| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Sep 14 2013 : 05:57:44 AM
Good morning to you all on this beautiful saturday morning.
I havent been around for a while. Battling depression which was due to health issues. maybe having back surgery, maybe not, cant get 2 different surgeons to give me the same answer. i've done no gardening this year due to chronic pain. In turn, havent done any canning as i had planned.
i had a lifting injury back in 2000. hurt neck and back at same time. i now have 3 herniated disks, a benign tumor and 2 cysts on spine. chronic pain for years. surgeon who did my neck surgery in 2008 (have plate in my neck now) says my back issues cant be due to disks which i disagreed with him. says he wont operate on back too risky. sciatica pain is specific. says herniated disks cant be causing my pain! he says fibromyalgia! i got very angry by that.
saw another spine surgeon said the same thing, BUT he did say the back was an issue. says he'd operate (do a back fusion) after seeing a rheumatologist. referred me to a rheumatologist who i saw the other day. he says NO to it being fibromyalglia. maybe RA? who knows. had 15 viles of blood taken. probably some autoimmune thing. said i have osteoarthritis in hands (that explains my pains in fingers). extreme fatique, aches, pain in hips, knees, weakness. lymes, thyroid tests all negative.
SO, i fell into a deep depression last week after seeing the 2nd surgeon because no one is listening. the rheumatologist was GREAT. spent a lot of time with me going over everything. I gave him all the records i had.
what i dont get, how can 1 spine surgeon say "it's too dangerous to operate on your back and i wont do it", and the 2 surgeon say otherwise? Gardening is my passion and I simply have no energy to do it. I love the outdoors. I know some of you must be going through this as well. How do you cope?
funny thing is, I cared for the sick and elderly for years, watching them learn to do things differently just to get through the day. I'm only 44, and told the doctor, if you dont help me i wont be able to walk soon.
i miss walking, riding my bicycle, motorcycles i cant ride again, even twisting the wrong way or sitting the wrong way hurts like heck.
i'm afraid of the meds on the market and i told the rheumatologist so. what have been your experiences and what has worked for you?
not feeling sorry for myself, but seeking some insight on others with similar issues. I am feeling happy now despite it all. I always try to remember that someone else has it worse.
I received the new issue of Mary Janes Mag yesterday which always revives my spirit!
Connie
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Handcrafted Soap & Candles
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ - FOR SALE: Vintage Sewing Machines, Parts, Crafts and more.
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| 13 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| LadyInRed |
Posted - Sep 16 2013 : 2:19:28 PM
Connie...that is exactly what Fibro is...extreme muscle pain and you feel it all over
like you have a really bad case of the Flu. And it is (like arthritis) very weather affected.
PRAYING FOR YOU...as I know your frustrations with the Drs. It took me 6 years for them to
finally agree that I had Fibro (after I did all the research on it). But I had first picked
up a Fibromyalgia Magazine with an article that sounded like I had written it ...as this woman shared how Fibro had Shattered her Life. I think I still have a copy of it...if you would be interested in reading it.
blessings and prayers,
Peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch"
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
"Believe in yourself and let the glitter fly!" P.Smith Mail Art Hostess |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Sep 16 2013 : 11:13:03 AM
Connie,
I will be praying for you! I do know what it's like to be hurting, in pain, discouraged, feeling awful . . .
I will pray!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
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from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Sep 16 2013 : 02:46:09 AM
PeggyAnn whenever it gets cold my back hurts, the top part, almost like muscle cramps, thats been happening for years though. i've been noticing, especially the other day when it was rainy that i felt just crappy, out of it... almost achy like if i had a flu coming on.
Rachel I've tried everything up to this point. what gets me is that i've spent 5 years being bounced around doctors and someone should of sent me to a rheumatologist a long time ago. i'm happy with the dr i found, and i think once we can figure out this autoimmune thing going on, then i can find the right person to help with my back.
