Back pain not improving

[Ohnoma]

Hi, I am new here, but not new to back pain. I have 3 bulging discs, stenosis, scoliosis, and osteophytes of the foramen in the lumbar region, all in the L4-L5 region. I have never had surgery, they won't, for whatever reason. What they will do is keep me on meds, Morphine and Norco. Even with these I have pain. Morphine doesn't let me sleep and they gave me Ambien for that...So, does anyone else deal with this lack of medical intervention? I feel there is something that will work, but due to the fact that I get Medicare and Medicaid, I always seem to be an "Unlikely Candidate". I have had lots of PT, Lumbar injections, trigger point injections, and here it is, 2 years after any of those treatments, just medicines. There has to be an easier way. I have grandkids, I love to play with them. I don't know how to unless I am doped up. There are times I have had to use a walker, and lost all function below the waist. The ER just gives me more morphine, dialudid and whatever else they can find for pain, then sends me home. Is anyone else living like this? Gee I hope not.

[Worthmorenow]

I don't know about Medicaid, but Medicare usually pays. Can you go to another doctor for a second opinion? It just seems that they should be able to do something for you.......even partial relief of your pain.

[Ohnoma]

Sorry, the last sentence was for tanglewood. I misread the messages. Morphine does that....

[Ohnoma]

I have seen more than my share of doctors, neurosurgeons, orthepedic and pain management specialists. Did I mention I also have a syrinx, a dumbell tumor in the thoracic region?
I have been around and around with all this. I was put through the wringer with rehab and PT. I had an evaluation that graded me with a "Sedentary Level". In other words, I am to be a couch potato. NOT. I am not supposed to lift over 10 lbs. ever. Well, groceries weigh more than that. I can do alot with the morphine, but on the other hand, am I reinjuring myself by taking it?
The last time I saw my chiropractor he said he could not believe they have not done surgery yet. And we all know how chiropractors feel about that. He called my MD and ask him to put me on dilaudid. Of course MD said,"No". Said it is too short term. So I just trek to the ER when it gets unbearable. Fortunately haven't done that for awhile. I still think it is an insurance issue.
I met a guy at an auction a couple of weeks ago. Had bulging and spur in cervical spine. Had a fusion...simple. He works for the City and has great insurance.
Other countries have the NHS. They get what they need. Here in USA, it is all about the profit. Ever see "Sicko". Sad but true.
By the way worthmore now, Norco is hydrocodone 10mg. Just so there is no confusion about the meds.

[Worthmorenow]

My pain management physician said she did not think I was a candidate either. Plus I have a cardiac history (from previous chemotherapy treatment) so of course no one was jumping to recommend surgery. When I could no longer work (since September) I decided enough was enough. I was getting so depressed and I felt like my world was revolving around pain meds. I insisted on a surgical consult despite the fact that I was probably not a candidate. The neurosurgeon did a myelogram that showed "bulging", but no definite herniation. He told me 80% chance of improvement (I had radiating leg pain also), but I may still have some pain. I went for it.......he said when he got in there it was much worse than what had shown up on any tests. The disc was not only herniated, the space was collapsed impinging the sciatic nerve. I really respect that physician for listening to me (about my pain) instead of just relying on test results. 5 weeks and I feel better than I have in years. I have been back in the gym for 2 weeks now (minimal activity for now) and am going back to work in January (I'm a nurse). IF I had not pushed the issue I would probably be calling for my pain med refill right about now! Hope that encourages you to seek another opinion. Email me if you like..........and Happy Holidays!

[tanglewood]

Wow, Worthmorenow - that's really interesting! I have a lot of issues and my ortho tells me I'm not a candidate for surgery because I have too much going on and he could operate and I might still have pain. He sent me to a pain doc who wants to put a neuro-stimulator in my back to block the pain signals. It doesn't fix anything - just blocks the pain.

Ohnoma, maybe you and I should both go see a neurosurgeon? But, your situation sounds complicated (like mine) with the Scoliosis. I don't have Scoliosis, but I have multiple issues. The pain meds are scary, but I take them, too. Methodone is a heavy duty drug and a bear to withdraw from, but when I was taking Meth I felt completely normal! I didn't get any kind of buzz from the med; there were no ups and downs; I just felt like absolutely nothing was wrong with me. I'm not recommending Meth because it is so difficult to get off of and I wouldn't go back on it unless I've decided I'm going to be on it the rest of my life. Right now I'm taking Hydrocodone and Lyrica. Lryica helps with the nerve pain. It's tough to withdraw from, too. Anyhow, good luck - I'm sorry I'm no help.

[Worthmorenow]

Have you ever seen a surgeon? If so what is the reason for no surgery? I am assuming you go to pain management? I had a problem for at least 3 years that kept getting worse and worse. I had many injections and plenty of pills. All I heard was "you don't want to/are not a candidate to" have surgery. I got fed up and saw a neurosurgeon. I had surgery 5 weeks ago and feel great. I'm still sore (at the incision) but no longer have the chronic pain that was controlling my life.