I had a large, central to right severely herniated disc at L4-L5 due to slipping on ice in January 98. I had surgery for (CES)in June 98 of Miscrodiscectomy, Laminectomy, Forimaectomy (sp), and Spinal Decompression. The thecal sac was almost severed at myelogram and was this way for about 5 months before surgery.
I had a new MRI in June 99 which shows residual Cauda Equina Syndrome and Chronic Radiculopathy, due to scar tissue/fibrosis/granulation compressing the nerve root and disc space. My Neurosurgeon does not want to treat it surgically as the scar tissue will just return.
My family physician has been treating me for the severe back and leg pain with 4/Darvocet a day, 300mg Celebrex a day, 900 mg Neurontin, and Fexeril 3-10mg/day for about 15 months. My Neurosurgeon has deemed me perm. disabled and I have begun receiving Social Security Disability.
The medication my family Dr. has prescribed does not do much for pain control. He recommended seeing a Pain Center Mgmt in my area. When I contacted the Pain Center, I was told I would receive the same meds (nothing stronger), I could have shots of cortizone in my spine (My Neurosurgeon said that would help the leg pain but not the back pain) also, I could have accupuncture, and more PT.
I am in a support group in which many of the members are taking opiates to manage their painand are seeing a Pain Specialist. My family Dr. is wonderful but obviously, he is not a Pain Specialist. Not only do I have the severe back and leg pain, but my whole body hurts to the touch. (I am sedentary due to pain)My sister was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and said her Dr. said it tends runs in families, and is often brought on by an injury.
My questions are: 1) Do you agree that opiates are proper, long term treatment? (providing the condition and medical documentation warrant it) 2) I have a greatly diminished quality of life due to this injury (basically housebound)and I am hopeful that opiates will allow me to do more physically, do you agree? 3) Is it possible that I also have Fibromyalgia as a result of the injury?
I am 43 year old female and I am SO tired of this pain. I had done PT for 3 months which helped my leg, but did nothing for my back (I was told due to the severity of the injury). My Neurosurgeon told me I will be on pain meds, arthitis med and muscle relaxants for life and will require and annual exam, however he is not treating me, my family Dr. is, and my NS did say he did not want me on Narcotics. We tried Ultram but it upset my stomach
I want to know if you would also believe in treatment with Opiates long term if the condition warranted it? And if so, what treatment would it be for symptoms like mine? Should I seek treatment for Fibro seperate of the nerve damage and back pain? If I am treated with Opiates, will I require stronger doses over time, is this normal?