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I feel like my life is over

Posted , 5 users are following.

victoria5757
victoria5757

Hi, I'm new here and feel at rock bottom.

I hurt my back 8 months ago. I had an MRI and was diagnosed with a small postereolateral disc hernia L5/S1 with nerve root involvement. The pain at first was down my right side, hip extending to my foot. I have tried an osteopath, intraforminal injections, amitryptiline, pre-gablin, gabapentin, co-codamol, diazepam, naproxen (not all at the same time!). My pain did settle to a manageable level for a couple of months. A couple of weeks ago I felt sudden pain in the centre of my back, the back pain settled slightly but I'm now left with searing down both my legs. I can't stand for more than 5 minutes at a time. I've been referred for facet joint injections, and to a neurosurgeon but I know it is going to take months for this to happen.

I'm 31 years old with a 3 and 5 year old who I really struggle to look after properly and safely. My husband is self employed so has to work long hours to support our family.

I can't see a way out of this situation. So fed up of the pain. Any ideas?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • frank24438
    frank24438 victoria5757

    Posted

    Hello Victoria.you may have a trapped nerve, traction treatment may help to free this. I was concerned at some of the medication prescribed you listed, diazepam is very addictive, Tramadol with Oral Morf would be good, short term in order to lower the pain and let your bunched up muscles relax where the pain is.  Though relaxing when two youngsters are active is hard but you will find a lot of sympathy for you as we have been there Victoria, wish you all the best.
  • dianne91970
    dianne91970 victoria5757

    Posted

    Hi Victoria, I am so very sorry to hear about your suffering. I know exactly how bad the pain is. Go back to your doctor and tell him/her in she strongest possible terms just how bad it is. Remind him you have small energetic children to care for and that your husband is self-employed get him to make the referral URGENT. I have found a combination of gabapentin and tramadol the most helpful taken together plus amytriptiline last thing to get me through the night. Ask if there is any help available with household tasks. Anything that will help you cope. Keep in touch. Thinking of you. D
  • marshall71
    marshall71 victoria5757

    Posted

    Welcome

    May I ask are you still with the specialist ? Have you seen one ? If you can't get any joy from your GP write to your local MP

  • frank24438
    frank24438 victoria5757

    Posted

    Hello again just to say Dianne's  advice is great, lets know how you get on, best wishes.
  • alpine
    alpine victoria5757

    Posted

    Hello Victoria

    If you have pain down both legs it could be sciatica. I got rid of it by going to hot yoga. At present my biggest problem is in my right knee and I guess I (k)need surgery (excuse the pun). At present I go to aquafit classes, it doesn't hurt like walking or cycling. My physiotherapist encourages me to keep moving and not sit around too much. He says too many pain killers are bad for the liver, I'm sure he is right. Have you tried spinal decompression ? Trust you health will improve, remember don't give up. 

  • jonathan_92356
    jonathan_92356 victoria5757

    Posted

    Had the very same problem off and on for 4 years I have had steroid injections which did work but due to the nature of my work I'm back to where I started 😢

    i had a nerve root block last November which has failed to sort the problem out.

    Now on a course of Gabapentin 3 weeks in waiting for it to kick in just have to keep as mobile as you can.

    Its so frustrating I'm off work yet again looking at being medically retired or let go on the grounds of unsatisfactory performance.Keep your mind strong try not to let it drag you down!!!

    looks like you have had all the drugs that I have tried I'm no further forward trying to get an appointment with a neurologist.

    Stay strong!! Never give up

     

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