Guest guest Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 well i am glad i am not the only one who has insomia. pain spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com Date: Friday, February 6, 2009, 8:22 PM Hi all, long post.... sorry... I just went through a " severe pain event " this week, as I call them. (shoveled a whole lot of snow.... dum thing to do,... stupid...) Other names for them... I will not post here. . You all know what I am talking about. SEVERE PAIN... " OUCHHHH " . Yes it really really hurt and I hope to say it is over... for this time anyway... I think... HOW do I tell my fam-dam-ly what it felt like???? ( they do not understand) and why I get soooo quiet and withdraw into myself when it is happening??? ? THE PAIN? and how TIRED it can make you feel, much like you had the flu virus or something? I look just fine.... as fine as someone who has had chronic pain for a long time and a nights sleep is a rare thing if not a " blessing " . Right now as I am writing this my left leg is having spasms and hurting like hell... and feels as cold as hell... my back hurts...nothing new there, and today is a " good " day!!!! aaakkkk. GEEE! My Doc thinks it is in my head....I AM IMAGINATING IT...(I need a new Doc) and BTW, I have been dealing with this since 1990... (had a Transverse Myelitis episode then). So ya... this is not new to me but still have not figured out how to explain to my PEOPLE close to me, how it feels. You would think after all this time (GOOD GOLLY 19 years!!!) I should of been able to. But no. So do not feel bad if you can not either !!! One new question for the group is. how do you explain PAIN. Our level of pain. It is not NORMAL. I take pain meds. I THINK they are low dose. 30 mg morphine suphate 2tms a day, 2 percoset at night, tylenol during the day, meloxicam... that sort of stuff. Other stuff too. hmmmmmmmmm. Is it low dose... do you not think???? I need a new doc... I like this guys staff... the nurses and NP he has. But gosh. Your " Doc " really does have your 'life' in his hands. do you not think??? Another question, I do take alprazolam, .5 mg at night. I think it does help me to sleep. However, I do have 2 weeks worth of cymbalta to try (14 caps). Should I try it? AM I DEPRESSED??? Probably. Does either help with the pain? Thank anybody who read this long post. Sorry. Had to yak at somebody who might at least DOES understand. Thank you all for being HERE FOR ME. I do read all the posts on here. in NH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 HI , I don't post much, but do read often. Sounds like to me you need to find yourself a good Nuerosurgeon, Ask everyone you know. They will order MRI's with and without contrast. I've gone through pain in my lower spine ever since I was 17. back then they did nothing and told me that it was a pulled muscle and gave me meds. I am now 41 going through worse pain ever. My MRI,s showed bulging at the L4/L5, Bulging at the L5/S1 I have Degenertive Disc Desease in these two bones with bone spur's. I have A Tarlov cyst on the S2 and Hemangoila Tumors on the T2 and T10 which are benign tumors. They seen something on the T1 through T3 which cause the Dr. to do a full body bone scan. in the mean time they had me to have a nerve study done for the leg pain that I have. The results came back good for the bone scan, The Dr. stated the the Bones looked good and strong. The nerve study came back that I have mild nerve damage. MIld ? " please ' They don't feel my pain. The stress of the pain was causing my body to swell. I felt as if I was walking on nails, and fire was running through the calves of my legs. Then my right thigh started to hurt. It got so bad that I wanted to crawl up into my recliner and die before I seeked out help. I got put on some arthritis medication which mde the swelling go down and the left leg is pain free. the right leg is where I am having my problem which I take Darvaset for at night. I will be going for shots in the spine starting next week. which scares me to death. I also been counting my food cals. to lose some weight. I absolutely refuse to exercise because it causes the muscle to flex around that nerve that is causes me pain. I know how you feel when you say family don't understand and that we look normal. You need to learn to say " skrew it " things will get done when they get done. and if they gripe, tell them to get off their rumps and help too. Thats what I tell my husband. have a blessed day! in Fl From: cathy mccarthy <bbhorsetack@...> Subject: pain spinal problems Date: Friday, February 6, 2009, 9:22 PM Hi all, long post.... sorry... I just went through a " severe pain event " this week, as I call them. (shoveled a whole lot of snow.... dum thing to do,... stupid...) Other names for them... I will not post here. . You all know what I am talking about. SEVERE PAIN... " OUCHHHH " . Yes it really really hurt and I hope to say it is over... for this time anyway... I think... HOW do I tell my fam-dam-ly what it felt like???? ( they do not understand) and why I get soooo quiet and withdraw into myself when it is happening??? ? THE PAIN? and how TIRED it can make you feel, much like you had the flu virus or something? I look just fine.... as fine as someone who has had chronic pain for a long time and a nights sleep is a rare thing if not a " blessing " . Right now as I am writing this my left leg is having spasms and hurting like hell... and feels as cold as hell... my back hurts...nothing new there, and today is a " good " day!!!! aaakkkk. GEEE! My Doc thinks it is in my head....I AM IMAGINATING IT...