Hello

June 10, 2008

,

I have not ever met a surgeon with a personality. You might have to

continually prod him/her with questions and make sure you get all of your

answers. Speaking from experience.

My surgery was an anterior fusion. I hope that someone else at this site can

tell you more about a laminectomy.

paul <paul708@...> wrote:

my laminectomy im having is in my spine can anyone tell me what is the

recovery from this type of surgery my surgery is sept 4 2008 my surgeon

is not a people person

I wish you peace for today.

All my best,

:-)

June 24, 2008

Barbara,

I am a fellow desert dweller I Arizona! I am not sure that I would attribute

your health changes to living here, though it is a possibility that your

lifestyle has changed with the climate. However, I am not a medical

professional. Reading what you have written I would most certainly make the

choice to change doctors. Not knowing your health plan, I do not know how

limited the physicisn list might be. Check who is covered in your area. What

kind of Dr. do you currently see? A GP, FP, Internist?

Hope to see another post from you with an update.

I wish you peace for today.

All my best,

:-)

From: barbarac102 <barbarac102@...>

Subject: Hello

spinal problems

Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 8:17 AM

Hi Everyone,

I'm back--I don't know if anyone remembers me. I see a name or maybe

2 that I recognize.

I am back for support naturally. This is my background. I will try to

make it brief and understandable. It will be 3 years since my

back/leg pain begain. I pulled my lower right back and as soon as

that pain left it transferred to both legs. When I tell any doctor

that, it doesn't phase them, but it appears that something happened

to my back that has caused pain in both legs and both legs also have

tender muscles, that is the muscles, when I push on them feel sore.

My left leg is worse in that the hip and groin area hurt more. I have

had periods in these 3 years where the pain hasn't been unbearable. I

would take ultram and valium and be able to watch tv. Lately it feels

worse and I have that squarming leg problem right after I get up and

the ultram isn't enough. It has been one weird experience. It had

been very bad at first, felt better for sometime and I only took

ativan, got worse and was put on ultram and then the pain leveled

off. I have had MRI's which show moderate stenosis, bulging disks(I

think every level) and ddd. Any doctor I saw said, your mri does not

explain your pain and did nothing. I've had epidurals that did

nothing also.

I was never given an EMG. I only found out about them through friends

and relatives. I feel like the doctors don't know a thing--well, I'm

thinking of my primary esp. right now. I am so upset with him and the

others have been of no help and often rude.

I went to my primary to ask for an EMG referral(he never has ideas)

and gave me one, too bad that doctor isn't even under my insurance.

I was given hydromorphine at one time, but really try to stay away

from drugs but because the pain had increased, took one with the

ultram and it helped, plus I was able to take less ultram. I asked

the doctor to prescribe me 2 a day (my plan was to take only 1 1/2)

and he said no---that I would want more and more. Yet he had given my

husband 3 a day--which makes no sense.

He gave me morphine sulfate er, without any warnings and I guess I

was still dumb struck because of his refusal of my request, I just

took it without questions and had a terrible reaction to it. I was

nauceuos, dizzy, headachey, my heart was racing, I was freaking out!

My husband got a hold of the doctor and all he told him was that " it

was normal " --continue with it. The doctor never called to follow up

either.

I did not want to go through that, so I called his office to speak to

his assistant(he is only there 2xs a week, which is bad) and I left 2

messages for her to get hold of him, that I needen't something else

for the pain, and I never got a call back! I didn't want to take that

med he prescribed again.

I am sorry for going on so long and bless anyone reading all of this.

I believe I should change doctors and can't get over how in 3 years,

I have never been diagnosed nor told about EMGs. I am in Arizona. I

was even wondering if the dry climate had anything to do with this

pain. I was an exercise nut before I came here and this happened one

month after I was here and now my husband has been told he has fibro.

It's just has been awful. We were both health before coming here,

which seems odd.

I think that's about it.

I'd like to hear any thoughts on this and just say hello and I am

very sorry for that are here because of their pain.

Blessings to all, Barbara

June 25, 2008

Hi , I am only seeing this now. Thanks for your reply. I

think we are pretty limited to doctors. My husband has an appointment

with our doctor tomorrow. My husband is in horrific pain, which makes

matters worse here--but if he could get through to our doctor that

both of us are not worrying right now about being addicted--we are

well aware of it--we just NEED to get out of pain!

I could not believe how bad my husband was this morning.

I have my days too, we both need help and understanding and not the

doctors worrying about addiction. If they felt our pain, I don't

think they would worry--just want relief and tests to determine what

it is that is causing pain. I have a hard time accepting, " I don't

know " answer and these doctors not even knowing what tests to

prescribe. I find it amazing and in general, the doctors I have met

here have been pretty bad. 3 years of leg pain, that I am telling

them came on immediately after pulling my back--doesn't say anything?

Why didn't one of these men suggest an EMG all this time?

