Chronic Pain

This is the first time for me to post on any type of pain forum. My boyfriend told me I should try joining a support group, but I've always been too independent for that...and maybe more than a little scared to admit the pain was such a big part of my life...I have a neurostimulator in my lower back and just had to get the leads moved about a week ago. So far, the new placement hasn't helped, but I'm going back on Wed to see about getting it adjusted. I have 5 herniated discs, moderate to severe back spasms pretty much constantly, arthritis throughout my spine, and the doctors keep telling me the pain I'm telling them I have doesn't match the amount of herniation/nerve impingement...I've been really down lately and have been having tons of trouble sleeping, so thought I'd give this a try...anyway, hope I didn't run on for too long

Good Morning Phalya

Welcome to the Chronic Pain Connection. We are very glad you found us and I hope that we can be of some support for you.

Our Support group in this forum area, is located in the OFF TOPIC Area toward the bottem of the main page. It's called "The Daily Grind" and if you have spacific Questons, then you can ask them in the topic area's.

Welcome and jump right in where ever you'd like. We are very happy your with us and I hope we can help you in any way your needing support.

Gentle Hugs
Betty

I had my SCS (spinal cord stimulator) installed back in June of 08, and it was installed after 2 spinal surgeries that failed and I got nerve impingement due to some other issues during the surgeries. The SCS has taken care of my nerve pain, but NOT my mechanical pain...... for that pain I do take opioids. Are your Doctor's given you medications for the mechanical pain? The SCS alone is not going to take care of your pain of you have 5 herniated discs! Plus, if you are having muscle spasms they should be giving you some type of medication for those, like Zanaflex, Soma, etc....

If sounds to me, and I AM NOT A DOCTOR, that your SCS was installed for the wrong issues! The SCS will not take care of the pain that herniations give you, nor the pain from muscle spasms, just the nerve pain. I think is time that you go find a new Doctor and get a second opinion. You shouldn't be in this much pain.... Take care and keep us posted.

Millie

Thank you so much for the welcome and advice The doctors have tried all kinds of medicines. Unfortunately, my first pain doc went a little crazy and was literally trying to kill his patients...I of course didn't know this at the time, but thankfully my mother was a nurse and gave me good advice regarding the insane dosages he was giving me. So far I've seen 2 neurosurgeons, a neurologist, physical therapists, psychiatrists, pain specialists, 2 general practitioners, and even a dermatologist...they're all pretty baffled because of all the different issues I have. I will take your advice kwmillie and check out another opinion...heck, at this point, it couldn't hurt