Degenerative disc disease

james1966

hello i too have the dam thing for the past 4 or 5 years
i had to give up work as a kitchen fitter because the job was killing my back
my doctor tells me that there is no cure as i have osteophyte formation and osterartritis some days i am in great pain
my doctor advised to apply for disability allowance
i am awaiting an appeal on that but i had another xray that shows progression on my ddd
so i must send the appeal officier that xray
i was self employed so i can not go on dissability benefit
what a waste of money on prsi
has any one the same condition and were granted dissability allowance
thanks

k101

thehamo wrote: »

Hey. I did it in Citywest Chiropractic. its in the leisure centre there. Its not cheap, you have to do about 20 sessions, works out at about 2g's. but compare that to spinal injections every 3 months/surgery and its not all that bad.

I have been out running the past 2 weeks now. where as before I would run and not be able to walk after, now there is not a bother on me. Even when I get up in the morning. All the stiffness is gone and absolutely no pain what so ever. Its a total turn around in quality of life for me. IL be doing pilates and other exercise to strengthen my core and prevent it ever happening again!

Best of luck with what ever you choose to do!

cheers for replying , had any of your disc hermiated/slipped before you had the treatment. wondering would it make a differnce if one had. would the treatment still be effective

thehamo

Hey. Yeah I had an MRI before I went to the centre. I had two badly herniated discs in L4/L5 and stress fractures through my vertebre. I had these well before I even knew about the treatment.

k101

might have to chance it then. i guess even if there is a small chance it will work its worth a go. does your back feel 100pc now and are you off all tablets. i am taking too many of them. they cant be doing me much good long term

thehamo

I wouldnt say 100% as I'd say I have a bit of muscle wastage/weakness etc because of the lack of exercise I was doing. But im running 8km twice a week and was out for an 80km cycle there yesterday so it must have done something right considering I couldnt even get out of bed in the morning before hand!

flossie

My initial delight in increased movement following my injections into the facet joint were short lived. I feel just as stiff (if not more so) as before, getting strange sensations in my leg and a lot of discomfort overall. All adding up to make me a pretty miserable Flossie at the moment!

Think it would be OK ot give the surgeon a call and update him, or give it another week or so and see how things progress? It's been 11 days since the injections....

thehamo

Injections are and always will be a very short term solution that dont always work. They are besically pain blockers that dont get to the route of the problem. Once they ware off the problems are just going to rare their ugly head over and over. IM pretty sure a phone call to the surgeon will result in a redirection to his secretary and another appointment for another round of injections!

flossie

Hi thehamo,

I know they are temporary, but i really thought i would get more than a couple of days relief out of them This was to be my last injection My Poynton was willing to give to me, so a little bit anxious if surgery would be the next step. I kknow we have discussed it but i alwyas hoped it wouldn't come to that stage....

Just geeling a little miserable at the moment, had wanted to get back into some of my activities, such as running, rowing and trying out tag rugby, but not looking like that will be anytime soon

thehamo

flossie wrote: »

Hi thehamo,

I know they are temporary, but i really thought i would get more than a couple of days relief out of them This was to be my last injection My Poynton was willing to give to me, so a little bit anxious if surgery would be the next step. I kknow we have discussed it but i alwyas hoped it wouldn't come to that stage....

Just geeling a little miserable at the moment, had wanted to get back into some of my activities, such as running, rowing and trying out tag rugby, but not looking like that will be anytime soon

Flossie, I highly reccomend looking into the spinal decompression if you are afraid of surgery. The place in Citywest does a free consultation and no obligation to go ahead with the treatment. Check out thier website http://citywestchiropractic.ie/index.html there are a few more testemonials there to look at. I was out for a 10km run tonight, after an 80km cycle on sunday. Before April, I could only dream of doing that as i had to climb out of bed in agony and contort my self just to put my socks on! Just another, much safer option

flossie

Thanks thehamo, is it a permanent solution, or temporary?

thehamo

I dont want to say its a PERMANENT solution per se, as nothing is a permanent solution though it is a long term solution as in you'l not have to get it done again nor have to go for surgery/injections etc. Im starting pilates tonight, its all about stabilisation and maintanance for me now that I feel so much better. IM sure if you look after your self and not falling back into bad habits it will be a fairly permanent solution.

k101

just came across the article linked below, would make you sceptical of the benefit of getting spinal decompression done. anyone else had it done and have anything eitherpositive or negative to report

http://www.livescience.com/4647-truth-space-age-cure-pain.html

flossie

Just having a bit of a down day today....thought i'd release steam so apologies in advance.

