I went to a new spine surgeon today hoping and praying that he would consider surgery on my back. I have had 2 bulging discs for a year now and its getting to the point where I can barely get out of bed in the morning, it's causing me to go into deep depression and I just feel like I can't live on the pain pills like this anymore. He told me he wanted to send me to another doctor that would do a test trial with a neurostimulation device. I have the book of info and I read about it but it will only mask the pain if it works. I want a CURE. I have read some posts that people love it but they still take their pain medicine and still have pain. I can deal with a little pain but I am just a little iffy about this device. Does anyone have any advice or stories about your own? He mentioned that if the trial of this device does not work that we could discuss other plans, maybe surgery. I think a scope procedure to shave the bulging disc away from the nerve would help me but he doesn't think so. He said my MRI looks healthy (other than my bulging discs and DDD and i'm only 22 years old WTF?). If I do consider trying the trial and it helps a little I am thinking about just telling them it didn't do enough for me that I want to move to another step (hint hint SURGERY). I know many people say "No don't get surgery it leads to more problems." Well what in the hell am I supposed to do? I have tried EVERYTHING. ESI's, PT, Chiropractor, Acupuncture, TENS unit, back braces...you name it.
This pain is taking over my life and I can't do a damn thing about it. My PCP prescribes me 120 hydrocodone 10 mg and expects me to take 4 per day. I have to take 5-6 a day at least to be able to work, be a mother and to GET OUT OF BED. I'm so depressed and its changing ME. I have turned into a totally different person in the last year of the pain and I don't like it at all. I have never felt so alone in my life, even though I have a loving husband and a perfect son. Not to mention I am blessed with the BEST mother and father in law in the world. And my parents and brothers.
Any ideas or encouraging words?