Sorry to add to the doom and gloom that’s been here lately, but I, too need some good thoughts.
As most people know from my “handicapped parking” and other pit threads, I have some serious bad back stuff going on. I had a major spinal fusion done when I was 20 (I’m 29 now) and over the last 5 years things have really gone downhill. I am unable to work full time, I am in pain if I stand or sit for too long (and believe me, I have an awesome pain tolerance- it’s just unreal). I got on some meds that were helping then…
…a couple of months ago I started having amazing tailbone pain. Almost like I fell down on it (I didn’t). I went to the doc at the time and he did some “adjustments” (read: twisted me into an agonzing pretzel) and it helped- for about a day. Unfortunately it’s gotten progressively worse, to the point of agony upon sitting at times, and just consistant pain. I’m heading back there today to get checked and see what can be done. I’ve not given up hope- I’ve been exercising regularly and trying to keep up my spirits, but it’s been so hard. Last night my husband and I were talking about getting old and I actually said (and meant) “I hope I don’t live to be 60, because I can’t imagine how awful it will feel”. He offered hope that they may come up with a spinal transplant in the meantime, but I doubt it
Anyway, I’m just nervous about going. It’s never good news and the answer is usually more drugs, more exercise, no less pain.
Zette, I don’t have any advice to offer or stories to tell, I just want to say that I’m thinking of you and I wish you tons and tons of luck at the doctor. I hope that this torture can end for you through some kind of new medication or treatment, or SOMETHING. I know it’s hard to hold out hope. Good luck to you - sending warm fuzzy vibes your way.
Zette, I know back pain is awful and often there’s not much that can be done about it. I hope you will be able to get some relief and I wish you all the best in dealing with the pain and difficulties. Take care.
Wow. Zette, you are definitely in my prayers. I have been having some back problems since my car accident in June, but nothing compared to what you’re going through. I hope they find some answers and can help you on a more permanent basis this time. Have you checked into some of the new pain management treatments that are available? I wish I could help you with this.
Take care, and good luck with your doctor visit today.
{{{{{{{{Zette}}}}}}}}
<Hi, GBS! I’ve missed seeing you on here. Email me, please.>
They said by next week I’ll have festering boils all over my ass, too!
Not really, that was the worst case scenerio I was picturing while prepping for this appointment. I went, and had an “adjustment” (read, trying to twist my crooked hips back into place), got more Physical Therapy prescribed, etc. Same shit, different appointment. The next step (in a month or so) is cortisone shots directly into the hips and SI joints. Yahoo!
Yes, I’ve tried very aggressive pain treatment. Unfortunately, I’ve tried about every option there is. That’s why I’m kind of bummed at this point. I think I’ll take my own damned advice and start seeing a therapist before I make everyone around me as miserable as I feel. I was doing OK, but now it looks like I really have to stop doing a lot of things I love, and 29 years old is too damned young to be giving up.
I guess it could have been worse. I could have flooded the toilet while I was at the doctors office!
You have my best wishes, Zette. I screwed up my back when I was 14 years old, and it hasn’t been the same since. It’s not nearly as bad as yours, but it gets bad enough at times that I know how little fun back pain can be. I hope something works for you.
I wishing you comfort and all the best, Zette. I spoinged my back out of whack a few weeks ago (lifting badly). It was amazing how totally debilitating it was. It’s hard to even imagine your situation.
My good wishes and thoughts are with you.
{{{Zette}}}
I really empathize with what you are going through. I broke my pelvis in three places 8 years ago, damaging my left SI joint severely in the process. I had debilitating back pain until I finally found a good chiropractor. With his help (and over time) I now have only mild chronic back pain. (Worse if I do something stupid, which I periodically do. It is hard and frustrating to limit yourself, as I am sure you know.)
Unfortunately, after my bones healed, the orthopedic physician I was seeing was of NO help whatsoever with the SI joint damage. I truly believe that if I hadn’t found my DC, I would still be semi-invalid. Soft tissue damage does not seem to be something that most physicians understand.
If you aren’t already seeing a chiropractor, it wouldn’t hurt to find a good one and see if they can help. The other thing I have done in the past year is to start taking Glucosamine/Chondritin, 1000mg of each a day. I think it has helped.
People who have never had severe back pain do not realize that when your back hurts, your whole body hurts. And what doesn’t actually hurt, aches. It is hard to explain that. But it IS real, and I feel so badly for you. And chronic pain does negative things to the rest of your life as well.
I’m sending healing prayers and positive thoughts and I hope you will find someone or something that can help you.