It's so frustrating. Sorry for going on, I guess I am so upset today.

Thank you for " listening " .

>

> From: barbarac102 <barbarac102@...>

> Subject: Hello

> spinal problems

> Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 8:17 AM

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> I'm back--I don't know if anyone remembers me. I see a name or

maybe

> 2 that I recognize.

> I am back for support naturally. This is my background. I will try

to

> make it brief and understandable. It will be 3 years since my

> back/leg pain begain. I pulled my lower right back and as soon as

> that pain left it transferred to both legs. When I tell any doctor

> that, it doesn't phase them, but it appears that something happened

> to my back that has caused pain in both legs and both legs also

have

> tender muscles, that is the muscles, when I push on them feel sore.

> My left leg is worse in that the hip and groin area hurt more. I

have

> had periods in these 3 years where the pain hasn't been unbearable.

I

> would take ultram and valium and be able to watch tv. Lately it

feels

> worse and I have that squarming leg problem right after I get up

and

> the ultram isn't enough. It has been one weird experience. It had

> been very bad at first, felt better for sometime and I only took

> ativan, got worse and was put on ultram and then the pain leveled

> off. I have had MRI's which show moderate stenosis, bulging disks(I

> think every level) and ddd. Any doctor I saw said, your mri does

not

> explain your pain and did nothing. I've had epidurals that did

> nothing also.

> I was never given an EMG. I only found out about them through

friends

> and relatives. I feel like the doctors don't know a thing--well,

I'm

> thinking of my primary esp. right now. I am so upset with him and

the

> others have been of no help and often rude.

> I went to my primary to ask for an EMG referral(he never has ideas)

> and gave me one, too bad that doctor isn't even under my insurance.

> I was given hydromorphine at one time, but really try to stay away

> from drugs but because the pain had increased, took one with the

> ultram and it helped, plus I was able to take less ultram. I asked

> the doctor to prescribe me 2 a day (my plan was to take only 1 1/2)

> and he said no---that I would want more and more. Yet he had given

my

> husband 3 a day--which makes no sense.

> He gave me morphine sulfate er, without any warnings and I guess I

> was still dumb struck because of his refusal of my request, I just

> took it without questions and had a terrible reaction to it. I was

> nauceuos, dizzy, headachey, my heart was racing, I was freaking

out!

> My husband got a hold of the doctor and all he told him was

that " it

> was normal " --continue with it. The doctor never called to follow up

> either.

> I did not want to go through that, so I called his office to speak

to

> his assistant(he is only there 2xs a week, which is bad) and I left

2

> messages for her to get hold of him, that I needen't something else

> for the pain, and I never got a call back! I didn't want to take

that

> med he prescribed again.

> I am sorry for going on so long and bless anyone reading all of

this.

> I believe I should change doctors and can't get over how in 3

years,

> I have never been diagnosed nor told about EMGs. I am in Arizona. I

> was even wondering if the dry climate had anything to do with this

> pain. I was an exercise nut before I came here and this happened

one

> month after I was here and now my husband has been told he has

fibro.

> It's just has been awful. We were both health before coming here,

> which seems odd.

> I think that's about it.

> I'd like to hear any thoughts on this and just say hello and I am

> very sorry for that are here because of their pain.

> Blessings to all, Barbara

>

June 25, 2008

Hello, I had a cyst removed at L4 L5 last week of march. I was good for a

month and then 1st week in may. I went to lift myself into cab and I collapsed.

Instead of getting into cab I landed on ground in.

Heap. I had lost all strength in my legs. And my strength has not come back.

I need help to climb stairs and to get off toilet. A few months ago my vision

suddenly got much worse. Has this happened to anyone else? The doctors are so

apathetic. And I am desperate to find out what is wrong with me. Thanks,

marsha

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Hello

> spinedisorderssuppo <mailto:spinal problems%40>

rtgroup

> Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 8:17 AM

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> I'm back--I don't know if anyone remembers me. I see a name or

maybe

> 2 that I recognize.

> I am back for support naturally. This is my background. I will try

to

> make it brief and understandable. It will be 3 years since my

> back/leg pain begain. I pulled my lower right back and as soon as

> that pain left it transferred to both legs. When I tell any doctor

> that, it doesn't phase them, but it appears that something happened

> to my back that has caused pain in both legs and both legs also

have

> tender muscles, that is the muscles, when I push on them feel sore.

> My left leg is worse in that the hip and groin area hurt more. I

have

> had periods in these 3 years where the pain hasn't been unbearable.

I

> would take ultram and valium and be able to watch tv. Lately it

feels

> worse and I have that squarming leg problem right after I get up

and

> the ultram isn't enough. It has been one weird experience. It had

> been very bad at first, felt better for sometime and I only took

> ativan, got worse and was put on ultram and then the pain leveled

> off. I have had MRI's which show moderate stenosis, bulging disks(I

> think every level) and ddd. Any doctor I saw said, your mri does

not

> explain your pain and did nothing. I've had epidurals that did

> nothing also.

