Hello, and thank you for this site. I read the FAQ's and new member posts, so wanted to introduce myself properly.
first - this: "Anyone that comes close to a number 8 should be heading out to the ER." in the new member FAQ is priceless. I always have to explain "my scale" when a doctor asks me my pain level. I'll say 7, and they'll say well that's not bad. Yeah, well, if a 9 or 10 on a scale is supposed to mean I've already called 911, 8 is a "getting a ride to the ER", then 7 is pretty bad!
And to my intro: 42 y.o. male with 10 years as an Army 'leg'. I started to have back pain in the Army, and the doctors (of course) prescribed the typical "ranger candy" (800mg big orange Motrin pills). After several years of that, with increasing dosages and some a gram+ of aspirin for good measure, I blew 3 holes (ulcers) in my duodenum. I bled. A lot. I figured it was time to see a specialist and, after 1 doc I didn't like, found my savior.
Long story short(ish), I started with facet joint arthritis in my lumbar (L3/L4). This has progressed to arthritis in, basically, the entire L and SI joints. Throw in a random herniation to T7/T8, T12, L1 spread through the years, annular tear, narrowing of something-I-can't-remember-without-the-MRI-report, my whole lower back hates me. Occasionally the rest of it too. My pain management doctor and, now, my primary care have been absolutely amazing for me.
Past meds: all of the oxy/hydro morphone/codone combinations, but most make me sick. Tramadol, neurontin, elavil. 50mcg/hr Fentanyl trans-dermal patch.
Current meds: percocet 5/325 for BT, 25mcg/hr Fentanyl patch. (mirapex ER for RLS, prevacid for GERD)
Procedures: Multiple RFAs (radio frequency nerve ablation, or rhizotomy, or RF neurotomy, or whatever you want to call it). At first, it was just the L4/L5 RFA, then he had to go down in to the SI. Recently (1/18/12 and 2/2/12) I had the lumbar RFA for the 3rd time. I get about 9 months of relief from these. I don't even know how many nerve blocks I've had, but they were limited efficacy and very short in duration. My doctor only uses them for the occasional herniations now.
I've had such amazing luck with the physical symptoms of my pain. Unfortunately, I haven't sought emotional help for it. My docs are great, but they just don't know what the pain is like. They listen, and sympathize, but can't empathize. So, I'm reaching out for some support. I'm not depressed (pretty sure of this), but the pain is depressing. Does that make any sense? I'm also very fortunate that they work with me, make me feel a part of the team. I think that's why it has taken so long to reach out. Over the past 2 years, however, the herniations increased in frequency and the arthritis has started to affect other joints. So, here I am. Hi 
MRI reports:
Bilateral facet hypertrophy from L3 to S1. Broad-based left foraminal/posterolateral disc herniation L4-L5, with underlying focal annular tear abutting the existing left L4 nerve root. Bilateral facet hypertrophy, with resultant mild to moderate left neural foraminal narrowing (L4-L5). Small posterior central disc herniation at L5-S1. Small right paracentral disc herniation at T7-8, indenting the right anterior thecal sac. 1.5cm rounded T2 hyperintense lesion in the T12 vertebral body.
Veteran of many RFAs (ask me anything about them). 50% disabled Army Veteran. Proud CPAP wearer (ask for advice).
Hi and welcome
Ya .... I always like "what is your pain level today?" to which I reply the usual "about 8". And then the "...and how many migraines have you have this month?" How about one BIG one! Though my issues are cervical, pain is pain. Doesn't matter where it is. It just plain hurts.
Anyway, just wanted to jump in and same welcome aboard and hope you find as much escape from the reality of pain as I have on this site. Lots of nice people who know what your are experiencing. Good info elsewhere too. Take Care and Keep in Touch.
Rassy
Rassy's Story
Under House Arrest Without the Ankle Bracelet
The remarks I make are strictly my own based on my personal experiences.
Thanks for the welcome, Rassy
MRI reports:
Bilateral facet hypertrophy from L3 to S1. Broad-based left foraminal/posterolateral disc herniation L4-L5, with underlying focal annular tear abutting the existing left L4 nerve root. Bilateral facet hypertrophy, with resultant mild to moderate left neural foraminal narrowing (L4-L5). Small posterior central disc herniation at L5-S1. Small right paracentral disc herniation at T7-8, indenting the right anterior thecal sac. 1.5cm rounded T2 hyperintense lesion in the T12 vertebral body.
