RE: Newby here.

[Guest guest]

> What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from them?

Had a series of three after PT and pills did not work. First two

shots gave me relief for about 3 weeks each. Third shot gave none.

Orthopedist then recommended seeing a surgeon. Myelogram showed

stenosis in two lumbar disks pressing on sciatic nerves. Scheduled

for decompression surgery this coming Monday.

Found out that there is a protocol to be followed before surgery is

recommended. This is what I had with the PT - pills and shots.

IMO if the first or second shot offers no relief - it's time to get a

referral to a neurosurgeon.

Sorry to hear about your pain - which is worse than what I have been

experiencing.

[Guest guest]

Allie,

I had the same S-1, L-5,L4. Stenosis, Bone spurs all that jazz.

Had laminectomy, laminotomy and foraminotomy.

Successful by all standards. I still have some lower back pain, but that is to

be expected, but I did not have fusion.

If you can avoid any type of hardware, I would recommend it.

JMO.

Shayna

 It is better to be hated for who you are than liked for who you aren't.

From: one-nice-lady@... <one-nice-lady@...>

Subject: Newby here.

spinal problems

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:16 AM

I am new here. My name is Allie. I have severe spinal stenosis in the

L4-5, S1. I have had no surgery for it but I have been getting

epidurals. The last epidural caused more pain than I was in before the

shot. I am in severe pain constantly. I can't sleep nights -- only 2

hours at a time. I tire easily. I can't stand more than 2 minutes,

can't walk more than 50 feet without sitting and resting before

continuing. I can't keep up with my home or even cook a meal anymore. I

don't like to take pain meds. They may help with pain but certainly

don't help with getting back on track with my life.

I want to avoid the fusing surgery as long as I can. I realize the

people on this board can only tell about their own experiences but I

would like to know about your experiences and the procedures you've used

to reduce pain.

What about the fusing surgery? How much reduction of pain have you

received from that?

Has anyone had the Http? How did that work?

What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from them?

The inversion table. Does it help reduce the level of pain?

Has anyone, on this board, ever had the laser surgery that cleans out

debris in the spinal column? How was the experience and did it eliminate

or greatly reduce the pain? For how long?

Is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain and get a life again?

Thanks for your answers.

Allie

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

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nNTXrqmHVufNtJNa 3q36eEBv/

[Guest guest]

Allie

I'm still recovering at home from a TLIF fusion between L4 & L5. I do have

hardware. I had no choice as I had no disk left. I couldn't stand or walk more

than a few minutes at a time. My surgery was on October 22nd. Thecrecobery is a

lot slower than they told Me. I have scoliosis above the fusion which

complicated things. Do everything you can to build your upper body strength

prior to surgery as you will need it to get in and out of bed. Demand they keep

you in the hospital or rehab as long as you need it as they let me go home too

soon and I wound up going back via ambulance. Also make sure you use the walker

ad a safe guard for a Long time on case you have sudden spasms that cause you to

collapse. I as still in pain but feed a lot better. I had cut out the meds cold

turkey at the advice of my dad who was afraid of addiction. I went back to using

them in small doses at the advice of my PT. She said I had to get sheaf of the

pain. At the small doses I

don't feel all dopey and it's helping the pain. Hope this helps.

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 10, 2008, at 10:19 PM, Shayna <shaynal2003@...> wrote:

Allie,

I had the same S-1, L-5,L4. Stenosis, Bone spurs all that jazz.

Had laminectomy, laminotomy and foraminotomy.

Successful by all standards. I still have some lower back pain, but that is to

be expected, but I did not have fusion.

If you can avoid any type of hardware, I would recommend it.

JMO.

Shayna

It is better to be hated for who you are than liked for who you aren't.

From: one-nice-lady@... <one-nice-lady@...>

Subject: Newby here.

spinal problems

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:16 AM

I am new here. My name is Allie. I have severe spinal stenosis in the

L4-5, S1. I have had no surgery for it but I have been getting

epidurals. The last epidural caused more pain than I was in before the

shot. I am in severe pain constantly. I can't sleep nights -- only 2

hours at a time. I tire easily. I can't stand more than 2 minutes,

can't walk more than 50 feet without sitting and resting before

continuing. I can't keep up with my home or even cook a meal anymore. I

don't like to take pain meds. They may help with pain but certainly

don't help with getting back on track with my life.

