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Hi everyone. I have had chronic back pain for over a year. The diagnosis is a ruptured disc with nerve impingement and arthritis in the facet. I've had two epidural steroid injections - moderate success with 1st, nothing with 2nd. Pain Mgmt doc recommended radiofrequency ablation. However, I had a heart attack in August with two stents placed in the right coronary artery. I'm on Plavix and cannot go off it to have any invasive procedures. So I am in constant pain which worsens when I lie down. Mornings are the worst. My body feels like a clenched fist that opens up about a micro inch and hour. Very depressed and came here to find support. Thanks!
Cake Lady: Welcome! You have come to the right place. So sorry to hear of your health issues. Are you on any Muscle relaxers? This may be one way to try to slowly fight this tightness. I suggest you read alot of the posts all over this site(I have never read the tmj area) You will find all sorts of suggestions, people, problems and ideas. Ask pain doc bout depression, perhaps something like cymbalta which works with the pain and the depression? Good Luck and God Speed
I can totally relate to what you are going through with the pain. I feel alot of what you are feeling except I do not have any heart issues. Do you have any other options? Are you on any meds? Best of Luck.
Welcome Cakelady. You have found the right spot for support.I'm so sorry you are unable to have the surgery for your disc. I do know how bad your pain feels. I've had five lumbar surgeries for my discs. I now have nerve damage because of having scar tissue wrapping around the nerve roots.I'm on strong pain meds and hope you are getting pain relief from whatever you are taking.I wish you the best. Have a low pain day.
