Re: In need of understanding

[Guest guest]

Mandy, if i had a doctor who told me there was nothing wrong with me i would

switch doctors. if i say there is something wrong, then there is something

wrong. have you seen an orthopedic spine specialist? or a neurosurgeon who

specializes in the spine? that would be a good place to start. good luck

marsha

[Guest guest]

Its not that they wont believe I have a problem.They do agree its an

injury that causes pain. They just don't want to do certain things

because of my age. My insurence only covers certain doctors.

>

> Mandy, if i had a doctor who told me there was nothing wrong with

me i would

> switch doctors. if i say there is something wrong, then there is

something

> wrong. have you seen an orthopedic spine specialist? or a

neurosurgeon who

> specializes in the spine? that would be a good place to start.

good luck

> marsha

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Mandy,

Regardless of what the doctors say, if you have herniated discs, that is a

fact and has nothing to do with age. Herniated discs can occur for a variety

of reasons from bending down to pick up something, sneezing, traumatic

event, or heredity. Insist that a MRI is performed in the area that is

causing you pain especially since it is one of the most useful diagnostic

tools available. Pending the results, they may seek to perform myelogram

and/or CT scan with or without contrast agent.

Another thing to remember is that is doesn't take much of a disc bulge or

herniation (protrusion, extrusion, or extruded disc fragment). Degenerative

disc disease (when the disc looses water content) is another culprit back

pain. Arthritis can also cause back pain. So you can see getting the MRI

is important for diagnosing the source of your problem. Then you can proceed

with getting a treatment plan in place. There are several types of surgical

procedures but it should be done after all other options are available but

all carry risk. Some doctors and insurance people are quick in stating that

you should get surgery because they are ignorant or looking out for their

own interest. Never mind the adverse outcome that could occur that would be

even more traumatic if it occurred during surgery that wasn't medically

necessary.

I have several thoracic disc protrusions and extrusions that are causing

much pain. I am not seeking surgery at this point because the thought of a

thoractomy (more invasive than open heart surgery) and the likely hood of

increased pain and possible paralysis from the chest down. I am on a large

amount of pain medicine (200 microgram/hr Duragesic, 60 mg oxycontin, 60 mg

oxycodone), muscle relaxers, Cymbalta, and Neurontin just to name a few. I

no longer drive and have just received notice from my trial judge for social

security (he will review case to see if a decision can be made without going

to court). It has been over a year since I applied. I also receive LTD but

have to resubmit paperwork every 2 months

I wish you luck, Ask if you have any questions.

In need of understanding

How is it that all the doctors tell me that i'm too young to have

herniated discs. I'm in so much pain its 4am and i'm still up and not

sleeping. I'm calling tomorrow and throwing a fit with the doctors

that's all I can think of. I don't wanna have surgery but I would

really like to lead a normal life instead of spending all my time

trying to find a way to function. This is just stupid. Why don't they

understand. Thanks for listening to me Mandy

[Guest guest]

Mandy,

My first herniated disk issue began when I was 19. I was told to exercise

more, lose more weight etc.... So in young adult fashion I took on painting my

homes inside and out, tiling, laying concrete, moving washers and dryers, of

course my back got worse and worse... Now at age 33 every single disk in my back

is effected one way or another. My cervical is healthiest with only minor DDD

and bulges... my Thoracic is most symptomatic with 4 and 6 mm protrusions and in

my Lumbar a few disks are literally gone.

Should I have recieved appropriate care to begin with perhaps I would not be

at a point of constant chronic pain and disability at such a young age.

I have had a number of Drs- some say I am screwed others still tell me I am

just fine- not sure how having disks pressing my cord and documented pain and

numbness is fine-but hey...I think some Drs know there is nothing to be done in

many cases and hope the placebo effect will be enough- the placebo effect worked

somewhat on me- for years I crawled down the stairs on my butt because my legs

were too stiff and numb to walk, I took obscene amounts of motrin, I was a

cranky person-but I did as I was told... Now I can't ignore it anymore... My

current Dr said if I had been given proper care and my pain had been

acknowledged in the first place it is quite possible things would not be this

bad....

Find a new Dr.