Veteran of many RFAs (ask me anything about them). 50% disabled Army Veteran. Proud CPAP wearer (ask for advice).
Welcome. Pain for sure can bring us in to another level of being, You are in the right place here for we all suffer with this pain and it can get the best of us at times,
This pain can drain the life out of the strongest person when its 24/7.
Thats why we vent our frustration here on the forum because anywhere else, who dont have it dont want to hear about it,
Again welcome and hope you find the suport you need here, And did i mention we have the best looking woman on this site,
L4 L5 disc replacement in 2004=causing nerve damage'Flexicore disc. 2006 fusion same level leaving adr in. Fusion did nothing to releive the nerve pain.Pain clinic=every injection procedure avalable inc,razadamy, ablation, nerve stimulater trial,morphine pump trial all failed. Pain can be described as burning pain in lower spine penetrating in to left buttock,down left leg. Refuse to take lyrica or nuorontin do to its side effect,Leaving me with norco,valume,and flexiril at night.Which these medications only help with the muscle aches and stiffnes does nothing for the nerve pain from the nerve damage sustained from the adr surgery.Coming up nov.19th 2009 Lami, and hardware removal from fusion,for hardware just causing more pain in other areas.Hardware block comfirmed hardware is also causing pain in diferent area aside from the severe nerve pain on left side.Emg showed some posible problem above surgery are at L3 L4.
Thanks, Alex. That's 100% on, everything you say. I definitely feel this is the right place to be. I appreciate the welcome.
MRI reports:
Bilateral facet hypertrophy from L3 to S1. Broad-based left foraminal/posterolateral disc herniation L4-L5, with underlying focal annular tear abutting the existing left L4 nerve root. Bilateral facet hypertrophy, with resultant mild to moderate left neural foraminal narrowing (L4-L5). Small posterior central disc herniation at L5-S1. Small right paracentral disc herniation at T7-8, indenting the right anterior thecal sac. 1.5cm rounded T2 hyperintense lesion in the T12 vertebral body.
Veteran of many RFAs (ask me anything about them). 50% disabled Army Veteran. Proud CPAP wearer (ask for advice).
You are really good to have maintained your positive attitude. Pain and depression sort of feed each other, so if you find yourself slipping toward a "dark place" it is ok to get professional help, especially if you find someone who addresses those with chronic pain.
I have benefited from being on this site for about a year now, especially since I had a cervical surgery in May and low back in January.
Good thoughts going your way!
KarenD
ACDF 4 Level C3-C7
5/2/11
Laminectomy and discectomy, L4-L5
1/26/12
Thanks, KarenD, I appreciate it.
I wouldn't really call it a "positive attitude", being I'm really a tiring skeptic. I also consider myself a "realist", as opposed to an optimist (or pessimist). It's not so much of a positive attitude as it is just accepting that I can't entirely control the pain. I do what I can, look for what else I can do, admit I could do more.
Some of the things that I can do: stay on top the doctors, go for my RFAs when the pain is out of control, take my meds when (and only when) I'm hurting. Be honest with my doctor, and myself.
I'm always trying to learn more too, joining groups like this, try to learn more about it pain (and share with others what I learn). I try to understand what my doctor is doing too, this has made me feel like I'm on my own medical staff. That helps me a lot, so I feel proactive instead of feeling hopeless.
I try to be more than honest, admitting things like "I should exercise more", "PT helped some, but I don't keep up with it". Hard to admit those things, especially when I know those things can really help. I don't think they have a major impact, but even a 5% improvement can make the difference between a OK day and a bad day. (Today's bad, so this is really on my mind right now).
Oh, most of my posts are tl;dr, sorry.
MRI reports:
Bilateral facet hypertrophy from L3 to S1. Broad-based left foraminal/posterolateral disc herniation L4-L5, with underlying focal annular tear abutting the existing left L4 nerve root. Bilateral facet hypertrophy, with resultant mild to moderate left neural foraminal narrowing (L4-L5). Small posterior central disc herniation at L5-S1. Small right paracentral disc herniation at T7-8, indenting the right anterior thecal sac. 1.5cm rounded T2 hyperintense lesion in the T12 vertebral body.
Veteran of many RFAs (ask me anything about them). 50% disabled Army Veteran. Proud CPAP wearer (ask for advice).
Welcome to the group! Glad you found us but sorry your here. You will find with this group you can vent, cry, laugh and finally feel as if you found someone who understands.
Susan
5 cervical surgeries in 10 years and 2 lumbar