Re: hi, new here...

[Guest guest]

Hi Lora,

First, welcome to the group! I think you will

enjoy it here. It is a really great group, lots of

very nice people here.

I don't have any personal experience with the new

Peg/riba treatment, so I can't help with that. I have

only done the old combo, and didn't respond. (1b)

Also, keep in mind that how it is with one person may

be completely different for you. Right now, the only

people with any real experience so far are those who

have been in studies. From what I've heard from those

who have done the old combo and the new, the new still

has about the same side effects, but they seem to be

able to cope with them better.

I can't tell you what to do, but I do know what I

would do if I were in your situation. Fatigue, joint

pain, depression, irritability.... none of these

things have anything to do with how much damage there

is in your liver. This stuff can go on even with no

damage at all. If you felt great, maybe doing nothing

would be best for you. But for me, I would do the new

treatment. The odds of success for a genotype 2b are

so good that it would be hard to NOT want to try. The

one thing I would do is to make sure I have a really

good doctor, one who will work closely to deal with

side effects if they occur. The treatment can only

work if you stay on it, so treating side effects is

REALLY important. So is staying on as high of the

right dose for you as possible. The " rule " is to stay

on at least 80% of your optimum weight-based dose at

least 80% of the time you are on treatment - No

medication 'vacations'. Following this rule, your

chance of success could be over 90% since you are a

2b.

I'm not sure if we have anyone here who has

completed a whole course of treatment of the new peg

combo or not, but I know we do have some who are on it

now. One other thing, make sure your thyroid hormone

levels are checked. The symptoms of hypothyroidism,

and those seen in HCV, are very similar. Good luck!

Take care,

Claudine

PS: Are you the same Lora from the HepCnet bb?

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Lora,

First, welcome to the group! I think you will

enjoy it here. It is a really great group, lots of

very nice people here.

I don't have any personal experience with the new

Peg/riba treatment, so I can't help with that. I have

only done the old combo, and didn't respond. (1b)

Also, keep in mind that how it is with one person may

be completely different for you. Right now, the only

people with any real experience so far are those who

have been in studies. From what I've heard from those

who have done the old combo and the new, the new still

has about the same side effects, but they seem to be

able to cope with them better.

I can't tell you what to do, but I do know what I

would do if I were in your situation. Fatigue, joint

pain, depression, irritability.... none of these

things have anything to do with how much damage there

is in your liver. This stuff can go on even with no

damage at all. If you felt great, maybe doing nothing

would be best for you. But for me, I would do the new

treatment. The odds of success for a genotype 2b are

so good that it would be hard to NOT want to try. The

one thing I would do is to make sure I have a really

good doctor, one who will work closely to deal with

side effects if they occur. The treatment can only

work if you stay on it, so treating side effects is

REALLY important. So is staying on as high of the

right dose for you as possible. The " rule " is to stay

on at least 80% of your optimum weight-based dose at

least 80% of the time you are on treatment - No

medication 'vacations'. Following this rule, your

chance of success could be over 90% since you are a

2b.

I'm not sure if we have anyone here who has

completed a whole course of treatment of the new peg

combo or not, but I know we do have some who are on it

now. One other thing, make sure your thyroid hormone

levels are checked. The symptoms of hypothyroidism,

and those seen in HCV, are very similar. Good luck!

Take care,

Claudine

PS: Are you the same Lora from the HepCnet bb?

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Lora nice to meet you!

you said <<I am seriously considering starting the Pegintron/ribaviron

treatment due

to increasing probs with fatigue & joint pain.>>

You sound just like me!

I am geno 1b, only mild inflamation, but hellacious sides from the hep -

joint pain, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, insomnia, diahrea, etc.

I did the treatment and I am so far undetected!

However, I will caution you on the treatment, it ain't no fun! You must

really be committed to eliminating the virus.

Now for the bad news - it does NOT always get rid of the joint pain, muscle

aches, fatigue, etc.

Not saying it won't with you. For some people it has. But for me, all that

crap is still with me. I think (my opinion) that the virus has already

attacked my immune system and done some damage. Eliminating the virus will

ensure I get no more damage, but what already is done is done.

I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue among other miscellaneous sides

haha.

Think about doing treatment. 6 months to a year of your life will probably

be rather hard physically and mentally and emotionally. You will be taking

antidepressants and other meds to counteract the treatment meds side

effects.