Hope you feel better,

Diane

biddolf <biddolf@...> wrote:

Mandy,

Regardless of what the doctors say, if you have herniated discs, that is a

fact and has nothing to do with age. Herniated discs can occur for a variety

of reasons from bending down to pick up something, sneezing, traumatic

event, or heredity. Insist that a MRI is performed in the area that is

causing you pain especially since it is one of the most useful diagnostic

tools available. Pending the results, they may seek to perform myelogram

and/or CT scan with or without contrast agent.

Another thing to remember is that is doesn't take much of a disc bulge or

herniation (protrusion, extrusion, or extruded disc fragment). Degenerative

disc disease (when the disc looses water content) is another culprit back

pain. Arthritis can also cause back pain. So you can see getting the MRI

is important for diagnosing the source of your problem. Then you can proceed

with getting a treatment plan in place. There are several types of surgical

procedures but it should be done after all other options are available but

all carry risk. Some doctors and insurance people are quick in stating that

you should get surgery because they are ignorant or looking out for their

own interest. Never mind the adverse outcome that could occur that would be

even more traumatic if it occurred during surgery that wasn't medically

necessary.

I have several thoracic disc protrusions and extrusions that are causing

much pain. I am not seeking surgery at this point because the thought of a

thoractomy (more invasive than open heart surgery) and the likely hood of

increased pain and possible paralysis from the chest down. I am on a large

amount of pain medicine (200 microgram/hr Duragesic, 60 mg oxycontin, 60 mg

oxycodone), muscle relaxers, Cymbalta, and Neurontin just to name a few. I

no longer drive and have just received notice from my trial judge for social

security (he will review case to see if a decision can be made without going

to court). It has been over a year since I applied. I also receive LTD but

have to resubmit paperwork every 2 months

I wish you luck, Ask if you have any questions.

In need of understanding

How is it that all the doctors tell me that i'm too young to have

herniated discs. I'm in so much pain its 4am and i'm still up and not

sleeping. I'm calling tomorrow and throwing a fit with the doctors

that's all I can think of. I don't wanna have surgery but I would

really like to lead a normal life instead of spending all my time

trying to find a way to function. This is just stupid. Why don't they

understand. Thanks for listening to me Mandy

[Guest guest]

I've already had an MRI it showed a herniation at L4-L5 and L5-S1.

The doctors don't want to do the surgery because of my age. However

I'm in so much pain it's starting to get quite frustrating. Nothing

they have tried has worked. That is what makes it so difficult.

>

> Mandy,

>

> Regardless of what the doctors say, if you have herniated discs,

that is a

> fact and has nothing to do with age. Herniated discs can occur for

a variety

> of reasons from bending down to pick up something, sneezing,

traumatic

> event, or heredity. Insist that a MRI is performed in the area

that is

> causing you pain especially since it is one of the most useful

diagnostic

> tools available. Pending the results, they may seek to perform

myelogram

> and/or CT scan with or without contrast agent.

>

>

>

> Another thing to remember is that is doesn't take much of a disc

bulge or

> herniation (protrusion, extrusion, or extruded disc fragment).

Degenerative

> disc disease (when the disc looses water content) is another

culprit back

> pain. Arthritis can also cause back pain. So you can see getting

the MRI

> is important for diagnosing the source of your problem. Then you

can proceed

> with getting a treatment plan in place. There are several types of

surgical

> procedures but it should be done after all other options are

available but

> all carry risk. Some doctors and insurance people are quick in

stating that

> you should get surgery because they are ignorant or looking out

for their

> own interest. Never mind the adverse outcome that could occur that

would be

> even more traumatic if it occurred during surgery that wasn't

medically

> necessary.

