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carers support and understanding.

Posted , 4 users are following.

purplejane
purplejane

HI there ,

Ive just discovered this site and its been a huge relief to read of others stories re disc prolapses and sciatic problems. Somehow it makes my own story have more validity and I feel like "thank god" someone knows what its like at last ! People in general have absolutely no idea just how dibilitating this condition is, nor do they realise the impact it has on loved ones trying to support and care for the sufferer.

My story is im caring for my husband who has been diagnosed with 2 prolapsed discs in his back L4&L5 , its happened as the result of a work injury and hes been sick for the last 5 months.

Ive witnessed this big strong man cry and writhe around in agony from the pain , hes aged about 20 years in the last few months . Finally after months of waiting hes had an MRI , initially he was treated vis his GP with the usual NSAIDS and painkillers, there hasnt been much relief and he isnt a great deal better to be honest.  After extensive physiotherapy ( which has made no difference whatsoever, apart from a slight relief following some traction for about an hour afterwards ! ), we are ow at the stage of discussing the next treatment plan. 

Im here to read of other peoples experience as its looking very likely hes going to need the surgery to correct  the prolapses , and theres also been some nerve damage and bone wearing .

I guess my purpose for posting is really looking for some support , its been very stressful caring for him  and having to do everything around the place for months now. Im tired , worried and feel angry for him that hes had to go thru this for such a long time.  To see someone you love in such pain is heartbreaking and I feel so so helpless. All I can do is what I am doing but I tell you its taking its toll. Thank god for here , and for me to be able to actually read stories of positive outcomes. In comparison to others here its been a relatively short time , but that doesnt help in the grand scheme of things for us here !

I remain as positive as I can be and hope he gets  some positive  treatment  soon.

We are due to see the Physio tomorrow to discuss treatment options ,  Im hoping its going to be a good outcome and we know more.  In the meantime im going to keep reading and find some solace in this site and the support it gives to carers like me who dont quite know what to do but what we're doing at the moment if that makes sense!

THanks.

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • lorraine57453
    lorraine57453 purplejane

    Posted

    Hi jane, 

    I can totally sympathise with yiu and of course your husband,  I've had a bulging disc for two years and a prolapsled disc which was operated on last sat, I have no leg pain and so far so good, the pain is horrific I was on morphine everyday for 6 weeks there which is horrific itself. When are they looking at doing surgery? Is it a discectomy or disc fusion also? No one understands the pain unless they have experienced it I also have aged a lot and have pain lines or so I feel! I hope he gets the answers you need x

    • purplejane
      purplejane lorraine57453

      Posted

      HI Lorraine ,

      Bless your heart for the reply and im really glad to know  that following your own surgery so far so good. We actually go to see whats next tomorrow , tues 15th) Ill keep  ya posted , in the meantime blessings for a speedy recovery and I hope all goes well for you too. Thanks for taking the time to reply ,  keep smiling ! its good for the lines !!!

    • lorraine57453
      lorraine57453 purplejane

      Posted

      Yes everything going well I have a corset on for 3 weeks can't drive for 6 but pain no where near what it was like x
  • grahammolyneux
    grahammolyneux purplejane

    Posted

    Hi there, 

    I've had back trouble most of my adult life and have been that person lying on the floor in so much pain that I couldn't even move a finger.

    my back was pretty much sorted by a very good old school osteopath who learned his trade in Japan. He did a fantastic job and unfortunately he is no longer with us.

    last year I fell and damaged three discs in my neck and I'm now back at the beginning but without a my osteopath.

    Luckily in my relationship we have both had reason to look after each other so we know how one another feels in debilitating situations.

    I'm sure that your husband will find a cure or at least something that relieves the pain, have you considered Acupuncture it's not for everyone and didn't work for me but it can and does work well for some people.

    best of luck and please update us 

    • purplejane
      purplejane grahammolyneux

      Posted

      Hi Graham

      Many thanks for your reply. We are due to see physio today to discuss the next treatment options. I have had some acupuncture myself ( I have RA and some back problems too) 

       I shall keep you posted thanks once again for taking the time to support and reply. It means a lot to know support is out there.

       Best wishes for your own recovery too.

      Take care. Keep smiling ! 

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