Darlene Posted May 9, 2012 Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 i v had low back pain since 2000. went to physical therapy, and chiropractors and neither worked. kept telling the Dr i think i have a herniated disc to do an MRI. they would not write the order for one. finally a few months ago i had low back pain so severe i couldn't walk, and went to the ER and walk in clinic with in weeks of each other to get help for the pain. the pills and injection they gave me didn't work. i didn't know what to do. i knew i couldn't go to my family Dr. cause i knew he wasn't going to help me, so i asked my rheumatologist if he could order the MRI. he did. sure enough i had a herniated disc and 2 bulging discs above that. i was sent to a neurosurgeon. he asked if i was in pain, "i said not today, but told him what I went through the past 10 years. he had me walk on my heals, the my tippy toes. which i could do because that day i was feeling OK. he said he didn't think i needed surgery. didn't recommend pt, pain management, traction device or a 10's unit. really, i have to endure pain so bad at times even strong meds don't help, but your not going to help me. right now i m not in intense pain, but what happens if i have another flare up? is there something i can do to help with the pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue1234 Posted May 9, 2012 Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 That has got to be the age-old question! I'm sorry you have had to endure this pain for so long, and not getting much help. That has got to be hard to deal with on top of the POTS.Can you go for another opinion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephL Posted May 9, 2012 Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 The only thing I have for you is to keep fighting for yourself. Its the only thing that worked for me. Try researching doctors in that field and see if you can find one that has a good rep? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeSprings Posted May 9, 2012 Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 I don't have exact details, but I know someone who was helped by a pain management Dr. - it was some new technique where they inject some sort of gel between the vertebrae to cushion the disc. It helped his lower back pain. I think this might be it or something like it: http://drdiscogel.com/disco-gel-procedure.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darlene Posted May 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2012 thanks for the information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaJoy Posted May 10, 2012 Report Share Posted May 10, 2012 I'm with the others who said you need to get another opinion and stand up for you! Right now, while you're feeling better, is the time to find someone who will take you seriously and provide a plan for if / when you have another flare. I know I'm this way: when I'm feeling better, I don't want to even think about medical people let alone seek them out. I see them enough when I'm sick, but it's important that you find someone to help you. With a herniated disc, etc., you're not talking something that's going to go away on its own. My husband has this and experiences flare ups a lot, and he's had two epiderals and physical therapy.There has got to be a doctor in your area willing to look at your tests that show these problems and work with you on a plan. If you have a pcp who you don't feel will help you, maybe you need a different pcp?I hope I don't come across as pushy. I don't mean to be. I just get so angry when people with health conditions are treated so dismissively. Been there done that myself for years, and am experiencing it now with my husband who has been in the hospital since Sunday.Take care, NDarlene, and let us know what you find out.Lindajoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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