Radiculapathy

[mudgett]

I had a micro disc 2 years ago..I developed a dural tear 4 weeks post op then I retore 1 week later.Following that I developed severe discitis and osteomyelitis and a psoas abscess .I was in horrible pain.The infection ate up all of my disc on l4/5 and now I am fused at that level.I guess my question is should I continue to have alot of leg and back pai after all of this.I still have to take a fair amount of pain meds to get me through the day.My surgeon says because I had so much surgery around l4 nerve root I have alot of scar tissue around it and there is really nothing that can be done except to find a good pain regimin .I just really hate to take all of this medicine and want to really get back to my life.Any suggetions?Lisa

[Tuckamore]

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum of MedHelp. I am glad you found us. Mollyrae has offered you some sound advice.

I am so sorry for your back pain and all the problems you encountered post-op. You must have some horrid days. I too have psoas issues along with my SI joint Dysfunction. I have severe pain, just as Mollyrae and most of MH Members.

Probably 98% of us are taking opiates. We are from all walks of life, professionals and non-professionals, males, females, all races and religions from 15 to 80. Pain knows no barriers. But we all have something in common, we hurt, severely. Most all of us take opiates because we cannot function or live with the pain without them. We want as normal of life as possible. I am no longer able to maintain employment, some of us still are working and some are struggling and know that our days of gainful employment are numbered. Some of us can only work because we take opiates.

It sounds as if your limitations and pain are life long according to your physician. I suggest that you get yourself into a good Pain Management Clinic and take whatever medication they offer that works for you. The PM Clinic may also offer other ideas such as a TENS Units or alternative or holistic approaches that may be beneficial. It may be that those approaches combined with your meds will be a better solution.

We are not addicts or junkies or whatever other terms are used for ppl with chronic pain issues forced to take opiates. So please don't feel bad about the medications that you must take to help ease your pain. You have a life to live and it may mean that pain medications are part of it but that doesn't mean your life still can't be a good.

I wish you the very best. Please keep in touch with us and let us know how you are doing. I will be looking forward to your next post.
Take care, Tuck  

[Mollyrae]

Hello Lisa and welcome to MH. Unfortunalty you may have problems for the rest of your life as I do. I have undergone 5 back surgerys steming back to 1990 and will have problems for the rest of my life.

Please don't be afraid to take the pain medication on a long term basis. Others may look down on you or tell you to "bone up" but it is your life and your the one who has to live with the pain.

You Doctor is right. You should find a good pain regiment with a good pain Doc and try to be a comfortable as possible. People who don't know what it's like to be in pain all the time and have to take narcotics think your constantly loopy or worse, an addict.....well your not and remember that. I do not get loopy anymore and I'm dependant not addicted, there is a difference.

Hold your head up high and take the meds you need.........Take care and good luck,
Mollyrae