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Post by peAk on Jul 22, 2018 16:23:51 GMT -5
So my backs been fucked up for about ten years now. PCPs have always assumed herniated disc and have been treating the flare ups with muscle relaxers, anti inflammatories, and pain medication. Flare ups usually come on hard (barely can walk)and slowly go away within a week or so. Usually have 1-2 flare ups a year.
About two weeks ago, I had a flare up and it's still fucking hurting. I had a visit with a back orthopedic Dr this week who sent me for a MRI. Well, the MRI shows herniation in three discs (L3, L4, and L5) ranging from 2cm - 5cm. I have been taking a large dosage of oral steroids this week with no improvement. Walking is okay but sitting down is almost impossible and standing is so-so.
I have a scheduled lumbar epidural on Thursday and I am hoping for the best.
Only relief I am getting is from icing or taking pain meds. I also get relief from (insert laughs now) kratom.
Anyway, just looking for advice from anyone here with similar issues.
Premier? Anyone else? Do injections help?
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Post by Angelo on Jul 22, 2018 16:37:42 GMT -5
Roommate from college had that, as well as Jess. Roommate got the injections and they'd help for long periods of time, but you can only get them three times a year and for some people they don't last that long. Jess wound up doing PT and luckily that took care of it.
Try the injections, outside of that you are getting into surgery usually.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2018 17:03:17 GMT -5
I have a fractured l5 and have had a herniation above and below it. I was seriously compressed, everyone has different issues so imo, everyone has a different road back to health.
I refused the injections but wound up having luck with decompression along with swimming. I started in the pool walking gingerly and doing jazz hands with the old ladies...that was about as much as I could do at the time.
I was on my back for far too long, so I also think i could have perhaps gotten injections and picked up healing time. I recently got a couple injections in my wrist and they worked surprisingly well...although they have not completely healed the issue I have been having with it.
Good luck my man. I'm sure a few on here will have some good advice.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2018 17:21:01 GMT -5
Messed up wrist? Any chance you happen to be Kyle's brother-in-law?
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Post by peAk on Jul 22, 2018 18:45:31 GMT -5
I have a fractured l5 and have had a herniation above and below it. I was seriously compressed, everyone has different issues so imo, everyone has a different road back to health. I refused the injections but wound up having luck with decompression along with swimming. I started in the pool walking gingerly and doing jazz hands with the old ladies...that was about as much as I could do at the time. I was on my back for far too long, so I also think i could have perhaps gotten injections and picked up healing time. I recently got a couple injections in my wrist and they worked surprisingly well...although they have not completely healed the issue I have been having with it. Good luck my man. I'm sure a few on here will have some good advice. Any reason you didn't get injections in the back before? I am praying they work.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2018 18:47:42 GMT -5
I have a fractured l5 and have had a herniation above and below it. I was seriously compressed, everyone has different issues so imo, everyone has a different road back to health. I refused the injections but wound up having luck with decompression along with swimming. I started in the pool walking gingerly and doing jazz hands with the old ladies...that was about as much as I could do at the time. I was on my back for far too long, so I also think i could have perhaps gotten injections and picked up healing time. I recently got a couple injections in my wrist and they worked surprisingly well...although they have not completely healed the issue I have been having with it. Good luck my man. I'm sure a few on here will have some good advice. Any reason you didn't get injections in the back before? I am praying they work. Part being a pussy and part me thinking they wouldn't work. I've seen mixed results. But looking back, I feel I should have tried to get the injections. Just to speed up the process if nothing more.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2018 18:52:40 GMT -5
Messed up wrist? Any chance you happen to be Kyle's brother-in-law? Unless it's the random round of street fighter or tekken, just to show kids that I can always beat them...no video games for me boss. This came from putting in electric and a drill getting out from non dominant hand. Long story in a way. Been dealing with it for about 10 shitty months now. One of the reasons I started doing more talk to text and looking into that software you spoke very highly of. 2 rounds of shots, which helped get me to a better place with it, but still not where I would like it to be. Had to lay off the weights and get back into cardio and swimming for awhile. Still poured my concrete patio a couple weeks ago...I dont let it get in my way too much.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2018 19:31:42 GMT -5
Here is my two cents. Get the shots. See if and how long they help. I have two herniated disks in my neck and about 5 years ago I lost 20 lbs of grip strength in my right hand. I was worried that I may have to go under the knife but luckily the shots and PT worked. There isn't a 3 time a year limit like fuck face says, it just becomes a risk vs benefit for continuing them if you need them that often.
