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Degenerative disc disease treatment

Posted , 11 users are following.

nannycoop
nannycoop

Hi I've just got back from seeing a spinal surgeon to discuss my MRI scan. It shows 3 degenerated discs and one slightly bulging disc. But because the excruciating pain only goes to my knees he won't operate. I've got a 6mth open appointment . In the meantime he wants me to take amytriptaline at night and Gabapentin or preglabin /pain clinic injections sorry for the spelling!!!. Even though I explained my low tolerance to these meds I've tried alsorts over the30 odd years of back problems!!!! Please can anyone tell me how they have got on with these meds. Side effects weight gain success rates etc. . Any help or advice would be much appreciated thanks for reading xxx

0 likes, 21 replies

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  • marshall71
    marshall71 nannycoop

    Posted

    Amitriptyline has been a great drug for me I started last May on 10mg then up too 30mg per night works well I always take it around the same time every night 8pm still get a slight hangover effect the next morning had weight gain plus nightmares and ear ringing which has got worse over time takes 4-6 weeks to get full effect from it
  • angie42070
    angie42070 nannycoop

    Posted

    Hi I have two degenerative discs that both have bulging discs and irritating two lots of nerves L5 and S1. I've had 5 years of steroid injections and epidurals. They did give pain relief but not for long. I have been on Gabapentin for 7 months but was swapped to Prebablin last week. Both of these medications are for neuropathic pain, so really only help with nerve pain. However for me it's not helping. My sciatic pain goes into my left foot and has caused neurological problems. After 7 years my spinal surgeon has now agreed that fusion surgery is needed. But I am aware that it is only recommended for 2 levels in terms of improving life. Three or more causes severe restrictions.

    Have you tried any Pilates or yoga? I enjoy swimming as feel weightless and although in pain, it's lovely to be exercising.

    I've not gained any weight with Gabapentin and it's too early for Pregablin. I have also dropped my calorie intake due to not exercising as I was before. I've not used Amitryptiline for pain to be honest so can't help on that.

    • nannycoop
      nannycoop angie42070

      Posted

      Thanks for this. Looking at my scan my three discs just show up ad thin black lines!!!. The bulging one is very low in my back. I think I just wanted him to say yes we will do this and that will sort it. Ever the optimist lol. I was left 4 yts before my disc was operated on last time!!! Thethought a of this dragging on is awful. I have a job I love 3 small grandson's and its affecting everything I do wether awake or asleep! Sorry to whinge lol xx
    • angie42070
      angie42070 nannycoop

      Posted

      Hi don't say you are whinging. Chronic back pain is tough and dealing with the pain, restrictions and long gaps with orthopaedic follow ups, is not easy. 

      I have two almost grow up children and a full time job as a nurse. I'm desperate after 7 years to have an operation to help. I've never been offered a disectomy, as was put onto regular epidurals. 

      I'm feeling frustrated too, it affects every part of our lives. Hope the medication is helping and your consultant will consider your opinion on want you feel will help next xx

  • laura49003
    laura49003 nannycoop

    Posted

    Dear nanny coop 

    you aren't whinging just sharing your feelings and frustrations of the misery of back pain. 

    I had 2 discs degenerating and 1 prolapsed disc pressing on the sciatic nerve worst pain of my life. Gabapentin, tramadol, diazapam and amatryptiline and 2 operations in 11 months and most recent of the 2 a spinal fusion at 2 levels i am now only taking amytriptiline to help relax and sleep as my back muscles are tight as i don't start physio until next week. I found gabapentin/pregablin great for my nerve pain and tramadol a very potent drug which left me feeling out of it but was needed as my discs had massive inflammation which brought on stabbing pains. I didn't notice weight gain only slight but that was from lack of exercise as even walking hurt. Im absolutely pain free now since my spinal fusion i did have an SI joint injection nearly 3 weeks ago as i had some pain but fingers crossed doing well.

    i hope you get to the bottom of this with your consultant i believe when chronic pain affects your life when it becomes disabling in my case you need intervention with surgery. Every case is different i wish you well soon x 