Are you willing to risk migraines, days off work, puking in the toilet,

sitting on the toilet (sometimes it seems like forever haha), feverish,

achey, possible thyroid problems, possible diabetes, possible heart attacks,

etc etc to eradicate this disease from your body?

Over the past few years, I have chatted online and in real life with many

heppers who have done treatment. It isn't easy and I had probably the

easiest time in comparison to others.

I am not trying to discourage you from doing treatment. I did it and I'm

glad I did it. But be sure you know the score, know your opponent, plan

ahead.

What is it worth to you? What will you risk to eliminate the virus?

What is your viral load? What is your age group? Do you fit in 3 of the 5

items that help determine your success in treatment? (these are NOT

concrete.. they are mild biopsy results, low viral load, genotype other than

one, being female, and under 40).

I fit in 3 (biopsy, viral load and female) and was 45 at the time and not

into menopause, so that was another plus for me.

Think long and hard and if you decide to do treatment, do it! I kept

telling myself, on my bad days, I can quit treatment any time I want, my

liver isn't bad. And just having that CHOICE kept me going. Maybe it'll work

for you too!

Good luck! Let us know what you decide. We'll back you 100%!!

alley

[Guest guest]

Lora nice to meet you!

you said <<I am seriously considering starting the Pegintron/ribaviron

treatment due

to increasing probs with fatigue & joint pain.>>

You sound just like me!

I am geno 1b, only mild inflamation, but hellacious sides from the hep -

joint pain, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, insomnia, diahrea, etc.

I did the treatment and I am so far undetected!

However, I will caution you on the treatment, it ain't no fun! You must

really be committed to eliminating the virus.

Now for the bad news - it does NOT always get rid of the joint pain, muscle

aches, fatigue, etc.

Not saying it won't with you. For some people it has. But for me, all that

crap is still with me. I think (my opinion) that the virus has already

attacked my immune system and done some damage. Eliminating the virus will

ensure I get no more damage, but what already is done is done.

I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue among other miscellaneous sides

haha.

Think about doing treatment. 6 months to a year of your life will probably

be rather hard physically and mentally and emotionally. You will be taking

antidepressants and other meds to counteract the treatment meds side

effects.

Are you willing to risk migraines, days off work, puking in the toilet,

sitting on the toilet (sometimes it seems like forever haha), feverish,

achey, possible thyroid problems, possible diabetes, possible heart attacks,

etc etc to eradicate this disease from your body?

Over the past few years, I have chatted online and in real life with many

heppers who have done treatment. It isn't easy and I had probably the

easiest time in comparison to others.

I am not trying to discourage you from doing treatment. I did it and I'm

glad I did it. But be sure you know the score, know your opponent, plan

ahead.

What is it worth to you? What will you risk to eliminate the virus?

What is your viral load? What is your age group? Do you fit in 3 of the 5

items that help determine your success in treatment? (these are NOT

concrete.. they are mild biopsy results, low viral load, genotype other than

one, being female, and under 40).

I fit in 3 (biopsy, viral load and female) and was 45 at the time and not

into menopause, so that was another plus for me.

Think long and hard and if you decide to do treatment, do it! I kept

telling myself, on my bad days, I can quit treatment any time I want, my

liver isn't bad. And just having that CHOICE kept me going. Maybe it'll work

for you too!

Good luck! Let us know what you decide. We'll back you 100%!!

alley

[Guest guest]

Hi Lora

I completed treatment successfully 5 weeks ago. I am a 2b with over 30

years infection and stage 2 fibrosis,also a dicky kidney. Now I am just

beginning to feel great, but on treatment I started off OK and then felt

progressively worse until at the end of it I was just about crawling. I

think it is very important to eat a healthy diet, I cut out red meat,

dairy,caffeine, sugar & junk foods. I did not use anti depressants or

sleeping pills but instead used marijuana to help me through the tough

times. Here in the UK studies are showing an 80% response rate for my

genotype with peg combo, not sure about the others though. I spent many

months learning about hepC and making my decision, I still think I was right

to do combo. Hope this helps, good luck to you whatever you decide.

love Sylv

Hi, new here...

> Hello,

> My name is Lora, just joined. Just a little history about me because I

> have a question.