I want to avoid the fusing surgery as long as I can. I realize the

people on this board can only tell about their own experiences but I

would like to know about your experiences and the procedures you've used

to reduce pain.

What about the fusing surgery? How much reduction of pain have you

received from that?

Has anyone had the Http? How did that work?

What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from them?

The inversion table. Does it help reduce the level of pain?

Has anyone, on this board, ever had the laser surgery that cleans out

debris in the spinal column? How was the experience and did it eliminate

or greatly reduce the pain? For how long?

Is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain and get a life again?

Thanks for your answers.

Allie

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/PnY6rw2USkLdL X40FRok4rOvV7A3R

nNTXrqmHVufNtJNa 3q36eEBv/

[Guest guest]

Dear Rhonda

Do not worry about addiction at this point. That is such a fallacy

unfortunately propagated by our Federal Government/ DEA and some physicians.

If you don't stop the pain cycle, than you cannot feel like moving around and

exercising or doing much at all.

The pain cycle can do a lot of things, restrict your breathing, your muscle

movement, you'll find your focusing on your pain all the time and cannot enjoy

simple things, like reading, watching tv or anything much.

Your PT is right- to improve you must knock out that pain.

So do not worry about addiction, your father does not understand and you need to

do what you need to do for yourself to move on and live life again.

Believe me, I have seen my fair share of people in pain. There is a reason for

pain meds and its for people in pain!

Not for people who just want to get high.

You want to get out of pain.

So does everyone who is on this online support group.

So be kind to yourself.

RN

Newby here.

spinal problems

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:16 AM

I am new here. My name is Allie. I have severe spinal stenosis in the

L4-5, S1. I have had no surgery for it but I have been getting

epidurals. The last epidural caused more pain than I was in before the

shot. I am in severe pain constantly. I can't sleep nights -- only 2

hours at a time. I tire easily. I can't stand more than 2 minutes,

can't walk more than 50 feet without sitting and resting before

continuing. I can't keep up with my home or even cook a meal anymore. I

don't like to take pain meds. They may help with pain but certainly

don't help with getting back on track with my life.

I want to avoid the fusing surgery as long as I can. I realize the

people on this board can only tell about their own experiences but I

would like to know about your experiences and the procedures you've used

to reduce pain.

What about the fusing surgery? How much reduction of pain have you

received from that?

Has anyone had the Http? How did that work?

What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from them?

The inversion table. Does it help reduce the level of pain?

Has anyone, on this board, ever had the laser surgery that cleans out

debris in the spinal column? How was the experience and did it eliminate

or greatly reduce the pain? For how long?

Is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain and get a life again?

Thanks for your answers.

Allie

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/PnY6rw2USkLdL X40FRok4rOvV7A3R

nNTXrqmHVufNtJNa 3q36eEBv/

[Guest guest]

Another tip- Im not sure what you are on, but I myself take a low dose percocet

for my fused SI joint which is very very painful.

I break them in half, so that I get relief without getting the full headbuzz.

For me that works, not because Im worried about addiction but because a half

dose works for me for most days.

When its bad, I take a whole one.

With some pain meds you can break in half, unless they are extended release.

You just have to see what works for you.

RN

Newby here.

spinal problems

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:16 AM

I am new here. My name is Allie. I have severe spinal stenosis in the

L4-5, S1. I have had no surgery for it but I have been getting

epidurals. The last epidural caused more pain than I was in before the

shot. I am in severe pain constantly. I can't sleep nights -- only 2

hours at a time. I tire easily. I can't stand more than 2 minutes,

can't walk more than 50 feet without sitting and resting before

continuing. I can't keep up with my home or even cook a meal anymore. I

don't like to take pain meds. They may help with pain but certainly

don't help with getting back on track with my life.

I want to avoid the fusing surgery as long as I can. I realize the

people on this board can only tell about their own experiences but I

would like to know about your experiences and the procedures you've used

to reduce pain.

What about the fusing surgery? How much reduction of pain have you

received from that?

Has anyone had the Http? How did that work?

What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from them?

The inversion table. Does it help reduce the level of pain?