  • keith94082
    keith94082 nannycoop

    Posted

    I have. Progablin 300mg twice a day nortripline 125mg at night twice a day slow release 30mg oxcontyn. Quick release morphine and coding when required. I had urgent surgery I had complete compression of the lower nerves and spine. Which could have been avoid. I now have a colostomy and urstomy stomas mobility issues still have the same back p.ain but worse and numbness in both legs and middle bottom and willy. I have had my bladder removed separate as it went septic and 2 big hernia operation I have a 12 inch scare up the middle. 6 major operation I have established Cauda equine syndrome. I sued and won.they gamble all the time they hate touching backs.
    • nannycoop
      nannycoop keith94082

      Posted

      Hi thank you for taking time to get back to me. I'm so sorry to hear you are so poorly. I am keeping an eye on things and first sign of any changes I am straight back with the open appointment I have. Take care and I wish you well x
  • tara95293
    tara95293 nannycoop

    Posted

    Hi

    I also have 3 degenerative discs, the surgeon said that some people have this & don't even know about it. I find this hard to believe, I have been in 24/7 pain pretty much for the last 18 months. The amitryptaline does help me sleep @ night & I have no side effects. It took a while tho for them to kick in, I thought they were doing no good to start with. Gaberpentin I felt a bit dizzy on but generally rate them to take a bit of the edge off. I think the weight gain has purely been that I can barely leave my 4 walls, so understandable I have put some weight on. Best thing for me so far was an epidural. First one I was awake, it didn't work at all. Second time different hospital, different surgeon. I was put out & it has definitely made a difference. Sorry to waffle but you don't tend to find much info on DDD I have found. Good luck.

    • keith94082
      keith94082 tara95293

      Posted

      I use progablin they are stronger then gabelin e. I was I pain but carried on for 2 years. Before urgent action took place.
    • tara95293
      tara95293 keith94082

      Posted

      I have l3,4,5 DDD. The surgeon has said that the only thing to do is to fuse them, but because there are 3 then it can't be done. It's only possible with 2. The reason he have was that it would just be solid and I would have no movement. So basically it's just putting u with and managing the pain where possible.
  • marshall71
    marshall71 nannycoop

    Posted

    I have this DDD plus Si joint pain had MRI scan came back with longstanding problem the specialist have told me I won't have a op was discarded by him I'm left with total numbness in my feet toes and legs my hands are also starting to go numb only treatment I've had is phyiso and hydro which was a waste of my time did nothing had a steroid injection in my wrist but the pain is back I take amtriptyline and tramadol been let down by the NHS lost all faith in them
    • sandie-pants
      sandie-pants marshall71

      Posted

      Hi

      After reading through the comments. I was on tramadol and amytriptaline - my doctor took me off them due to some breathing issues that can occur, just check with your doctor and the amounts you're on

      Best regards

    • Amos2015
      Amos2015 sandie-pants

      Posted

      Ive had some reaction to the pills im on i think, i woke the other morning gasping for breath. I could breath in but not out. Frightening i took a drop of water before i could let the breath out. 

      Ive booked appointment with doctor to see if its the pills. So without pills the pain in the neck and lower back is back with a vengance.

      I was on Tramadol 6 - 50mg and 50mg sarotex with 6 - 1g Paracet.

       

    • sandie-pants
      sandie-pants Amos2015

      Posted

      I got told that i couldn't take tramadol and amytriptaline because of some sort of breathing problem - i just saw your post and thought I'd better say - it me be in higher doses than i was on but I've been given dihydrocodeine instead. My pain is still always there and if i try any kind of moderate walking i end up in absolut agony - i just want to be sored like so many others 😊
    • Amos2015
      Amos2015 sandie-pants

      Posted

      I have to take my amos out for his walk, only a mile but that takes an hour plus. I am fed up with the pain, I stop on the way to the field and stop on way back. I know its not his fault but everytime he pulls on lead i scream out in pain. So im happy as he is when i take him off his lead and hes off running and playing. Me i normally collapse in big heap and rest before the walk back.

      Thats my day, im in to much pain and tired to do anything else. Got my appointment to see doctor next week. So i hope he has a miracle pill. 

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