> I was diagnosed in 1996 with HCV, liver biopsy showed stage I, little to

> no liver damage. Liver enzymes since then have been slightly elevated to

> normal. Viral load quite high.

> 2nd liver biopsy 3 years later showed little to no change from the first

&

> my blood work remains unchanged. Genotype 2b.

> I am seriously considering starting the Pegintron/ribaviron treatment

due

> to increasing probs with fatigue & joint pain.

> Finally the question, lol, I am seeking info from anyone who has

completed

> or may be on this treatment, positive or negative. Due to my genotype I

> have a good chance of responding but of course am trying to make an

informed

> decision.

> Thanx in advance!

> Smiles, Lora

>

> Because Jesus lives!

>

>

> ---

> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

> Version: 6.0.291 / Virus Database: 156 - Release Date: 10/25/01

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lora,

Welcome. We are fortunate to have a lot of wonderful and well informed

people in this group........also a very responsive and well-informed

physician.

I did the old combo and failed to respond. I have a friend who did the old

treatment, didn't respond well, then did the new and has a nondetactable

viral load.

If I were in your shoes, I think I'd try it. But, before you get started, go

to see a psycologist that you respect and trust. Different people react

differently to treatment, but, for some, it can be a rocky road. In

addition, as much as possible, eliminate stress from your life. You may

laugh hysterically,now.......However, it does help and it is my personal

opinion that it will improve your attitude, consequently, your odds of

success will be higher.

We'll look forward to hearing from you.

Anne

[Guest guest]

Hi Lora,

Welcome. We are fortunate to have a lot of wonderful and well informed

people in this group........also a very responsive and well-informed

physician.

I did the old combo and failed to respond. I have a friend who did the old

treatment, didn't respond well, then did the new and has a nondetactable

viral load.

If I were in your shoes, I think I'd try it. But, before you get started, go

to see a psycologist that you respect and trust. Different people react

differently to treatment, but, for some, it can be a rocky road. In

addition, as much as possible, eliminate stress from your life. You may

laugh hysterically,now.......However, it does help and it is my personal

opinion that it will improve your attitude, consequently, your odds of

success will be higher.

We'll look forward to hearing from you.

Anne

[Guest guest]

Hi,I feel for you.

I have a similiar pain in my back..And am using alot of ice..When I

walk my right leg hurts so much ..the front shin..wierd..I get this

electric shock thing in my right buttocks..Awful..I am on darvacet..The

only way I can sleep is to take carisprodol.(Soma).Other wise I can`t

sleep...I am seeing a physical therapist in a few days...An MRI showed I

had pinched nerves in `95..When my son broke his leg ..My back went

out..I have sciatica bad too..Icing right now,

I hope you get some relief..Back pain is bad..

Blessings..Connie

>

> Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on my S1 L5 lower

> lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i have

> done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot but im

> still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots of

> Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant stand

> on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery right now

> because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this much pain

> in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor is

> there anything I should be trying please help.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi oneskiwrx2002,

All I can say is so everything possible before you even consider surgery. It

should be a last resort. I have had 3 plus two spinal stimulators.

Good luck to you!!!

Hugs,

Annie in TN

onesikwrx2002 <onesikwrx2002@...> wrote:

Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on my S1 L5 lower

lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i have

done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot but im

still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots of

Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant stand

on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery right now

because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this much pain

in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor is

there anything I should be trying please help.

[Guest guest]

Hi, I also had a herniated disc at L5/S1. Horrible sciatic pain in the right

leg. I had surgery on this disc and it was the only thing that took the pain

away. I tried physical therapy, pain meds, epidural injections and nothing

worked. I was in this pain for over a year and over time it just got

progressively worse, because I waited so long, part of my disc had calicified.

Surgery for me was a final option, I tried to avoid it as long as possible. Any

questions about the surgery, feel free to ask.

Lori

onesikwrx2002 <onesikwrx2002@...> wrote:

Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on my S1 L5 lower

lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i have

done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot but im

still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots of

Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant stand

on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery right now

because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this much pain

in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor is

there anything I should be trying please help.