(I need a new Doc) and BTW, I have been dealing with this since 1990... (had a Transverse Myelitis episode then). So ya... this is not new to me but still have not figured out how to explain to my PEOPLE close to me, how it feels. You would think after all this time (GOOD GOLLY 19 years!!!) I should of been able to. But no. So do not feel bad if you can not either !!! One new question for the group is. how do you explain PAIN. Our level of pain. It is not NORMAL. I take pain meds. I THINK they are low dose. 30 mg morphine suphate 2tms a day, 2 percoset at night, tylenol during the day, meloxicam... that sort of stuff. Other stuff too. hmmmmmmmmm. Is it low dose... do you not think???? I need a new doc... I like this guys staff... the nurses and NP he has. But gosh. Your " Doc " really does have your 'life' in his hands. do you not think??? Another question, I do take alprazolam, .5 mg at night. I think it does help me to sleep. However, I do have 2 weeks worth of cymbalta to try (14 caps). Should I try it? AM I DEPRESSED??? Probably. Does either help with the pain? Thank anybody who read this long post. Sorry. Had to yak at somebody who might at least DOES understand. Thank you all for being HERE FOR ME. I do read all the posts on here. in NH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 hon, i have seen every kind of doctor there is to see over the last few years, trust me. I will never have another surgery after five failed spine ones. no thanks on that one. I have five doctors i see every month pain spinal problems Date: Friday, February 6, 2009, 9:22 PM Hi all, long post.... sorry... I just went through a " severe pain event " this week, as I call them. (shoveled a whole lot of snow.... dum thing to do,... stupid...) Other names for them... I will not post here. . You all know what I am talking about. SEVERE PAIN... " OUCHHHH " . Yes it really really hurt and I hope to say it is over... for this time anyway... I think... HOW do I tell my fam-dam-ly what it felt like???? ( they do not understand) and why I get soooo quiet and withdraw into myself when it is happening??? ? THE PAIN? and how TIRED it can make you feel, much like you had the flu virus or something? I look just fine.... as fine as someone who has had chronic pain for a long time and a nights sleep is a rare thing if not a " blessing " . Right now as I am writing this my left leg is having spasms and hurting like hell... and feels as cold as hell... my back hurts...nothing new there, and today is a " good " day!!!! aaakkkk. GEEE! My Doc thinks it is in my head....I AM IMAGINATING IT...(I need a new Doc) and BTW, I have been dealing with this since 1990... (had a Transverse Myelitis episode then). So ya... this is not new to me but still have not figured out how to explain to my PEOPLE close to me, how it feels. You would think after all this time (GOOD GOLLY 19 years!!!) I should of been able to. But no. So do not feel bad if you can not either !!! One new question for the group is. how do you explain PAIN. Our level of pain. It is not NORMAL. I take pain meds. I THINK they are low dose. 30 mg morphine suphate 2tms a day, 2 percoset at night, tylenol during the day, meloxicam... that sort of stuff. Other stuff too. hmmmmmmmmm. Is it low dose... do you not think???? I need a new doc... I like this guys staff... the nurses and NP he has. But gosh. Your " Doc " really does have your 'life' in his hands. do you not think??? Another question, I do take alprazolam, .5 mg at night. I think it does help me to sleep. However, I do have 2 weeks worth of cymbalta to try (14 caps). Should I try it? AM I DEPRESSED??? Probably. Does either help with the pain? Thank anybody who read this long post. Sorry. Had to yak at somebody who might at least DOES understand. Thank you all for being HERE FOR ME. I do read all the posts on here. in NH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 Oh geeshs! I didn't read that you had seen that many ..... I have three other family members that have gone through back surgery. Two got the braces to support the spine they seam to be doing ok but still take a lot of meds, and the other had a tens type implant put in her spine for the pain. She is happy with it. She has been mentally unstable since though and it makes me wander if it isn't cause from them messing around with the nerves. she stays so depressed. in Fl. From: cathy mccarthy <bbhorsetack@ roadrunner. com> Subject: pain spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com Date: Friday, February 6, 2009, 9:22 PM Hi all, long post.... sorry... I just went through a " severe pain event " this week, as I call them. (shoveled a whole lot of snow.... dum thing to do,... stupid...) Other names for them... I will not post here. . You all know what I am talking about. SEVERE PAIN... " OUCHHHH " . Yes it really really hurt and I hope to say it is over... for this time anyway... I think... HOW do I tell my fam-dam-ly what it felt like???? ( they do not understand) and why I get soooo quiet and withdraw into myself when it is happening??? ? THE PAIN? and how TIRED it can make you feel, much like you had the flu virus or something? I look just fine.... as fine as someone who has had chronic pain for a long time and a nights sleep is a rare thing if not a " blessing " . Right now as I am writing this my left leg is having spasms and hurting like hell... and feels as cold as hell... my back hurts...nothing new there, and today is a " good " day!!!! aaakkkk. GEEE! My Doc thinks it is in my head....I AM IMAGINATING IT...(I need a new Doc) and BTW, I have been dealing with this since 1990... (had a Transverse Myelitis episode then). So ya... this is not new to me but still have not figured out how to explain to my PEOPLE close to me, how it feels. You would think after all this time (GOOD GOLLY 19 years!!!) I should of been able to. But no. So do not feel bad if you can not either !!! One new question for the group is. how do you explain PAIN. Our level of pain. It is not NORMAL. I take pain meds. I THINK they are low dose. 30 mg morphine suphate 2tms a day, 2 percoset at night, tylenol during the day, meloxicam... that sort of stuff. Other stuff too. hmmmmmmmmm. Is it low dose... do you not think???? I need a new doc... I like this guys staff... the nurses and NP he has. But gosh. Your " Doc " really does have your 'life' in his hands. do you not think??? Another question, I do take alprazolam, .5 mg at night. I think it does help me to sleep. However, I do have 2 weeks worth of cymbalta to try (14 caps). Should I try it? AM I DEPRESSED??? Probably. Does either help with the pain? Thank anybody who read this long post. Sorry. Had to yak at somebody who might at least DOES understand. Thank you all for being HERE FOR ME. I