Just spoken to Mr Poynton's secretary after informing them neither of the epidurals have worked. She (the secretary) informs me i should try Pilates. I told her that i am not comfortable taking part in a group session as it doesn't necessary cater to back problems and is there a recommendation for a back-specific class in my area. She replies telling me that all pilates teaches are physios (?!) and would be able to deal with me just let them know at the start of the class. I'm not happy with this at all, and it goes against what Mr Poynton told me at my last consultation - i was under the impression that as i had exhausted physio he would try epidurals and then conside me for surgery. Not the case it appears.

I am in discomfort most days. I don't know if it is pain any longer as i have a high pain threshold and feelign this would make you get used to it, surely? I feel like I am far older than i am, with stiffness doing just about everything. The secretary then suggested my job might be causing the problems, whch i replied 'yes, it probably isn't helping, but are you suggesting i give up my job?'.....i know, i snapped a little then, but i really don't know the next step. I don't have a regular job that is 9-5 every day so would struggle to take part in Pilates classes weekly.

I want my life back, i want to run again, to row, to be able to wear high heels and not suffer the next day (very shallow i know but it has that effect), not have to crawl out of bed.....

Sorry for the rant, a little bit emotinal headed now

jdee99

I slipped a disc 35 years ago and had a L5 S1 lanomectomy (forgive my spelling if its wrong) and from that day on my back has progressively got worse. Had more epidurals and pain blocks then you can shake a stick at, which resulted in an operation again in 1992 called a Gaft stabilization. Basically they inserted pedicure screws into the bottom three vertebra and wrapped Dacron artificial ligaments around the screws to try and stabiles things.

The problems disappeared for a year but gradually came back and life has been a bugger ever since - pain levels vary from mild to crippled and unable to move. I refuse to give into it though and have lead a fairly active life when I can.

I now suffer with DDD the length of my spine - I had been trying to find a surgeon who would take out the failed Graft operation and do a proper three (or more) level bone graft. In fact I go in to hospital on the 7th of August for this to be done so have been interested to read G-K's thoughts. I am guessing its going to be a rough ride for a while but if it gets rid of some of the symptoms for even five years I would be grateful for that.

Hope you all find that miracle cure and life becomes easier.

regards

JD

thehamo

k101 wrote: »

just came across the article linked below, would make you sceptical of the benefit of getting spinal decompression done. anyone else had it done and have anything eitherpositive or negative to report

http://www.livescience.com/4647-truth-space-age-cure-pain.html

Just noticed the part where it mentions the article first apperaed in "the skeptical inquirer" so its always going to be a very one sided view

greendragon3

hi guys and gals , i was just trawling through the net and came across this brilliant thread , i too like all of you am a sufferer of long term severe back pain , im 39 and a father of three very young children , this problem has been with me since i was in my very early teens , im over 6'6" and 21.5 stone at the moment but when i was in my hayday i was only 11 stone and very athletic , my day job was very physical , lifting heavy weights all day long and of course you would get the usual ( ah sure a big lad like ya would be well able to lift that ) !!!!! :mad::mad: needles to say i did and ended up with four damaged discs and a twisted pelvis at the ripe ould age of 14 ...:( over the years i have tried to mind my back and my current job was operating heavy plant , diggers , trucks etc , lots of driving , sitting , getting bounced around and as you guessed it no excercise worth a damn ( hence the 21.5 stone !!!! ) anyway two years ago on my way to work one morning , just getting out of the van like normal BANG , down on the ground like a sack of spuds , crippled i was , off to my GP and hours later i was stretched on the sitting room floor , pillows propping me up and plenty of solpadol on tap , i thought this would pass but alas i am sitting here ( on one bum cheek ) over two years later no futher on , infact i am in worse pain than i ever was , ive had two MRI scans in the last two years and they both reveal L4/L5 disc prolapse and degeneration in two discs in my neck , my pain was generally in my lower back but it has steadily spread to my neck , shoulder and down my right leg and arm , i was getting on with it and putting up with the pain , taking numerous tablets of all descriptions but then about three weeks ago i woke up with a numb sensation down my right side , hand , bum cheek and leg !!!! off to my ever caring GP again only to be referred to my local hospital ( i honestly think she was sick of me coming in whinging like an ould man and she only wrote me up to get rid of me ) , another MRI and several X-RAYS revealed .......... wait for it ................ NOTHING !!!!!
I am devestated , i spent a week and half away from my loving family to be told that they didnt know where the numbness was coming from and that i should take 18 tablets a day and to up the dose of LYRICA AND OXYNORM AND VALIUM every week until the pain and numbness goes away , what a joke , irish health service for you , i have been prescribed anti-depressants now to counteract the side effects from the oxynorm and valium , needless to say im not taking them all but where do i go from here ??? i have just been refered to the " pain team clinic " wher they injected me four times in the neck and twice in my spine ( sore as hell not recommended ) i was very sore that day and the next but now the injection has wore off and i still have the pain !! ive been called back on monday next for more injections but as i have read in your post these dont seem to be a long term solution , to add insult to injury ( literally ) i recieved a phone call from the beloved social and family affairs department yesterday to say that my claim for dissabilaty has been denied , this has been pending since april of this year with absolutely no money coming in since my illness benefit ran out , no medical or oral hearing , nothing , they just decided that i was fit to go back to work and that was it !!!!! i have appealed but i have been told this could take up to a year , dont know if we will have a roof over our heads by then , the bank noose is getting very tight !! ah enough whinging , i know all of you are in the exact same water craft as i , but i did vent my anger with my local TD the other day and made it clear that i did NOT vote for any of ye !!!!!!!! all a shower of sh*t in my opinion , no good when you need them , anyways sorry for the long long rant guys but i know where you are all coming from and there dosent seem to be any sympathy or simple solution for any of us in this god forsaken country ... thanx for reading , greendragon3