Has anyone, on this board, ever had the laser surgery that cleans out

debris in the spinal column? How was the experience and did it eliminate

or greatly reduce the pain? For how long?

Is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain and get a life again?

Thanks for your answers.

Allie

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/PnY6rw2USkLdL X40FRok4rOvV7A3R

nNTXrqmHVufNtJNa 3q36eEBv/

[Guest guest]

Hi Allie,

I have some real problems in all three areas of the spine.

I have had a couple of epidurals that were very painful.

Like you, they made the problem worse.

I have been researching the laser surgery and have not had

much luck in finding any answers myself.

I was advised on this forum to try a stimulator which I am going

to ask my GP for a referral for tomorrow. I have a really

bad HMO and am expected to travel from 30 to over 100 miles for

some of these referrals.

Like you I am avoiding narcotic pain pills because of an addiction

problem that I have. Some people can take them with good results.

I unfortunately become addicted for I have tried Norco and became

addicted quickly.

I had to give it up. It didn't really work anyway.

I really hope that you find your answer soon.

Cheryl V

[Guest guest]

Hi Allie

Have you explored the idea of a pain clinic?

Or a good Physiatry group where they specialize in pain management and less

invasive approaches like epidurals, or spine blocks, or radiofrequency?

At your age and with your home situation and no one to help surgery should be

your last option.

I hate to say it but I even saw with my own father who waited till his late 60's

to have his hip replacement and there were complications with the anesthesia.

Older folks often have a harder time with recovery and than there is the issue

of infection control in the hospital settings....

If I were you, ask your primary care MD for some referrals to either a pain

clinic, or a good Physiatry group, or if you have a University Hospital near

you, they usually have a pain clinic there as well.

You can call and speak to some advice nurses on the phone, or even your

insurance company if you can access them, sometimes they can be helpful as well,

and they have websites where you can look up who is participating under their

respective speciality.

So I hope that gives you some ideas, I know the pain is terrible, believe me, I

do know! Hang in there and keep searching.

RN

Newby here.

Thanks for all the advice! I appreciate everyone who took time to reply

to my questions. You all gave very good advice and I will heed it. I

plan to explore every option before submitting to surgery, including

getting a private exercise coach and seeing a neurologist. I have many

concerns about the surgery and the success of it is just one of them. So

many people, I know, that have had the surgery, tell me they wish they'd

never had it at all because it didn't lessen their pain. Also, I have no

one to help me during recovery. I am 71 years old and I don't know how I

would take care of myself especially since I have stairs. My kitchen and

my bathroom are on different levels. On the other hand, I don't think I

can take this pain much longer. It is a dilemma that has plagued me for

a long time.

I have heard that the laser procedure is less invasive and the recovery

time is only one week. That sounded good to me but insurance doesn't

cover it and it is very expensive. Also, my Dr. told me it wouldn't be

good for me because my spine is already unstable and the laser procedure

would make it even more unstable. I was hoping someone could give me

more information on that.

Thanks again. I will continue to read the posts to see if I can pick up

more advice.

Allie

__________________________________________________________

Criminal Lawyers - Click here.

http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw3dDCiHRNfsYgRLYsa1vs1ElSDhS6ov\

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[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thank you. Yes, I am getting epidurals at a pain clinic. This last time

I got the set of three and after the third one, I am much worse than

after the second one. I don't understand that but it's true. I wasn't

taking pain meds after the second shot and I immediately went back to

pain meds after the third. I had been getting only two but they weren't

lasting 6 months as they were supposed to so the Dr. told me if I wasn't

pain free after the second shot to get the third one, so I did. It's

been about a month. I thought maybe after a couple weeks the pain would

subside but it hasn't so i am taking the meds again. They make me feel

groggy but I think I will cut them in half and see what half will do for

me.

Thanks again

Allie

____________________________________________________________

Click here to find experienced pros to help with your home improvement project.

http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw2eRIJ6SBONVWMZrGWWzxcHqjunk9oa\

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[Guest guest]

Thank you for your words of encouragement.  After I started seeing my PT, I

started taking half a perc along with the Tylenol 3-4 times a day and Valium

twice a day.  It is also giving me more confidence that the spasms have

stopped.  They were so tramatic for me that I had a lot of fear I had to get

over. I feel like I can do a bit more each day and that small tasks are getting

a bit easier.  Things like getting out of bed etc.  I'm still not driving and am

not sure when I'll be able to start.  I'm at the mercy of my 17 year old busy

daughter to get anything I need.  When I do start driving I'll make sure she is

with me just in case.