>

>

>

> I have several thoracic disc protrusions and extrusions that are

causing

> much pain. I am not seeking surgery at this point because the

thought of a

> thoractomy (more invasive than open heart surgery) and the likely

hood of

> increased pain and possible paralysis from the chest down. I am

on a large

> amount of pain medicine (200 microgram/hr Duragesic, 60 mg

oxycontin, 60 mg

> oxycodone), muscle relaxers, Cymbalta, and Neurontin just to name

a few. I

> no longer drive and have just received notice from my trial judge

for social

> security (he will review case to see if a decision can be made

without going

> to court). It has been over a year since I applied. I also receive

LTD but

> have to resubmit paperwork every 2 months

>

>

>

> I wish you luck, Ask if you have any questions.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> In need of understanding

>

>

>

> How is it that all the doctors tell me that i'm too young to have

>

> herniated discs. I'm in so much pain its 4am and i'm still up and

not

>

> sleeping. I'm calling tomorrow and throwing a fit with the doctors

>

> that's all I can think of. I don't wanna have surgery but I would

>

> really like to lead a normal life instead of spending all my time

>

> trying to find a way to function. This is just stupid. Why don't

they

>

> understand. Thanks for listening to me Mandy

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Have you had any epidural steroid injections (ESI). The do help some people

by reducing inflammation locally at the disc(s). They didn't provide me any

relief. Age is a factor some doctors like to use negate some type of

treatments as do insurance companies don't like to award payment. Being in

constant pain wears thin quickly and disrupts one life. I get minimal relief

and welcome what little I get because it does allow me to get up and moving

a little. Without it I would be stuck on the couch all day unable to

function.

I there is anything specific I can help you with please ask. You can always

come here to seek information and support along with venting.

In need of understanding

>

>

>

> How is it that all the doctors tell me that i'm too young to have

>

> herniated discs. I'm in so much pain its 4am and i'm still up and

not

>

> sleeping. I'm calling tomorrow and throwing a fit with the doctors

>

> that's all I can think of. I don't wanna have surgery but I would

>

> really like to lead a normal life instead of spending all my time

>

> trying to find a way to function. This is just stupid. Why don't

they

>

> understand. Thanks for listening to me Mandy

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I've had one epideral, I've also had three steroid injections. none

of those worked and now i'm on lyrica, clebrex, and tizanadine. i'm

having a very hard time today. I work in a hospital and had to draw

some very difficult patients and caused a lot of bending. I'm

feeling awfull tonight I just don't know what to do. I don't wanna

seem like a baby and that I cant handle it but I'm really having a

hard time.

>

> >

>

> > Mandy,

>

> >

>

> > Regardless of what the doctors say, if you have herniated discs,

>

> that is a

>

> > fact and has nothing to do with age. Herniated discs can occur

for

>

> a variety

>

> > of reasons from bending down to pick up something, sneezing,

>

> traumatic

>

> > event, or heredity. Insist that a MRI is performed in the area

>

> that is

>

> > causing you pain especially since it is one of the most useful

>

> diagnostic

>

> > tools available. Pending the results, they may seek to perform

>

> myelogram

>

> > and/or CT scan with or without contrast agent.

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> > Another thing to remember is that is doesn't take much of a disc

>

> bulge or

>

> > herniation (protrusion, extrusion, or extruded disc fragment).

>

> Degenerative

>

> > disc disease (when the disc looses water content) is another

>

> culprit back

>

> > pain. Arthritis can also cause back pain. So you can see

getting

>

> the MRI

>

> > is important for diagnosing the source of your problem. Then you

>

> can proceed

>

> > with getting a treatment plan in place. There are several types

of

>

> surgical

>

> > procedures but it should be done after all other options are

>

> available but

>

> > all carry risk. Some doctors and insurance people are quick in

>

> stating that

>

> > you should get surgery because they are ignorant or looking out

>

> for their

>

> > own interest. Never mind the adverse outcome that could occur

that

>

> would be

>

> > even more traumatic if it occurred during surgery that wasn't

>

> medically

>

> > necessary.

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> > I have several thoracic disc protrusions and extrusions that are

>

> causing

>

> > much pain. I am not seeking surgery at this point because the

>

> thought of a

>

> > thoractomy (more invasive than open heart surgery) and the

likely

>

> hood of

>

> > increased pain and possible paralysis from the chest down. I am

>

> on a large

>

> > amount of pain medicine (200 microgram/hr Duragesic, 60 mg

>

> oxycontin, 60 mg

>

> > oxycodone), muscle relaxers, Cymbalta, and Neurontin just to

name

>

> a few. I

>

> > no longer drive and have just received notice from my trial

judge

>

> for social

>

> > security (he will review case to see if a decision can be made

>

> without going

>

> > to court). It has been over a year since I applied. I also

receive

>

> LTD but

>

> > have to resubmit paperwork every 2 months

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> > I wish you luck, Ask if you have any questions.

