I started experiencing pain when i walked in the to...

Hi,

I have just read your comment about your condition and thought that you would like to hear from me because I have suffered from the same sort of condition has you.

Three years ago I suffered a back back which after sometime of going to the Doctors reckon it was sciatica then I got severe pains down my right leg and had to go and sit and wait to see a Doctor at my local doctors which I was put on the sick for a week because I couldn't put my weight on it. I was eventually on the sick for the rest of 2004 because I had to have a MRI Scan and it turned out to be a Prolapsed Disc and I had to wait for an operation which I had to wait till November 2004. I evenually went back to work in January 2005 but since I am on my feet all day at work with the job that I do I am still suffering with my condition and now I am getting Physio, but all my Doctors, Consultant and Physio reckon that I am in the wrong sort of job with being on my feet all day. I am 36 years old & has like you I don't deserve to be down like this. Would like to hear from you.

[i:8c90eb406b]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:8c90eb406b]

Hi,

Although I don't suffer from the same condition as you both - I have a problem with the facet joint on a vertabrae in my lower back I understand what you are going through. I work as a manager for a major supermarket and am made to feel guilty for firstly the time I have had off since last year due to my back and also the fact that I can't lift, carry or just generally walk about as much as I used to. It has changed my life totally and I have to take morphine most evenings when I get home and have had to even take it occassinally at work! Am currently waiting to have an injection into the joint but that could be up to 18 weeks so have asked for a private referal. By the way I am 26

Hope to hear from you

Carla

Hi there I started with hip problems and lumbar pain beginning of December 06, my doctor said it was bursitis, I was off work then for three weeks, even though the pain didn't subside. In march the pain was so severe I went back to the doctors and I was sent for an x-ray......... the x-ray showed I have a straight lumbar spine and the space in between my vertebrae are narrow as my disc has thinned. I have had an MRI and am waiting for the results...... Everyday is a surprise!!! some days I'm in pain, I have numbness to pins and needles, to parts of my body (mainly my legs) burning and my legs feel weak my hip and thigh is ice cold to touch most of the time.. I am 34 and I am frustrated!!!!! I have been on Dicloflax and I am now on Tramadol these two together seem to be easing my pain but not the numbness etc.

[quote=\"sara\"]Hi there I started with hip problems and lumbar pain beginning of December 06, my doctor said it was bursitis, I was off work then for three weeks, even though the pain didn't subside. In march the pain was so severe I went back to the doctors and I was sent for an x-ray......... the x-ray showed I have a straight lumbar spine and the space in between my vertebrae are narrow as my disc has thinned. I have had an MRI and am waiting for the results...... Everyday is a surprise!!! some days I'm in pain, I have numbness to pins and needles, to parts of my body (mainly my legs) burning and my legs feel weak my hip and thigh is ice cold to touch most of the time.. I am 34 and I am frustrated!!!!! I have been on Dicloflax and I am now on Tramadol these two together seem to be easing my pain but not the numbness etc. I find it hard to sleep also as my hips still are uncomfortable

still wondering ..... whats going on no results as of yet, don't sleep very well as still cant seem to get comfortable

I have 2 degenerative disc in the lumbar spine and I am told I have to goto a pain clinic as an operation will not improve my situation? I had blood tests to see if i have arthritis, as i ache and have inflammation in other places

(hands, shoulders and hip) my results show only anemia? i have tried to keep active as having three children i like to keep on top of the housework etc, my hand swell inflame and become stiff and I feel the stress later in the day?? seeing doc tomorrow?

Dear C

I also have DDD. Two of my discs herniated and I had them repaired surgically with fusion. The doctor did a fantastic job and I was hoping to be without back pain for the rest of my life after dealing with it for over 20 years. It is one year after surgery, and I now have another disc with a moderate bulge (not herniated yet) and so I am now back to living in pain and trying different ways to reduce it. Your physical symptoms are EXACTLY like mine. You see, just because one or two discs are repaired, it doesn't mean that other disc won't deteriorate. That's what DDD is all about. Yes, it's life altering and I wish I didn't have it, but since I do have it along with Osteoarthritis and central spinal stenosis, I have no choice but to learn to accept and find ways to reduce the pain. Here is my plan:

1. lose weight to take pressure off the spine

2. mild exercise in a hot tub

3. take analgesics when my tolerance level is down

4. try to avoid depression by doing things I like and know won't increase my pain.