Get to a good physical therapist that will do exercises, stretches, and manual therapy. PT is shown to be just as effective at 5 years than the surgery and you won't have to go through hell like you do after surgery. There are times that you will need to get surgery but avoid it like the plague. If you become incontinent of your bowels, develop saddle anesthesia, or have real trouble getting dressed and nothing alleviates it, then consider surgery.
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Post by peAk on Jul 22, 2018 19:52:56 GMT -5
Here is my two cents. Get the shots. See if and how long they help. I have two herniated disks in my neck and about 5 years ago I lost 20 lbs of grip strength in my right hand. I was worried that I may have to go under the knife but luckily the shots and PT worked. There isn't a 3 time a year limit like fuck face says, it just becomes a risk vs benefit for continuing them if you need them that often. Get to a good physical therapist that will do exercises, stretches, and manual therapy. PT is shown to be just as effective at 5 years than the surgery and you won't have to go through hell like you do after surgery. There are times that you will need to get surgery but avoid it like the plague. If you become incontinent of your bowels, develop saddle anesthesia, or have real trouble getting dressed and nothing alleviates it, then consider surgery. The dr prescribed water based physical therapy and I started on Wednesday but that evening my back/buttocks was worse than ever. It felt okay during the therapy but something irritated it worse. Probably was the evaluation where they had me move into all the positions to get measurements. The Dr told me to stop going for now since it exacerbated the issue. Once the inflammation goes down, I can start PT again. Do the injections hurt? This is the one they do right in the office. I think they shoot into the tailbone area.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2018 20:45:21 GMT -5
They numb the shit out of the area, my buddies that have had it done said it was well worth it. I hear it is more in your head than the actual pain that is bothersome.
If i had to do it all over again, I'd have gotten the injections immediately. Time being cooped up and having to heal fucking sucks!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2018 21:27:28 GMT -5
You can absolutely get more than 3 a year. Your doctor will tell you about the risks around the injection site. Most people don’t need them any quicker because they get the spot dialed in and it lasts longer.
My friend gets them every 5 months and says it is not a discomfort thing at all. It completely changed his life and allowed him to be normal. He is 6’6” and played pac 10 football and has herniated L4/L5.
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Post by wvpunchdrunk on Jul 22, 2018 22:05:58 GMT -5
I had the shots before. Broke my L3 when we flipped a 4 wheeler over at work, compression fracture. They have been trying to talk me into fusion surgery for years now. The shots are actually pretty good..not as uncomfortable as you think they would be. My only issue was they seemed to be less effective (mostly in the length of relief) each successive time.