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> > In need of understanding

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> > How is it that all the doctors tell me that i'm too young to

have

>

> >

>

> > herniated discs. I'm in so much pain its 4am and i'm still up

and

>

> not

>

> >

>

> > sleeping. I'm calling tomorrow and throwing a fit with the

doctors

>

> >

>

> > that's all I can think of. I don't wanna have surgery but I

would

>

> >

>

> > really like to lead a normal life instead of spending all my

time

>

> >

>

> > trying to find a way to function. This is just stupid. Why don't

>

> they

>

> >

>

> > understand. Thanks for listening to me Mandy

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

[Guest guest]

Mandy,

No one here in their right mind would consider that you are acting like a

baby because you are expressing your feelings about being in pain. You say

you drew some difficult patients so you must either be a phlebotomist, med

tech, or nurse. My wife is a med tech at one of the local hospitals. If

you're a med tech, you might consider having your doctor impose work

restrictions that would keep you at the bench. Your employer would have to

comply / honor these restrictions under either the ADA or FMLA. If you are

missing lots of time from work, look into FMLA as it will protect your job

status.

The tizanadine, or zanaflex, is one of the only muscle relaxers that work

for me. It does however knock me for a loop. One thing to note is that when

it is taken with an opiod pain medication, the pain reliever effect is

increased. It is also good at relieving nerve pain. If I recall, they have

you on ultram? Try asking your doctor for Vicoden or hydrocodone. It's is

usually the next step in choice of pain medications for severe chronic pain

and is usually followed by oxycodone (percocet).

My pain doctor described his typical regime for chronic pain as:

Baseline pain - methadone or Duragesic (Fentanyl) patch

- oxycontin or MSContin (taken as supplement with

Fentanyl)

Breakthrough pain - hydrocodone, oxycodone

Nerve pain - Neurontin or Lyrica (basically an improved version of

Neurontin)

Cymbalta (anti-depressant) whose side effect can

reduce nerve pain. FDA approved for diabetic neuropathy

Don't be afraid to do research on your own and ask lots of questions to your

PM doctor. Most PM doctors are only anesthesiologists who have branched into

pain management. Many are starting to become board certified and it seems

these are the one who are more sympathetic towards people with chronic pain.

If you have a primary care physician in-charge of you pain management

program, you are likely not to receive the best regime that may be

available.

Hang in there and God Bless

In need of understanding

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> > How is it that all the doctors tell me that i'm too young to

have

>

> >

>

> > herniated discs. I'm in so much pain its 4am and i'm still up

and

>

> not

>

> >

>

> > sleeping. I'm calling tomorrow and throwing a fit with the

doctors

>

> >

>

> > that's all I can think of. I don't wanna have surgery but I

would

>

> >

>

> > really like to lead a normal life instead of spending all my

time

>

> >

>

> > trying to find a way to function. This is just stupid. Why don't

>

> they

>

> >

>

> > understand. Thanks for listening to me Mandy

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

[Guest guest]

I'm a phlebotomist, there isn't much I can do to alter the way I

work. I did have a coworker offer to do the baby's if she's there

the next time we have any. I wouldnt have had any problems but I had

to draw one elderly lady in the nursing home and two babys in out

patient. it's not even the bending that bother me it's the twisting.

I'm hoping that Tomorrow is better. I'm feeling pretty good today

but I didn't work today. I called my orthopedist today and I cant

get into see him until August 1. My PM doc, put me on Lyrica and

Celebrex. I currently don't take the vicoden that I still have from

when I was first diagnosed. I also have taken Ultram but it gives me

really bad vertigo so I don't take that either. I do take the

Zanaflex at bedtime, it seems to help me sleep that's when I have

the hardest time with muscle cramps in my back and legs.