> I was never given an EMG. I only found out about them through

friends

> and relatives. I feel like the doctors don't know a thing--well,

I'm

> thinking of my primary esp. right now. I am so upset with him and

the

> others have been of no help and often rude.

> I went to my primary to ask for an EMG referral(he never has ideas)

> and gave me one, too bad that doctor isn't even under my insurance.

> I was given hydromorphine at one time, but really try to stay away

> from drugs but because the pain had increased, took one with the

> ultram and it helped, plus I was able to take less ultram. I asked

> the doctor to prescribe me 2 a day (my plan was to take only 1 1/2)

> and he said no---that I would want more and more. Yet he had given

my

> husband 3 a day--which makes no sense.

> He gave me morphine sulfate er, without any warnings and I guess I

> was still dumb struck because of his refusal of my request, I just

> took it without questions and had a terrible reaction to it. I was

> nauceuos, dizzy, headachey, my heart was racing, I was freaking

out!

> My husband got a hold of the doctor and all he told him was

that " it

> was normal " --continue with it. The doctor never called to follow up

> either.

> I did not want to go through that, so I called his office to speak

to

> his assistant(he is only there 2xs a week, which is bad) and I left

2

> messages for her to get hold of him, that I needen't something else

> for the pain, and I never got a call back! I didn't want to take

that

> med he prescribed again.

> I am sorry for going on so long and bless anyone reading all of

this.

> I believe I should change doctors and can't get over how in 3

years,

> I have never been diagnosed nor told about EMGs. I am in Arizona. I

> was even wondering if the dry climate had anything to do with this

> pain. I was an exercise nut before I came here and this happened

one

> month after I was here and now my husband has been told he has

fibro.

> It's just has been awful. We were both health before coming here,

> which seems odd.

> I think that's about it.

> I'd like to hear any thoughts on this and just say hello and I am

> very sorry for that are here because of their pain.

> Blessings to all, Barbara

>

June 26, 2008

Dear Barbra,

I so wish I could help you. When you said your husband was getting

more pain meds than you were it reminded me of my situation. My

husbands doc is in the same office as my doc. My husband is getting

massive pain meds for his back and can get any test and referral he

wants, while my doctor wont hardley give me the time of day. I want

to yell at those jerks that its MY insurance paying their bills. My

husband doesn't want to be fixed, I do. I'm not content or ready to

lie down and die yet. To make matters worse, I work with my doc on a

proffessional level. He's seen me dragging up and down the hall

giving meds and hurting so bad I'd have to shut myself in the med

room and get myself back together, he is an @!#( OOPPPS, can I say

that?) if not I apologize.

Wish me luck tommarow. I'm going in and asking for a referral

elsewhere. I want to see a specilist. Today I got a referral for my

son who hurt his back two years ago in a car wreck so maybe this

family can all get fixed, I'm hopeful anyway.

By the way morphine makes me weird too, I get a God awlful headache

when I take it.

I'm keeping you in my thoughts Barbra. This group has been a great

support for me, knowing I'm not alone is wonderful.

Terry

> >

> > From: barbarac102 <barbarac102@>

> > Subject: Hello

> > spinedisorderssuppo <mailto:spinal problems%

40> rtgroup

> > Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 8:17 AM

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > I'm back--I don't know if anyone remembers me. I see a name or

> maybe

> > 2 that I recognize.

> > I am back for support naturally. This is my background. I will

try

> to

> > make it brief and understandable. It will be 3 years since my

> > back/leg pain begain. I pulled my lower right back and as soon

as

> > that pain left it transferred to both legs. When I tell any

doctor

> > that, it doesn't phase them, but it appears that something

happened

> > to my back that has caused pain in both legs and both legs also

> have

> > tender muscles, that is the muscles, when I push on them feel

sore.

> > My left leg is worse in that the hip and groin area hurt more.

I

> have

> > had periods in these 3 years where the pain hasn't been

unbearable.

> I

> > would take ultram and valium and be able to watch tv. Lately it

> feels

> > worse and I have that squarming leg problem right after I get

up

> and

> > the ultram isn't enough. It has been one weird experience. It

had

> > been very bad at first, felt better for sometime and I only

took

> > ativan, got worse and was put on ultram and then the pain

leveled

> > off. I have had MRI's which show moderate stenosis, bulging

disks(I

> > think every level) and ddd. Any doctor I saw said, your mri

does

> not

> > explain your pain and did nothing. I've had epidurals that did

> > nothing also.

> > I was never given an EMG. I only found out about them through

> friends

> > and relatives. I feel like the doctors don't know a thing--

well,

> I'm

> > thinking of my primary esp. right now. I am so upset with him

and

> the

> > others have been of no help and often rude.

> > I went to my primary to ask for an EMG referral(he never has

ideas)

> > and gave me one, too bad that doctor isn't even under my

insurance.