james1966

hello greendragon3
i too was refused my disability for my back condition
but i appealed it last december and i won the appeal this july
so it takes a long time
you should go to your local community officer as they should give you money to live on while you wait for the appeal
also send the results of any xrays or mri you have done to the appeals officier if possible get another xray done in a few months time and sent it with a letter from your doctor explaining the progression of your back problem, that is what i done
the way i went was i applied for disability allowance was turned down
appealed to their medical accessor was turned down
i then appealed to the chief appeals officier and they granted my appeal
so i would strongly reccommend you appeal to the chief appeals office in dublin i hope that this helps

greendragon3

hi james thenks for youe reply , i have taken some of the steps towards appealing thier decision , but as usual in this country i feel like i am banging my head against a brick wall !! i have forwarded copies of my X-RAYS and MRI scans and also a letter from my consultant so now we wait ..........:(:mad::(:mad

Giant Kiwi

Hi All,

I realised it's been a good while since I had a look at this forum.

It's been a few days short of 6 months since I had my L4/L5/S1 fusion.
I started back at work on the 23rd June and once I got through the initial discomfort and fatigue of going back it has been really good.

I am a chef so I'm on my feet most of the day and constantly moving around.
My lower back strength is coming on leaps and bounds but I have to admit I haven't been the best at doing my exercises.
I pool walk twice a week and should be doing more of the pilates style exercises the hospital physio gave me.

I am not taking any of the previous medications I was on and my body is thanking me for it.
I hardly ever get any pain even when playing with the nephews or doing the gardening, I do have to be careful but still no pain.

Another plus is I'm getting married in 6 weeks and I will be able to last the day and also have that all important first dance.:D

greendragon I feel for you with social welfare, I was told I had to 'submit more information' on several occasions and was made to feel like a criminal. Quite simply it was down to the fact I am a foreigner. I've been here more than long enough to be eligible for sick pay. They just don't communicate between departments.

All the best

G K

Sophie_

Hi guys,

I've been a long time sufferer of chronic back pain and Spinal Decompression is known as Traction here, all chartered Physiotherapists have these tables. It's a very short term solution and you might only get a couple of hours relief from it.
I refused a level 4 spinal fusion as it's a huge operation with no guarantee of any relief in fact my Dr advised that it would probably do nothing for my pain levels.

I have extensive nerve damage and recently I had a Spinal Chord Stimulator (SCS) fitted and I wld recommend it. Look it up on the web and your GP should be able to refer yee to a pain management dr who specialise in these

Good luck with whatever you try

Sophie

DonalN wrote: »

It's been mentioned already, but the Pilates did wonders for me(DDD sufferer). Lost a bit of weight off the belly, and I do regular stretching during the day. Also a couple of swims a week, and a lot more careful when lifting anything, or even climbing out of the car.

That non-surgical spinal decompression stuff looks interesting. Never heard if it before until this thread. Thanks for that. Will look into it more.

thehamo

Sophie_ wrote: »

Hi guys,

I've been a long time sufferer of chronic back pain and Spinal Decompression is known as Traction here, all chartered Physiotherapists have these tables. It's a very short term solution and you might only get a couple of hours relief from it.
I refused a level 4 spinal fusion as it's a huge operation with no guarantee of any relief in fact my Dr advised that it would probably do nothing for my pain levels.

