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Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,720
Registered: ‎10-01-2013

@texassunflower, I am really sorry that you are dealing with so much pain and are unable to find relief. Chronic pain is hard for most people to understand.  

I wonder if a pain mangement clinic could help you. I know the prescribing of stonger pain meds is avoided at all costs, but they have many other modalities of treatment.

You do not need to come back on this thread to respond. I'm sure you are reading the responses and appreciate the advice being offered. 

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

I have read everyone's responses and appreciate everyone that responded. I am mobile and can come and go. I just can't run around all day like some people older than me. I have alot of nerve pain so anything hot on my back is out. I do much better with ice. I have not consulted a neurosurgeon but it may be time.

Cauterizing the nerves has been discussed but insurance refused the area where I have the most burning pain. I had one epidural that increased my pain and haven't had another one. I am deathly afraid of anything that might increase the pain. I am depressed about the situation. I am sure that's why she put me on Cymbalta. 

Pain is very isolating and people who haven't experienced chronic pain have no idea how difficult life can be. I see pain management again June 15 and will discuss options. I do feel like they are trying to help me with my pain.

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

@Kachina624  June 6 was my mother's birthday. She has been gone almost 3 years now. It has been a tough couple of days for me. I have responded to everyone's suggestions now.

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

Just an FYI, my DH's surgeon was not a neurosurgeon, but a spine specialist. 

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

@Derwin28 Welcome to the forums. I will admit I tend to isolate when I am in pain. I stay active on a couple of forums and text friends when I see them online. I visit with my sister every day. I don't see friends in person because most are married and busy with families.

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

I responded to everyone individually. I am not sure why all my responses have been placed at the end of this thread. The different things that I have tried are physical therapy twice, ice is better for me than heat, epidural that increased pain, pain medication, gabapentin for nerve pain, back cushion for correct posture, and elongated body pillow so I do not roll over on my back while sleeping. 

I can walk better than I can sit. Sitting for any length of time is excruciating. I literally sit on my foot with an ice pack to eat or watch TV. I can't sit on my tailbone for any length of time. It feels like someone is holding a lit match to my spine. I have tried the cushion with the tailbone area cut out. For some reason, it didn't work for me. I really appreciate everyone's replies and suggestions.