> > I was given hydromorphine at one time, but really try to stay

away

> > from drugs but because the pain had increased, took one with

the

> > ultram and it helped, plus I was able to take less ultram. I

asked

> > the doctor to prescribe me 2 a day (my plan was to take only 1

1/2)

> > and he said no---that I would want more and more. Yet he had

given

> my

> > husband 3 a day--which makes no sense.

> > He gave me morphine sulfate er, without any warnings and I

guess I

> > was still dumb struck because of his refusal of my request, I

just

> > took it without questions and had a terrible reaction to it. I

was

> > nauceuos, dizzy, headachey, my heart was racing, I was freaking

> out!

> > My husband got a hold of the doctor and all he told him was

> that " it

> > was normal " --continue with it. The doctor never called to

follow up

> > either.

> > I did not want to go through that, so I called his office to

speak

> to

> > his assistant(he is only there 2xs a week, which is bad) and I

left

> 2

> > messages for her to get hold of him, that I needen't something

else

> > for the pain, and I never got a call back! I didn't want to

take

> that

> > med he prescribed again.

> > I am sorry for going on so long and bless anyone reading all of

> this.

> > I believe I should change doctors and can't get over how in 3

> years,

> > I have never been diagnosed nor told about EMGs. I am in

Arizona. I

> > was even wondering if the dry climate had anything to do with

this

> > pain. I was an exercise nut before I came here and this

happened

> one

> > month after I was here and now my husband has been told he has

> fibro.

> > It's just has been awful. We were both health before coming

here,

> > which seems odd.

> > I think that's about it.

> > I'd like to hear any thoughts on this and just say hello and I

am

> > very sorry for that are here because of their pain.

> > Blessings to all, Barbara

> >

June 27, 2008

Hello Marsha,

Just seeing this now, oh my gosh--I am so sorry for what you are

going through. Am I understanding you correctly, you had a cyst

removed in your neck and out of nowhere you lost strength in your

legs and fell?

I pray right now that you find out what is wrong with you. I know the

terrible feeling of apathetic doctors.

Your email and name sound familiar, were you on a Dylan board? If I'm

way off forgive me, I do wish you well and hope you find the answers

and help you need.

Blessings.

> >

> > From: barbarac102 <barbarac102@>

> > Subject: Hello

> > spinedisorderssuppo <mailto:spinal problems%

40> rtgroup

> > Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 8:17 AM

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > I'm back--I don't know if anyone remembers me. I see a name or

> maybe

> > 2 that I recognize.

> > I am back for support naturally. This is my background. I will

try

> to

> > make it brief and understandable. It will be 3 years since my

> > back/leg pain begain. I pulled my lower right back and as soon

as

> > that pain left it transferred to both legs. When I tell any

doctor

> > that, it doesn't phase them, but it appears that something

happened

> > to my back that has caused pain in both legs and both legs also

> have

> > tender muscles, that is the muscles, when I push on them feel

sore.

> > My left leg is worse in that the hip and groin area hurt more. I

> have

> > had periods in these 3 years where the pain hasn't been

unbearable.

> I

> > would take ultram and valium and be able to watch tv. Lately it

> feels

> > worse and I have that squarming leg problem right after I get up

> and

> > the ultram isn't enough. It has been one weird experience. It

had

> > been very bad at first, felt better for sometime and I only took

> > ativan, got worse and was put on ultram and then the pain

leveled

> > off. I have had MRI's which show moderate stenosis, bulging disks

(I

> > think every level) and ddd. Any doctor I saw said, your mri does

> not

> > explain your pain and did nothing. I've had epidurals that did

> > nothing also.

> > I was never given an EMG. I only found out about them through

> friends

> > and relatives. I feel like the doctors don't know a thing--well,

> I'm

> > thinking of my primary esp. right now. I am so upset with him

and

> the

> > others have been of no help and often rude.

> > I went to my primary to ask for an EMG referral(he never has

ideas)

> > and gave me one, too bad that doctor isn't even under my

insurance.

> > I was given hydromorphine at one time, but really try to stay

away

> > from drugs but because the pain had increased, took one with the

> > ultram and it helped, plus I was able to take less ultram. I

asked

> > the doctor to prescribe me 2 a day (my plan was to take only 1

1/2)

> > and he said no---that I would want more and more. Yet he had

given

> my

> > husband 3 a day--which makes no sense.

> > He gave me morphine sulfate er, without any warnings and I guess

I

> > was still dumb struck because of his refusal of my request, I

just

> > took it without questions and had a terrible reaction to it. I

was

> > nauceuos, dizzy, headachey, my heart was racing, I was freaking

> out!

> > My husband got a hold of the doctor and all he told him was

> that " it

> > was normal " --continue with it. The doctor never called to follow

up

> > either.