I have extensive nerve damage and recently I had a Spinal Chord Stimulator (SCS) fitted and I wld recommend it. Look it up on the web and your GP should be able to refer yee to a pain management dr who specialise in these

Good luck with whatever you try

Sophie

Hey sophie, just to butt in here. Spinal decompression is different to traction where traction you are just suspended from a table at a vertical angle, decompression is a totally different animal. I had the decompression done back in May. Best thing I ever did. No short term solution for me. Ive been pain free for the past 4 months. Ive tested my back to the limits, done a 180km cycle, done the Gaelforce west challenge in august. No problem. Sitting here pain free as I type. I cant reccomend it highly enough, purely because it wored for me, but it is a serious option to consider.

finglasgal1

hey folks,
I too suffer with my back! Since Aug 2008, I had to give up work in Jan 2010 due to it.

I have been attending hospital for few yrs now: Had phsyio for 5 months, had 15 acupunture needles over space o 3 weeks, did pilates for the back, lost nearly 2 stone, wore a support back belt, got shocks sent tru my back, alas nothin worked, then my surgeon refereed me to get Root Nerve Injections (epidural), got roughly 5 of them in 1 go in sep 2010- no use, so they tried similar ones but not exact same in May this yr, this one was more intense as surgeon was nearly on top of me injecting me, he had ultrasound machine on my back to see the nerve but couldn reach it then after exactly 1hour he got it... alas no good so they said no more of them and after sending me for 3 MRI scan over past 12 months, they have come to conclusion that I need discectomy!
So now ive bn refereed from Blanch hosp to Mater to see a Spinal Specialist- Mr. Synott!
They told me it be roughly getting done Apr 2012 but Ive to ring this Tue to get confirmation date!
I also need surgery on spine as Ive slight twist in it!

Sophie_

Hi there,

I dont suppose you have health insurance to get you in a but quicker, how are you going to cope until then in terms of pain management? The Mater is a good hospital but I don't know this Synott guy. I too have DDD and had a discectomy years ago in 1995 and it worked well for me for 10yrs and then I've been fcuked since 2007! I've been through all the injections, the physio, the acupuncture and none of them worked for me. I know have a spinal cord stimulator that helps immensely but I still have a long way to go. Im in deep trouble and the pain is worse than before the discectomy, at what level will you be having your op? Mine was L4-L5.

I suggest go with the discectomy and hopefully that will be it, you'll have to walk the roads off yourself to get better but build up slowly cause it will hurt and it will get easier and anyone I spoke to says the same thing!

I wish you the very best and plse feel free to PM me if you like?

If you don't mind me asking how old you are and who did your injections? I'm now in my mid 30's I had diseconomy when was 21.


Kind regards

Sophie 


Quote=thehamo;69004526]Hi all.

I have a condition called degenrative disc disease where the disc in my back has thinned out and worn down and its causing me great pain.

If anyone is aware of the condition, can you reccomend a treatment? Ive tried the Chiropractor but after about 5 sessions and seeing no results at all i have decided to give it a miss. I am warey about physio becuse and time I have gone to a physio they have done absolutely nothing and charged me a fortune and a new appointment time. Im at my whits end so if any one could suggest something i would be forever greatful![/Quote]

finglasgal1

hey , sorry to hear about ur complaints. glad to know u got some relief from ur treatment!!

I know im L5 and something else (S1 perhaps) but dont have the report here its in my mams house (incase i lose it lol)

It effects my left leg, hip and foot too so Ive limp and alot of pain... no pain killer worked for me I was on every type going so my GP and surgeon advised me to stop taking them so I rarely take pain relief.

I am 27... Was 24 when this happened me... I went to Cappagh Hosp for root nerve injections got them done by a Professor Eustace and now awaiting to go see Mr. Synott. I will kno more on Tuesday!!

Feel free to contact me too altho I cant swap stories on operations just yet just from what I stated!

Sophie_

Yeah you're too young a bit like myself at the time, please God the discectomy will be the end of your pain, but you're right no meds work but they help take the edge of it which does help,

Sophie



Quote=finglasgal1;74471778]hey , sorry to hear about ur complaints. glad to know u got some relief from ur treatment!!

I know im L5 and something else (S1 perhaps) but dont have the report here its in my mams house (incase i lose it lol)

It effects my left leg, hip and foot too so Ive limp and alot of pain... no pain killer worked for me I was on every type going so my GP and surgeon advised me to stop taking them so I rarely take pain relief.

