I am wondering if there is other things I can try other than narcotics. I went down that road before for 5 years, all it did was cover the pain, allowed me to keep working (which was great), but the high doses I received left me unconcious twice. My doctor was worried I had taken too much on purpose, which I assured him I didn't. But this implies he had me on too high of a dose. I do not want to go down that path again, but the pain is relentless. I learned about the opiate receptors of the brain, and how when you are on synthetic opiates, your body stops producing it's normal "opiate" relief which is natural. I have learned that being on these for years can destroy the chance that they are destroyed forever. I do want to argue differently. I have been through it. Of course my body was dependent, and it was very hard and lasted for several months of intolerable pain. But it's been a year and a half and I do not take anything narcotic anymore.
I am in significant pain though, and my dx is spinal stenosis, slight cauda equina syndrome, and several bulging discs and severe arthritis in my lower spine. I am 37. I had back surgery at age 20 from a ruptured disc L5S1. I am pretty miserable, and do not live a normal life. I can't work anymore right now, (I'm an RN) and I miss it.
I was wondering is there other options. I am going to have a transforamenal steroid injection in December. Are there other ways to manage this. I am to be evaluated by a surgeon in April when I have insurance.
Please help,
Kristin