[Guest guest]

Where is the tingling in your leg? Is it in your thigh or has it gone

past your knee? The GENERAL rule of thumb I have been told by the

MANY drs I have seen is once it goes past your knee and stays you need

surgery to at a minimum unpinch the nerve. Have you gone to an

Orthopedic Surgeon? Some go to Neurosurgeons (I personally didn't

have a good experience with mine). Have you had a MRI? There is a

difference between a herniation and a rupture. You do have hope that

a herniation can go away. My suggestion would be to get a good dr's

opinion.

>

> Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on my S1 L5 lower

> lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i have

> done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot but im

> still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots of

> Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant stand

> on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery right now

> because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this much pain

> in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor is

> there anything I should be trying please help.

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all your help...

Lori what surgery did you have done and what was the recovery time???

do you have any pain what so ever anymore???I fell that i might have

to go the surgery way because im very active, I run, play lots of

sports and snowboard in the winter. Its all been down hill from

there can't even stand up for ten min. sciatica is that bad..

thanks again..

> Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on

my S1 L5 lower

> lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i

have

> done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot

but im

> still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots

of

> Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant

stand

> on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery right

now

> because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this much

pain

> in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor is

> there anything I should be trying please help.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

ljw75010, The pain is in my right leg behind the thigh and right

buttuck with minor pain in the back o my knee. when i stand for more

than 10mins. its all over the leg. Yes I had my MRI done with a

herniated disk.

I have gone to see a Orthopedic Surgeon/pain management and he told

me the we should wait to see how the epedural would do the if im

still in pain surgery is on the table. Im a little scared of the

surgery.

> >

> > Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on my S1 L5

lower

> > lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i

have

> > done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot

but im

> > still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots

of

> > Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant

stand

> > on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery

right now

> > because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this

much pain

> > in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor

is

> > there anything I should be trying please help.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I had a lumbar discectomy at L5/S1 on April 10th of this year. My recovery time

is still on going. I just got the ok to go back to work this coming Tuesday

after Memorial day on restrictions. My restrictions are no lifting over 20lbs

and no frequent bending. So I will have been off work for a total of 6 weeks.

I know some people are able to return to work sooner, but because I am a

pre-kindergarten teacher I was off longer. The pain (sciatic pain) I had before

surgery is gone. I sometimes have a dull ache, but that too is subsiding. The

area around the incision is tender, which I know is to be expected, so sitting

back too fast or too hard on that area can hurt. I was also back driving after

3 weeks. The back of my right theigh by where my leg bends still feels a little

funny as well as the outer side of my foot and last 2 toes. It doesn't hurt,

just feels weird. My neurosurgeon said that feeling that way isn't uncommon and

not to fret about it unless it hurts

because my nerve was compressed for so long. It may go away it may not, main

thing is that it doesn't hurt. If your wondering about anything else, let me

know.

Lori

onesikwrx2002 <onesikwrx2002@...> wrote:

Thanks for all your help...

Lori what surgery did you have done and what was the recovery time???

do you have any pain what so ever anymore???I fell that i might have

to go the surgery way because im very active, I run, play lots of

sports and snowboard in the winter. Its all been down hill from

there can't even stand up for ten min. sciatica is that bad..

thanks again..

> Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on

my S1 L5 lower

> lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i

have

> done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot

but im

> still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots

of

> Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant

stand

> on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery right

now

> because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this much

pain

> in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor is

> there anything I should be trying please help.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Wow Lori thanks... taking this time to answer my questions, hope

everything gets beter for you.

What did th doctor say about the recovery time, as what kind of

things are you doing like PT or anything. I really wondering what

the lon term outcome of the surery would be. Are you takeing any med

to repair the disk??I have heared mixed reactions about the pain

coming back and might have to do a fusion and that is not what i

want.Well thanks again for your time.

> > Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on

> my S1 L5 lower

> > lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i

> have

> > done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot

> but im

> > still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots

> of

> > Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant

> stand

> > on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery

right

> now

> > because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this

much

> pain

> > in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor

is

> > there anything I should be trying please help.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Right now with recovery time, it's just been taking it easy, no bending at the

waist and no lifting over 10lbs right after the surgery and now it's been uped

to 20lbs. As of now, there has been no mention of PT. Everytime I go for a

check up he just raves on how well I am recovering. I'm not taking anything to

repair the disc I was told that the body should do that on its own. I too have

heard the horror stories of the pain coming back and what not, but thinking

about the pain I was in before the surgery, I couldn't handle that anymore. I

honestly was in a very bad place because of the pain before my surgery.

Lori

onesikwrx2002 <onesikwrx2002@...> wrote:

Wow Lori thanks... taking this time to answer my questions, hope

everything gets beter for you.

What did th doctor say about the recovery time, as what kind of

things are you doing like PT or anything. I really wondering what

the lon term outcome of the surery would be. Are you takeing any med

to repair the disk??I have heared mixed reactions about the pain

coming back and might have to do a fusion and that is not what i

want.Well thanks again for your time.

> > Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on

> my S1 L5 lower

> > lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i

> have

> > done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot

> but im

> > still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots

> of

> > Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant

> stand

> > on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery

right

> now

> > because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this

much

> pain

> > in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor

is

> > there anything I should be trying please help.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I know exactly where you're at, I'm there myself. Same problem, same disc. I

have finally gotten approval for surgery (workman's comp) after waiting for 4

months now. In the meantime I had heard of a new thing called Disc Decompression

Therapy where they put you in traction along with ultrasound therapy and also

electro-stimulation with ice and the chiro adjusts you too. I have gotten alot

of relief, I was able to get back to work. I am not pain free and if I miss a

therapy session (3 times per week) I hurt worse but for me it has been a

lifesaver while waiting on this approval. I am even considering postponing the

surgery as long as they will keep me in the therapy. I don't know if you have

this in your state but please check it out. It's FDA approved so the insurance

pays for it plus you get all the other therapy with it. It really helps me

maintain altho I don't think I will too much longer without having to do

something surgically. My doc wants to do a " Tru-fuse " on me which is to fuse the

facets instead of the vertabre. Anyone had that done and with success? I'm gonna

talk to him again about maybe just doing a discectomy or similiar. I'm so afraid

of the fusing thing since I've already had 2 discs in my neck done and have pain

to some degree all the time. Good luck.

[Guest guest]

I'm glad the spinal decompression was covered under your insurance for you. My

insurance wouldn't cover mine. Glad you got your workers comp approval too,

that got denied too. I would have prolonged my surgery if I could have tried

the decompression. God is shining on you , feel greatful. This is my

6th week off of work, 2nd week without pay. Because of wc being denied I had to

use all of my vaca time so we wouldn't lose our house. I am going back to work

this Tuesdsay, but I had to fight it all the way. The surgeon didn't want me

going back and neither did my workplace. This whole situation has just been one

fight after another for me, sorry if I sound like such a downer.

Lori

Jim & <_JM@...> wrote:

I know exactly where you're at, I'm there myself. Same problem, same

disc. I have finally gotten approval for surgery (workman's comp) after waiting

for 4 months now. In the meantime I had heard of a new thing called Disc

Decompression Therapy where they put you in traction along with ultrasound

therapy and also electro-stimulation with ice and the chiro adjusts you too. I

have gotten alot of relief, I was able to get back to work. I am not pain free

and if I miss a therapy session (3 times per week) I hurt worse but for me it

has been a lifesaver while waiting on this approval. I am even considering

postponing the surgery as long as they will keep me in the therapy. I don't know

if you have this in your state but please check it out. It's FDA approved so the

insurance pays for it plus you get all the other therapy with it. It really

helps me maintain altho I don't think I will too much longer without having to

do something surgically. My doc wants to do a

" Tru-fuse " on me which is to fuse the facets instead of the vertabre. Anyone

had that done and with success? I'm gonna talk to him again about maybe just

doing a discectomy or similiar. I'm so afraid of the fusing thing since I've

already had 2 discs in my neck done and have pain to some degree all the time.

Good luck.

[Guest guest]

I just had pretty much the exact same surgery, S-1, L-5,4.

Also had spur removed. Surgery was on 04.18.08, Have not returned to

work yet.

Even though recovery has been long and still having some issues that

surgeon thinks will resolve with time, I have to say this was a great

decision.

Nowhere near the pain I was in before surgery. I have had a great

result.

To quote my surgeon " I had an impressive rupture " ! LOL

Not bad, huge none of that it was " impressive " ...)

Going next week to have same surgery on C-4,5.

Wish me luck.

Shayna

> Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on my

S1 L5 lower

> lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i

have

> done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot but

im

> still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots of

> Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant

stand

> on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery right

now

> because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this much

pain

> in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor is

> there anything I should be trying please help.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

If you are having nerve pain, You sound like you are, then talk to

your surgeon or ortho about getting on some form of nerve block type

medication.

