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I have degenitive disc disease Expand / Collapse
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Mary85
Posted Wednesday, March 01, 2006 3:19 PM


 

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I found out a few years back that i had degenitive disc disease and my spine is just killing me with pain. I had two surgeries to repair some disc and clean up around the siatica nerve and now this last November I had a bad attack with my upper neck and both arms hurting and the mri showed I had pinch nerves in the C 4 and 5 vertabe. Now that pain hurts as bad as the rest of my spine does so my pain management doctor is going to giv me a nerve block in it Friday. Have anyone ever had this done in the upper neck area?
I have had several in my low cak but they don't last long.
I take all sorts of medication and see my doc once a month but I feel all he does is cover up the pain for alittle while because it always comes back with vengence. The pain is just so unbearable that some days i wish I never had to get out of bed.
I have done everything, seen every doctor I could but i am still in awful pain. I follow all their instructions, lost weight, exercised to on thop of everything else, but i till hurt everyday.
The only thing that eases it up for awhile is my pain pills, so what am I to do. Live off those for the rest of my life...I am 60 yrs. old, was real active until my back began to give me trouble and now i am almost a invalid because of this arthritis I have in my spine.
I know there has to be a doctor out there that can help me in some way. If anyone sees this please eamil me ok.
There has to be some quality of life left in me.
I can still walk some but this has effected my legs and muscles to as well as my back and arms and neck. I can only walk short distances and hold onto my walker but my legs get so tired and hurt so bad that i feel like they are going to give out from under me, so I never go off anymore alone because I am afraid of falling and hurting something else on me.
I have alot of bone spurs to on my spine but the doc said they was not the cause of my pain but i am not so sure of that because one of the sorest spot in my center back is where a large spur is.
I just need someone to help me find a way to ease some of this pain up, if its by more surgery then we will do it, anything to help..
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Rose-Marie
Posted Saturday, March 04, 2006 2:40 PM


 

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Mary,

I don't have any answers, since I have not had any procedures but like you have a bit of degeneration in my spine. One thing that helps me out a bit are pool or water exercises. Between the warm water and the bouyancy I get more exercise done than I can on land and that helps me feel better. I hope you do get an answer soon, God bless, Rose-Marie
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Dee200
Posted Monday, March 06, 2006 10:49 PM


 

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Hi Mary,
I don't have Degenerative Disc Disease but my 43 year old husband does (I have Rheumatoid Arthritis). My husband has suffered with back problems since he was in High School and it has just gotten progressively worse through the years. After 15 years of being a pastor in the ministry he had to step down because of the severe pain and fatigue. He is now permanently disabeled.

Even though all of these changes have been very difficult for him we choose to look for the good things in our lives. Because he is disabeled he is able to take better care of himself, swimming at the YMCA, resting as he needs to, no stress from work and ministry, etc. He constantly tells me that hanging in the deep end of the pool helps his spine because it takes all gravity off of it. He also sees several Doctors at a Pain Management Clinic. One helps him with his medication and another helps him with the emotional side of dealing with chronic pain. He is currently on a low dose of Methadone along with Lidoderm pain patches. He has had several back surgeries -one being a fusion at L4-L5 and much to his doctors and our dismay he is medically considered a "treatment failure".

Like you, he has lost much of his mobility. He cannot walk long distances or sit or stand for extended periods of time. Friends and family came together and purchased him a scooter that allows him to get around as he needs to. He also likes to volunteer at a local nursing home as he is able. It helps him when he can help others and know he is making an impact on other's lives.

Dealing with chronic pain can be very discouraging. Do all you can to gather friends and family around you for encouragement. It's hard but ask for help when you need to.

God Bless you!

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callielou
Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 8:02 PM


 

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I'm not sure, but for those who have degenerative discs, a chiropractor may be able to help. He/she can get the spine aligned properly to relieve the pressure and some of the pain. It may be worth checking for some of you.
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Carol Bryant
Posted Saturday, February 14, 2009 9:41 AM


 

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Last Login: Saturday, February 14, 2009 9:30 AM
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I know how your husband feels.  I have degenitive disc disease and bulgeing disk, and oa.  Living is constant pain is a real drag.  My husband wants to get me a chair to ride in,but i refuse to get one.  As long as I can walk, even if it hurt I am.  I do use the carts in the stores though.  I go to a pain doctor who gives me pain meds and shots when I can't stand the pain.  I refuse to give up on myself.  My mother has RA.  YOu wouldn't know she has anything wrong.  Until it flares up in her legs. Then the pain is to much.  She can't move.   I keep telling myself if my mom can deal with it so can I.  I hope the best for your husband.   Keep the faith.  I forgot to mention I have pain in my Right hip.  Getting up in the morning is just plan crazy.  In the last couple months, my hands tighten up on me in the morning when I wake up.  I have to wake them up too.   wawawa.  I want some cheese with my whin.

Carol Ann

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