Heading back to pain management, unfortunately.....

[Cindylou]

I made an appointment for tomorrow w/ the pain management clinic as I am just in a boat load of pain. I have to do something. I also made an appointment next week with back doc to look into facet diagnostic injections. I feel better just taking the bull by the horns with these appointments. When you are in so much pain and you have nothing lined up, no hope for relief, it is a desperate feeling. I also went for a much needed massage last night after we closed yesterday afternoon on the house. My muscles were so drawn up and in spasm she said my left hip was at least an inch off from my right one. She also mentioned it felt like there was scar tissue in my spine where she was working. Anyone know anything about that? I got some relief, but I fear I should be a regular at massage therapy. Just wish it wasn't so expensive.

[Cindylou]

So I had my appt. w/ pain management, the P.A., today.....late morning. I think she could tell I was in alot of pain. We talked about my facets, and lucky for me, the physician had time to see me, even tho I had no formal appt. scheduled with him. He offered to give me some bi-lateral facet joint injections right then which I jumped at. (but not literally........ )He did both sides at my L6-S1 and especially when he did the right side I almost levitated off the table. If I have my ALIF at that level, why are the facets causing me so much pain? That doesn't make sense to me. It's fused, it shouldn't be having any movement, so wouldn't that include the facets at that level too? I sure would appreciate any feedback on this. I got some terrific relief w/ the injections, but of course, marcaine is now worn off so will take a few days for steroid relief to kick in. The P.A. also put me back on Neurontin, 300 mg/day, but building up to that over the next 2 weeks. Hopefully, that will give me relief as well. If it doesn't, I will have to reevaluate the medication side with them, and perhaps add Oxycontin, etc. Hopefully not. Still don't have results back from bone scan of hip.

[Katie]

Oh Cindy,

I am so sorry to hear that you are still in such pain. I don't know if I can be of much help, but I will tell you what Dr. Pimenta said about my facets.

Before he got inside and saw that the vertebrae had slipped forward, he did not think that my L5/S1 needed attention. He did, however plan on injecting that facet joint because of the chances of it causing problems. After fusing it, he said there was no need for injections as it should not be as issue, that the added space should resolve any potential problems.

I have no big medical training, but unless the surgeon didn't put enough space between the vertebrae, I would think, like you, that the facets should be 'safe'.

So here's a question for someone on the board....is there a standard height of separation when doing a fusion? And what is the function of the facet after this surgery? I believe it is meant to be part of the motion stabilization of the level, while the disc is meant to carry the weight....someone correct me if I'm wrong. If there is no more motion....is it redundant?

[Cindylou]

Katie, yes, you pose very good questions about this level and fusion too. Hopefully, someone will see our perplexities and answer soon. So I looked up common side effects of Neurontin and weight gain is definitely one of them. Another one is hostility and mood changes which I have been experiencing.....is that even possible on such a small dose? It's just not like me to get so angry and impatient over almost nothing. Not liking that, and I really don't think I want to be on this drug with the weight gain side effect. That is a huge one for me. I already need to lose 20 pounds, not gain any more weight. I just can't go there. I won't go there.

[Cindylou]

Sure wish I wasn't in so much pain. I am really discouraged. Why did pain management clinic put me on a nerve drug if it's my facets? I'm not getting that. I don't feel any nerve pain. It is just a crushing, squeezing, stabbing pain in my low back, especially when I stand. I am constantly sitting down due to the pain. Wish the steroid would kick in. I am really down with all this pain this morning. 9 years of this. When will it end? Honest to God.....I just can't do this anymore.

[ajj1001]

Why did pain management clinic put me on a nerve drug if it's my facets? I'm not getting that. I don't feel any nerve pain. It is just a crushing, squeezing, stabbing pain in my low back, especially when I stand. I am constantly sitting down due to the pain. Wish the steroid would kick in. I am really down with all this pain this morning. 9 years of this. When will it end? Honest to God.....I just can't do this anymore.

oh hun, hope it lets up soon. wonder if they are doing the nerve drug to see if any of it is nerve pain and rules it out as cause?

[Katie]

Oh I hear you....this just seems like too much to bear. I sincerely hope they work on changing the medications and find something that works. Do you feel like a phone call? I'm free tomorrow (or today...it is early Tuesday morning right now)

[Jack-of-all-trades]

Cindylou,

Are your docs sure you have a good solid fusion? If not slip/movement can occur causing pain.

[WPKat]

Cindylou,

I am sorry to hear that you are in so much pain. Looking at your signature, I noticed that cement leaked on to your S1 nerve root. Perhaps your pain specialist thought there may residual nerve damage from it. You also mentioned that it hurts worse when you stand up. I have severe stenosis and my pain increases when I stand up or walk. Again, a sign that you may have problems with your nerves.

I have been on 1300 mg of Neurontin for a while and it was increased yesterday to 2400 mg (slowly increasing to that level). Like you, I worry about gaining weight, but it hasn't been a problem even at the rate I'm at now.

Neurontin hasn't been a problem with my moods either. However, when my pain spikes and I am in a boat load of pain ... I am NOT a happy camper and can be short with those close to me (especially when they want me to do something for them when I am clearly in pain). Being in chronic, relentless pain is a huge downer and can bring even the sweetest person to their knees begging for relief and when no relief comes ... it's a lot harder to keep a lid on the emotions - anger or crying or whatever.

If I recall correctly, you just moved - right? Moving is exhausting - emotionally and physically. You probably over worked and over stressed yourself during the move. In addition to what the pain specialist can do to help ... you could use a long rest break to recover.

And you certainly EARNED a couple more massages

I hope you find relief from your pain soon!

K

[Justin]

Cindylou,

Are your docs sure you have a good solid fusion? If not slip/movement can occur causing pain.

CL, I second the question above. I wish you the very best...hang in there.