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I see an orthopedist. I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc

disease and spinal stenosis in my lower back. I am also diabetic

which is a problem when it comes to steroids. My ortho has talked

to me about surgery and recommends that " if " that becomes an option

in the future, he will recommend a neurosurgeon to do the

procedure. He does not want to do surgery until the pain is

unbearable. He tells me that there is no guarantee that I will ever

need surgery. It just depends on how it progresses. I do not want

to have surgery unless I have to. Never at any point of my

treatment has any of my doctors made statements that have scared

me. Sounds like some of you have had that issue. My doctors have

been very honest and upfront with me, but I would not accept anyone

trying to scare me.

I've also been seeing a pain management specialist who gives me the

epidurals of steroids. I've been thru two rounds of those. Three

shots given over a period of a month or two. I did the rounds of

shots a year apart. He said he could do another round in six months

if I need it. I'm hoping I don't need to go back that soon. I take

celebrex and flexaril, but am on nothing for pain at this point.

I don't know about everyone else, but WalMart is a big problem for

me. I can usually make it thru as long as I have a cart to lean

on. I don't go alone anymore. My husband goes with me. It's a two

person job anyway.

I was in physical therapy prior to my diagnosis, but my current

ortho took me out of physical therapy and has not recommended that I

return. Most of the exercises only increased the numbness I have in

my right leg and increased the pain in my lower back and buttocks.

The benefit from it were the ice and heat treatments. I could do

that everyday. I also go to the chiropractor which seems to help me

with muscle tension and pain.

Nessie

[Guest guest]

Hi Nessie, I have the same condition, plus Meniere's Disease. My doctor wanted me to go through Physical Therapy for a month--then if it wasn't helping me get a shot. I have no medical insurance and my husband makes too much to qualify for any financial assistance--so I am caught in the middle--getting no help as I can't afford it. We asked about cost and the PT and the shot were about the same price--which was any where from $1500 to $2600. I can't afford that as they want $100 as I am self-pay. I am going to apply for Disability as I can't work and haven't in a few years with the health issues. I know what you mean about having to hold onto the shopping cart at Walmart--I do the same. I live in Alaska and I am 50 years old. I don't know what to do, but try to get on SSDI and see if other doors will open up. I am in so much pain, but just have to live with it now. I just wanted

to let you know I am in the same condition with you with the Spinal Stenosis with DDD. Warm Hugs, PattiNessies Computer <stitchangel@...> wrote: I see an orthopedist. I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis in my lower back. I am also diabetic which is a problem when it comes to steroids. My ortho has talked to me about surgery and recommends that "if" that becomes an option in the future, he will recommend a neurosurgeon

to do the procedure. He does not want to do surgery until the pain is unbearable. He tells me that there is no guarantee that I will ever need surgery. It just depends on how it progresses. I do not want to have surgery unless I have to. Never at any point of my treatment has any of my doctors made statements that have scared me. Sounds like some of you have had that issue. My doctors have been very honest and upfront with me, but I would not accept anyone trying to scare me. I've also been seeing a pain management specialist who gives me the epidurals of steroids. I've been thru two rounds of those. Three shots given over a period of a month or two. I did the rounds of shots a year apart. He said he could do another round in six months if I need it. I'm hoping I don't need to go back that soon. I take celebrex and flexaril, but am on nothing for pain at this point. I don't know about everyone else, but

WalMart is a big problem for me. I can usually make it thru as long as I have a cart to lean on. I don't go alone anymore. My husband goes with me. It's a two person job anyway. I was in physical therapy prior to my diagnosis, but my current ortho took me out of physical therapy and has not recommended that I return. Most of the exercises only increased the numbness I have in my right leg and increased the pain in my lower back and buttocks. The benefit from it were the ice and heat treatments. I could do that everyday. I also go to the chiropractor which seems to help me with muscle tension and pain. Nessie

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[Guest guest]

HI Nessie, I feel for you and all with this pain. I also use a cart when in Walmart it helps. Just to let you know I have applied for SSDI. I am going on my second year, 2 denials and up for a hearing. I am only 49 and hate the thought of going on disability but with this dibilitating condition it makes it very hard to work. It is very frustrating being denied twice and I am also working with a lawyer. Believe me if I could work pain free I would, I would rather be healthy and working than having to apply for SSDI., sometimes we have no choice. I was a mail carrier for many years so I know I paid into the system and hopefully it is there for people with ligitimit conditions, good luck any questions let me know, peace to all! Patti von Keitz <femalecub@...> wrote: Hi Nessie, I have the same condition, plus Meniere's Disease. My doctor wanted me to go through Physical Therapy for a month--then if it wasn't helping me get a shot. I have no medical insurance and my husband makes too much to qualify for any financial assistance--so I am caught in the middle--getting no help as I can't afford it. We asked about cost and the PT and the shot were about the same price--which was any where from $1500 to $2600. I can't afford that as they want $100 as I am self-pay. I am going to apply for Disability as I can't work and haven't in a few years with the health issues. I

know what you mean about having to hold onto the shopping cart at Walmart--I do the same. I live in Alaska and I am 50 years old. I don't know what to do, but try to get on SSDI and see if other doors will open up. I am in so much pain, but just have to live with it now. I just wanted to let you know I am in the same condition with you with the Spinal Stenosis with DDD. Warm Hugs, PattiNessies Computer <stitchangelalltel (DOT) net> wrote: I see an orthopedist. I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis in my lower back. I am also diabetic which is a problem when it comes to steroids. My ortho has talked to me about surgery and recommends that "if" that becomes an option in the future, he will recommend a

neurosurgeon to do the procedure. He does not want to do surgery until the pain is unbearable. He tells me that there is no guarantee that I will ever need surgery. It just depends on how it progresses. I do not want to have surgery unless I have to. Never at any point of my treatment has any of my doctors made statements that have scared me. Sounds like some of you have had that issue. My doctors have been very honest and upfront with me, but I would not accept anyone trying to scare me. I've also been seeing a pain management specialist who gives me the epidurals of steroids. I've been thru two rounds of those. Three shots given over a period of a month or two. I did the rounds of shots a year apart. He said he could do another round in six months if I need it. I'm hoping I don't need to go back that soon. I take celebrex and flexaril, but am on nothing for pain at this point. I don't know about everyone

else, but WalMart is a big problem for me. I can usually make it thru as long as I have a cart to lean on. I don't go alone anymore. My husband goes with me. It's a two person job anyway. I was in physical therapy prior to my diagnosis, but my current ortho took me out of physical therapy and has not recommended that I return. Most of the exercises only increased the numbness I have in my right leg and increased the pain in my lower back and buttocks. The benefit from it were the ice and heat treatments. I could do that everyday. I also go to the chiropractor which seems to help me with muscle tension and pain. Nessie Check out the all-new beta - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.

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