Progress took a turn for the worse little over a week ago for reasons unknown. Couldn't do the easiest stretches or exercises. Then yesterday couldn't tolerate the TENS which I normally live for. I was able to get a same day appointment with my doctor and a referral for an MRI. Finally got some better drugs that reduces the pain from excruciating/unbearable to hurts real bad. Pharmacists said drugs would knock me out - not a chance and stayed awake half the night.

Dirt

Dirt - do you mind me asking - what's the prognosis? You can't be expected to live with this pain.

Not at all. Until the MRI no idea.

Dirt

Dang it Dirt, hope you find relief soon and more importantly what is causing all your pain. Thanks for the update.

I'm so glad someone finally agreed to order an MRI and so sorry you've had to suffer a setback to get it done.

Echoing, Aunt Honey...you've GOT to have a definitive diagnosis to get appropriate treatment. Being forced to live on pain meds to get by is not the answer (although thank God they're available when needed).

Good luck, Dirt...and let us know when you know, okay?

OB

The pain medication my doctor prescribed isn't coming close to any relief (see first post). Called doctor this morning, passed on pharmacist comments to which doctor dismissed with the reply that all people are different. Then proceeded to tell me she wasn't going to give me anything stronger and if I wanted I could go to the ER. Asked what the difference was between her and the ER and she replied they could give drugs she couldn't, wanted to reply I wasn't looking for a morphine drip. The parting discussion was me stating that what she was saying is I should just "suck it up"! Wasn't well received. So in addition to being in pain, I'm pissed off!

Dirt

Sounds like maybe you should get another doctor's opinion...when is your MRI scheduled? Soon I hope!

Dirt I really feel for you. I have a similar resistence to pain meds. I have never taken anything that stops the headache pain. One doctor told DH he would have to carry me in & put me to bed because the meds would put me out before we got home. We got home, I put the girls to bed & proceeded to stay up half the night & the pain was almost blinding. I do hope you find some relief from the pain. My neck hurts most days but not always to the point that I can't function.
I will be praying for healing for you.

Sounds like the only thing your Dr. said that made sense was that meds work differently on different people. I usually can get enough relief from pain and keep going on meds that put my wife in bed for two days. Methinks I'd start looking for another Dr. (Insurance allowing of course). Hope the MRI shows what the problem is and you can get some relief.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, that you can get some relief, and they can find out what it is and fix it!

--J--

Diagnosis: bulging disc. Referral working its way thru the system. Hopefully as fast as the MRI. Doctor called with the news and my reply was that's why I was complaining about the pain and wanting stronger pain meds. Said she'd have a new script ready tomorrow. She wouldn't comment what for.

Dirt

Wow - no wonder you're in so much pain. How do they fix it?

I'm glad you've finally gotten an answer and you should start talking to yourself now about the fact that this will more than likely mean surgery. I've had 2 friends in the past few years who've had anterior diskectomies for the same thing. Both said that no amount of pain meds ever gave them relief. BUT, when they woke up from surgery the pain was gone. Not 'better', just gone.

And *please* don't put it off if that's what they recommend. A little trauma with this kind of condition could be catastrophic.

I hope that heifer MD you've been seeing is dutifully chagrined at her previous refusal to offer you a med of substance that would at least have allowed you some sleep when your pain was at it's worst.

OB

Dirt,

OB is right--don't wait, and be sure to follow instructions carefully. My oldest ds has been dealing with back issues related to degenerative disc disorder since he was 16, and it's nothing to mess around with. 12 years later he's relatively pain free and mostly comfortable.

Dirt--I've got a friend that just had his 4th disc replacement/rebuild (inherited problem)--he stayed in pain for over a year with the first one, came out of surgery free from pain and when it reoccurs he schedules it asap!! Two or three days in hospital and some GOOD meds and you're back on the way to being good.