May end up in hospital (slipped disk again, getting worse, #52)

[Kirsten]

May be the only way to go mate.
But you have to sort out what's going to benefit you pain wise in the long run. Meds or surgery. Not an easy decision I know, especially where your back is concerned.

Right, but I've just spoken to my physiotherapist and showed him the x-ray shot. He seriously doubts that surgery can be avoided, and at this point, the pain is too bad to even consider physiotherapy, so he hasn't done anything today, it was just not possible. We agreed to give it another try in case the injection tomorrow will bring some relief. If not, I think I'd prefer to have surgery as soon as possible!

Kirsten

[wombat2u2004]

Right, but I've just spoken to my physiotherapist and showed him the x-ray shot. He seriously doubts that surgery can be avoided, and at this point, the pain is too bad to even consider physiotherapy, so he hasn't done anything today, it was just not possible. We agreed to give it another try in case the injection tomorrow will bring some relief. If not, I think I'd prefer to have surgery as soon as possible!

Kirsten

Yes, back pain can be terrible, it sort of never goes away.
Well I hope that you can get something done about it soon, the sooner the better

[Kirsten]

Well, I had that pain med injection yesterday, right between my vertebras, done under radiation, but I was told it takes at least two days until there's an effect. BTW, the doctor, a pain therapist, recommended NOT to have survery, especially since I already had one. He got kind of mad at those who have told me that the hernia may be too pogressed to be treated with physiotherapy (like my physiotherapist, the radiologist who made the CT shots, and the orthopedist I saw). Now I'm really confused.

Another bad thing, this morning I noticed a huge swelling in that area where I got that injection, it has the size of an egg! Just called at the doctor's office to ask if this was normal, but obviously it isn't because they told me to show it to the doctor. Will go there later this morning.

Geez, all this is getting really frustrating!!

Kirsten

Edit: I saw the doctor meanwhile, luckily it's just a hematoma!

[Anikaca77]

My prays are with you, I know how difficult back pain can be. I have slipped disc that luckly hasn't moved so hopefully it won't move any further and I'll be ok for the rest of my life without back surgery. It scares me so bad. I also have degenerative disc disease so that doesn't help things either but I just had an injection I'm thinking it was the last week in Feb. and I noticed no relief at all. They told me he would try another one and see what happens. I've been trying to respect my back and rest but it's hard when I have to sit in a chair for about 8 hours (I'm a secretary) but hopefully this next shot will help.

I wish you luck and I hope the injection helps.
Melissa

[Kirsten]

I'm sorry the injection didn't help you, Melissa, I hope the next one will!

I was also working as a secretary, but I could never sit on a chair for 8 hours right now. Even half an hour is painful!! Keeping my fingers crossed that your disc won't move!!

Kirsten

[Marigold2]

I am so sorry for all the pain you are going through. I understand you are getting different opinions from different specialists. Why?
Well surgeons always want to operate, that is what they do.
Physical therapists do therapy and believe in that form of treatment.
Pain managements doctors follow the theory of blocking pain.
They all think their speciality are the best, that is why they choose that field. It is up to the patient (this is the difficult part) to read and educate themselves on what is the best for them. Dr's are after all sales people selling their brand of treatment and medicine, that is a after all how they make their living.
I too have a lot of back problems, pinched nerve, bone spurs, arthritis and went to different specialists. What helped me the most was physical therapy, what helped the least was a Chiropractor, he was a total sham artist and quack. My neighbor and friend is a retired Othropedic Surgeon and he gave me a lot of facts, the Chiropractor lied through his teeth, I am so mad I spent money on him, my back never got better till I went to PT and strenghtened the muscles in my neck and back. It's on going, I have pain often and have to be careful not to over do. But if I keep doing my PT I have a normal life and can do almost anything. No bungy jumping or real heavy lifting but otherwise I am good and I am wishing and hoping you will be as well.
My husbend and I love your pictures so much talent.
Most of all we just want you to be well and free of pain.

[Kirsten]

Yes, you're probably right about that. Well, I tried pain medication and physiotherapy now, but as it seems, the effect of the injection is already fading. I'm in pain again, sciatic pain primarily, and I'm getting weird sensations in my left leg now. I'm pretty sure I'll be ending up in hospital sooner or later! I only hope I won't be gone on April 22, Luna's 10th birthday! I want to be with my girl on her special day!!

[Anikaca77]

I'm so sorry to hear your pain is worse. I know how frustrating back pain can be. My knees have been starting to bother me now. I will say a big pray for you. Melissa

[Kirsten]

Thanks, Melissa! I saw in your thread that you also have a lot of things to deal with at the moment. (((HUGS))) I'm sorry that I don't post much these days.

The nerve pain is getting almost unbearable now, and I just packed a bag for the hospital, just to be prepared. My feeling is that there's not much time left; besides, I just don't WANT to bear this pain, I'm almost helpless here at home! I just want this to be over, and now I almost hope I will soon have surgery!! And I want to be back home with Luna on her birthday!!!

Kirsten

[pomtzu]

Kirsten - I had similar back surgery about 10 years ago - and it went relatively easy. I had fragments that had broken off the vertebrae and were pressing on nerves, causing a lot of pain, and then numbness in my leg and foot. All the pain killers in the world won't get rid of it, and the only permanent solution is to have the fragments removed. I don't wish surgery on anyone, but getting injections is just putting a band-aid on something that won't get better without surgical intervention.
I hope your doctors soon do something to help you. There's not much that is more miserable than back pain or a toothache!
Good luck - and keep us posted.

[Kirsten]

Yes, I also think it's better to remove the cause, but these days, doctors here are reluctant when it comes to spine surgeries, that's why I was told to try alternative treatments first. They said that 90% of all disc hernias are treated without surgery. But my personal feeling is that I'm beyond the state where physiotherapy helps.

I had a back surgery in 2004 after my first herniated disc had been diagnosed, and it wasn't as bad as expected. In fact, I felt much better after that, and was immediately painfree. The bad thing is that they keep you in hospital for a long time here in Germany, in (2004, I stayed for 10 days), and after that, they usually send you to rehab for three or four weeks. In 2004, I could avoid that, but I don't think it will work this time, because the health insurance has already called and suggested rehab as soon as they heard that I have a herniacted disc. I hope I can do that in a day clinic, I don't want to leave my girls that long!

[Catty1]

Kirsten - what about that group of women you mentioned who are cat people? Did you ever contact them?

Are there volunteer organizations where you are? I am sure there is a cat lover or two who are members who would give your girls loving care.

I can't see rehab being totally in the hospital...it would cost the health system way more!