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Where Does One Turn?

Posted , 3 users are following.

maggi7
maggi7

I have Spondylolisthesis. Never free of pain.

Pain began in 1991, after a fall down stairs. Misdiagnosed as result of fall. Six years later, diagniosed as arthritis. Seven years taking anti-inflammatory drugs with no relief from pain. Finally sent for further diagnostics......Showed spondylolisthesis. Offered - well, no, TOLD that only hope of relief would be to undergo spinal fusion surgery. Refused that option. Too many risks of complications. 

I'm in pain constantly. Up to the highest level of analgaesia my GP can prescribe. Doesn't help much. In pain constantly and limited mobility is result. 

My son died just over two years ago.  I'm not able to get to his grave on my own - because it's too far away for me to walk. 

Now I'm told that I have an occluded artery in my heart. Not treatable. It might kill me one day. I'll never know when it might happen.

Life is uncertain. Nothing goes as one expects it to progress. My life has become nought but pain. I can't change what has happend. I have no alternative but live best I can with the hand I've been dealt.

AND I HATE IT!

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • KizzieKiins
    KizzieKiins maggi7

    Posted

    My gosh that's awful!! If I could give you a massive hug I would! I've just been diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis (after 10 months of Dr's telling me I've just pulled a muscle because im 23) but it isn't bad enough to have surgery yet. Dr's are useless, haven't got a clue what to do with me and the meds I'm on do nothing.

    Something that used to help me with my back to relieve the pain is either a hot water bottle or a wheat bag placed on painful area. Really really helps!! I know it may not be much help, but I'm here to talk if you want to talk smile xxxx

    • maggi7
      maggi7 KizzieKiins

      Posted

      Thanks for the offer. Gosh! I NEED someone to who I can talk just now!
  • MrsO-UK_Surrey
    MrsO-UK_Surrey maggi7

    Posted

    Maggi, I have spondylolisthesis at lumber 4/5.  Symptoms started many years ago, the first one being that suddenly I found turning over in bed difficult.  I then had episodes where it would just go into a complete spasm and I'd feel as though the top half of my body had come detached from the bottom.  One orthopaedic specialist described my injury as very much like those seen in people who fall from a horse.  I'd never been on a horse in my life but a few months previously I had slipped on a shiny floor and landed heavily on my btm.   This particular specialist did not agree with others' advice to have the spine fused and a disc removed.  He said it involved major surgery, and instead advised me to get in the water and swim on my back only.  When I told him I can't swim he told me to get in the water with a float!  I joined an aquarobics class but took things easily rather than trying to compete with others.  At the same time he had me measured and fitted with a made-to-measure corset.  As I've got older, I seem to be managing it well, and if I do have a problem, I immediately don a support panti girdle (the corset no longer fits!) and find that within 2 or 3 days the pain is gone.  I always make a point of sitting only in supportive chairs with a firm seat and back, and sleep on supportive beds.  I also have a walk every day for about half an hour and don't sit for too long.  All these things help, and perhaps might help you too.  I prefer to try all these remedies than take pain medication - not advisable for me as I have only one kidney and chronic kidney disease.
    • maggi7
      maggi7 MrsO-UK_Surrey

      Posted

      Thanks for suggestions. Sadly, I'm at the end as far as relief is concerned.  I've tried so many alternative remedies for pain relief that I've lost count and track of them all. Hotwater bottles, wheat packs, herbal potions/pills......Nothing has any effect. Back to drugs, then. Co-Codamol, Gabapentin. I'm dependant on them, but, at least they take the edge off the never-ending pain.
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