A huge thanks

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all that replied to my question about pain meds.

I'm making a list of all your tips and info, so when it comes time to convince ALL my family I'll have my notes and your words supporting me. Cam, I'm fortnate in that my husband always goes with me to all my appointments and he keeps a list of questions for me to ask, and if I don't, he will. Two months ago he had surgery on his leg and wasn't able to go for my regular appointment to my pain docs. The doc saw me in the treatment room, but it was a long time before he finally came in. He apologied when he did and said he saw me sitting there alone and thought probaby went to the restroom and he was waiting for him to return. He knows is always with me...lol. BUT, I am keeping my own list too and and I will compare notes before we see Dr. LaGrone.

I'm sorry, but I forgot who wrote that they had pain when standing, but got relief as soon as she sit down. That is exactly how my back feels. As long as I am sitting, my back feels find (as long as I don't lean back). Walking and standing just about does me in. My feet and hands on the other hand, never stops burning and tingling.

Sharon, your going to be sorry when you get to know me, as I will be bugging you all to death with questions and comments. I talk thru my fingers, as I rarely see anyone outside my family or doctors offices any more.

Your all great!!!

Pat E.

And just how are we supposed to get to know you if you keep your posts short?!!

:^)

But seriously, I often read people's apologies for writing a long post, but they always seem longer when you're writing them than when we read them. So I don't think most of us need to worry that we're writing too much (and if anyone does I can't think who!). Participate, and say as much as you need to say! That's why we're here!

Sharon

PS: Kudos on getting in with Dr. LaGrone! I know he'll be able to tell you what's really going on.

Hi Cam,

One of the biggest problems with workers' comp is getting the help you really need. Since I sent and paid Dr. Yousem to look at my Mri's they are not a part of my WC records, so nothing has been done about the screws. I have been complaining for years about having a large triangle area just above my crack that hurts all the time and I can't stand to have it touched or wear any clothing that presses on that part of my back. I have copied it and gave several doctors the reports. The doctors always ask me why I sent them to him and I just tell them that I wanted a second opinion and he is one of the best neuroradiologist in the country. In fact there aren't many neuroradiologist from what I hear, but none of the doctors have done anything to fine out what is going on. Two years after my fusion, my pain management doc sent me to a neurosurgeon and she did a CT and said I was fused One thing in my favor is I heal faster than most people. I just got back from finding out the bone scan results and the doc said I have every good and strong bones. As often as I fall, I knew I had good bones, because anyone else would have broken their hips or legs. I asked my family doc this morning if there is any other test that he could do to check for any autoimmune diseases, since my pain doc had me get a emg done on my hands. He said (the pain doc) that I have severe neuropathy in my hands like a diabetic might have, but I'm not a diabetic and he left it at that. That is what is so frustrating. A doctor does the test, but doesn't follow thru to find out why or what is causing the neuropathy. I think it is my neck! I'm so excited that I will get to see Dr. LaGrone because I doubt he would treat me like the other docs. My family doc took lots of blood this morning and we will see what if anything shows up. I'm really concerned about my hands, because I do mosaics and I'm at the point of selling them. The past couple months, my hands are progressingly getting worse. I can't feel things with my fingers to pick up small things, button buttons, etc. and this morning I couldn't remove the paper backing off a bandage. I don't know what I would do without my hands because I can't do much of anything but sit, and I use my hands to keep busy. I have never been bored, because I can always find something to do with my hands. I can't stand to just sit and watch TV. Now that is boring!!

Sorry I didn't mean to write a book, I promise to try and keep it shorter the next time I post.

Pat E.

Hi Pat,Just curious....if your rod is bent (and screws perhaps out of their original placement?) did your doctor tell you that it is likely that you had an area of non-fusion? I believe bent and broken rods often indicate there is movement in the fusion mass. It can still be very difficult to detect on films.I so hope you find someone who can take a fresh look at your situation and help you.Take Care, Cam

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[Guest guest]

Pat,

If hubby is convinced you need revision, isn't that what matters most?

Your pain sounds exactly the same as mine. Jeri

> I'm sorry, but I forgot who wrote that they had pain when standing,

but got relief as soon as she sit down. That is exactly how my back

feels. As long as I am sitting, my back feels find (as long as I don't

lean back). Walking and standing just about does me in. My feet and

hands on the other hand, never stops burning and tingling.