Thank You Mandy

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > Mandy,

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > Regardless of what the doctors say, if you have herniated

discs,

>

> >

>

> > that is a

>

> >

>

> > > fact and has nothing to do with age. Herniated discs can occur

>

> for

>

> >

>

> > a variety

>

> >

>

> > > of reasons from bending down to pick up something, sneezing,

>

> >

>

> > traumatic

>

> >

>

> > > event, or heredity. Insist that a MRI is performed in the area

>

> >

>

> > that is

>

> >

>

> > > causing you pain especially since it is one of the most useful

>

> >

>

> > diagnostic

>

> >

>

> > > tools available. Pending the results, they may seek to perform

>

> >

>

> > myelogram

>

> >

>

> > > and/or CT scan with or without contrast agent.

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > Another thing to remember is that is doesn't take much of a

disc

>

> >

>

> > bulge or

>

> >

>

> > > herniation (protrusion, extrusion, or extruded disc

fragment).

>

> >

>

> > Degenerative

>

> >

>

> > > disc disease (when the disc looses water content) is another

>

> >

>

> > culprit back

>

> >

>

> > > pain. Arthritis can also cause back pain. So you can see

>

> getting

>

> >

>

> > the MRI

>

> >

>

> > > is important for diagnosing the source of your problem. Then

you

>

> >

>

> > can proceed

>

> >

>

> > > with getting a treatment plan in place. There are several

types

>

> of

>

> >

>

> > surgical

>

> >

>

> > > procedures but it should be done after all other options are

>

> >

>

> > available but

>

> >

>

> > > all carry risk. Some doctors and insurance people are quick in

>

> >

>

> > stating that

>

> >

>

> > > you should get surgery because they are ignorant or looking

out

>

> >

>

> > for their

>

> >

>

> > > own interest. Never mind the adverse outcome that could occur

>

> that

>

> >

>

> > would be

>

> >

>

> > > even more traumatic if it occurred during surgery that wasn't

>

> >

>

> > medically

>

> >

>

> > > necessary.

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > I have several thoracic disc protrusions and extrusions that

are

>

> >

>

> > causing

>

> >

>

> > > much pain. I am not seeking surgery at this point because the

>

> >

>

> > thought of a

>

> >

>

> > > thoractomy (more invasive than open heart surgery) and the

>

> likely

>

> >

>

> > hood of

>

> >

>

> > > increased pain and possible paralysis from the chest down. I

am

>

> >

>

> > on a large

>

> >

>

> > > amount of pain medicine (200 microgram/hr Duragesic, 60 mg

>

> >

>

> > oxycontin, 60 mg

>

> >

>

> > > oxycodone), muscle relaxers, Cymbalta, and Neurontin just to

>

> name

>

> >

>

> > a few. I

>

> >

>

> > > no longer drive and have just received notice from my trial

>

> judge

>

> >

>

> > for social

>

> >

>

> > > security (he will review case to see if a decision can be made

>

> >

>

> > without going

>

> >

>

> > > to court). It has been over a year since I applied. I also

>

> receive

>

> >

>

> > LTD but

>

> >

>

> > > have to resubmit paperwork every 2 months

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > I wish you luck, Ask if you have any questions.

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > In need of understanding

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > How is it that all the doctors tell me that i'm too young to

>

> have

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > herniated discs. I'm in so much pain its 4am and i'm still up

>

> and

>

> >

>

> > not

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > sleeping. I'm calling tomorrow and throwing a fit with the

>

> doctors

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > that's all I can think of. I don't wanna have surgery but I

>

> would

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > really like to lead a normal life instead of spending all my

>

> time

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > trying to find a way to function. This is just stupid. Why

don't

>

> >

>

> > they

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > > understand. Thanks for listening to me Mandy

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

>

> > >

>

> >

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[Guest guest]

Mandy, have you asked the doctors to explain why your age is an issue?

Maybe there's a good reason?

On 7/5/06, Mandy <summersetghosthunter@...> wrote:

>

> I've already had an MRI it showed a herniation at L4-L5 and L5-S1.

> The doctors don't want to do the surgery because of my age. However

> I'm in so much pain it's starting to get quite frustrating. Nothing

> they have tried has worked. That is what makes it so difficult.

>

>

> >

> > Mandy,

> >

> > Regardless of what the doctors say, if you have herniated discs,

> that is a

> > fact and has nothing to do with age. Herniated discs can occur for

> a variety

> > of reasons from bending down to pick up something, sneezing,

> traumatic

> > event, or heredity. Insist that a MRI is performed in the area

> that is

> > causing you pain especially since it is one of the most useful

> diagnostic

> > tools available. Pending the results, they may seek to perform

> myelogram

> > and/or CT scan with or without contrast agent.