I am 27... Was 24 when this happened me... I went to Cappagh Hosp for root nerve injections got them done by a Professor Eustace and now awaiting to go see Mr. Synott. I will kno more on Tuesday!!

Feel free to contact me too altho I cant swap stories on operations just yet just from what I stated![/Quote]

finglasgal1

I will keep you updated however I forget about these sites so god knows when I remember to log on here im a facebook and msn junkie haha
I hope it works out for me too as I am fed up like this.... I dont wanna have to rely on the wheelchair I was giving months ago, Ive only used it 4 times since Feb... I cant walk most days and when I am able to walk after 10-15 mins I do be in bits wit the pain!

Hope everyone gets back on their feet soon, wish you all best luck for future xxx

Sophie_ wrote: »

Yeah you're too young a bit like myself at the time, please God the discectomy will be the end of your pain, but you're right no meds work but they help take the edge of it which does help,

Sophie



Quote=finglasgal1;74471778]hey , sorry to hear about ur complaints. glad to know u got some relief from ur treatment!!

I know im L5 and something else (S1 perhaps) but dont have the report here its in my mams house (incase i lose it lol)

It effects my left leg, hip and foot too so Ive limp and alot of pain... no pain killer worked for me I was on every type going so my GP and surgeon advised me to stop taking them so I rarely take pain relief.

I am 27... Was 24 when this happened me... I went to Cappagh Hosp for root nerve injections got them done by a Professor Eustace and now awaiting to go see Mr. Synott. I will kno more on Tuesday!!

Feel free to contact me too altho I cant swap stories on operations just yet just from what I stated!

[/QUOTE]

Sophie_

Hi Finglasgal

I'm so with you, I too am so fed up with this f'in pain, frustrated at the health system that doesn't work but one thing I would like to share with you, get help with your depression and never ever give up, don't give into it, don't let the pain win, you are the boss of this pain and you have to be in control, don't get mad it gets you nowhere but sure as hell keep tormenting your doctors make them be sick of you, always be nice, always say say sorry but they won't forget you that way.

Be strong, try you have to get through it.

Take care and I wish you the very best

Sophie xxx

finglasgal1 wrote: »

I will keep you updated however I forget about these sites so god knows when I remember to log on here im a facebook and msn junkie haha
I hope it works out for me too as I am fed up like this.... I dont wanna have to rely on the wheelchair I was giving months ago, Ive only used it 4 times since Feb... I cant walk most days and when I am able to walk after 10-15 mins I do be in bits wit the pain!

Hope everyone gets back on their feet soon, wish you all best luck for future xxx

Sophie_ wrote: »

Yeah you're too young a bit like myself at the time, please God the discectomy will be the end of your pain, but you're right no meds work but they help take the edge of it which does help,

Sophie



Quote=finglasgal1;74471778]hey , sorry to hear about ur complaints. glad to know u got some relief from ur treatment!!

I know im L5 and something else (S1 perhaps) but dont have the report here its in my mams house (incase i lose it lol)

It effects my left leg, hip and foot too so Ive limp and alot of pain... no pain killer worked for me I was on every type going so my GP and surgeon advised me to stop taking them so I rarely take pain relief.

I am 27... Was 24 when this happened me... I went to Cappagh Hosp for root nerve injections got them done by a Professor Eustace and now awaiting to go see Mr. Synott. I will kno more on Tuesday!!

Feel free to contact me too altho I cant swap stories on operations just yet just from what I stated!

[/Quote]

finglasgal1

thanks a million.... I will keep you updated, wish you all the best too, thanks xx

LegacyUser

hi
i suffer from chronic back pain from bulging disks, on a lot of painillers have had facet joint injs and nerve blocks no relief at all. went to a osteopath for yrs who used to help but recently cracked my middle back so not im in agonising pain lower and middle back and what eases one irritates the other, little to no sleep at night and had to leave work, in constant pain . im waiting on a new mri to see what damage is now done to my middle back, was on targin painkillers but they didnt help, now just back on solphadol 30/500 as neeeded. not a great long term solution.

rosebud

Voodoo_rasher

greendragon3 wrote: »

hi james thenks for youe reply , i have taken some of the steps towards appealing thier decision , but as usual in this country i feel like i am banging my head against a brick wall !! i have forwarded copies of my X-RAYS and MRI scans and also a letter from my consultant so now we wait ..........:(:mad::(:mad

I've private-messaged you. Have a read!