For those of you who are home bound and stir crazy; I did something this week

that helped me emotionally.  It's something I've been wanting to do for a

while.  I created a 'Manisfestation' board.  I cut out and pasted collage style

the positive things I want to bring into my life; good health being on the

forefront.  It occupied me for the last week and gave me positive feelings. 

Thanks for all your support. Rhonda

________________________________

From: <wendy.tom@...>

spinal problems ;

" spinal problems "

<spinal problems >

Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 8:41:16 AM

Subject: Re: Newby here.

Dear Rhonda

Do not worry about addiction at this point. That is such a fallacy unfortunately

propagated by our Federal Government/ DEA and some physicians.

If you don't stop the pain cycle, than you cannot feel like moving around and

exercising or doing much at all.

The pain cycle can do a lot of things, restrict your breathing, your muscle

movement, you'll find your focusing on your pain all the time and cannot enjoy

simple things, like reading, watching tv or anything much.

Your PT is right- to improve you must knock out that pain.

So do not worry about addiction, your father does not understand and you need to

do what you need to do for yourself to move on and live life again.

Believe me, I have seen my fair share of people in pain. There is a reason for

pain meds and its for people in pain!

Not for people who just want to get high.

You want to get out of pain.

So does everyone who is on this online support group.

So be kind to yourself.

RN

Newby here.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:16 AM

I am new here. My name is Allie. I have severe spinal stenosis in the

L4-5, S1. I have had no surgery for it but I have been getting

epidurals. The last epidural caused more pain than I was in before the

shot. I am in severe pain constantly. I can't sleep nights -- only 2

hours at a time. I tire easily. I can't stand more than 2 minutes,

can't walk more than 50 feet without sitting and resting before

continuing. I can't keep up with my home or even cook a meal anymore. I

don't like to take pain meds. They may help with pain but certainly

don't help with getting back on track with my life.

I want to avoid the fusing surgery as long as I can. I realize the

people on this board can only tell about their own experiences but I

would like to know about your experiences and the procedures you've used

to reduce pain..

What about the fusing surgery? How much reduction of pain have you

received from that?

Has anyone had the Http? How did that work?

What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from them?

The inversion table. Does it help reduce the level of pain?

Has anyone, on this board, ever had the laser surgery that cleans out

debris in the spinal column? How was the experience and did it eliminate

or greatly reduce the pain? For how long?

Is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain and get a life again?

Thanks for your answers.

Allie

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/PnY6rw2USkLdL X40FRok4rOvV7A3R

nNTXrqmHVufNtJNa 3q36eEBv/

[Guest guest]

Everytime I tried to google info prior to my surgery , i'd see advertisements

for the lazer surgery.  If it's not FDA approved or insurance approved, I have

2nd thoughts.  I also read that the success rate is not that great.  I have a

friend who told me of a new procedure only done in a city in Texas that his

friend had done; i don't know much about it but each case is different.

I will says that the horrible sciatica pain I had is completely gone; hopefully

for good.  I too have stairs.  Rehab taught me how to use the walker folded up

on the steps; but the weight of it is hard on the back.  I now feel more

confident without the walker so I use a 4 pronged cane on the steps and to

navigate around the house.  The cane is much easier to use.  You may want to get

a walker for each floor.  If you go to 'Drive' on line, the cost of the walker

is only $52; where the hospital charged $155 for the same one!  If I need to

transport items up and down the steps I use a small light weight back pack. 

Some people said I should set up a bed on my main floor but that would never

work for me as my shower is upstairs along with my TV.  Having my Iphone was

very good while upstairs most of the time.  I now can make it to the basement to

use the computer once a day.  I have teens that live with me part time.  If you

have no one at all

to help; you should look into rehab home; or in home help.  You will need it. 