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Handcrafted Soap & Candles
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| rksmith |
Posted - Sep 15 2013 : 6:27:33 PM
Have you been to see a chiropractor or other "alternative " practitioner? I would hold off on surgery for as long as possible. I have yet to meet anyone who has had a truly successful spinal fusion. I used to do insurance pre -certifications for different imaging studies and you'd be amazed at the number of calls I got for people needing further surgeries and revisions after a fusion. I would do a lot more research and look for a health provider that will not only listen to you but take the time to look at all options. Have you looked at your diet and possible toxicity levels as an area to modify to help with your sympotoms? Sounds like you have a lot going on and your body is trying to tell you to pay attention. Perhaps a gentle detox followed by supplementation would prove helpful along with osteopathic or chiropractic care, stress reduction, and some other lifestyle modifications.
If you would like I can check with some herbalists /holistic providers that I network with to find someone in your area (or nearby) for you to talk with.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
www.madameapothecary.com |
| LadyInRed |
Posted - Sep 14 2013 : 7:38:14 PM
Hi Connie...it sounds like you do have a lot of Auto-immune symptoms. I have Fibromyalgia and
two kinds of Arthritis (in my hands and feet). Quote from your post - extreme fatique, aches, pain in hips, knees, weakness...I have all those symptoms with my Fibro. Auto-immune disorders all
seem to cross over into each other. Not saying you don't have back problems...in fact I am sure
you do. My sister had RA in her back and it caused her great pain and she also had Fibro/Chronic
Fatigue. My mom, sister, Aunt and I all Have Fibromyalgia. When it rains and gets cold...do you
feel worse?
I had to do lots of research myself to diagnose what I had. Then I took those findings to my Dr.
And Then to a Rheumatologist. You may not have all 18 pts of Fibro but you might have some of them, and also RA, Osteoarthritis, and Back Problems. I got depression from how totally my life
was turned-up side down. I had to take Medical Disability because I could no longer work. My life
as I knew it was shattered...and it took two years for God to bring me through that depression...and show me the best ways to accept my New Reality. I pray that you will come to
that point where you will learn to live and deal with your pain...the best you can. I refuse
to take all those terrible medications...tried some the first couple years and I just decided
that they caused more problems than helped. Now I will only take Tylenol 3 with codeine only
when I am having a really severe Fibro Flare. For everyday pain...I have learned to live with
it and when the weather affects it...I just take 2 Aleve.
Each one of us have to find what works best for us. Because our pain is different for each of us. But I will warn you to stay away from those really Toxic Medications if you at all can.
Hope things will Eventually Work Out For You Sister.
blessings and hugs,
Peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch"
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
"Believe in yourself and let the glitter fly!" P.Smith Mail Art Hostess |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Sep 14 2013 : 3:17:58 PM
Hey Connie,
I am so sorry to hear of your health issues. any type of chronic pain can easily bring us down emotionally. I want you to know that I am praying for you. I am praying that the Lord would heal you, give you peace in your heart and encourage you and grant the doctors wisdom as to what comes next. I wish I lived closer so I could help you out.
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
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| shanda |
Posted - Sep 14 2013 : 3:13:54 PM
Hey Connie,
This may seem simple but I knit or crochet for pain relief. I have chronic pain and I cannot stand the meds that are available. The side effect are worst than the cure! So I knit, a lot! It doesn't always help, but it calms me down and has been proven to lower stress and blood pressure. And I always have gifts to give!
BTW, raised beds are a great idea!
And massages are great, if you can afford them. Or a soak in mineral waters like a Hot Springs Bathhouse. Again, if you can afford it.
Blessings! Keep focused on the good and beautiful things!
Shanda
Farmgirl #4233 |
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Sep 14 2013 : 10:17:03 AM
Hi Marilyn, i used to go to a pain center for epidural injections but they never worked, and were at times painful.
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Handcrafted Soap & Candles
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http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ - FOR SALE: Vintage Sewing Machines, Parts, Crafts and more.
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| naturemaiden |
Posted - Sep 14 2013 : 10:15:01 AM
thank you Stephanie i'll check it out. I have plenty of essential oils here, so thats a start.Connie
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Handcrafted Soap & Candles
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ - FOR SALE: Vintage Sewing Machines, Parts, Crafts and more.
