How do I manage these symptoms daily?

[Juice74]

I was diagnosed four years ago, was decompressded two years ago and have been in physical therapy for four years.  I have also been under the care of various doctors, the one who managed my condition  recently retired and my neurologist has basically said "come back if your symptoms get worse".

My PT is trying to find a way to get me out of pt (which is NOT unreasonable after 4 years). I'm feeling scared because I don't know how to manage these symptoms on my own. I got to PT about every 2 weeks, this last time was 4 weeks.

I stretch every day (multiple times) and I manage (relative term) the pain and spasticity with baclofen, ibuprofen and diclofenac gel.

I have sporadically gone to the gym to use the warm therapy pool and hot tub, aqua exercises, etc, but the most effective treatment is myofascial release done by my pt. I know she is on the verge of discharging me permanently and I don't know what to do to manage on a daily basis.

Believe it or not, I'm a REHAB NURSE and I work 7 10 hour shifts in a row, every other week with extra shifts and just life in between... I'm a nurse and I have no idea what else I can do.
The major symptoms I'm dealing with are calf muscle tightness (I've come to call this spasticity), numbness and tingling from the knee down with a band like feeling around the leg just below the knee, plantar fasciitis and pain in my ribs, hips, low back and above and below both knees and elbows on the inside.

How do you manage this daily without medical intervention?

[AnaLyze]

If you’re working that much that might be  the issue. One thing I learned is  that I had to balance life and not overwork.

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

May I ask when you went back to work? I have no idea how you are working the hours you are....at 4 years post op i could not have done it at all....and did not infact I am only working a few hours here and there and only started a year ago. AND I am done in...my surgery was 9 years ago this month.(May 28, 2009)

You might want to look into a different way to continue nursing but in a different capacity.....a nurse that makes house calls....or teaching, training, or desk duty.....I am sure there is a way to use your knowledge but change the way you work. I am sure once you do, you will feel a change in your pain/symptoms.

[Juice74]

I was cleared to go back to work after a month or six weeks, but didn't go back for two months. I am looking for different work options. The only way I'm doing it is because I go to PT every two weeks and take my medications as needed.

[Juice74]

I'm actually two years postop, but was diagnosed 4 years ago.

[selmaS]

Goodness gracious, there is no way at 6 weeks could I go back to work doing what you are doing and it is possible that going back too soon and doing that much has affected how you recovered.

[Juice74]

Yep, but kids gotta eat.