> > I did not want to go through that, so I called his office to

speak

> to

> > his assistant(he is only there 2xs a week, which is bad) and I

left

> 2

> > messages for her to get hold of him, that I needen't something

else

> > for the pain, and I never got a call back! I didn't want to take

> that

> > med he prescribed again.

> > I am sorry for going on so long and bless anyone reading all of

> this.

> > I believe I should change doctors and can't get over how in 3

> years,

> > I have never been diagnosed nor told about EMGs. I am in

Arizona. I

> > was even wondering if the dry climate had anything to do with

this

> > pain. I was an exercise nut before I came here and this happened

> one

> > month after I was here and now my husband has been told he has

> fibro.

> > It's just has been awful. We were both health before coming

here,

> > which seems odd.

> > I think that's about it.

> > I'd like to hear any thoughts on this and just say hello and I

am

> > very sorry for that are here because of their pain.

> > Blessings to all, Barbara

> >

June 27, 2008

Hi , I haven't been using boards for some time now and not

checking daily, but it sounds like you are writing to me and what you

are saying makes sense. I do have a belief that this leg pain begain

not only after I pulled my back, but I had been using an exercise

machine for your inner thighs and overdid it--I knew when I was doing

it, it was too much, but being an exercise freak, kept at it. I have

always wondered if that was it--but thought it would heal on it's own.

It is now almost 3 years later and the pain is still in both legs.

I can not afford therapy if not covered. I will definitely look up

what you posted and thank you very much.

But I still find it odd that not one doctor mentioned an EMG--as far

as I know it could be nerve damage, but after reading some posts, I

don't want more pain from needles. I had epidurals and nerve blocks

without sucess. The nerve blocks were done by a doctor who didn't

give me anything for the pain and I screamed! Thanks again.

>

> Barb - I wrote you a long response yesterday, but the system

eat it. Anyway, I'll try to summarize. I'm not a doctor or PT, just

a very experienced pain patient. Based on what you said, it is most

likely you have a soft tissue injury. These problems are not Dx by

MRI, X-ay, EMG, etc. And most MDs are clueless about these things

because they specialize in other areas.

>

> The 2 most effective types of soft tissue manual therapy I have

found are ART & Myofascial Release Therapy.

>

> ART (Active Release TEchniques) see

http://www.activerelease.com/what_patients.asp

>

> Although ART is frequently done by chiros, this is NOT the old

fashion spinal manipulation techniques. It is something entirely

different. If possible, go to an instructor in the techniques. (I

have known 2 women in different states that were scheduled for

surgery, but tried ART and then cancelled there surgery. But went to

instructors.)

>

> I don't know where you are in AZ, but there is Dr. Chavkin,

DCsdale, AZ, who is an instructor. Otherwise go to this page to

find someone near you.

>

> http://www.activerelease.com/providersearch.asp

>

> Then there is Myofascial Release, see

> http://www.myofascialrelease.com/mfr/mfr_what.asp

>

> There is a Myofascial Release clinic in Sedona, see

>

> http://www.myofascialrelease.com/clinics/clin_sedona.asp

>

> You could call & ask them to recommend therapists in your area.

>

> I hope you try these options & let us know if they help.

>

June 27, 2008

Dear Terry, thank you for your very kind response. It is just awful

what we have to go through. I know we all feel the same way, not one

of us wants to be in this position. I was an exercise nut for years,

never home for the most part and when I was, I was exercising most of

the time

I wonder if they or some docs do treat women different. Whatever, I

would like another doctor, but I hear some won't even give pain pills

out, which I find insane!! If someone legitimately(sp) is in pain,

how in the world could you refuse giving them pills and how do the

doctors get away with that? I recently had a doctor tell me he

wouldn't see me for a 2nd opinion, I would have thought that to be

unlawful!

So you work in your doctor's office? Or am I misunderstanding? He

sees you in pain and is cheap in giving out meds then. The doc I had

before this one would give me anything but I wasn't looking for that.

I wanted the least possible meds, but if I say, something isn't

working and I'm getting worse, why should that be hard to understand?

I haven't been checking this board daily, so I apologize to all if my

replies are late. I hope you got your referral. After reading about

the EMGS, I'm afraid to get them. I pray all went well for you today

and hope your whole family will be well. All my best, Barbara

> > >

> > > From: barbarac102 <barbarac102@>

> > > Subject: Hello

> > > spinedisorderssuppo <mailto:spinal problems%

> 40> rtgroup

> > > Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 8:17 AM

> > >

> > > Hi Everyone,

> > >

> > > I'm back--I don't know if anyone remembers me. I see a name or

> > maybe

> > > 2 that I recognize.

> > > I am back for support naturally. This is my background. I will

> try

> > to

> > > make it brief and understandable. It will be 3 years since my

> > > back/leg pain begain. I pulled my lower right back and as soon

> as

> > > that pain left it transferred to both legs. When I tell any

> doctor

> > > that, it doesn't phase them, but it appears that something

> happened

> > > to my back that has caused pain in both legs and both legs

also

> > have

> > > tender muscles, that is the muscles, when I push on them feel

> sore.