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Post by Canuklehead on Jul 23, 2018 7:50:42 GMT -5
Here is my two cents. Get the shots. See if and how long they help. I have two herniated disks in my neck and about 5 years ago I lost 20 lbs of grip strength in my right hand. I was worried that I may have to go under the knife but luckily the shots and PT worked. There isn't a 3 time a year limit like fuck face says, it just becomes a risk vs benefit for continuing them if you need them that often. Get to a good physical therapist that will do exercises, stretches, and manual therapy. PT is shown to be just as effective at 5 years than the surgery and you won't have to go through hell like you do after surgery. There are times that you will need to get surgery but avoid it like the plague. If you become incontinent of your bowels, develop saddle anesthesia, or have real trouble getting dressed and nothing alleviates it, then consider surgery. The dr prescribed water based physical therapy and I started on Wednesday but that evening my back/buttocks was worse than ever. It felt okay during the therapy but something irritated it worse. Probably was the evaluation where they had me move into all the positions to get measurements. The Dr told me to stop going for now since it exacerbated the issue. Once the inflammation goes down, I can start PT again. Do the injections hurt? This is the one they do right in the office. I think they shoot into the tailbone area. I have almost the same issue as you, get the shots, they should help numb the nerve pain you feel right now. The shots themselves don't hurt a lot but it is a pretty bizarre sensation as they stick a needle right tin the nerve root, it's nothing compared to the pain you're feeling right now. After the shots when the pain is numbed is when you really have to address the issue though. The shots relieve the pain but the underlying issue is still there so if you don't want it to come back work really hard to strengthen your core and do the pt. Good luck man
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Post by boboplata on Jul 23, 2018 8:29:45 GMT -5
More kratom, imo.
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Post by peAk on Jul 23, 2018 10:05:23 GMT -5
Are there different types of back injections? Is the in office lumbar epidural the standard one for this type of back issue? I have read/heard conflicting information on this.
I agree about addressing the issue once I get some relief. For me, it will almost feel like a second chance at life cause the pain is so severe and debilitating.
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Post by Canuklehead on Jul 23, 2018 11:06:55 GMT -5
Are there different types of back injections? Is the in office lumbar epidural the standard one for this type of back issue? I have read/heard conflicting information on this. I agree about addressing the issue once I get some relief. For me, it will almost feel like a second chance at life cause the pain is so severe and debilitating. I feel you man, it's completely debilitating when the nerve pain flares up. For me the pain was the worst when I sat or laid down, I would spend 22 hours a day on my feet and sleep for 30 minute spells a couple times a day, I started losing it a little bit with the sleep deprivation. I got a couple different types of injections, not totally sure what the difference was but they called them epidural injections, facet joint and nerve root. Some of those may be the same thing, it was a few years ago now but I was on a rotation of 3 different types of injections 2 times over the course of a year. I decided to not get the surgery (microdiscectomy I think it was called) and the injections did enough to give me my life back and start me on the road to recovery. It's been 5 years now since the worst of it and now it's completely manageable. I do have some lasting numbness/nerve damage in my lower leg but that insane debilitating pain is gone. My other advice is to be very careful and only take painkillers when totally necessary, you can go from manageable to full blown addiction very easily.
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Post by peAk on Jul 23, 2018 12:42:46 GMT -5
An good stuff to read.
You guys have definitely lifted my spirits.
Now I just have to make it till Thursday. Ugh...
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Post by peAk on Jul 26, 2018 20:58:57 GMT -5
About 7 hrs after my injection and I am feeling a ton of relief.
Maybe it's the local anesthetia but figured that would have worn off by now.
Either way, I'll take it.
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Post by daywork on Jul 26, 2018 22:55:01 GMT -5
About 7 hrs after my injection and I am feeling a ton of relief. Maybe it's the local anesthetia but figured that would have worn off by now. Either way, I'll take it. Glad to hear you are feeling better.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2018 17:25:22 GMT -5
That's good news. Nothing better than feeling the pain creep away knowing you can actually function again.
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Post by peAk on Jul 28, 2018 8:35:19 GMT -5
Man, so I guess I spoke too soon.
It must have been the local anesthetia that gave me that first 12 or so hrs of relief cause wow I am in fucking worse pain now.
They said this is common cause it takes time for the steroids to do their thing and right now the injection just put more shit where there is already a ton of inflammation. They said it could be a few days to a week before I start feeling relief.
Holy shit, I can barely fucking walk now. id blow my fucking brains out to have to live in this kind of pain.
Here's to hoping that the relief comes back.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2018 9:07:11 GMT -5
Hang in there bud. This shit takes time.
I went from not being able to wipe my own ass to being able to get back on a mat and wrestle again. Just took a lot of time and patience.
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Post by ocmmafan on Jul 28, 2018 11:02:45 GMT -5
Damn - hang in there. It's so different for everyone. I had a ruptured disc years ago 2010ish after herniation in L5-S1 since the 90s. Was fucked for a few weeks and could barely move and it was the worst experience of my life. I did try the shot and it did zero - but I was told I would know within minutes if I got relief. I tried another shot a few years later and again, did nothing. I had so much inflammation the second go around I had to have a biopsy done as they thought I may have an infectious discitus. It was worrisome as I didn't know WTF was going on and couldn't straighten myself - literally was bent to leaning right which made it tough to walk.
I did walking in a pool and then walking daily, even when it hurt, as my ortho said walking is one of the best things for lower back issues. The norco 10-325s did the job for the short period where I was so uncomfortable I couldn't do anything, but I am sure you are experienced with pain pill management. I didn't refill intentionally as I read anti-inflammatories can do just as well. Plus, can't shit if you take too many pain pills and then you have to deal with trying to shit with a bad back, which complicates it.
I get flare ups a few times a year. I can always feel it and am frequently uncomfortable, especially for the first hour after I wake up. I have learned to live with it and refuse to try the microdiscectomy, though some say they gain a lot from that surgery. Maybe ask your doc if that is the next step to try? I am waiting and hoping I don't have to have that kind of surgery, but eventually may try it. Good luck and stay positive.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2018 11:07:18 GMT -5
That's a plus one on the anti inflammatories. That's what I use when I get a flareup to this day.
The vicodin will mask the pain and in my experience, that's not what you want. Want pain to be your guide. Plus when the inflammation goes down, it gives your spine a little wiggle room.
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Post by vegeta420z on Jul 28, 2018 18:00:22 GMT -5
Hang in there bud. This shit takes time. I went from not being able to wipe my own ass to being able to get back on a mat and wrestle again. Just took a lot of time and patience. WTF bro again really come on Bobo can we fucking ban this guy already look at the shit he is posting.
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Post by peAk on Aug 4, 2018 22:31:02 GMT -5
After a week, finally got some relief from the injection.
Not quite back to where I was before this last flare up but not in the same amount of pain I was. I still hope the injection provides more relief because I still can't do much.
Not even sure where to go from here. On one hand I want to start exercising/physical therapy but on the hand I don't want this shit to flare up again.
Been two days without any Norco or any OTCs
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Post by daywork on Aug 4, 2018 22:45:37 GMT -5
After a week, finally got some relief from the injection. Not quite back to where I was before this last flare up but not in the same amount of pain I was. I still hope the injection provides more relief because I still can't do much. Not even sure where to go from here. On one hand I want to start exercising/physical therapy but on the hand I don't want this shit to flare up again. Been two days without any Norco or any OTCs Just stay relaxed and let it heal. Don't push it. I just got done doing 10 hours of driving. My back is very tight. The hot tub helped a bit
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Post by peAk on Aug 4, 2018 22:48:46 GMT -5
After a week, finally got some relief from the injection. Not quite back to where I was before this last flare up but not in the same amount of pain I was. I still hope the injection provides more relief because I still can't do much. Not even sure where to go from here. On one hand I want to start exercising/physical therapy but on the hand I don't want this shit to flare up again. Been two days without any Norco or any OTCs Just stay relaxed and let it heal. Don't push it. I just got done doing 10 hours of driving. My back is very tight. The hot tub helped a bit shit, that hurt my back even reading that. I can't even drive 10 minutes without friggin pain
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2018 13:59:21 GMT -5
Hang in there bud. This shit takes time. I went from not being able to wipe my own ass to being able to get back on a mat and wrestle again. Just took a lot of time and patience. WTF bro again really come on Bobo can we fucking ban this guy already look at the shit he is posting. For real I cant open this forum from pretty much anywhere other than my shitter because of this kind of garbage.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2018 14:05:18 GMT -5
Glad to hear you are doing better. I am considering going to my doctor with a request for an injection. Seems like everyone I have heard of who gets them feels some relief
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