In the beginning I'd also have lunch and snacks put in a insulated lunch bag

with ice packs so I'd be self sufficient upstairs.  I also got a necklace with

the emergency button in case I fall and I'm alone.  I hope this helps. Rhonda

 

________________________________

From: " one-nice-lady@... " <one-nice-lady@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 8:51:18 AM

Subject: Newby here.

Thanks for all the advice! I appreciate everyone who took time to reply

to my questions. You all gave very good advice and I will heed it. I

plan to explore every option before submitting to surgery, including

getting a private exercise coach and seeing a neurologist. I have many

concerns about the surgery and the success of it is just one of them. So

many people, I know, that have had the surgery, tell me they wish they'd

never had it at all because it didn't lessen their pain. Also, I have no

one to help me during recovery. I am 71 years old and I don't know how I

would take care of myself especially since I have stairs. My kitchen and

my bathroom are on different levels. On the other hand, I don't think I

can take this pain much longer. It is a dilemma that has plagued me for

a long time.

I have heard that the laser procedure is less invasive and the recovery

time is only one week. That sounded good to me but insurance doesn't

cover it and it is very expensive. Also, my Dr. told me it wouldn't be

good for me because my spine is already unstable and the laser procedure

would make it even more unstable. I was hoping someone could give me

more information on that.

Thanks again. I will continue to read the posts to see if I can pick up

more advice.

Allie

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Criminal Lawyers - Click here.

http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/PnY6rw3dDCiHR NfsYgRLYsa1vs1El

SDhS6ovsHLZRbN0W eTlvVe7j/

[Guest guest]

Rhonda,

I ditto everything just said. In fact, there have been numerous

studies that have proven that people in pain do not become psychologically

addicted. Probably because there is no high just pain relief.

Deb RN

From: spinal problems

[mailto:spinal problems ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 7:41 AM

spinal problems ;

spinal problems

Subject: Re: Newby here.

Dear Rhonda

Do not worry about addiction at this point. That is such a fallacy

unfortunately propagated by our Federal Government/ DEA and some physicians.

If you don't stop the pain cycle, than you cannot feel like moving around

and exercising or doing much at all.

The pain cycle can do a lot of things, restrict your breathing, your muscle

movement, you'll find your focusing on your pain all the time and cannot

enjoy simple things, like reading, watching tv or anything much.

Your PT is right- to improve you must knock out that pain.

So do not worry about addiction, your father does not understand and you

need to do what you need to do for yourself to move on and live life again.

Believe me, I have seen my fair share of people in pain. There is a reason

for pain meds and its for people in pain!

Not for people who just want to get high.

You want to get out of pain.

So does everyone who is on this online support group.

So be kind to yourself.

RN

Newby here.

spinal problems

<mailto:spinal problems%40>

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:16 AM

I am new here. My name is Allie. I have severe spinal stenosis in the

L4-5, S1. I have had no surgery for it but I have been getting

epidurals. The last epidural caused more pain than I was in before the

shot. I am in severe pain constantly. I can't sleep nights -- only 2

hours at a time. I tire easily. I can't stand more than 2 minutes,

can't walk more than 50 feet without sitting and resting before

continuing. I can't keep up with my home or even cook a meal anymore. I

don't like to take pain meds. They may help with pain but certainly

don't help with getting back on track with my life.

I want to avoid the fusing surgery as long as I can. I realize the

people on this board can only tell about their own experiences but I

would like to know about your experiences and the procedures you've used

to reduce pain.

What about the fusing surgery? How much reduction of pain have you

received from that?

Has anyone had the Http? How did that work?

What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from them?

The inversion table. Does it help reduce the level of pain?

Has anyone, on this board, ever had the laser surgery that cleans out

debris in the spinal column? How was the experience and did it eliminate

or greatly reduce the pain? For how long?

Is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain and get a life again?

Thanks for your answers.

Allie

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your

business.

http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/PnY6rw2USkLdL

X40FRok4rOvV7A3R nNTXrqmHVufNtJNa 3q36eEBv/

[Guest guest]

Hi Allie

My epidurals didnt last, maybe a couple weeks, and the last round were more

painful than anything, so Im just doing meds right now and they actually work

pretty good, just wish there was an end in sight.

Im going to try the radiofrequency in January to the SI joint and see if that

helps with the nerve pain.

Its just trial and error.....

wendy

Re: Newby here.