> > > My left leg is worse in that the hip and groin area hurt more.

> I

> > have

> > > had periods in these 3 years where the pain hasn't been

> unbearable.

> > I

> > > would take ultram and valium and be able to watch tv. Lately

it

> > feels

> > > worse and I have that squarming leg problem right after I get

> up

> > and

> > > the ultram isn't enough. It has been one weird experience. It

> had

> > > been very bad at first, felt better for sometime and I only

> took

> > > ativan, got worse and was put on ultram and then the pain

> leveled

> > > off. I have had MRI's which show moderate stenosis, bulging

> disks(I

> > > think every level) and ddd. Any doctor I saw said, your mri

> does

> > not

> > > explain your pain and did nothing. I've had epidurals that did

> > > nothing also.

> > > I was never given an EMG. I only found out about them through

> > friends

> > > and relatives. I feel like the doctors don't know a thing--

> well,

> > I'm

> > > thinking of my primary esp. right now. I am so upset with him

> and

> > the

> > > others have been of no help and often rude.

> > > I went to my primary to ask for an EMG referral(he never has

> ideas)

> > > and gave me one, too bad that doctor isn't even under my

> insurance.

> > > I was given hydromorphine at one time, but really try to stay

> away

> > > from drugs but because the pain had increased, took one with

> the

> > > ultram and it helped, plus I was able to take less ultram. I

> asked

> > > the doctor to prescribe me 2 a day (my plan was to take only 1

> 1/2)

> > > and he said no---that I would want more and more. Yet he had

> given

> > my

> > > husband 3 a day--which makes no sense.

> > > He gave me morphine sulfate er, without any warnings and I

> guess I

> > > was still dumb struck because of his refusal of my request, I

> just

> > > took it without questions and had a terrible reaction to it. I

> was

> > > nauceuos, dizzy, headachey, my heart was racing, I was

freaking

> > out!

> > > My husband got a hold of the doctor and all he told him was

> > that " it

> > > was normal " --continue with it. The doctor never called to

> follow up

> > > either.

> > > I did not want to go through that, so I called his office to

> speak

> > to

> > > his assistant(he is only there 2xs a week, which is bad) and I

> left

> > 2

> > > messages for her to get hold of him, that I needen't something

> else

> > > for the pain, and I never got a call back! I didn't want to

> take

> > that

> > > med he prescribed again.

> > > I am sorry for going on so long and bless anyone reading all

of

> > this.

> > > I believe I should change doctors and can't get over how in 3

> > years,

> > > I have never been diagnosed nor told about EMGs. I am in

> Arizona. I

> > > was even wondering if the dry climate had anything to do with

> this

> > > pain. I was an exercise nut before I came here and this

> happened

> > one

> > > month after I was here and now my husband has been told he has

> > fibro.

> > > It's just has been awful. We were both health before coming

> here,

> > > which seems odd.

> > > I think that's about it.

> > > I'd like to hear any thoughts on this and just say hello and I

> am

> > > very sorry for that are here because of their pain.

> > > Blessings to all, Barbara

> > >

June 28, 2008

Barb - ART is usually done by chiropractors. in some states they are covered by

insurance.

Since you injured yourself on an exercise machine, tell your doctor you want to

be referred

to a Sports Medicine specialist (they are usually Physical Medicine doctors or

orthopods)

Then ask the Sport Med doctor to send you to a PT that does Myofascial Release

therapy

or other types of soft tissue manual therapies. Don't settle for just

ultrasound, massage & strengthening exercise. That stuff feels good, but doesn't

fix the underlying problem.

Did I mention this place before?

www.valleytherapy.com/services.html

I'm in another group, where a myofascial release therapist wrote " The worst

thing is when

folks wait till it is sooooo bad that they can no longer function, before they

seek

bodywork. It truly should be the first approach to muscular pain of most kinds.

If

addressed early, most would need only a treatment or 2 and some instruction to

solve the

problem. Very sad that more people dont get this information. "

You don't need an EMG, it is painful & test results will be normal. It is

unfortunately that

you have been going to the wrong kind of doctors, but it is all too frequent.

Good luck

getting the kind of treatment that will help.

> >

> > Barb - I wrote you a long response yesterday, but the system

> eat it. Anyway, I'll try to summarize. I'm not a doctor or PT, just

> a very experienced pain patient. Based on what you said, it is most

> likely you have a soft tissue injury. These problems are not Dx by

> MRI, X-ay, EMG, etc. And most MDs are clueless about these things

> because they specialize in other areas.

> >

> > The 2 most effective types of soft tissue manual therapy I have

> found are ART & Myofascial Release Therapy.

