back pain

[Guest guest]

Gretchen,

Hi, I have CMT 1A. I've had problems with my lower back since I was about 17.

They weren't that bad just came and went. Then at age 20 I started to work in

the construction field and after a few years my back started to get worse I

started to get spasms but I still worked. Most guys in construction have back

problems.

In November of 96 my back said that's it and I haven't worked since. When I

first got hurt they did the X-rays and then an MRI but nothing showed up that

would explain the pain. Then I had a EMG and that's when I found out I had CMT.

I knew my DAD and Sister had it but the doctor told them that I didn't have it

since there was a 50/50 chance of passing it on to your kids. So he said I

didn't needed to get tested. I don't have

alot of the problems some of the people on here have. I have a mild case. I have

the drop foot. I have the burning and numbness in my left leg and my hands are

starting to bother me.

I done some reading and I read that with CMT you are prone to muscle and back

sprains I have chronic lower back pain and it's getting worse. I'm taking Valium

and Soma and that just barely keeps it under control.

I've been on over 30 different types of meds, I even think I took Neurontin but

not in the high doses you took. I'm seeing a neurologist on Monday since my last

EMG was in 97. Most of the CMT I

can deal with the drop foot. I taught myself to keep my foot strait when I walk

and it's been working for 7 years but it's the back pain I can't stand and

nothing seems to help/ I'm 40 yrs old and I don't want to keep taking pain of

muscle relaxers for the rest of my life

plus the longer you take them the more your body gets immune to them and you

either have to raise the dose or find something different.

I'm fighting with workers comp since my back went out when I was at work to get

Botox injections they are the only ones who will pay

for it. I got approved for one treatment and will have to fight to get more.

Tt's about 1000.00 for one treatment and it lasts about 3 to 6 months. I was

wondering what was the cause of your back pain.

Mine is muscular and I can't find anything to keep it under control.

Tommy