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Degenerating Disk In Lower Back

Posted , 4 users are following.

ClaireR080613
ClaireR080613

After 6 years (yes I know, 6 years!!) I was finally sent for an MRI scan 2 weeks ago and had the results a little over a week ago. The results showed that one of the disks in my spine has degenerated quite rapidly and even though I am 24 years old (and a month!!) I have a back of a 50+ year old. I have been telling my Dr and numerous physio's for the past few years that some of the pain has felt like it has been in my spine not in my muscles but I was given the same speach that it may feel like that but it jus tmy nerve system over reacting to the constant pain that I have been in. 

It started 6 years ago when I bent over to tie my trainers befer heading to uni and I tore muscle at the base of my back (or so the Dr said I had) and over the past few years the pain has come and gone and now is apparent 8% of the time. As you can imagine this can have an effect on everything in life from working, shopping and driving, to sleeping, walking and general day to day activities round the home. 

After being finally diagnosed correctly and not just being fobbed off with the usual "it's your muscles blah blah blah" I feel more low than ever. Not only do I have PCOS (problems with my ovaries) but now a serious condition with my back. Has anyone been through similar, or have the same diagnosis?

x

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • khi
    khi ClaireR080613

    Posted

    Hi Claire, That all sounds just awful and you have my full sympathies.  I wish I had some great advice for you but so far they haven't been able to help my husband but that doesn't mean you will be the same.  We are at the point now where I think we should ask for a second opinion, our Doctor has been fab but we are just not getting anywhere.  I am hoping that my husband is suitable for a spinal cord stimulator.  We went through the Best Doctors scheme which we got through work but you might be able to access this service privately.  They collect all your records and refer them to their specialist, our report came from America.  Good luck and hope you find some relief soon.
  • ClaireR080613
    ClaireR080613

    Posted

    HI Khi

    I am going to see another Dr next week about another condition that I have and conceiving naturally, while I am there I am going to ask her her opinion about my back. I wish we could go private but we just can't afford it. 

    Thanks x x

  • khi
    khi ClaireR080613

    Posted

    Good luck Claire, I hope you receive good news.  Take care x
  • jenny65761
    jenny65761 ClaireR080613

    Posted

    Well congrats on getting a diagnosis. It took me ages to get one for my lower back (and i'm still to get one for other discs). It can feel like you get stuck in a loop, my own GP admitted she thought MSK care was bitty.... i get treated for an individual symptom and flare up but noone appears to look at the length of time it goes on?
  • ClaireR080613
    ClaireR080613

    Posted

    I hope you get a disgnosis, in the end I just wanted them to tell me what was wrong as I had had enough of not knowing, 

    Khi, it was a reqally good appointment for once. She is sending me for another ultrasound, having bloods done to check kmy hormones and out me on folic acid. She has also said that if nothing comes about by this time nect year then we shall start more tests.

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure ClaireR080613

    Posted

    Hi..

    I think the doctor should be asked if therapy or anything further can be done to help minimize the pain. Blood tests may help. Other treatments include PT.. Injections.. Ultrasound and more.

    PT Has helped my scoliosis, degenerative arthritis disease and spondylitis .

    I also have 2 discs in my lower back fused. I am 65 years old with the back of a 80 year old . Two hip implants and degenerative disc disease in my neck & spine.

    PT has been a life safer.. Swimming PT is easier on the joints. The whole point of PT is learning how to build up the core muscles and tendons in the back to better support the spine .

    In my experience learning how to move without injury has given me better mobility.

    Ask UR doc for PT ..it's certainly worth a shot. It has really helped me.

    Peace, Luv & Laughter

    Hope

    • ClaireR080613
      ClaireR080613 hope4cure

      Posted

      Hi Hope,

      I am due my next physio session on the 31st July, 8 - 9 weeks after my scan which I am not happy about, but what can you do? I have been trying to see my pain consultant since last April but got nowhere with regards to appointments.  A few weeks prior to my flare up at the end of April I had started an Aqua fit class with my mum on a Tuesday evening which I loved as it was a great work out and wasn't too bad on my back. Next Thursday we are going to go for around 40 minutes and just have a paddle and see how I go. Hopefully in the future I can go back to the aqua fit classes as I liked exercising with the majority of your body under water where people can't really see you properly :p

      Thanks

      Claire

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure ClaireR080613

      Posted

      Hi Claire,

      Physio or PT as we call it across the pond, is a excellent source to improve body mobility issues with considered movement limitations. 

      In my experience my limitations improved dramatically. My PT supplied all the necessary aids for improving movement and exercise print outs. 

      It is important to follow thru and ask for more exercises for the future ...maintaining  PT for home long term . 

      You will see a lot of improvement... Take it slow...u will surprise urself!

      stay fit , eat well, be mindful of body movement knowing and accepting UR limitations. 

      ((Hugs))

      Hope

    • ClaireR080613
      ClaireR080613 hope4cure

      Posted

      I have been in and out of physio for the last 4 years doing different things, trying different things. We shall see what happens this time round smile
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure ClaireR080613

      Posted

      We have that PT thing in common... I hope u have great success with PT this time round... 

      If it doesn't help maybe it's time to find another doctor.confused

       

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