New member

[vdebv33]

Hi everyone, I'm so happy to have found this site. I've experienced back problems for over twenty years. Ruptured disc at L-5 S-1 when i was in my early twenties I'm 45 now. Surgery and conservative treatment for years then had the Pro disc surgery when it was in clinical trials. I've never gotten pain relief and just really would like to connect with others who have had the ADR without relief and who are having continuing problems. Have a great day!

[ajj1001]

hi, welcome to the forum. what has been happening with you since getting the pro disc? do they know why you are still in pain?

[vdebv33]

Hi, My problem is mainly chronic pain. I have so many questions and am really looking for some support and answers as i am thinking of pursuing disability. I had the Prodisc at L5,S1 in 2004 and although my back is more stable I still have pain on a level of 4-5 everyday all of the time. No medication seems to work other than to knock me out so I cant take them during work . I'm working 40 hours a week at a desk job which probably seems like it shouldn't be a problem but sitting is so uncomfortable. 20 some years of back pain and I'm feel like i'm at the point that I just can not do my job anymore. Any advice or input would be so much appreciated. Of course there are so many more details, I have tried most treatments and most medications and since i am new to Florida I am searching for new spine doctors who could help me find out why I'm still in so much pain.

[trkdoc714]

Welcome to SPS! I don't have the info on Florida doctors but there are several members in FL that will chime in soon.

I can sympathize with working through the pain. I hope you find a good doctor that can help you find a solution.

Bob

[Tuliptoday]

Hello and welcome, wow you've been in pain for a long time, I certainly sympathsise with the sitting down at work thing - dont know how you've coped for so long...hope you find a brilliant spine doc soon and get things sorted

[Katie]

Welcome to the forum, and I'm so sad to hear that you are still in pain.

I had three levels done just over a year ago, and still 'self medicate' a bit when necessary, but I remember early in the healing process and being worried that the possibility of permanent pain that the surgeon warned me about might be a reality. He said that some patients have been enduring for so long that the body/nerves don't know how to shut off, as far as the pain goes. I beat the odds, and I hope you will be able to find some relief soon.

Pain sucks, but life doesn't have to. This is a great place to vent when things get overwhelming.

[vdebv33]

Thank you for the words of welcome, I'm afraid i'm not my usual upbeat self today. I've tried so hard to not let this effect my whole life but I feel as if i'm losing the battle. I read stories of people who have had wonderful results from the Pro Disc, and I'm so happy for them but it just hasn't done that for me. I approached my doctor last week about disability so that i could focus on taking care of my back. she said no but offered to refer me to a pain clinic, so i'll take that for now.
Initially, when i ruptured my disk I was twenty three, divorced and had two young children. I got well as fast as i could, and went right back to work as a waitress. So many years of it hurting so badly, but i went to work everyday and was the sole provider for my children because their father was overseas they had no one but me. Now the kids are finally grown and i've got a much easier job in an office setting that i've had for the last twelve years. Even though i still go to work everyday it's getting harder and harder, and i'm not sure how the Doctors expect a person to take pain medications and function in an office setting so i go without the pain pills but find it very hard to concentrate when i'm so uncomfortable.
Is anyone else still in pain 7 yearsafter having the ADR surgery ? I've seen two doctors since moving to Florida and though they both agree that i'm in pain, they don't seem to be able to offer a diagnosis or a method of treatment other than fusion over the ADR. I'm very reluctant to have any other surgeries and don't really know how to proceed from here. I apologize for the venting, i thought i'd spare my husband this evening and try to get a more productive path to follow,any advice would be appreciated.

[KanRunMo]

I'm sorry that you've been in so much pain. I'm sure you will get responses from people on this site who have had similar problems and can give you suggestions. Back pain is certainly a challenge and I hope you can find some relief that will work for you.

[ajj1001]

Is anyone else still in pain 7 yearsafter having the ADR surgery ?

yup, had my surgery 2002, had a few years "off" the back pain until it started again 2007/2008. only advice i can give as i have yet to find a solution myself is to never give up. pain management, pacing, medication etc has helped me continue but its no long term solution.

[Cindylou]

yup, had my surgery 2002, had a few years "off" the back pain until it started again 2007/2008. only advice i can give as i have yet to find a solution myself is to never give up. pain management, pacing, medication etc has helped me continue but its no long term solution.

Alison really hit the nail on the head, which I bolded above. I too have had many ups and downs since my 3 Pro-discs were installed in my back almost 4 1/2 years ago. And Katie said something worth repeating also, except hers isn't an exact quote: something to the effect of pain sucking but life doesn't have to. That is actually HUGE, when you think about it. No one ever promised us life would be a cakewalk, far from it, but there are also ways to help distract us from pain. I wouldn't wish anyone a life of chronic pain, but learning ways to cope while you search for answers to your spine dilemma, is important. Imperative, actually. I wish you only the best on your journey, Cindylou