> >

> >

> >

> > Another thing to remember is that is doesn't take much of a disc

> bulge or

> > herniation (protrusion, extrusion, or extruded disc fragment).

> Degenerative

> > disc disease (when the disc looses water content) is another

> culprit back

> > pain. Arthritis can also cause back pain. So you can see getting

> the MRI

> > is important for diagnosing the source of your problem. Then you

> can proceed

> > with getting a treatment plan in place. There are several types of

> surgical

> > procedures but it should be done after all other options are

> available but

> > all carry risk. Some doctors and insurance people are quick in

> stating that

> > you should get surgery because they are ignorant or looking out

> for their

> > own interest. Never mind the adverse outcome that could occur that

> would be

> > even more traumatic if it occurred during surgery that wasn't

> medically

> > necessary.

> >

> >

> >

> > I have several thoracic disc protrusions and extrusions that are

> causing

> > much pain. I am not seeking surgery at this point because the

> thought of a

> > thoractomy (more invasive than open heart surgery) and the likely

> hood of

> > increased pain and possible paralysis from the chest down. I am

> on a large

> > amount of pain medicine (200 microgram/hr Duragesic, 60 mg

> oxycontin, 60 mg

> > oxycodone), muscle relaxers, Cymbalta, and Neurontin just to name

> a few. I

> > no longer drive and have just received notice from my trial judge

> for social

> > security (he will review case to see if a decision can be made

> without going

> > to court). It has been over a year since I applied. I also receive

> LTD but

> > have to resubmit paperwork every 2 months

> >

> >

> >

> > I wish you luck, Ask if you have any questions.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > In need of understanding

> >

> >

> >

> > How is it that all the doctors tell me that i'm too young to have

> >

> > herniated discs. I'm in so much pain its 4am and i'm still up and

> not

> >

> > sleeping. I'm calling tomorrow and throwing a fit with the doctors

> >

> > that's all I can think of. I don't wanna have surgery but I would

> >

> > really like to lead a normal life instead of spending all my time

> >

> > trying to find a way to function. This is just stupid. Why don't

> they

> >

> > understand. Thanks for listening to me Mandy

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

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> >

[Guest guest]

I'm going back again in August I'm going to have it explained again.

He's always just said your way to young. My family doc sent me to

this doc sense he didn't want me to have an operation due to my age

either. however everything they've tried hasn't worked either so i'm

not sure what's gonna happen this time. I'll keep you all posted.

> > >

> > > Mandy,

> > >

> > > Regardless of what the doctors say, if you have herniated

discs,

> > that is a

> > > fact and has nothing to do with age. Herniated discs can occur

for

> > a variety

> > > of reasons from bending down to pick up something, sneezing,

> > traumatic

> > > event, or heredity. Insist that a MRI is performed in the area

> > that is

> > > causing you pain especially since it is one of the most useful

> > diagnostic

> > > tools available. Pending the results, they may seek to perform

> > myelogram

> > > and/or CT scan with or without contrast agent.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Another thing to remember is that is doesn't take much of a

disc

> > bulge or

> > > herniation (protrusion, extrusion, or extruded disc fragment).

> > Degenerative

> > > disc disease (when the disc looses water content) is another

> > culprit back

> > > pain. Arthritis can also cause back pain. So you can see

getting

> > the MRI

> > > is important for diagnosing the source of your problem. Then

you

> > can proceed

> > > with getting a treatment plan in place. There are several

types of

> > surgical

> > > procedures but it should be done after all other options are

> > available but

> > > all carry risk. Some doctors and insurance people are quick in

> > stating that

> > > you should get surgery because they are ignorant or looking out

> > for their

> > > own interest. Never mind the adverse outcome that could occur

that

> > would be

> > > even more traumatic if it occurred during surgery that wasn't

> > medically

> > > necessary.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > I have several thoracic disc protrusions and extrusions that

are

> > causing

> > > much pain. I am not seeking surgery at this point because the

> > thought of a

> > > thoractomy (more invasive than open heart surgery) and the

likely

> > hood of

> > > increased pain and possible paralysis from the chest down. I

am

> > on a large

> > > amount of pain medicine (200 microgram/hr Duragesic, 60 mg

> > oxycontin, 60 mg

> > > oxycodone), muscle relaxers, Cymbalta, and Neurontin just to

name

> > a few. I

> > > no longer drive and have just received notice from my trial

judge

> > for social

> > > security (he will review case to see if a decision can be made

> > without going

> > > to court). It has been over a year since I applied. I also

receive

> > LTD but

> > > have to resubmit paperwork every 2 months

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > I wish you luck, Ask if you have any questions.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > In need of understanding

