Reply
Super Contributor
Posts: 340
Registered: ‎06-15-2015

I see a pain management specialist for a herniated and bulging discs. I have a plethora of medication and still have pain. The meds keep it from being excruciating but daily pain takes a toll on your mental health. I  have recently started Cymbalta and I almost have three weeks in. I think it's helping some. I am almost 59 and I often wonder is this what I have to look forward to for the next 20 years. For those that live with daily pain, how do you keep your spirits up? I live alone and have only a sister left in my immediate family. I saved diligently for retirement and now I really can't enjoy it. I am just asking what gives you enjoyment even though you are in pain.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,809
Registered: ‎12-24-2010

My hairdresser in her late 40's - went and had lower back surgery and was back very soon - no pain and back to standing all day.  She said she'd go through it in a wink of eye..........made life normal again.

Just a suggestion - IF your condition warrants something like this..

Honored Contributor
Posts: 28,707
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Has anyone suggested surgery for this condition. 18 years ago my hubby had same thing, had outpatient surgery, called Microdiscectomy and he was back to his old self 10 days later, no more suffering. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 35,597
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

I was suicidal for about five months until I had surgery. I finally had to go to a mental health place and get help dealing with it. I live alone, too. TG the surgery gave me relief but I know what it's like to live with pain day in and day out. It's exhausting and causes depression. 

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,465
Registered: ‎03-27-2010

@texassunflower Sorry to hear you are having pain issues - not fun at all.

 

My husband has had numerous spine surgeries, still has some rods/screws left in there so he has good/bad days but tries to enjoy what he can.  He has some days where he can't get comfortable sitting or standing but other days he can enjoy as much as possible almost back to normal.  He does get some benefit from massage/chiropractor treatment & smoking pot in the garage.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 69,382
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@texassunflower    We've conversed before and have almost identical situations, right down to the single sister.  I've tried every treatment in the book and every medication suggested and get no relief.  I'm older than you and can only stand about 5 minutes at the most.  Surgery for me is not an option.  I've been treated by 2 pain management specialists. 

 

Thank God for grocery pick up and Amazon.  Do you have a mobility scooter?  That gives you a lot more freedom and independence, allows you to participate in things you otherwise would have to skip.  I walk my 2 dogs around the neighborhood on mine.  Take advantage of the wheelchair service offered by the airlines and travel some.  Southwest Airlines has been wonderful to me.  If you have a scooter, you can take it with you.  I rented a scooter for a cruise.  I'm okay as long as I'm sitting.

 

My biggest problems are doing house cleaning and yard work.  When you live on a fixed income, you don't have money to pay people to do everything for you.  I get it done but very slowly. 

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,672
Registered: ‎05-13-2010

@texassunflower   I had the same pain from hern'd disc lumbar 3-4. Literally hunched over out of bed. The only way I could stand erect was after a hot shower which I did everyday anyway.

 

Had xrays & MRI done, headed to surgery, had a fabulous Dr/team who made everything back to normal. That was Feb 1996 - no pain since.

 

You really need to request y our Dr get xrays and MRI scheduled as well hook you up with the right team and have surgery done. Then get off the drugs. 

 

Maybe better still, sounds like all your Dr is doing is writing 'scripts for you. Pain killers is not your answer. Take yourselft to see someone who will do the right things for you. I say this with your best intentions in mind, please know this. You do not need to suffer.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 39,554
Registered: ‎08-23-2010

@texassunflower wrote:

I see a pain management specialist for a herniated and bulging discs. I have a plethora of medication and still have pain. The meds keep it from being excruciating but daily pain takes a toll on your mental health. I  have recently started Cymbalta and I almost have three weeks in. I think it's helping some. I am almost 59 and I often wonder is this what I have to look forward to for the next 20 years. For those that live with daily pain, how do you keep your spirits up? I live alone and have only a sister left in my immediate family. I saved diligently for retirement and now I really can't enjoy it. I am just asking what gives you enjoyment even though you are in pain.


 

@texassunflower 

 

I have just posted this response on another thread here about pain, but won't send you looking for it.  (could be Arthritis Pain, I think)

 

I had back pain among other things, and my Rheumatologist sent me for a spinal epidural.  Pain relief lasted about 6 months (sheer heaven!) and then I needed another epidural.  Over time, they had a cumulative effect.

 

Over a period of about 3 years I had 5 epidurals, and my back pain is now routinely managed with aspirin.   I also deal with RA and that's a whole other story, but my back pain was relieved, and that was HUGE for me. 

 

One more thing .... ask if it's possible you might get relief from a Teeter-type apparatus that gently tips you upside down to varying degrees and suddenly you have no pressure at all on your discs.  A friend uses one for 5 minutes twice a day and says it has saved his life.  Just a thought to consider.

 

HTH

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,798
Registered: ‎07-24-2013

get a 2nd or third opinion.    i've had a C-spine fusion, 2 L-spine surgeries and most recently a THR.    after my needed lumbar('09, '17) and neck surgeries('19) i developed chronic, debilitating  pain for 6 years. 

 

My primary was clueless and the neuros did not know what was going on with me. they kept throwing opiates at me.

 

February 2020 i fell outside on the steps and had an xray.  The xray showed a severely arthritic hip.  had the THR in Sept 2020. BEST surgery ever!  i can't believe i went so long with this pain thinking it was my spine. all the neuros said it was new issues with my spine.  in July 2020 i saw an Orthopedic surgeon and 2 months later he performed a miracle.  the pain is gone!  no longer need to use my canes, my rollator, and no longer need to fight over a mobility scooter at WM.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,354
Registered: ‎11-24-2011

@colleena wrote:

@texassunflower Sorry to hear you are having pain issues - not fun at all.

 

My husband has had numerous spine surgeries, still has some rods/screws left in there so he has good/bad days but tries to enjoy what he can.  He has some days where he can't get comfortable sitting or standing but other days he can enjoy as much as possible almost back to normal.  He does get some benefit from massage/chiropractor treatment & smoking pot in the garage.


@colleena 

 

Your last line cracked me up. Almost spit my diet coke out. Still chuckling.