Example: lyrica, Neurotin, something like that. Which will help along

with your other conservative therapy.

Although, Let me just say, if none of that works for you...and it

probably won't from the sound of your pain...then surgery might be

the best option.

If it is just a rupture/herniation and nothing more then a discectomy

would completely relieve you.

Don't get me wrong, there are risks with any surgery, but for me it

has been the best decision I ever made.

I had S-1, L-4,5 herniation with bone spurs...Surgery was on 04.18.08

and am still in recovery mode.

Put it this way. When I would get out of bed in the morning my lower

back would shift and pop and would hurt like hell!!!

Not anymore...Surgery has completely ridded me of this.

I didn't have fusion or anything like that. Just a simple laminotomy,

discectomy and foraminotomy.

Everyone talks about putting off surgery, but if you do some research

on-line and talk to more people you will notice that the success rate

with conservative therapy is far less than with surgery. Also, people

who have had the surgery report 85-90% better results over the long

term than people who do the conservative therapies.

Again, don't get me wrong. I tried everything else first. Finally,

just said enough.

Having basically the same surgery on c-4,5 next week.

As someone told me, you know your body better than anyone. If you

think it is time for surgery, then it is time.

I waited way to long to have mine done. There is no reason anyone

should have to be in that kind of pain. So, much luck and I hope

things works out well for you.

Shayna

> Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on my

S1 L5 lower

> lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i

have

> done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot but

im

> still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots of

> Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant

stand

> on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery right

now

> because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this much

pain

> in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor is

> there anything I should be trying please help.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have to agree with you Shayna, I too am no where near the pain level like I

was before sugery. Part of me wishes I would have made the decision earlier

than I did. I was one being chicken and two dealing with a bunch of workers

comp crap. Ya, my surgeons words were, I haven't seen a herniation like this in

a VERY long time. When he found the spur and went out to tell my husband, he

was like, I don't know how she did it all that time. Good luck with your

surgery, I pray you have the same results as the last.

Lori

shaynal2003 <shaynal2003@...> wrote:

I just had pretty much the exact same surgery, S-1, L-5,4.

Also had spur removed. Surgery was on 04.18.08, Have not returned to

work yet.

Even though recovery has been long and still having some issues that

surgeon thinks will resolve with time, I have to say this was a great

decision.

Nowhere near the pain I was in before surgery. I have had a great

result.

To quote my surgeon " I had an impressive rupture " ! LOL

Not bad, huge none of that it was " impressive " ...)

Going next week to have same surgery on C-4,5.

Wish me luck.

Shayna

> Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on my

S1 L5 lower

> lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i

have

> done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot but

im

> still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots of

> Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant

stand

> on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery right

now

> because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this much

pain

> in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor is

> there anything I should be trying please help.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lori,

Sounds like you and I were in pretty much the exact same boat.

Same herniation and spur and everything. Although, Mine was left side

oriented.

Thank you for the prayer. I have faith in my surgeon, which helps

tremendously.

I know what you mean about waiting on insurance and such.

I was waiting until I could afford to take off. At the time I was

first diagnosed with the herniation I was living alone and my

disability insurance only covers 50% of my salary.

Now, Living with the boyfriend and the 50% is not as big a deal.

I can't say enough about him either. He has been so supportive and

helpful. I am a very lucky girl.

I wish everyone had the same support.

Shayna

> > Hi im new here and is dealing with a herniated disk on my

> S1 L5 lower

> > lubar. I've been in so much pain for about 3 months now. What i

> have

> > done is alot of vicodine and accupuncture and one epedural shot

but

> im

> > still in pain with sciatica.I have also tryed ice, lots and lots

of

> > Ice.the main thing is sciatica on my right leg its so bad i cant

> stand

> > on it for more than 10mins. Im really thinking about surgery

right

> now

> > because i can't even go back to work. I have never felt this much

> pain

> > in my hole life. My question is other than PT or a chiropractor

is

> > there anything I should be trying please help.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi there, Just came across your message re right sciatica. I am

just over four days post surgery for the same thing. I have had years

of back pain which last october turned (violently) to sciatica. The

pain was incredible as you would know and along the way I had two

epidural injections with no relief. I finally relented and went

reluctantly with the surgery. I am home after three days and am pain

free whilst walking and lying on the lounge. Getting up and getting

down are a tiny bit uncomfortable. I am very happy and was lucky to

have a neurolosurgeon with a great reputation in my area here in

Sydney, Australia. I had a L4-5 hemilaminectomy and Rhyzolysis of

right L5 and S1 nerve roots. I have no pain at all in my leg and the

only discomfort is from the tightness of the bandage on my wound.