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| sjmjgirl |
Posted - Sep 14 2013 : 09:47:48 AM
Connie, so sorry you are going through this. I'm pulling for you! Although Ive never gone through what you've been experiencing, I have heard of others having success with essential oils. I have had success with them myself with various everyday issues. You can check out www.campwander.com or www.facebook.com/campwander. Rebecca is very knowledgeable and always willing to help others. I hope this helps!
Farmgirl Sister # 3810
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
- Dalai Lama
April is Autism Awareness month. Autism affects 1 in 88 children (1 in 54 boys, including my son). Go to http://www.autismspeaks.org/ to learn more and help Light It Up Blue on April 2nd!
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| edlund33 |
Posted - Sep 14 2013 : 08:38:16 AM
I am sorry to hear about your back problems and hope you will soon find the health solution that works best for you. Being in pain is not fun at any age but especially in your 40's! I am about same age and I hear your concerns because I have constant pain in my foot and elbows that cramps my style, too.
With regards to your question about why one doctor will operate and the other won't.....perhaps it has to do with their age and the type of surgical training they have. My mom has alot of health problems similar to yours but also very fragile bones and is a high surgical risk. She had been going to an orthopedic surgeon for years who at one time was top notch and had been the house surgeon for the local NFL team. As the years progressed he became less and less willing to do surgery. In exasperation we finally went to a couple of other doctors for other opinions. One of them was quite a bit younger and he was willing to take the risk, going so far as to say that he could make mom walk again and relieve her migraine headaches. So, Mom took the chance and had a series of spinal surgeries and what a difference it has made for her in terms of pain reduction and increased mobility.
We asked the new surgeon the same question you just asked, and his response is that surgical technology is changing at a rapid pace and the younger doctors have been taught how to keep up with the constant changes whereas older doctors are more set in their ways and don't respond quickly to changes in technology. He emphasized that older doctors are still very good doctors with a wealth of knowledge they just often lack computer and technology skills or have different perspectives than the newer generations of surgeons. He also pointed out that there are also multiple schools of training on spinal care (chiropractic, osteopathic, orthopedic, etc) and within each discipline there are different views on how to go about achieving pain relief.
Another possibility to consider if you are experiencing pain and can't find a solution is to consider visiting a pain center. My BF has a hereditary condition that causes severe stiffness and pain in his legs. He has seen many doctors over the years who were unable to help. One of them finally sent him to a pain specialist. They did some testing and were able to come up with a custom designed cream that does wonders for him. He can now sleep at night and doesn't have all the side effects from the oral medications he was taking previously.
The main thing is don't give up. Keep asking and looking until you find what works best for you. Sometimes the medications are the best answer and other times not. The only way to know if they will work or not is to try them. If you don't like the results you can always stop taking but them.
Good luck and hang in there!
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
http://blueskyanddaisies.blogspot.com
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Sep 14 2013 : 06:15:59 AM
thanks Linda, we are putting in raised beds next year. thank you
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Handcrafted Soap & Candles
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ - FOR SALE: Vintage Sewing Machines, Parts, Crafts and more.
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| prayin granny |
Posted - Sep 14 2013 : 06:09:29 AM
Connie,
I completely understand! I have osteoporosis and a ankle/leg injury and back difficulties as well.
Depression comes and goes depending on the severity of the day. Further surgeries for me? No go as there isn't a guarantee it would help, in fact possibility of less mobility. I use a walker/rollator now. Upgraded from cane in the spring :(
I'm learning 'new normals' for myself? Don't love them? But they are what they are!
As for gardening? Raised beds help a great deal!!! I know several who have had platform beds made to sitting height so they could still enjoy their gardening. It works pretty well.
I hope and pray there is surgery that will help you. It's so hard when several Drs have differing opinions!!
Best of luck and good thoughts to you in whatever lies ahead!
Blessings,
Linda
http://grannysbirds.blogspot.com/
Country at Heart |
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