do read all the posts on here. in NH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 Absolutely...Please call your primary call physician or go to the ER... No kidding Tom In a message dated 4/27/2009 7:27:27 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time, ljorichardson0912@... writes: I had cervical fusion of c 6-7 in Feb and now I am going to PT 2 days a week and I have been going for one month. Yesterday I was out walking my dogs, and one of them jerked to go after a rabbit. I held fast to the leash. He is a 68 lb dog and my other dog is 86 lbs. I was walking them both at the same time. Today my neck hurts so bad and I can't even turn it as it hurts so bad. Could the dogs jerking have hurt my neck and the fusion that I had done? _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ Hotmail®:…more than just e-mail. http://windowslive.com/online/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_more_042009 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Groups Links **************Access 350+ FREE radio stations anytime from anywhere on the web. Get the Radio Toolbar! (http://toolbar.aol.com/aolradio/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000003) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 ,you are to call your doc immediately and see them if possible. without physical exam hard to tell what has happened but you don't want to risk anything. Please do not wait!!!  Guy Lepine RN, Chief Operating Officer  North American Laserscopic Spine Institute  487 Pinellas Bayway Tierra Verde FL.33715  727 360 6315 office  813 263 5546 cell  www.northamericanspine.com From: <ljorichardson0912@...> Subject: Pain spinal problems , neck pain Date: Monday, April 27, 2009, 9:27 AM I had cervical fusion of c 6-7 in Feb and now I am going to PT 2 days a week and I have been going for one month. Yesterday I was out walking my dogs, and one of them jerked to go after a rabbit. I held fast to the leash. He is a 68 lb dog and my other dog is 86 lbs. I was walking them both at the same time. Today my neck hurts so bad and I can't even turn it as it hurts so bad. Could the dogs jerking have hurt my neck and the fusion that I had done? _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ Hotmail®:…more than just e-mail. http://windowslive.com/online/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_more_042009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 Yes, It could have...can I ask why the heck you were walking such large dogs so soon after your fusion? I don't mean to sound trite, but that's a very poor choice and definitely something you should NOT have been doing! --- in RI > From: <ljorichardson0912@...> > Subject: Pain > spinal problems , neck pain > Date: Monday, April 27, 2009, 9:27 AM > I had cervical fusion of c 6-7 in Feb and now I am going to > PT 2 days a week and I have been going for one month. > Yesterday I was out walking my dogs, and one of them jerked > to go after a rabbit. I held fast to the leash. He is a 68 > lb dog and my other dog is 86 lbs. I was walking them both > at the same time. Today my neck hurts so bad and I can't > even turn it as it hurts so bad. Could the dogs jerking have > hurt my neck and the fusion that I had done? > > _________________________________________________________________ > Windows Live™ Hotmail®:…more than just e-mail. > http://windowslive.com/online/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_more_042009 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 My neurosurgeon had told me to wait a month after surgery and then it should be ok.. Guess not huh?? spinal problems From: tpowell1977@... Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:07:21 -0700 Subject: Re: Pain Yes, It could have...can I ask why the heck you were walking such large dogs so soon after your fusion? I don't mean to sound trite, but that's a very poor choice and definitely something you should NOT have been doing! --- in RI > From: <ljorichardson0912@...> > Subject: Pain > spinal problems , neck pain > Date: Monday, April 27, 2009, 9:27 AM > I had cervical fusion of c 6-7 in Feb and now I am going to > PT 2 days a week and I have been going for one month. > Yesterday I was out walking my dogs, and one of them jerked > to go after a rabbit. I held fast to the leash. He is a 68 > lb dog and my other dog is 86 lbs. I was walking them both > at the same time. Today my neck hurts so bad and I can't > even turn it as it hurts so bad. Could the dogs jerking have > hurt my neck and the fusion that I had done? > > __________________________________________________________ > Windows Live™ Hotmail®:…more than just e-mail. > http://windowslive.com/online/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_more_042009 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 No...not from all the experience I have...no way. It's not worth the risk...I wish he hadn't told you that. Perhaps he edidn't think about the result of a dog not walking primly beside you...as big dogs tend to do...I cringe at the thought of that jerk and it's effect o your fusion process. Just try to keep it iced for another day and take it easy until the pain gets better...even if you have to do nothing for a week. Hopefully just a small setback. Just take it easy and no more dog walking... --- in RI > > > > > From: > <ljorichardson0912@...> > > > Subject: Pain > > > spinal problems , > neck pain > > > Date: Monday, April 27, 2009, 9:27 AM > > > I had cervical fusion of c 6-7 in Feb and now I am > going to > > > PT 2 days a week and I have been going for one month. > > > Yesterday I was out walking my dogs, and one of them > jerked > > > to go after a rabbit. I held fast to the leash. He is > a 68 > > > lb dog and my other dog is 86 lbs. I was walking them > both > > > at the same time. Today my neck hurts so bad and I > can't > > > even turn it as it hurts so bad. Could the dogs > jerking have > > > hurt my neck and the fusion that I had done? > > > > > > > __________________________________________________________ > > > Windows Live™ Hotmail®:…more than just e-mail. > > > > http://windowslive.com/online/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_more_042009 > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 I am at work today sitting at a computer all day then PT this afternoon, Maybe PT will help.. Thanks for the info. I won't be walking them for awhile now. spinal problems From: tpowell1977@... Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:30:50 -0700 Subject: RE: Pain No...not from all the experience I have...no way. It's not worth the risk...I wish he hadn't told you that. Perhaps he edidn't think about the result of a dog not walking primly beside you...as big dogs tend to do...I cringe at the thought of that jerk and it's effect o your fusion process. Just try to keep it iced for another day and take it easy until the pain gets better...even if you have to do nothing for a week. Hopefully just a small setback. Just take it easy and no more dog walking... --- in RI > > > > > From: > <ljorichardson0912@...> > > > Subject: Pain > > > spinal problems , > neck pain > > > Date: Monday, April 27, 2009, 9:27 AM > > > I had cervical fusion of c 6-7 in Feb and now I am > going to > > > PT 2 days a week and I have been going for one month. > > > Yesterday I was out walking my dogs, and one of them > jerked > > > to go after a rabbit. I held fast to the leash. He is > a 68 > > > lb dog and my other dog is 86 lbs. I was walking them > both > > > at the same time. Today my neck hurts so bad and I > can't > > > even turn it as it hurts so bad. Could the dogs > jerking have > > > hurt my neck and the fusion that I had done? > > > > > > > __________________________________________________________ > > > Windows Live™ Hotmail®:…more than just e-mail. > > > > http://windowslive.com/online/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_more_042009 > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2009 Report Share Posted May 10, 2009 > > I am almost 3 weeks out of a multilevel lumbar fusion (L-4,L-5,S-1) I > am still in a fair amount of pain. I dont sleep but maybe 2 to 3 > hours a night. So why is it that when I call the physician and tell > him i'm in pain and need something for the pain he acts as if I am a > crack addict and gives me the minimal amount possible. I am a > firefighter and would much rather do this without drugs but at this > point it hurts so damn bad the thought of it or even discussing it > brings me to tears i need some sort of aresponse to know im not > crazy. > I know what you're going through and I've had the same fusion with all the three levels and including C5 and C6 in my neck. I have a rod in my lumbar and bone fusion in my neck. Now, when I go to doctors, they treat me like a criminal. Literally! There has to be a resolution for this but it's the idiots that don't need it that makes it hard for us. I'm even going to a pain clinic and have two more steroid shots in my neck as I have either another herniated disc or a pinched nerve or radiculopathy. The doctor at the pain clinic won't put me on the same dose of morphine I was on with a previous doctor who was fabulous and understood all of what I was going through. I was on 150 mgs a ( 30mgs extended realease and 15 mgs immediate release for breakthrough pain) a day and it worked great. Didn't mess me up and I could function and exercise and even clean my house. I am now on 90 mgs of extended release morphine a day. I can barely get up and down the 4 stairs to our house. It's a catch 22. Try to get a referral to a pain clinic as that is your best bet and stay away from GPs, family doctors as they are ill equipt and unsymphetic to our needs. They look at us as drug seeking. Well, you're damned right I'm drug seeking! I need help and can't deal with this pain. I've said that to them before. LOL I have dealt with it ever since I was 33 and I'm now 50 so I've done all the alternative pain bs and it comes down to this. Pain meds are the only thing that will help me and the surgeons I've had do my surgeries have written reports declaring this to be a fact for me. They wrote these reports for my lawyer so I could get SSD. It took me 5 years to get it and I was literally homeless for a month and a half. I had a husband that didn't want to work. I am on my own, now and my daughter and I live together. I hope you can find something soon as I feel and know what you're going through. Good luck and you're in my prayers. Cheryle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 I suspect that " bone pain " is different with all people. I chipped a small chunk off of my elbow years ago and the darn thing hurt for more than 3 years. I cut the end of a finger off 48 years ago and the it still hurts a little today. Cutting off and drilling into the bones in your leg it is a very invasive procedure, for they are some of the biggest bones in your body. With that said judging from my experience with my finger I suspect that I will have tremendous bone pain until the day I die. I have read of cartilage regrowth but I haven't determined why it isn't used much. I spoke with a lady a while back that had cartilage regrowth done in her ankle. She had to be non weight bearing for 3 months and now is happy as a clam with it. There MUST be a better way to repair cartilage than cut the end of your bones off. I, for one, will NEVER have another TKR! My TKR is more painful than being " bone to bone " . Val in Idaho From: pattymk13 <knitwitch13@...> Subject: Pain Joint Replacement Date: Thursday, May 14, 2009, 3:19 PM In response to your post about pain: My surgeon (whom I have know for years and is one of the few doctors in the world I trust) told me right off the bat that it will hurt for 6 months. Not 4 months, not 5 1/2 months, six months. Now think about what they did, they slice off a portion of bone in your knee for goodness sakes. I am at 5 months and the pain is better, but I still have pain when I first stand up and when walking. Doctors should make this very clear to people. Keep a positive attitude and good luck. ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 Hi Val, when did you have your TKR? I guess I haven¹t heard anyone who has completed rehab with that level of pain. I know we are all different in the levels and kinds of pain we have and in our tolerance but your situation sounds awful. I am so sorry to hear that you are having that kind of pain. My pain is different from that bone on bone and it¹s often, as today, muscle pain from doing too much or doing a new kind of exercise. And I know that I can mitigate it and that is a temporary thing. Even this am with a little moving around and a few exercises the stiffness is wearing away. I overdid at the gym last night and am moving slowly this am. I had to go the gym this morning because (long boring story that I¹ll spare you) the settings on my machines got wiped out. The trainer helping me is quite young and has a confused and hesitant air about her, that does not instill confidence. She was late for our appointment. I had only a short time to get this done due to another appointment following. So I was a little on edge with all this. We did the settings for the ³horizontal sled². It is awkward to get out of and I bent my leg further than it wanted to bend this morning. I let out a yelp. And the sweet young thing said ³Oh I don¹t want to get old and have to have my knee replaced². It is funny now and I¹m laughing as I write. But I was quite annoyed at the time. I told her this wasn¹t a good thing to be saying to her clients...... Even though I sometimes feel the same way. Thanks, Val and others, for the reminder about the level of trauma involved in the TKR. When I get impatient with still feeling pain it helps me to remember that all that has to be healed. Peace, Jackie On 5/16/09 7:11 AM, " Val Lane " <treesareus_1996@...> wrote: > > > > > > I suspect that " bone pain " is different with all people. I chipped a small > chunk off of my elbow years ago and the darn thing hurt for more than 3 > years. I cut the end of a finger off 48 years ago and the it still hurts a > little today. Cutting off and drilling into the bones in your leg it is a > very invasive procedure, for they are some of the biggest bones in your > body. > > With that said judging from my experience with my finger I suspect that I will > have tremendous bone pain until the day I die. > > I have read of cartilage regrowth but I haven't determined why it isn't used > much. I spoke with a lady a while back that had cartilage regrowth done in > her ankle. She had to be non weight bearing for 3 months and now is happy as > a clam with it. > > There MUST be a better way to repair cartilage than cut the end of your bones > off. I, for one, will NEVER have another TKR! My TKR is more painful than > being " bone to bone " . > > Val in Idaho > > > > From: pattymk13 <knitwitch13@... <mailto:knitwitch13%40hotmail.com> > > Subject: Pain > Joint Replacement > <mailto:Joint Replacement%40> > Date: Thursday, May 14, 2009, 3:19 PM > > In response to your post about pain: My surgeon (whom I have know for years > and is one of the few doctors in the world I trust) told me right off the bat > that it will hurt for 6 months. Not 4 months, not 5 1/2 months, six months. > Now think about what they did, they slice off a portion of bone in your knee > for goodness sakes. I am at 5 months and the pain is better, but I still have > pain when I first stand up and when walking. Doctors should make this very > clear to people. Keep a positive attitude and good luck. > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 My TKR was done on 11/30/06, almost 30 months ago. I have very few recollections of the first 3 weeks after my TKR due to over medication by Aspen Rehab facility where I was staying. The swelling in my knee has yet to go down. I doubt if it ever will. I had a great physical therapist at Aspen. She is very dedicated to her patients and a very caring person. My physical therapist here is just as dedicated and in a class of her own when it comes to PT. My PT during my TKR did not contribute to the problem with my TKR. A couple of months after my TKR I slipped and did a deep knee bend, pulling the MCL off, bone and all, on one end. I also tore part of my thigh muscle off where it was re-attached. That was one painful experience! My MCL re-attaches itself every so often and then " breaks " again. Yes, it feels like I broke a bone each time because it pulls a chunk of bone out every time. The only way to repair it is surgery and I am not sure that I want that done due to the risk of infection. The way things have been going with my TKR I would bet that I would be the one to get an infection. My surgeon just about said as much (about the possibility of infection) when I spoke with him on Thursday. He said " I have been holding off on offering to do surgery because of the risk of infection. " He is willing to do the repairs now, but after reading what another TJR list member went through with an infection I am not sure that the risk is worth it. Consider what is done to your muscles during the TKR surgery. The muscle pain you are experiencing is to be expected and should reduce over time. You mentioned being annoyed at your PT. Remember that almost any of the pain medication may alter your personality, and often to the side of anger and depression. Perhaps that is why you were angered by a very immature comment. One does not need to be " old " to get a TKR, just get injured like I did. Pain medication changes my personality and makes me angry. When I take it for days at a time the personality changes are more dramatic and the more anger I feel. Consequently I don't take much of it. My wife said that she was ready to leave me during first few months after my TKR. We have been married 38 years and are still " best friends " and deeply in love with each other. Just a side note: After my TKR I participated in a clinical trial of a new anti coagulant. The lady that was my contact with Bristol-Myers-Squibb is named on. She is the daughter of Jack on, an acquittance of mine here. I just thought it was an interesting coincidence that you share the same name. As I said before " There must be a better way! " The long and short of it is that they just about cut your leg off, leaving skin and a few other things attached, and then glue you back together with a hunk of metal. It is no wonder that of the seven people I know with TKR, four of them would never have