I know it is only early days but the results at the moment are much

better that I could have hoped for. I have a couple of numb toes but

that may or may not resolve over the weeks.

I hope you look around and search out a neurosurgeon in you area and be

guided by his advice. Regards

>

[Guest guest]

thank you !

my sciatica started last fall after my first of three epidurals and in the past

two months has been terrible, every day and terrible pain.

So I am seeing a neurosurgeon who is Dept chair at town University this

thursday- I am desperate for relief. (Im sick of pills).

I am so glad to hear of your relief and will mention the type of surgery that

you had.

My Osteopath also mentioned a Foraminotomy-

I guess the Neurosurgeon will know which one to do.

Thank you for your feedback and best of luck to you!

Re: hi, new here...

Hi there, Just came across your message re right sciatica. I am

just over four days post surgery for the same thing. I have had years

of back pain which last october turned (violently) to sciatica. The

pain was incredible as you would know and along the way I had two

epidural injections with no relief. I finally relented and went

reluctantly with the surgery. I am home after three days and am pain

free whilst walking and lying on the lounge. Getting up and getting

down are a tiny bit uncomfortable. I am very happy and was lucky to

have a neurolosurgeon with a great reputation in my area here in

Sydney, Australia. I had a L4-5 hemilaminectomy and Rhyzolysis of

right L5 and S1 nerve roots. I have no pain at all in my leg and the

only discomfort is from the tightness of the bandage on my wound.

I know it is only early days but the results at the moment are much

better that I could have hoped for. I have a couple of numb toes but

that may or may not resolve over the weeks.

I hope you look around and search out a neurosurgeon in you area and be

guided by his advice. Regards

>

[Guest guest]

Hi and thank you for that information. I actually havent looked for help at

all, due to the fact that I discovered another awful disease that afects my

whole body. I can't remember what i wrote in my previous post (also part of the

disease). With Dercum's disease, there are hundreds of painful - very painful

fatty deposits all over my body. And they LOVE surgical sites and scar tissue.

We actually call them aliens. I have a string of " aliens " along the top of both

thighs, that I didn't have last year when all this started. So I have to weight

that issue as well.

I will take your advice though, and seek out a neurosurgeon. I had several

epidural injections, that were just an anestic, no steroids. The pain doc was

trying to " reset " my system. At that point, it was thought that I had relex

sympathy disorder (not sure if I am saying that right). In any case, the shots

didn't last very long. They did help a little.

I am not sure what those things are that you had done, but I will do some

research online. I will also print out your letter and put it in my medical

file. We are just getting ready to leave for the summer, and go to Calif, to a

tiny little town where my mom is. I am not sure they will have a neurosugeon

there, so I may have to wait until I get back to pursue this. We come back in

October.

How are you doing now ? Feel free to email me off list if you like. I would

really like to know how you progress.

Calle

Re: hi, new here...

Hi there, Just came across your message re right sciatica. I am

just over four days post surgery for the same thing. I have had years

of back pain which last october turned (violently) to sciatica. The

pain was incredible as you would know and along the way I had two

epidural injections with no relief. I finally relented and went

reluctantly with the surgery. I am home after three days and am pain

free whilst walking and lying on the lounge. Getting up and getting

down are a tiny bit uncomfortable. I am very happy and was lucky to

have a neurolosurgeon with a great reputation in my area here in

Sydney, Australia. I had a L4-5 hemilaminectomy and Rhyzolysis of

right L5 and S1 nerve roots. I have no pain at all in my leg and the

only discomfort is from the tightness of the bandage on my wound.

I know it is only early days but the results at the moment are much

better that I could have hoped for. I have a couple of numb toes but

that may or may not resolve over the weeks.

I hope you look around and search out a neurosurgeon in you area and be

guided by his advice. Regards

>