I have been having increasing pain and barely able to make it through the work day. I just had 5 days off and hardly did anything. I had my usual pain and leg pain and some kind of stomach bug. I have alot on my mind since the OS just offered a 3 level ACDF and I need to decide what to do next. Hubby not supportive of surgery. He told me that "everyone who has surgery seems to be worse off.Your last surgery didn't work out and the doctor made you worse. 'You are the one who's sick, don't take it out on me." I think I may be feeling sorry for myself some. Could some kind of anti depressant help me cope better with my condition? I am feeling very overwelmed with the decision of whether or not to have surgery or what to try next. It seems to be something I have to decide on my own. Right now I just want to cry and get a big hug.
Nancy
Cervical foraminotomy with complications turned in a lamy. 6/24/08. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, cervical and Thoracic. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperplasia. Congenital fusion C5-6 and other hidden birth defects, Severe DJD entire spine, stenosis and osteoarthritis in many other joints. SCS trial 3X's, Facet injections, MBB. On an extended journey to find the blend.
If you are feeling down, and out, yes meds will help. Have you ever had depression before? I wish your husband would be more supportive!
Here are some hugs for you!
Heidi
ALIF L5S1 done on September 28th
I haven't been depressed before. I know some of my problem is the pain making me feel bad. I live rural, so once I get home from work and every afternoon I take pain meds. I don't drive very often when I take them, so I am isolated. I may approach this subject with my PCP. I already take soooo many other meds. I am reluctant to add more. Thx for the hugs. I am hoping Hubby will come around to supportive soon.
Nancy
Cervical foraminotomy with complications turned in a lamy. 6/24/08. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, cervical and Thoracic. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperplasia. Congenital fusion C5-6 and other hidden birth defects, Severe DJD entire spine, stenosis and osteoarthritis in many other joints. SCS trial 3X's, Facet injections, MBB. On an extended journey to find the blend.
I take Cymbalta and Wellbutrin but the Cymbalta really helps with nerve pain also as well as depression. Talk to your Dr. it could be a chemical imbalance that could help with an anti-depressant.
I'm hoping if you need to have surgery you also have another opinion from another Orthopedic or Neurosurgeon. Take care. Charry
Any answers I have is not medical advice only a Doctor can help you with that. Just sharing my personal experience as a fellow Spine Health member only. DDD of lumbar spine with sciatica to left hip,leg and foot. L4-L5 posterior disc bulge with prominent facets, L5-S1 prominent facets with a posterior osteocartilaginous bar. Mild bilateral foraminal narrowing Neck-reverse Lordosis of c-spine C6-C7 with impingement, numb hand and sore outer elbow. Keep the faith.