I AM OBVIOUSLY SO MISUNDERSTOOD!!

[dreamweevr61]

Okay so here we go...MRI says multiple broad based disc protrusions from L1 to S1 most severe at  L5-S1 causing bilateral neural foraminal stenosis.  Degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.  Peripherally distributed nerve roots at the level of L4, L5, S1 consistent with arachnoiditis. There is a sizeable area of high signal intensity bone lesion at the T6,  probable hemangioma of T6  vetebral body.  Multiple mild disc protrusions from T8 to T12 with encroachment of the thecal sac.  Degenerative joint disease of the dorsal spine.
The MRI was done back in 2008, everyday pain levels exceed 8 & I have been given many opiote based pain meds since the MRI but my regular Doctor is no longer practicing at the clinic I go to...my new Doctor did not give me anything for my pain...like are you serious Doc?  He said my back problems are mild...is it my frikkin' imagination that I am in horrific pain or what?  Someone please tell me...

[dreamweevr61]

My biggest problem here is I don't have insurance...I have filed for disability, I go to an orthopedist (which works for the state-in order I guess to see how disabled I am) on Friday...hopefully I will get some kind of medical help if he deems me as such.  Thank You for your response...there are times all of this gets me close to that dark place emotionally.  People just don't understand pain unless they have been there themselves.  I hope and pray that all goes my direction otherwise I know my options are few as far as no insurance, I am sure I could not afford to pay cash...don't know what I will do then!!  Thank You again & I hope you have found your place for peace through pain mgmt.

[Jrsygrl109]

Do you have a pain mgmt doc?  If not I would suggest going to one, with MRI in hand.  A lot of regular docs (Primary care) don't like to prescribe opiates.  I went into Pain Mgmt when my reg doc wouldn't order anything stronger that percocet 5/325 and I cannot tolerate any more than 1200mg of tylenol a day cause it shoots my liver enzymes up - so taking more of those pills only hurt my liver. Good luck with your search for a doc who DOES understand your pain levels.

[namnam46]

Hi dreamweevr,

First I want to welcome you to the Pain Management Forum and let you know that we are glad you found this Forum. I want to let you know that there are NO Doctors on this Forum only CP - Chronic Pain - Patients that help each other with our OWN expertise and experiences that we have developed through our OWN CP Issues.

I'm sorry that you have run into this problem with your new Doctor.  I think you need to have a NEW MRI done.  Your old one was taken almost 3 years ago and your back will get progressively worse as time goes on.  THEN your Doctor will have a MUCH better idea as to what is happening with your back.

IF your Doctor DOESN'T want to do this, then it MIGHT be time to look for a NEW Doctor that WILL listen to you.

I wish you the very best and HOPE that you will stay in touch with us and let us know how you are doing.  :)

Looking forward to your update........Sherry