There is no cure for DDD, so we must learn ways to live with it.

Hi there Regina

thanks for replying

I think you feel a bit better when people listen to you and thanks, as I think if no-one has gone through what we have they don't understand........ was going to write a diary and show the doctor........ as I have problem with my hips spacing has narrowed here too and he doesn't want to know!!!!!

I hope you are having a good day!!!!

Sara

Hi there Regina,

The situation in England as it is NHS, there is whats called \"a catchment area, and as the surgery I am in is in my \"catchment area\" I have no choice, There was one other I was able to apply to apply to but I have heard bad reports about that surgery, other doctors aren't submitting new patients!!!! So I am going to have to grim and bare things and maybe keep pestering my present doctor until he does something?????

take care

Regards

Sara

I don't think I like the NHS from what I'm learning about it. Here in USA if you have health insurance from your job, one only pays $20 for a doctor's visit and the choices of specialist to see are endless. Patients don't have to wait or ask for an MRI or Catscan or anything else for that matter unless you consider a couple of days or a week a wait for an appointment.

I guess it's like you said...just keep pestering him until he can really do something for you. Try to avoid depression also by doing things you like and can do. Depression is easy to fall into and can only drag you down further. Keep mentally active, persue a hobby and rest on occassion to keep your strength up.

Oh, before I forget...when you are at your computer, try to be aware of your posture. If you are constantly slouching instead of sitting up straight, your back is going to be further stressed. Pull your stomach muscles in to give your lumbar back extra support. You will feel the difference. :D Don't get lazy now...try to make better sitting posture a habit...Okay?

I was a bit depressed at first, but I am dealing with things now, having someone to talk to that knows a lot about ddd like yourself Regina, it has helped very much you are an :angel:

No NHS isn't very quick, just hope the the new PM can speed things up!!!

Regards

SES

Good morning SES,

You know my friend, it works both ways. Being able to help another person cope better gives back a feeling of having purpose again. Often, when a person has a chronic health issue (esp. one associated with pain), it can bring about all kinds of negative feelings. One of those negative feelings is simply feeling worthless. So, when purpose (helping another person)re-enters the picture, coping becomes part of the picture for the other person as well. :D

You and I and others in our situation of having DDD can easily feel lost among family and friends who have no health issues. We know they love us, but we also know for them to truly understand what we are experiencing, they would need to walk in our shoes. Talking to others going through the same thing takes away that feeling of being lost and we know we are not alone in our journey. I'm glad I have helped you with feeling less depressed, but I also want you to know you are helping me as well. Helping another person always brings a sense of purpose and returns a feeling of having worth which is very important in feeling positive about life. So, thanks for giving me back a feeling of worth :D

Regina

I forgot to mention a helpful hint to everyone experiencing lumbar / and or hip pain....if you sleep at night with a pillow between your knees, it will take stress away from the area by causing the body to be better aligned. Doing that combined with your pain medication, you'll sleep like a baby :D

Regina

hi there all and Regina

You are so right ....You and I and others in our situation of having DDD can easily feel lost among family and friends who have no health issues. We know they love us, but we also know for them to truly understand what we are experiencing, they would need to walk in our shoes.

As at the beginning of the diagnosis there is a sense of shock, as you have all sorts of questions you are wondering........knowing there is someone that understands what you are going through is such a relief as there are kind people out there which answer your thoughts with no hassle, a special thank you to Regina :rose: . Doctors etc give you your pain relief but they don't exactly know what you are going through, your just whats described in a text book they have read in medical school!!!

Regards

SES

Hi Sara and thank you for the rose....I love Roses :D

Tell me Sara, did you do anything special for yourself today? You are a mother of 3 children which is time consuming and leaves little time for yourself. I think it is a good idea if it is possible to do something really special for yourself ...even if it is once a week or even once every two weeks. It doesn't matter what it is as long as it is something YOU enjoy. It is not being selfish. It will give you something to look forward to.

Today, I did something special I had not done in over a year. I went to have a manicure and a pedicure. There is a place near me where 4 Asian women have a manicure business. Since I can't bend to reach my toes because of my back, I thought having a pedicure would be really special...and it was. :D They just don't give a pedicure though. Feet are soaked in a foot tub with water jets. Afterwards, the feet are dried and they massage feet and calves with lotion as well. It was wonderful.

Think about something special for yourself and let me know what you come up with. We are the caretakers of our families and we deserve to be good to ourselves :gift: