miss all that horribly. Thanks again guys for all your help. It is nice at least to talk wuth some one who knows what I am going thru.
Linda910

[Teck]

I am so sorry you are experiencing so much pain.  I really have walked in your shoes in more ways than one.  I too come from a family that ignores medical problems (not smart on our parts, I must say) and I have never taken a lot of pills.  I do know exactly how you feel.  The thing about pain meds that they don't explain to anyone is that sometimes the meds build up in your system so much that, even though you still need something for the pain, the build up makes you super emotional, depressed, etc.  Please don't think for a minute that I think you are an "addict" and passing judgement on you, I am not.  I just feel so sorry for you.  With the exception of the pain medications, pleas re-read the other things I suggested and see if they don't help you out.  They definitely can't hurt at this point.  And again, read Dr. Sarno's book.

Life is way to short to be so miserable.  I really believe that. I hope and pray you find relief.  Good Luck Again

[Linda910]

I appreciate your suggestions Teck but just the thought of not having a pain pill scares me to death. I can barley manage the pain taking them, I tried once to ween myself off and it was not worth it to me. When I was younger, and tougher, I promised myself I would not take pain meds as a lifestlye, well I was wrong. You see, I have never been one to take alot of pills of any kind. My family are big believers in ignoreing medical problems because we are supposed to be tough enough to handle what ever comes our way. Well, you can see I let my family down. No one, unless they have walked in your shoes knows what you are experiancing. And it is hard to explain to someone who has never been there. Yes, my doctor also wants me to go thru a 3rd surgery, but in all honesty I am seriously thinking of not going thru it again. I have always been a happy person with a big silly grin on my face all the time no matter how I feel. Only those close to me know what is happening because they can see the differance. Again, thanks and I am still open to all suggestions. I might try your way again and see what happens. lol It wont cost anything to try. lol
Thank You
Linda910

[Teck]

It seems like High Noon and I think a lot alike.  I too, got the latest book by Dr. John Sarno, and a lot of it makes since to me too.  I have had 2 surgeries (Lamenectomies both times) and am now headed to a third surgery (fusion on L4,L5,S1).  My surgeon asked me to read this book to help me after the surgery.  I recommend it to you and hope it will help you out.  

The other thing my surgeon asked me to do is to get off all my narcotics (MSContin, Percocet), he won't do surgery until I am off of them.  I immediately started weening myself off of them.  I was surprised how much better I feel.  Now the only time I take either one is when I am out of control with my pain, which is about once every other day or two.  Try not to take the meds as often. He also put me on Neurontin, what a godsend!  Ask your Dr. about that.

Here are some other things the Dr. told me to do.   Don't stay in bed too much of the time, move around during the day.  Try sitting on an exercise ball, I was not sure of this one, but it really helped my back pain.  But sit on it a lot of the time, at the dinner table, watching tv, at your desk, etc.  I was also told to walk in the swimming pool for exercise to strengthen your back.  I haven't been able to do that one for the lack of a pool.

But more than anything, cut down on your pain meds, I know you are thinking I am crazey.  I thought my surgeon was crazy when he asked me to do the same thing.  But you wont hate your life as much, I know this from experience.  Don't go off of them all at once, though.  Be sure to ween your self off.  You can do it, I did.  I feel so much better and my family likes me better too.  You wont be so emotional, tired, etc.

The other thing you need is some positive attitude and faith that it will get better.  It is hard to have a positive attitude when you are hurting so much, but work on it.  I pray you will get better.  Again, read the book.  Good Luck.

[Linda910]

Thank You. I am almost willing to try anything at this point. I have had it  for so long I think it is breaking me down. I dont have the will to fight it like I did when I was younger. Something will need to be done.
Linda910

[High Noon]

There are a number of books by Dr. John Sarno regarding Back Pain. In as much as you have tried surgery, etc and are still in pain your pain may be the result of TMS and /or its variations.

Buy his most recent book and see if what it suggests helps you.

I had had back pain for years, mRI showed disc bulges- tried anti-inflammatory meds, PT and chiro.
Did not help. The TMS scenario made sense to me and help greatly.


Good Luck