Help! My back....

For several months now Ive been having terrible back pains. I tried to ignore it and just work through the pain. After quite some time I gave up and went to see the doctor about it. He ordered Xrays and found that I have some arthritis. Not severe or anything.. He couldnt understand why my back was getting worse by the week. Finally he gave up and ordered an MRI... We now have the answer! Its in my thoracic section... 4 bulging disc... 2 herniated disc that are effecting the spinal cord.. I didnt understand quite everything that was said today- it was a bit of a whirlwind.. Something about edema from the discs putting pressure on the spinal cord.. I dont know, I dont understand, but it will all be explained to me soon.. My doctor wont touch this! He gave me a referral to see a specific doctor in this area after making a dozen calls asking questions.. He said Im welcome to switch to whatever doctor I want, but he has put in for me to see one of the best in the area.. I do trust him completely and know that he did some calling to find out who was best in this area.. So I came home with half a pharmacy in a bag.. I have a choice of 4 pain medications, 3 muscle relaxers, 2 different sleeping pills, and phenergan in case the medication makes me sick! I have done fine up till now with just a muscle relaxer and once in awhile I take a lortab for pain.. Why all the sudden I need so many medications I dont know, but Ill take them just in case! I also started physical therapy today.. fun fun fun! It never ends. They are having me do very little other then stretching right now until after I see the new doctor. Of course with the doctor orders I have there isnt much I can do.. No bending, no lifting, no exercise.... This should be both interesting and fun for me.. Im so hyper that I cant sit still! So now what do I do?? Anyone have any experience with back issues?? Im a little nervous about this.. After all it is my spine... Words of advice?? Thanks.. Amber

Boy do I feel for you - when I had a couple of slipped discs I was in excruciating pain. It went all the way from my hip to my toes and I couldn't walk for weeks. I've had some pretty bad accidents, but nothing came close to that pain. And it continues to hurt at times, but especially before my surgery - my extra weight just made it worse. Nothing worked for me when it came to meds, so I went to a chiropractor. He didn't do adjustments, just used some wonderful machines that I can't remember their names the types that work on the muscles electronically. It helped me get to the point where I could walk at least. I'm not sure if your dr. would agree with you going though, so you might want to check first. I also used heat A LOT! Many hot baths and used the heating pad constantly. Now I do lot's of stretching, especially after I work out. It really does help it, and I find I have less pain. My brother just had back surgery (fusion, the big one) due to some ruptured discs. They started at bulging but he's a professional athlete and he just kept pushing it until they were an absolute mess. So, take it from him, don't pu****! He regrets it, big time. He did get a cortosone shot to help with the pain before his surgery, and he said it helped tons. You might want to ask your dr. about that. Take care of yourself hon - don't pu**** and follow your Dr's. orders! It will help in the long run.

PJ, Thank you so much! Ive been beating my head against the wall since I got home yesterday.. I feel so stupid for holding out so long.. I just assumed that I was being a baby about the pain and that it was nothing... Cant help but wonder how much worse I made things by working through the pain and continuing to do everything even though it hurt.. Im scheduled to have a massage today.. Massage and accupressure... Hopefully that will help some.. After the 1st of the year I see the new doctor and he will decide what course of action to take.. You put my mind at ease enough to help me sleep last night.. Thank you... Amber

Hey Amber, All that back jargin is so over my head but you better do what the drs say. We cant have you getting worse. You probably already feel you have been at your worse im sure. That back business is terrible. I havent had back troubles to much. Just weight related ones before surgery. So you take care and take your meds so you can see the "pretty colors" lol and enjoy the holidays and not be in pain so much. Hugs Marge

Thanks so much Marge.. Ya know I feel a little silly being so stressed out over my back.. I used to blame my soar back on my weight, then I blamed the weight loss and change of center of gravity.. Now I realize that this has been going on for a long time and I just ignored it... Pain isnt normal, now if I can just get myself to believe that! Ill keep you updated on whats going on! By the way.. I watch your Monday weigh ins... Your doing amazing! Amber

Amber, No advice, but, here is a cyber hug to help you get through this! Lori

I can relate to that. I had bulching disk and then the disk just disappeared. I didnt even know they could do that. So they did a fusion in two disk and repaired a crumbled vetebra. My back is put together with crushed hip bone and nuts and bolts. Best think I ever done for myself. Do as your doc says. sometimes a bulching disk will heal itself with rest and self care not to hurt it worst. Because back surgery is dangerous, even though I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was the most painful thing I ever done. WLS was nothing compared to the back surgery. But thank god it was successful. Prayers for you and good luck lov marie. I know I am sorry that I sound so negative about it, take care of yourself. My back is better now though then every in my life. it was broke as a child which started all the problems. love marie