> >

> > ART (Active Release TEchniques) see

> http://www.activerelease.com/what_patients.asp

> >

> > Although ART is frequently done by chiros, this is NOT the old

> fashion spinal manipulation techniques. It is something entirely

> different. If possible, go to an instructor in the techniques. (I

> have known 2 women in different states that were scheduled for

> surgery, but tried ART and then cancelled there surgery. But went to

> instructors.)

> >

> > I don't know where you are in AZ, but there is Dr. Chavkin,

> DCsdale, AZ, who is an instructor. Otherwise go to this page to

> find someone near you.

> >

> > http://www.activerelease.com/providersearch.asp

> >

> > Then there is Myofascial Release, see

> > http://www.myofascialrelease.com/mfr/mfr_what.asp

> >

> > There is a Myofascial Release clinic in Sedona, see

> >

> > http://www.myofascialrelease.com/clinics/clin_sedona.asp

> >

> > You could call & ask them to recommend therapists in your area.

> >

> > I hope you try these options & let us know if they help.

> >

July 1, 2008

-

Dear Barbra,

I don't work in my docs office but the jerk, opps I mean Dr. Jerk

makes rounds at the facility where I work. Oh, Lord, how good it

would be to work in a doctors office where I wouldn't have to my and

my CNA's work too.

I'm sorry I scared you away from the EMG. I guess they must be good

for something, I just wish I knew what. But like I said, we are

short of good medically trained people in South Arkansas. A lot of

people have told me they would rather die in the ambulance on the

way to Little Rock than go to our local hospital.

I used to be very active too. I did heat and air work way back in

the day when women just didn't do that kind of work, then I worked

as a guard and really loved that but though being a nurse would be a

good way to support my family. i loved camping, fishing and hiking.

I'd pack up all the kids in the neighborhood and away we'd go.

Nursing was the wrong choice, I was never sick until I went into

nursing. I love my patients but hate superviing a bunch of hateful

lazy people who clock in and won't work. My patients desrve better

so I hit the floor running, well now I hit it dragging and try to be

a nurse and CNA, it's a killer. I stay with it because my husband

quit his job right after i got out of school so I'm trapped and I

need the medical insurance.

I'm on my way to getting my referal. I have a new MRI ordered and he

said after that he will refer me. I didn't ask for anymore pain

meds, I just want to get fixed. So I do have hope anyway but he is

also still making me get my head MRIed also because of my headaches

and he says I'm having provoked siezures, which even if I am, a MRI

won't show anything. I've had a peice of a twenty two hollow point

in my head my uncle shot me with when I was eleven but again,

there's nothing that can be done about that.

Hoping you have a goodnight and blessed week,

Terry

-- In spinal problems , " barbarac102 "

<barbarac102@...> wrote:

>

> Dear Terry, thank you for your very kind response. It is just

awful

> what we have to go through. I know we all feel the same way, not

one

> of us wants to be in this position. I was an exercise nut for

years,

> never home for the most part and when I was, I was exercising most

of

> the time

> I wonder if they or some docs do treat women different. Whatever,

I

> would like another doctor, but I hear some won't even give pain

pills

> out, which I find insane!! If someone legitimately(sp) is in pain,

> how in the world could you refuse giving them pills and how do the

> doctors get away with that? I recently had a doctor tell me he

> wouldn't see me for a 2nd opinion, I would have thought that to be

> unlawful!

> So you work in your doctor's office? Or am I misunderstanding? He

> sees you in pain and is cheap in giving out meds then. The doc I

had

> before this one would give me anything but I wasn't looking for

that.

> I wanted the least possible meds, but if I say, something isn't

> working and I'm getting worse, why should that be hard to

understand?

> I haven't been checking this board daily, so I apologize to all if

my

> replies are late. I hope you got your referral. After reading

about

> the EMGS, I'm afraid to get them. I pray all went well for you

today

> and hope your whole family will be well. All my best, Barbara

>

> > > >

> > > > From: barbarac102 <barbarac102@>

> > > > Subject: Hello

> > > > spinedisorderssuppo <mailto:spinal problems%

> > 40> rtgroup

> > > > Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 8:17 AM

> > > >

> > > > Hi Everyone,

> > > >

> > > > I'm back--I don't know if anyone remembers me. I see a name

or

> > > maybe

> > > > 2 that I recognize.

> > > > I am back for support naturally. This is my background. I

will

> > try

> > > to

> > > > make it brief and understandable. It will be 3 years since

my

> > > > back/leg pain begain. I pulled my lower right back and as

soon

> > as

> > > > that pain left it transferred to both legs. When I tell any

> > doctor

> > > > that, it doesn't phase them, but it appears that something

> > happened

> > > > to my back that has caused pain in both legs and both legs

> also

> > > have

> > > > tender muscles, that is the muscles, when I push on them

feel

> > sore.

> > > > My left leg is worse in that the hip and groin area hurt

more.

> > I

> > > have

> > > > had periods in these 3 years where the pain hasn't been

> > unbearable.

> > > I

> > > > would take ultram and valium and be able to watch tv.

Lately

> it

> > > feels

> > > > worse and I have that squarming leg problem right after I

get

> > up

> > > and

> > > > the ultram isn't enough. It has been one weird experience.

It

> > had

> > > > been very bad at first, felt better for sometime and I only

> > took

> > > > ativan, got worse and was put on ultram and then the pain

> > leveled

> > > > off. I have had MRI's which show moderate stenosis, bulging

> > disks(I

> > > > think every level) and ddd. Any doctor I saw said, your mri

> > does

> > > not

> > > > explain your pain and did nothing. I've had epidurals that

did

> > > > nothing also.

> > > > I was never given an EMG. I only found out about them

through

> > > friends

> > > > and relatives. I feel like the doctors don't know a thing--

> > well,

> > > I'm

> > > > thinking of my primary esp. right now. I am so upset with

him

> > and

> > > the

> > > > others have been of no help and often rude.

> > > > I went to my primary to ask for an EMG referral(he never

has

> > ideas)

> > > > and gave me one, too bad that doctor isn't even under my

> > insurance.

> > > > I was given hydromorphine at one time, but really try to

stay

> > away

> > > > from drugs but because the pain had increased, took one

with

> > the

> > > > ultram and it helped, plus I was able to take less ultram.

I

> > asked

> > > > the doctor to prescribe me 2 a day (my plan was to take

only 1

> > 1/2)

> > > > and he said no---that I would want more and more. Yet he

had

> > given

> > > my

> > > > husband 3 a day--which makes no sense.

> > > > He gave me morphine sulfate er, without any warnings and I

> > guess I

> > > > was still dumb struck because of his refusal of my request,

I

> > just

> > > > took it without questions and had a terrible reaction to

it. I

> > was

> > > > nauceuos, dizzy, headachey, my heart was racing, I was

> freaking

> > > out!

> > > > My husband got a hold of the doctor and all he told him was

> > > that " it

> > > > was normal " --continue with it. The doctor never called to

> > follow up

> > > > either.

> > > > I did not want to go through that, so I called his office

to

> > speak

> > > to

> > > > his assistant(he is only there 2xs a week, which is bad)

and I

> > left

> > > 2

> > > > messages for her to get hold of him, that I needen't

something

> > else

> > > > for the pain, and I never got a call back! I didn't want to

> > take

> > > that

> > > > med he prescribed again.

> > > > I am sorry for going on so long and bless anyone reading

all

> of

> > > this.

> > > > I believe I should change doctors and can't get over how in

3

> > > years,

> > > > I have never been diagnosed nor told about EMGs. I am in

> > Arizona. I

> > > > was even wondering if the dry climate had anything to do

with

> > this

> > > > pain. I was an exercise nut before I came here and this

> > happened

> > > one

> > > > month after I was here and now my husband has been told he

has

> > > fibro.

> > > > It's just has been awful. We were both health before coming

> > here,

> > > > which seems odd.

> > > > I think that's about it.

> > > > I'd like to hear any thoughts on this and just say hello

and I

> > am

> > > > very sorry for that are here because of their pain.

> > > > Blessings to all, Barbara

> > > >

July 1, 2008

Dear ,

Oh wow, I'm so sorry you went through that. It adds insult to injury

when you are reaching out for help and get basically slapped down.

If some one got fussed at on here for having a pity party it would

have surely been me by now. Thankfully I think folks on here know I

just need to be overlooked at times and they are very kind to me. No

one can ever say they know how bad some one elses pain is. I don't

have anyone in person I feel free enough to share how this back

nightmre is affecting me except for the people here on the message

board. I stopped talking about my medical problems to my family and

friends because basically I know they are sick of hearing about

something they can't do anything about.

I get a smile or two on here by knowing other people share my ups

and downs. I can see myself in a lot of their stories. It helps

knowing we are not alone. Being in pain is so isolating but we have

each other here.

Hon, you are not alone. I can't give you a hug but I would if I

could.

Terry

>

> earlier today I sent a message to the groups I am in about being

in so much

> pain and being depressed. One of the groups responded back rather

nastily

> (it was the owner) basically stating I was having a pity party,

and there

> were other people out there with more severe pain than mine, and

they were

> not crying about it. This upset me terribly! I did reply to her,

but I do

> not think I said or did anything nasty to her. Anyway it ended

with me

> leaving the group voluntarily. Then she sent me a letter banning

me. Now on

> all my groups it says I need approval from the owner for me to

post to the

> group. I am very very upset about this. I have kept every

corrispondance

> between the two of us just to verify I did nothing wrong.

>

> I just want things back to normal. I don't know if all the group

owners has

> to fix this for me to post, or what. Could you please help me out?

>

> I love being in all the groups and the people are wonderful.

>

> Please help

>

> Climer

>

July 1, 2008

Wow,

I am also sorry you went through that...welcome

to the family who have spine issues...huggs...

Joanne

Re: hello