it done again. Once again " There must be a better way! " Val in Idaho > > From: pattymk13 <knitwitch13@... <mailto:knitwitch13%40hotmail.com> > > Subject: Pain > Joint Replacement > <mailto:Joint Replacement%40> > Date: Thursday, May 14, 2009, 3:19 PM > > In response to your post about pain: My surgeon (whom I have know for years > and is one of the few doctors in the world I trust) told me right off the bat > that it will hurt for 6 months. Not 4 months, not 5 1/2 months, six months. > Now think about what they did, they slice off a portion of bone in your knee > for goodness sakes. I am at 5 months and the pain is better, but I still have > pain when I first stand up and when walking. Doctors should make this very > clear to people. Keep a positive attitude and good luck. > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 Thanks so much for this info. I sure agree with you about the medication. It does change me, especially if I use it more than occasionally. I just try to balance different needs, including the need to be my self. Being in pain a lot also makes me irritable so it¹s kind of tough. Fortunately, the pain levels are going down and the exercise usually makes me feel better ‹ those endorphins being released I guess. j On 5/16/09 3:18 PM, " Val Lane " <treesareus_1996@...> wrote: > > > > > > My TKR was done on 11/30/06, almost 30 months ago. I have very few > recollections of the first 3 weeks after my TKR due to over medication > by Aspen Rehab facility where I was staying. > > The swelling in my knee has yet to go down. I doubt if it ever will. > > I had a great physical therapist at Aspen. She is very dedicated to her > patients and a very caring person. My physical therapist here is just as > dedicated and in a class of her own when it comes to PT. My PT during my TKR > did not contribute to the problem with my TKR. > > A couple of months after my TKR I slipped and did a deep knee bend, pulling > the MCL off, bone and all, on one end. I also tore part of my thigh muscle > off where it was re-attached. That was one painful experience! > > My MCL re-attaches itself every so often and then " breaks " again. Yes, it > feels like I broke a bone each time because it pulls a chunk of bone out > every time. The only way to repair it is surgery and I am not sure that I > want that done due to the risk of infection. The way things have been going > with my TKR I would bet that I would be the one to get an infection. > > My surgeon just about said as much (about the possibility of infection) when I > spoke with him on Thursday. He said " I have been holding off on offering to > do surgery because of the risk of infection. " He is willing to do the repairs > now, but after reading what another TJR list member went through with an > infection I am not sure that the risk is worth it. > > Consider what is done to your muscles during the TKR surgery. The muscle pain > you are experiencing is to be expected and should reduce over time. > > You mentioned being annoyed at your PT. Remember that almost any of the pain > medication may alter your personality, and often to the side of anger and > depression. Perhaps that is why you were angered by a very immature comment. > One does not need to be " old " to get a TKR, just get injured like I did. > > Pain medication changes my personality and makes me angry. When I take it for > days at a time the personality changes are more dramatic and the more anger I > feel. Consequently I don't take much of it. My wife said that she was ready > to leave me during first few months after my TKR. We have been married 38 > years and are still " best friends " and deeply in love with each other. > > Just a side note: After my TKR I participated in a clinical trial of a new > anti coagulant. The lady that was my contact with Bristol-Myers-Squibb is > named on. She is the daughter of Jack on, an > acquittance of mine here. I just thought it was an interesting coincidence > that you share the same name. > > As I said before " There must be a better way! " The long and short of it is > that they just about cut your leg off, leaving skin and a few other things > attached, and then glue you back together with a hunk of metal. It is no > wonder that of the seven people I know with TKR, four of them would never have > it done again. Once again " There must be a better way! " > > Val in Idaho > > > > >> > >> > From: pattymk13 <knitwitch13@... <mailto:knitwitch13%40hotmail..com> >> <mailto:knitwitch13%40hotmail.com> > >> > Subject: Pain >> > Joint Replacement >> <mailto:Joint Replacement%40> >> > <mailto:Joint Replacement%40> >> > Date: Thursday, May 14, 2009, 3:19 PM >> > >> > In response to your post about pain: My surgeon (whom I have know for >> years >> > and is one of the few doctors in the world I trust) told me right off the >> bat >> > that it will hurt for 6 months. Not 4 months, not 5 1/2 months, six >> months. >> > Now think about what they did, they slice off a portion of bone in your >> knee >> > for goodness sakes. I am at 5 months and the pain is better, but I still >> have >> > pain when I first stand up and when walking. Doctors should make this very >> > clear to people. Keep a positive attitude and good luck. >> > >> > ------------------------------------ >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2009 Report Share Posted May 17, 2009 " It is no wonder that of the seven people I know with TKR, four of them would never have it done again. " I viewed an animation of TKR (on arthritis.org, I think) 6.5 years ago after an orthopod stunned me: stating I had arthritis and needed " a new knee. " No one in my family has significant arthritis. I'm an active person & had a lot of denial- thought " you've gained weight & your knees are fat, not swollen. " Hadn't seen my primary care doc for years.No pain until my knee was beyond repair.Visually, TKR is a very brutal procedure. Viewing it & realizing the expense of being off work x 2 months, made me delay until the only alternative was crutches / WC & I had saved money to live on. While my employer's insurance is good, our short term disability coverage is a joke - and I still haven't received a check after 2 months. My TKR & rehab has gone well, which has made the whole experience worthwhile. Everyone's experience is different. I'm eager to get the 2nd knee done. I finally found the surgical team that was right for me. Exchanged emails & met some of their other patients. Researched hospital infection rates. Already saw worst case scenarios at a NH / rehab center. Most problems seemed related to infection or pre-existing medical issues.Some day perhaps our stem cells will allow a joint to repair itself - if diagnosed in time. Implanting some stem cells would be so much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2009 Report Share Posted May 17, 2009 Hello everyone, I've been reading all the posts on pain, and it has nearly scared the beejeebers out of me. I have an extremely high tolerance for pain (which is good because I can't tolerate most pain meds), but the fact that I'm having both knees done (June 9) at the same time makes me a bit apprehensive. I have no choice though. They are equally bad. Bone on bone. But, as I said I have a high tolerance for pain and will have Ativan to help me sleep. I went through two knee replacements with my mom (a very tough lady) in her 70s, and I can't remember her having unusually bad pain. I hope I can hold out as well. I can't tolerate pain meds though. I have acid reflux and even with the Nexium I take I have had to stop all prescription meds for arthritis inflamation and pain. I'm taking OTC Ibuprofen which helps some. I also take OTC Percogesic which helps. I've begun to take ginger after reading a study on its use with patients prior to chemotherapy to help with nausea. It has worked well on a majority of the patients. I have so much nausea from anesthesia, and it lasts for a couple of days. No medication given prior to anesthesia or after has helped me. I just have to wait for it to wear off. I'm hoping they've come up with new meds for nausea and pain since my last surgery which was in 2000. I know they have improved the knee surgery. Shorter incisions. I'm learning a lot here. One of the main things is to think positive. I'm looking forward to a much better quality of life. Of course there's always that little sense of dread hiding in the background. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2009 Report Share Posted May 17, 2009 Have you had a thorough discussion w/ your OS re pain mgt & your history with medications? That & a good attitude helps. But don't be a martyr to pain. It will slow down rehab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2009 Report Share Posted May 17, 2009 Has anyone had hip issues after having TKR surgery? I had both done almost 2-years ago, and now it's getting to the point where I can't even sleep on my sides because of my hips killing me and waking me up in the middle of the night. I've heard somewhere that if you have or had knee issues, it will travel up to your hips, I never thought it would happen this quick. Seems the only position I can sleep is on my back and now my hands and arms go numb after a period of time, and sleeping on my belly, my arms go totally numb. It was so bad one night, I had to wake up my wife to roll me over. It was that bad, scared the heck out of me. Cheers, Thom From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of cac530 Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 3:50 PM Joint Replacement Subject: Re: Pain Have you had a thorough discussion w/ your OS re pain mgt & your history with medications? That & a good attitude helps. But don't be a martyr to pain. It will slow down rehab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2009 Report Share Posted May 17, 2009 Fixing your knees didn't cause your hips to go bad -- it's not as if the arthritis is water seeking a path. Often people with arthritis are prone to it all over their body whereas some people have issues in only one joint -- might as well ask why some people only have one bad hip or knee and others have issues with both -- or some people have arthritis in their fingers etc. You may not have an arthritic hip though -- it could be something like bursitis. Most people with hip issues have pain in the groin while walking or standing up - and also sometimes pain when putting pressure on the side while sleeping. The only way to tell for sure is make an appointment with an OS. The great thing about hip replacements is that if you need one, it is almost 100% clear from the X-Ray -- I could have diagnosed it myself when the x-ray was put on the screen. On May 17, 2009, at 1:13 PM, Thom wrote: > > > Has anyone had hip issues after having TKR surgery? > > I had both done almost 2-years ago, and now it's getting to the > point where > I can't even sleep on my sides because of my hips killing me and > waking me > up in the middle of the night. > > I've heard somewhere that if you have or had knee issues, it will > travel up > to your hips, I never thought it would happen this quick. > > Seems the only position I can sleep is on my back and now my hands > and arms > go numb after a period of time, and sleeping on my belly, my arms go > totally > numb. It was so bad one night, I had to wake up my wife to roll me > over. It > was that bad, scared the heck out of me. > > Cheers, > > Thom > > From: Joint Replacement > [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of cac530 > Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 3:50 PM > Joint Replacement > Subject: Re: Pain > > Have you had a thorough discussion w/ your OS re pain mgt & your > history > with medications? That & a good attitude helps. But don't be a > martyr to > pain. It will slow down rehab. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 > > Hi Bee, > I've been having pain on my right side. I believe it's either my gallbladder or kidney. It's in that area. Is this part of the healing process? I've never had pain here before so I don't think it's retracing something in the past. It seems to happen after I drink my Egg drink in the morning and then last all day. When I wake up in the morning it doesn't hurt but once I drink the Egg drink again it starts all over. I am up to 6 tbls of coconut oil/day now but have been for at least 3 weeks. I started the diet 5 months ago now and haven't cheated. Do you have any idea what could be causing the pain? Hi . Since those pains are not constant I don't think you need to be concerned. High " good " fats, including fat supplements like omega 3, and vitamins A, D & E, improve the health of the liver and the gallbladder, so when your body is working on them it is possible to get some pains. Also when the liver is working hard to detoxify it can cause some pain. To help your liver decongest do coffee enemas every 5 days - it also helps decongest the lymphatic system. Also apply heat to the area to help alleviate the pain, and ride it out, since this too shall pass. The best, Bee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 All I know is that cold seems to make it hurt more so I would rather lay on a heating blanket or just get into bed in the fetal position. I have sciatica also so I put a pillow in between my knees and ankles but I don't lay my legs on top of each other, they are too sensitive/achy to do that. Hope this helps, take care, Coleen ps. pain pills work for my back but I have been using tylenol for my legs. I am going to see if ibuprofen works for my legs aches instead just to get away from the tylenol. ________________________________ From: " dawn.brooks05@... " <dawn.brooks05@...> spinal problems Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 10:17:58 PM Subject: Pain The pain is so bad that I am currently laying on ice packs. Does anyone have any other idea besides pain pills that I can get away from the pain? ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 About the only thing that has kept my legs from aching is the lyrica, I am on 900mg a day now. Other than that is to just grit your teeth, and try and meditate it away, meaning to say is keep telling you mind/brain, there is no pain!! repeatedly. I know it's rough, heating pads will help some, but be careful you can burn yourself with one like I did. I would get to hurting so bad that I would just past out, sleep was my only escape from the pain. Bama, george " He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. " -unknown- ________________________________ From: Coleen Fox <foxycol63@...> spinal problems Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 6:02:36 AM Subject: Re: Pain All I know is that cold seems to make it hurt more so I would rather lay on a heating blanket or just get into bed in the fetal position. I have sciatica also so I put a pillow in between my knees and ankles but I don't lay my legs on top of each other, they are too sensitive/achy to do that. Hope this helps, take care, Coleen ps. pain pills work for my back but I have been using tylenol for my legs. I am going to see if ibuprofen works for my legs aches instead just to get away from the tylenol. ____________ _________ _________ __ From: " dawn.brooks05@ ymail.com " <dawn.brooks05@ ymail.com> spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 10:17:58 PM Subject: Pain The pain is so bad that I am currently laying on ice packs. Does anyone have any other idea besides pain pills that I can get away from the pain? ------------ --------- --------- ------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 20, 2009 Report Share Posted June 20, 2009 Ice packs are my best friend too! > The pain is so bad that I am currently laying on ice packs. Does anyone > have any other idea besides pain pills that I can get away from the pain? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 20, 2009 Report Share Posted June 20, 2009 hello and all, I have never tried Lyrica. All I know is that tylenol pm, pain meds and valium do help with my legs and let me sleep for an hour or two. I can't do much physically so I don't tire my body out so therefore I don't get alot of sleep at once. Also the fact that I have to keep taking my meds every 2 hours just to be somewhat comfortable. Ain't this life fun!? How can we enjoy it more? hmmm? We are going to Walmart next week cause the honda car needs it's oil changed, etc, and I want to pick up something to work on in bed, some sort of game or stitching, oh yeah, gotta write some letters, better get some envelopes. You know how hard it is to write while you are laying down in bed. My pen keeps going dry...lol...need an antigravity pen! LOL! gentle hugs to everyone, Coleen ________________________________ From: Lambert <glambert28@...> spinal problems Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 9:27:00 AM Subject: Re: Pain About the only thing that has kept my legs from aching is the lyrica, I am on 900mg a day now. Other than that is to just grit your teeth, and try and meditate it away, meaning to say is keep telling you mind/brain, there is no pain!! repeatedly. I know it's rough, heating pads will help some, but be careful you can burn yourself with one like I did. I would get to hurting so bad that I would just past out, sleep was my only escape from the pain. Bama, george " He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. " -unknown- ________________________________ From: Coleen Fox <foxycol63@...> spinal problems Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 6:02:36 AM Subject: Re: Pain All I know is that cold seems to make it hurt more so I would rather lay on a heating blanket or just get into bed in the fetal position. I have sciatica also so I put a pillow in between my knees and ankles but I don't lay my legs on top of each other, they are too sensitive/achy to do that. Hope this helps, take care, Coleen ps. pain pills work for my back but I have been using tylenol for my legs. I am going to see if ibuprofen works for my legs aches instead just to get away from the tylenol. ____________ _________ _________ __ From: " dawn.brooks05@ ymail.com " <dawn.brooks05@ ymail.com> spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 10:17:58 PM Subject: Pain The pain is so bad that I am currently laying on ice packs. Does anyone have any other idea besides pain pills that I can get away from the pain? ------------ --------- --------- ------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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