Hi ,

Thank you. Yes, I am getting epidurals at a pain clinic. This last time

I got the set of three and after the third one, I am much worse than

after the second one. I don't understand that but it's true. I wasn't

taking pain meds after the second shot and I immediately went back to

pain meds after the third. I had been getting only two but they weren't

lasting 6 months as they were supposed to so the Dr. told me if I wasn't

pain free after the second shot to get the third one, so I did. It's

been about a month. I thought maybe after a couple weeks the pain would

subside but it hasn't so i am taking the meds again. They make me feel

groggy but I think I will cut them in half and see what half will do for

me.

Thanks again

Allie

__________________________________________________________

Click here to find experienced pros to help with your home improvement project.

http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw2eRIJ6SBONVWMZrGWWzxcHqjunk9oa\

Ch02KyY76Q6JGzRUJ/

[Guest guest]

You are so right on the button , I went for 4 years without any significant

pain relief, and I am paying for it now and probably the rest of my life. My

physical therapist is so overwhelmed with all that's wrong, he kinda hinted that

I may not be able to ever stand up straight again. The pain meds are helping me

to get moving again, when you are hurting, and have nothing to counteract that

pain, its hard to get up and do any of the most simplest of things.

 

george

 

The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity,

but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his. Thurber

________________________________

From: <wendy.tom@...>

spinal problems ;

" spinal problems "

<spinal problems >

Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 7:41:16 AM

Subject: Re: Newby here.

Dear Rhonda

Do not worry about addiction at this point. That is such a fallacy unfortunately

propagated by our Federal Government/ DEA and some physicians.

If you don't stop the pain cycle, than you cannot feel like moving around and

exercising or doing much at all.

The pain cycle can do a lot of things, restrict your breathing, your muscle

movement, you'll find your focusing on your pain all the time and cannot enjoy

simple things, like reading, watching tv or anything much.

Your PT is right- to improve you must knock out that pain.

So do not worry about addiction, your father does not understand and you need to

do what you need to do for yourself to move on and live life again.

Believe me, I have seen my fair share of people in pain. There is a reason for

pain meds and its for people in pain!

Not for people who just want to get high.

You want to get out of pain.

So does everyone who is on this online support group.

So be kind to yourself.

RN

Newby here.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:16 AM

I am new here. My name is Allie. I have severe spinal stenosis in the

L4-5, S1. I have had no surgery for it but I have been getting

epidurals. The last epidural caused more pain than I was in before the

shot. I am in severe pain constantly. I can't sleep nights -- only 2

hours at a time. I tire easily. I can't stand more than 2 minutes,

can't walk more than 50 feet without sitting and resting before

continuing. I can't keep up with my home or even cook a meal anymore. I

don't like to take pain meds. They may help with pain but certainly

don't help with getting back on track with my life.

I want to avoid the fusing surgery as long as I can. I realize the

people on this board can only tell about their own experiences but I

would like to know about your experiences and the procedures you've used

to reduce pain..

What about the fusing surgery? How much reduction of pain have you

received from that?

Has anyone had the Http? How did that work?

What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from them?

The inversion table. Does it help reduce the level of pain?

Has anyone, on this board, ever had the laser surgery that cleans out

debris in the spinal column? How was the experience and did it eliminate

or greatly reduce the pain? For how long?

Is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain and get a life again?

Thanks for your answers.

Allie

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/PnY6rw2USkLdL X40FRok4rOvV7A3R

nNTXrqmHVufNtJNa 3q36eEBv/

[Guest guest]

I hear you george... having pain that some people cannot even

comprehend, and trying to do the simplest of things, setting you

back down off your feet. But even doing what you are supposed to do

because the doctors whan to help you out... getting all the more

frustrated. Can ya tell i'm having a bad day? I sure don't feel

like singing or anything like that. I just want to---get my life

back, be who I used to be, do " some " of what i used to do, i have a

lot of life left in me yet and i want to live it.

Sue

>

> From: one-nice-lady@ juno.com <one-nice-lady@ juno.com>

> Subject: Newby here.

> spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

> Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:16 AM

>

> I am new here. My name is Allie. I have severe spinal stenosis in

the

> L4-5, S1. I have had no surgery for it but I have been getting

> epidurals. The last epidural caused more pain than I was in before

the

> shot. I am in severe pain constantly. I can't sleep nights -- only 2

> hours at a time. I tire easily. I can't stand more than 2 minutes,

> can't walk more than 50 feet without sitting and resting before

> continuing. I can't keep up with my home or even cook a meal

anymore. I

> don't like to take pain meds. They may help with pain but certainly

> don't help with getting back on track with my life.

>

> I want to avoid the fusing surgery as long as I can. I realize the

> people on this board can only tell about their own experiences but I

> would like to know about your experiences and the procedures you've

used

> to reduce pain..

>

> What about the fusing surgery? How much reduction of pain have you

> received from that?

> Has anyone had the Http? How did that work?

> What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from

them?

> The inversion table. Does it help reduce the level of pain?

> Has anyone, on this board, ever had the laser surgery that cleans

out

> debris in the spinal column? How was the experience and did it

eliminate

> or greatly reduce the pain? For how long?

> Is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain and get a life

again?

>

> Thanks for your answers.

> Allie

>

> ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

> Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit

your business.

> http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/PnY6rw2USkLdL

X40FRok4rOvV7A3R nNTXrqmHVufNtJNa 3q36eEBv/

>

>

[Guest guest]

Me too

I remember last fall of 07 in the office of my GP crying because the pain was so

bad, begging for something stronger than darvocet or ultram. He wouldnt do it,

instead he prescribed me cymbalta low dose (which has been good too) but it took

almost another 9 months of really suffering until my Physiatry group prescribed

the low dose percs and they have been very helpful for me now.

I wake up stiff and in pain every morning and I take just half a dose and it

really helps me get moving.

Some days its bad and I take a whole one and it lasts for a good 6-8 hours-

along with the 600mg ibuprofen, fish oil, glucosamine/chondrition I take every

day.

At least now when I have to go into the office I can and be able to stay all day

because I have pain relief.

Or go to a social outing with friends, or to a movie with my husband, etc..

I can tell my husband is so glad I have pain relief, it really takes a toll on a

spouse to see your other half suffering so much and feeling helpless to help.

I am planning to try the radiofrequency ablation to my SI joint after the

holidays (as I understand it can take about a week for the nerves to die and so

it can be painful) and Im willing to try other alternative things to help, but

if we suffers of pain need pain meds to try to live life than thank goodness we

have that option!

I do hope one day I can get back to my old self, but I see it is a long road

given the genetic spine problems I inherited from my father.

(another story).

thanks for the support .

Newby here.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:16 AM

I am new here. My name is Allie. I have severe spinal stenosis in the

L4-5, S1. I have had no surgery for it but I have been getting

epidurals. The last epidural caused more pain than I was in before the

shot. I am in severe pain constantly. I can't sleep nights -- only 2

hours at a time. I tire easily. I can't stand more than 2 minutes,

can't walk more than 50 feet without sitting and resting before

continuing. I can't keep up with my home or even cook a meal anymore. I

don't like to take pain meds. They may help with pain but certainly

don't help with getting back on track with my life.

I want to avoid the fusing surgery as long as I can. I realize the

people on this board can only tell about their own experiences but I

would like to know about your experiences and the procedures you've used

to reduce pain..

What about the fusing surgery? How much reduction of pain have you

received from that?

Has anyone had the Http? How did that work?

What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from them?

The inversion table. Does it help reduce the level of pain?

Has anyone, on this board, ever had the laser surgery that cleans out

debris in the spinal column? How was the experience and did it eliminate

or greatly reduce the pain? For how long?

Is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain and get a life again?

Thanks for your answers.

Allie

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/PnY6rw2USkLdL X40FRok4rOvV7A3R

nNTXrqmHVufNtJNa 3q36eEBv/

[Guest guest]

Yes when I went back to half doses of perc I noticed a big differencecwitjout

the dopiness. You mentioned ibuprofin which I was told not to take after a

fusion as it prevents the spine from fusing. Tylenol Is ok. Fir those ofviou who

smoke, smoking will also hamper the spine from fusing. Does anyone know if the

supplement Biotin is OK to take after fusion? Also if you are to undergo

surgery, make sure to take heed of all the drugs and supplements on the no-no

list. My mother knows someone who took the wrong thing and the blood filled her

brain and put her in a coma ultimately she died after a year in a coma. Read the

list carefully as it contains items you wouldn't expect like fish oil.