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > How is it that all the doctors tell me that i'm too young to

have

> > >

> > > herniated discs. I'm in so much pain its 4am and i'm still up

and

> > not

> > >

> > > sleeping. I'm calling tomorrow and throwing a fit with the

doctors

> > >

> > > that's all I can think of. I don't wanna have surgery but I

would

> > >

> > > really like to lead a normal life instead of spending all my

time

> > >

> > > trying to find a way to function. This is just stupid. Why

don't

> > they

> > >

> > > understand. Thanks for listening to me Mandy

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

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> > >

[Guest guest]

The comment I get most also is related to my age. Regardless of a person’s

age, anyone can be subjected to a back injury that leads to chronic pain.

Typically speaking, those that are older are more likely to suffer from this

type of chronic pain. I am 39 years old and have been on long-term

disability for 2 years now. I hear the following comments the most:

1. You are way two young with a long life in front of you so you should

go ahead and get the surgery (opposite of what you are hearing). However,

the doctors that say this are naïve because they don’t know what’s involved

with transthoracic surgery required to remove and fuse the affected area.

They don’t know that once you have this surgery you are never the same again

because you often have more pain, permanent nerve damage, and paralysis from

the chest down. For me, symptomatic thoracic herniations make up less than

1% of all herniation. The doctors that encourage surgery are not the ones

who perform it. My neurosurgeon says to avoid until the last possible moment

because of the risk mentioned above. Hence Pain Management is my option. I

do need to be careful if ever in a wreck because there are hospitals that

wouldn’t hesitate to operate.

2. You are going to have a difficult time getting approve for Social

Security because you are so young. Never mind the fact that I am

unemployable because of the amount of medication I have to take and can’t

function unless I take them. When I take the meds, I am not fit to drive or

partake any task that is hazardous or slightly dangerous.

3. What your prognosis. This is what I am asked by most people even

doctors but no one can provide an answer.

I guess I wrote all this is that doctors use age sometime to dismiss the

significance of what a person is going through, especially if the findings

aren’t overly obvious (i.e. a disc bulge compared to a disc extrusion). If

the medical findings are concrete they might be saying it just out of

disbelief. Regarding surgery, many times surgery sets up the domino effect

meaning that once a disc is fused, the one above or below often fail. The

younger you are, the more likely this will occur. Many people who have

surgery are no better off than before and sometime worse because of

complications. Back surgery has come a long but it still not the best fit

for everyone. Most surgeons will say that conducting surgery to relieve pain

is often ill-advised. This is why many will have you wait until you suffer

neurologically resulting from nerve damage.

In my case, the age thing is almost discriminatory thus requiring me to

fight harder to get social security. I certainly didn’t want to be in this

position. When I became symptomatic in Nov 2003, I had been working my way

up the ladder at a nuclear power station quickly. I was an assistant

supervisor at the time I was medically disqualified. I would certainly

rather be working than fighting the red tape. I have to apply for Social

Security to keep/secure my long-term disability.

I hope this helps some. I may have wondered off the subject a little, it’s

the meds.

God Bless and good luck,

In need of understanding

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > How is it that all the doctors tell me that i'm too young to

have

> > >

> > > herniated discs. I'm in so much pain its 4am and i'm still up

and

> > not

> > >

> > > sleeping. I'm calling tomorrow and throwing a fit with the

doctors

> > >

> > > that's all I can think of. I don't wanna have surgery but I

would

> > >

> > > really like to lead a normal life instead of spending all my

time

> > >

> > > trying to find a way to function. This is just stupid. Why

don't

> > they

> > >

> > > understand. Thanks for listening to me Mandy

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >