Hi friends,
Among all of the other swell perihell symptoms, I have been plagued with immense low back pain throughout my 40's. ultiple MRI's have shown severe degerative disc disease and facet joint syndrome. I have had numerous ipedural injections that contained steroids with brief relief. The side effects of these steroids are horrible. I literally experienced almost psychosis with Panic attacks and anxiety and insomnia at all time records levels. It was an ongoing Panic attack on Steriods. Never again!!! My options now are really limited and I am to the point of buying a cane to walk with at times. It causes me severe pain to even go shopping. My favorite passtime! I can hardly bend over to tie my shoes let alone put them on. I am only able to escape the pain when I sleep. I take nothing for this pain and at times on a scale of 1-10 its a solid 8. If I go to the for light low impact cardio, I suffer for days. The neurologist told me 5 years ago that I would most likely need surgery. I am way too freaked out to have this done. Has anyone here had low back surgery or has anyone found relief from the pain with something alternative. Also, about a week before my period starts the back pain is unbearable and after my period starts I get relief. I am assuming this is because there is swelling or pressure from the mentrual cycle. I have no idea as I am just guessing. I just want to be able to walk and garden and play with my son and grandkids. I look really healthy so I am afraid to even use a cane because I will look like a goof ball. Please help.......... Debra
Full Version: Surgery for severe degenerative disc disease
Hey Debra,
Sorry to hear about your DDD. I've not personally had that, but I know a couple people that do. Both seem to have benefited from physical therapy. One person goes to water classes everyday at the Y and that seems to keep the pain in check. Another does daily exercises given to them by the physical therapist and it seems to help.
Like you, neither of them take pain meds (except occasionaly OTC stuff) because they don't want to go that route.
An evaluation by a physical therapist could possibly answer some questions for you and they're usually honest about whether they can help you or not.
As far as the cane goes...go buy the jazziest cane you can find and wear it proudly if you need it. It's nothing to be ashamed about and who cares what other people think, if it helps you live your life, then use it!!!!
Sorry to hear about your DDD. I've not personally had that, but I know a couple people that do. Both seem to have benefited from physical therapy. One person goes to water classes everyday at the Y and that seems to keep the pain in check. Another does daily exercises given to them by the physical therapist and it seems to help.
Like you, neither of them take pain meds (except occasionaly OTC stuff) because they don't want to go that route.
An evaluation by a physical therapist could possibly answer some questions for you and they're usually honest about whether they can help you or not.
As far as the cane goes...go buy the jazziest cane you can find and wear it proudly if you need it. It's nothing to be ashamed about and who cares what other people think, if it helps you live your life, then use it!!!!
(((Debra)))
I'm so sorry you are suffering with this. My father has had a herniated disc in his back and lived with the pain for years until it literally left him flat on his back. I'm not kidding. He had to have a board meeting in the family room. My father was propped up on a pillow in front of the fireplace. He opted to have surgery and can walk again although he does get occasional pain. He has since found out he has three degenerating discs in his neck. His sister has three degenerating discs in her back and although it causes her pain she continues to work out and has no immediate plans for surgery. I think if it gets worse or she ends up like my father did she will need surgery.
I would do my research find out the pro's and con's and decide what you want to do. Like I said surgery greatly alleviated my father's pain and got him off his back(the poor man was in agony) however he still feels a bit sore from time to time. I guess my advice to you is take care of it now rather than later. I'd hate to hear that you are flat on your back in pain. Whatever you decide I hope you feel better real soon!
God Bless
Tara
I'm so sorry you are suffering with this. My father has had a herniated disc in his back and lived with the pain for years until it literally left him flat on his back. I'm not kidding. He had to have a board meeting in the family room. My father was propped up on a pillow in front of the fireplace. He opted to have surgery and can walk again although he does get occasional pain. He has since found out he has three degenerating discs in his neck. His sister has three degenerating discs in her back and although it causes her pain she continues to work out and has no immediate plans for surgery. I think if it gets worse or she ends up like my father did she will need surgery.
I would do my research find out the pro's and con's and decide what you want to do. Like I said surgery greatly alleviated my father's pain and got him off his back(the poor man was in agony) however he still feels a bit sore from time to time. I guess my advice to you is take care of it now rather than later. I'd hate to hear that you are flat on your back in pain. Whatever you decide I hope you feel better real soon!
God Bless
Tara
Debra,
I know exactly where you are coming from.I had back surgery in june of 06.I had always said I would never have surgery, but the pain was so horrible, and the fact that I could'nt walk, I had no other choice. The surgery helped some, I was able to walk,and the pain was not as intense.As time went on the pain started to get worse.Since then I have had several procedures,epidurals,
discogram(very painful
) i.d.e.t procedure, this is done by injecting a needle that has a heating coil on the end of the needle on the troubled disc,also very painful. 
Everything helped for awhile, but I still have pain,it's hard to do alot of every day things.But I consider myself better than what I was because,in 06 I could'nt walk.I pray that things will get better for you.
Rhonda P
I know exactly where you are coming from.I had back surgery in june of 06.I had always said I would never have surgery, but the pain was so horrible, and the fact that I could'nt walk, I had no other choice. The surgery helped some, I was able to walk,and the pain was not as intense.As time went on the pain started to get worse.Since then I have had several procedures,epidurals,
discogram(very painful
) i.d.e.t procedure, this is done by injecting a needle that has a heating coil on the end of the needle on the troubled disc,also very painful. Everything helped for awhile, but I still have pain,it's hard to do alot of every day things.But I consider myself better than what I was because,in 06 I could'nt walk.I pray that things will get better for you.Rhonda P
We are all so different, so it is hard for me to give you any advice. What I can tell you is that in the later stages of peri I suffered terribly with my back. At one stage I can remember the spectre of back surgery and wheelchairs lurking in the back of my mind. I went through several years when I was never without awful back pain. I have five degenerative discs and my lumbar spine is virtually fused because it is so stiff. I blamed it on years of figure skating. As you know, a bad back just destroys your life and invades everything you do. At one stage I virtually gave up on my life, it was truly awful. The combination of migraines and a bad back was truly horrible. I am now post and 'touch wood' all the back pain has gone along with the migraines. I am not saying that your back pain will evaporate but I am saying that doctors do not know everything. I could have rushed around and had surgery that was not necessary. I think that something very weird goes on with the spine at the tail end of peri. I have met many women who had awful problems with their back at this stage. It seems illogical but it might give you hope that your future is a little brighter than you are thinking it is at the moment. As for the stick. If it helps you to mobilise then it is good news. I have a hiking pole which is light, strong and very comfortable to use. It is also very sporty because it looks like a ski pole. Be gentle with your body and try to do some gentle stretching and have a couple of short walks a day. Forget vigorous exercise programs, sometimes they create more problems than they solve. Your problems are probably related to wear and tear so why create even more wear. Doctors are now beginning to realise that the generation who have been slaves to the gym, may be a little better in their cardiovascular health but they are starting to appear with symptoms of worn joints etc much earlier in their lives. It is important just to keep everything supple and ticking over whist your body attempts to heal itself.
XIII
XIII
Hi,
I have had back pain for about 10 years and it is only within the last year that I have begun to have success in figuring out how to manage it.
My back pain is not as severe as yours. I have one herniated disc, and osteoporosis of the lumbar spine. I did a year of chiropracty, which helped some, but I did find physical therapy to be most helpful. My doctor told me not to run anymore and no more forward bends or prolonged sitting, until the pain is better managed. The physical therapy aims at getting the escaping disc material back into the socket with extensions (no flexion). And of course, ice packs twice a day or more for 10-20 minutes. Also daily topical cream such as arnica gel or topricin. I also got a kneeling chair when I have to sit at my desk; otherwise I recline on a couch with my laptop (like now).
To manage my osteoporosis, I went on bioidentical hormone therapy. I also found I was deficient in Vitamin D and my doctor told me to take 5,000 per day.
So many women go through this as we age, and it is important to manage it before it sends us on a downward spiral. Do all you can to keep moving and avoid fragility.
I have had back pain for about 10 years and it is only within the last year that I have begun to have success in figuring out how to manage it.
My back pain is not as severe as yours. I have one herniated disc, and osteoporosis of the lumbar spine. I did a year of chiropracty, which helped some, but I did find physical therapy to be most helpful. My doctor told me not to run anymore and no more forward bends or prolonged sitting, until the pain is better managed. The physical therapy aims at getting the escaping disc material back into the socket with extensions (no flexion). And of course, ice packs twice a day or more for 10-20 minutes. Also daily topical cream such as arnica gel or topricin. I also got a kneeling chair when I have to sit at my desk; otherwise I recline on a couch with my laptop (like now).
To manage my osteoporosis, I went on bioidentical hormone therapy. I also found I was deficient in Vitamin D and my doctor told me to take 5,000 per day.
So many women go through this as we age, and it is important to manage it before it sends us on a downward spiral. Do all you can to keep moving and avoid fragility.
QUOTE (dawn @ Feb 21 2009, 11:18 PM) 
Hey Debra,
Sorry to hear about your DDD. I've not personally had that, but I know a couple people that do. Both seem to have benefited from physical therapy. One person goes to water classes everyday at the Y and that seems to keep the pain in check. Another does daily exercises given to them by the physical therapist and it seems to help.
Like you, neither of them take pain meds (except occasionaly OTC stuff) because they don't want to go that route.
An evaluation by a physical therapist could possibly answer some questions for you and they're usually honest about whether they can help you or not.
As far as the cane goes...go buy the jazziest cane you can find and wear it proudly if you need it. It's nothing to be ashamed about and who cares what other people think, if it helps you live your life, then use it!!!!
Sorry to hear about your DDD. I've not personally had that, but I know a couple people that do. Both seem to have benefited from physical therapy. One person goes to water classes everyday at the Y and that seems to keep the pain in check. Another does daily exercises given to them by the physical therapist and it seems to help.
Like you, neither of them take pain meds (except occasionaly OTC stuff) because they don't want to go that route.
An evaluation by a physical therapist could possibly answer some questions for you and they're usually honest about whether they can help you or not.
As far as the cane goes...go buy the jazziest cane you can find and wear it proudly if you need it. It's nothing to be ashamed about and who cares what other people think, if it helps you live your life, then use it!!!!
QUOTE (dawn @ Feb 21 2009, 11:18 PM)
Hey Debra,
Sorry to hear about your DDD. I've not personally had that, but I know a couple people that do. Both seem to have benefited from physical therapy. One person goes to water classes everyday at the Y and that seems to keep the pain in check. Another does daily exercises given to them by the physical therapist and it seems to help.
Like you, neither of them take pain meds (except occasionaly OTC stuff) because they don't want to go that route.
An evaluation by a physical therapist could possibly answer some questions for you and they're usually honest about whether they can help you or not.
As far as the cane goes...go buy the jazziest cane you can find and wear it proudly if you need it. It's nothing to be ashamed about and who cares what other people think, if it helps you live your life, then use it!!!!
Sorry to hear about your DDD. I've not personally had that, but I know a couple people that do. Both seem to have benefited from physical therapy. One person goes to water classes everyday at the Y and that seems to keep the pain in check. Another does daily exercises given to them by the physical therapist and it seems to help.
Like you, neither of them take pain meds (except occasionaly OTC stuff) because they don't want to go that route.
An evaluation by a physical therapist could possibly answer some questions for you and they're usually honest about whether they can help you or not.
As far as the cane goes...go buy the jazziest cane you can find and wear it proudly if you need it. It's nothing to be ashamed about and who cares what other people think, if it helps you live your life, then use it!!!!
Hi dawn,
Thanks for the comments. I went to a PT last year and it helped a tiny bit. My insurance has large co pays for PT so the expense did not outweigh the results. You know, I think I will get a couple of canes. One of them will be leopard print. What the heck! Deb
QUOTE (TaraLindsay @ Feb 22 2009, 12:24 AM)
(((Debra)))
I'm so sorry you are suffering with this. My father has had a herniated disc in his back and lived with the pain for years until it literally left him flat on his back. I'm not kidding. He had to have a board meeting in the family room. My father was propped up on a pillow in front of the fireplace. He opted to have surgery and can walk again although he does get occasional pain. He has since found out he has three degenerating discs in his neck. His sister has three degenerating discs in her back and although it causes her pain she continues to work out and has no immediate plans for surgery. I think if it gets worse or she ends up like my father did she will need surgery.
I would do my research find out the pro's and con's and decide what you want to do. Like I said surgery greatly alleviated my father's pain and got him off his back(the poor man was in agony) however he still feels a bit sore from time to time. I guess my advice to you is take care of it now rather than later. I'd hate to hear that you are flat on your back in pain. Whatever you decide I hope you feel better real soon!
God Bless
Tara
I'm so sorry you are suffering with this. My father has had a herniated disc in his back and lived with the pain for years until it literally left him flat on his back. I'm not kidding. He had to have a board meeting in the family room. My father was propped up on a pillow in front of the fireplace. He opted to have surgery and can walk again although he does get occasional pain. He has since found out he has three degenerating discs in his neck. His sister has three degenerating discs in her back and although it causes her pain she continues to work out and has no immediate plans for surgery. I think if it gets worse or she ends up like my father did she will need surgery.
I would do my research find out the pro's and con's and decide what you want to do. Like I said surgery greatly alleviated my father's pain and got him off his back(the poor man was in agony) however he still feels a bit sore from time to time. I guess my advice to you is take care of it now rather than later. I'd hate to hear that you are flat on your back in pain. Whatever you decide I hope you feel better real soon!
God Bless
Tara
Hi Tara, I am glad to hear your father recovered. Occasional pain and stiffness after having surgery sounds like a blessing to me. Its this energy guzzling pain that just saps me, add to that the peri and its not a good combo. I just received a flyer from my local hospital yesterday. They are having a Free Health Seminar on Low back pain. I am going to start there and get educated before I make a decision. Deb
QUOTE (RhondaP @ Feb 22 2009, 03:43 AM)
Debra,
I know exactly where you are coming from.I had back surgery in june of 06.I had always said I would never have surgery, but the pain was so horrible, and the fact that I could'nt walk, I had no other choice. The surgery helped some, I was able to walk,and the pain was not as intense.As time went on the pain started to get worse.Since then I have had several procedures,epidurals,
discogram(very painful ) i.d.e.t procedure, this is done by injecting a needle that has a heating coil on the end of the needle on the troubled disc,also very painful. Everything helped for awhile, but I still have pain,it's hard to do alot of every day things.But I consider myself better than what I was because,in 06 I could'nt walk.I pray that things will get better for you.
Rhonda P
I know exactly where you are coming from.I had back surgery in june of 06.I had always said I would never have surgery, but the pain was so horrible, and the fact that I could'nt walk, I had no other choice. The surgery helped some, I was able to walk,and the pain was not as intense.As time went on the pain started to get worse.Since then I have had several procedures,epidurals,
discogram(very painful
) i.d.e.t procedure, this is done by injecting a needle that has a heating coil on the end of the needle on the troubled disc,also very painful. Everything helped for awhile, but I still have pain,it's hard to do alot of every day things.But I consider myself better than what I was because,in 06 I could'nt walk.I pray that things will get better for you.Rhonda P
Oh Rhonda, I am sorry to hear your having to go through all of this after surgery. I have read that sometimes surgery can make the problem worse in the long run. What do you do to exercise or try to stay in shape with your back problem. Everyone tells me to work my core muscles ie; the abs. Problem is when I work my abs I have excruciating pain that leaves me a mess for days on end. Any suggestions? Deb
QUOTE (XIII @ Feb 22 2009, 07:33 AM)
We are all so different, so it is hard for me to give you any advice. What I can tell you is that in the later stages of peri I suffered terribly with my back. At one stage I can remember the spectre of back surgery and wheelchairs lurking in the back of my mind. I went through several years when I was never without awful back pain. I have five degenerative discs and my lumbar spine is virtually fused because it is so stiff. I blamed it on years of figure skating. As you know, a bad back just destroys your life and invades everything you do. At one stage I virtually gave up on my life, it was truly awful. The combination of migraines and a bad back was truly horrible. I am now post and 'touch wood' all the back pain has gone along with the migraines. I am not saying that your back pain will evaporate but I am saying that doctors do not know everything. I could have rushed around and had surgery that was not necessary. I think that something very weird goes on with the spine at the tail end of peri. I have met many women who had awful problems with their back at this stage. It seems illogical but it might give you hope that your future is a little brighter than you are thinking it is at the moment. As for the stick. If it helps you to mobilise then it is good news. I have a hiking pole which is light, strong and very comfortable to use. It is also very sporty because it looks like a ski pole. Be gentle with your body and try to do some gentle stretching and have a couple of short walks a day. Forget vigorous exercise programs, sometimes they create more problems than they solve. Your problems are probably related to wear and tear so why create even more wear. Doctors are now beginning to realise that the generation who have been slaves to the gym, may be a little better in their cardiovascular health but they are starting to appear with symptoms of worn joints etc much earlier in their lives. It is important just to keep everything supple and ticking over whist your body attempts to heal itself.
Hi XIII, You really understand what I am going through as you have a background of being an athlete. I have been an athlete my entire life. Gymnastics, chearleading, Track and Field, weight lifting, tons of cardio and a career in Teaching Marshal Arts. I received my blackblelt at 32. I think all of the repetitive motions I put my body through came back to bite me at 40. Now, it's really funny you should mention how going through peri had a coincidental impact on your lower back. I started having major pain and stiffness the exact age of 40. I had done nothing different nor had I had an accident to speak of that would have cause such pain. I like the fact that there is some hope that maybe this too shall pass with all of the other nasty symptoms peri has to dole out. I now do not think its a figment of my imagination that I get extreme low back pain and symptoms the week of my period and they are alleviated when I start. Hmmm, there is something to this. I need to find a program for people like me who want to work out without screwing up their back even worse. Deb
XIII
Hi XIII, You really understand what I am going through as you have a background of being an athlete. I have been an athlete my entire life. Gymnastics, chearleading, Track and Field, weight lifting, tons of cardio and a career in Teaching Marshal Arts. I received my blackblelt at 32. I think all of the repetitive motions I put my body through came back to bite me at 40. Now, it's really funny you should mention how going through peri had a coincidental impact on your lower back. I started having major pain and stiffness the exact age of 40. I had done nothing different nor had I had an accident to speak of that would have cause such pain. I like the fact that there is some hope that maybe this too shall pass with all of the other nasty symptoms peri has to dole out. I now do not think its a figment of my imagination that I get extreme low back pain and symptoms the week of my period and they are alleviated when I start. Hmmm, there is something to this. I need to find a program for people like me who want to work out without screwing up their back even worse. Deb
XIII
QUOTE (wordsmith @ Feb 22 2009, 09:45 AM)
Hi,
I have had back pain for about 10 years and it is only within the last year that I have begun to have success in figuring out how to manage it.
My back pain is not as severe as yours. I have one herniated disc, and osteoporosis of the lumbar spine. I did a year of chiropracty, which helped some, but I did find physical therapy to be most helpful. My doctor told me not to run anymore and no more forward bends or prolonged sitting, until the pain is better managed. The physical therapy aims at getting the escaping disc material back into the socket with extensions (no flexion). And of course, ice packs twice a day or more for 10-20 minutes. Also daily topical cream such as arnica gel or topricin. I also got a kneeling chair when I have to sit at my desk; otherwise I recline on a couch with my laptop (like now).
To manage my osteoporosis, I went on bioidentical hormone therapy. I also found I was deficient in Vitamin D and my doctor told me to take 5,000 per day.
So many women go through this as we age, and it is important to manage it before it sends us on a downward spiral. Do all you can to keep moving and avoid fragility.
I have had back pain for about 10 years and it is only within the last year that I have begun to have success in figuring out how to manage it.
My back pain is not as severe as yours. I have one herniated disc, and osteoporosis of the lumbar spine. I did a year of chiropracty, which helped some, but I did find physical therapy to be most helpful. My doctor told me not to run anymore and no more forward bends or prolonged sitting, until the pain is better managed. The physical therapy aims at getting the escaping disc material back into the socket with extensions (no flexion). And of course, ice packs twice a day or more for 10-20 minutes. Also daily topical cream such as arnica gel or topricin. I also got a kneeling chair when I have to sit at my desk; otherwise I recline on a couch with my laptop (like now).
To manage my osteoporosis, I went on bioidentical hormone therapy. I also found I was deficient in Vitamin D and my doctor told me to take 5,000 per day.
So many women go through this as we age, and it is important to manage it before it sends us on a downward spiral. Do all you can to keep moving and avoid fragility.
Wordsmith, Thanks for the great idea on the chair. I find sitting at my desk to be torture. I am going to get a chair ASAP. I sit too many hours at a desk and sometimes my feet even get numb. I am glad to hear you are doing better with PT. All very good ideas.............Deb
Check out this site. My sister had surgery here with wonderful results. I believe more and more doctors are performing this type of surgery now. Non invasive and very fast recovery. Of course you have to meet all the criteria.
http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/about/
http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/about/
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