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 12, 2008, at 8:25 AM, " " <wendy.tom@...> wrote:

Me too

I remember last fall of 07 in the office of my GP crying because the pain was so

bad, begging for something stronger than darvocet or ultram. He wouldnt do it,

instead he prescribed me cymbalta low dose (which has been good too) but it took

almost another 9 months of really suffering until my Physiatry group prescribed

the low dose percs and they have been very helpful for me now.

I wake up stiff and in pain every morning and I take just half a dose and it

really helps me get moving.

Some days its bad and I take a whole one and it lasts for a good 6-8 hours-

along with the 600mg ibuprofen, fish oil, glucosamine/chondrition I take every

day.

At least now when I have to go into the office I can and be able to stay all day

because I have pain relief.

Or go to a social outing with friends, or to a movie with my husband, etc..

I can tell my husband is so glad I have pain relief, it really takes a toll on a

spouse to see your other half suffering so much and feeling helpless to help.

I am planning to try the radiofrequency ablation to my SI joint after the

holidays (as I understand it can take about a week for the nerves to die and so

it can be painful) and Im willing to try other alternative things to help, but

if we suffers of pain need pain meds to try to live life than thank goodness we

have that option!

I do hope one day I can get back to my old self, but I see it is a long road

given the genetic spine problems I inherited from my father.

(another story).

thanks for the support .

Newby here.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:16 AM

I am new here. My name is Allie. I have severe spinal stenosis in the

L4-5, S1. I have had no surgery for it but I have been getting

epidurals. The last epidural caused more pain than I was in before the

shot. I am in severe pain constantly. I can't sleep nights -- only 2

hours at a time. I tire easily. I can't stand more than 2 minutes,

can't walk more than 50 feet without sitting and resting before

continuing. I can't keep up with my home or even cook a meal anymore. I

don't like to take pain meds. They may help with pain but certainly

don't help with getting back on track with my life.

I want to avoid the fusing surgery as long as I can. I realize the

people on this board can only tell about their own experiences but I

would like to know about your experiences and the procedures you've used

to reduce pain..

What about the fusing surgery? How much reduction of pain have you

received from that?

Has anyone had the Http? How did that work?

What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from them?

The inversion table. Does it help reduce the level of pain?

Has anyone, on this board, ever had the laser surgery that cleans out

debris in the spinal column? How was the experience and did it eliminate

or greatly reduce the pain? For how long?

Is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain and get a life again?

Thanks for your answers.

Allie

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/PnY6rw2USkLdL X40FRok4rOvV7A3R

nNTXrqmHVufNtJNa 3q36eEBv/

[Guest guest]

Rhonda

thanks for the heads up, I actually have never had surgery (as of yet) who knows

down the road, but thank you for your information.

Newby here.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:16 AM

I am new here. My name is Allie. I have severe spinal stenosis in the

L4-5, S1. I have had no surgery for it but I have been getting

epidurals. The last epidural caused more pain than I was in before the

shot. I am in severe pain constantly. I can't sleep nights -- only 2

hours at a time. I tire easily. I can't stand more than 2 minutes,

can't walk more than 50 feet without sitting and resting before

continuing. I can't keep up with my home or even cook a meal anymore. I

don't like to take pain meds. They may help with pain but certainly

don't help with getting back on track with my life.

I want to avoid the fusing surgery as long as I can. I realize the

people on this board can only tell about their own experiences but I

would like to know about your experiences and the procedures you've used

to reduce pain..

What about the fusing surgery? How much reduction of pain have you

received from that?

Has anyone had the Http? How did that work?

What about epidurals? How long were you able to get relief from them?

The inversion table. Does it help reduce the level of pain?

Has anyone, on this board, ever had the laser surgery that cleans out

debris in the spinal column? How was the experience and did it eliminate

or greatly reduce the pain? For how long?

Is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain and get a life again?

Thanks for your answers.

Allie

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/PnY6rw2USkLdL X40FRok4rOvV7A3R

nNTXrqmHVufNtJNa 3q36eEBv/