I am new to this site. So far it has been such a wonderful source of support and informations. I had a doctor's appointment today and it was a little discouraging so I thought I would put my self out there and see if any one had any answers.
I was decompressed in May 2010. My symptoms improved for a while after surgery not 100%, but at least 50%. I had a 10 mm herniation - no other complications (although I did not have a full spine MRI before surgery). For the last 10 months or so I feel like I am going back to pre-surgery pain/symptoms. My post-op MRI shows success, but I have not been feeling too successful. I am under the care of a pain management specialist and I will see my NS in two weeks just to touch base. I am 31 and I am having a really difficult time with the idea of being a Cronic Pain Patient especially when at this point in time there does not appear to be anything physically preventing me from being my old self before symptoms started. How do you emotionally cope with this? Also when do you stop looking for other possible causes of the pain/symptoms (i.e. Tethered cord, stenosis, migrains, thyroid issues, ect)? I kind of feel like I am back in that place where I am questioning whether it is all in my head (like before I was diagnosed) even though I know it's not.
Sorry for any and all mis-spelled words - never been my strength! :)
It may be all in your head..LITERALLY......it is not in your imagination!!!!! I too had surgery and it will be 3 yrs next mth....I have had set backs with some issues..balance and visual stuff.........The MRI "LOOKS GOOD"...then why do i keep falling????
I am now working with a rehab doc ..Physiatrist......he wants to work on strength training. I also take minimal pain meds and anti depressants .
I noticed that you were in St. Louis, MO. I'm not to far away from there, I am in Barnhart, MO about 20 min or so away from there. What Dr. did you go to? I am having my surgery on the 8th of August.
Thank you all for the encouaging words and support. It helps me stay positive and from my experience being positive helps my symptoms day to day.
My surgery was done by dr. Forget. It sounds horrible I know luckly he does uses a french prononciation. He is at st. John’s hospital. Where are you going to get yours done?
I am also having my surgery done by Dr. Forget. Were you happy with him? How long did you stay in the hospital?
Amber
Annie said:
Thank you all for the encouaging words and support. It helps me stay positive and from my experience being positive helps my symptoms day to day.
My surgery was done by dr. Forget. It sounds horrible I know luckly he does uses a french prononciation. He is at st. John's hospital. Where are you going to get yours done?
Yes I was very happy with him. He was highly recommended by everyone and I felt he did a really great job. He is not considered an “expert” in the field but from everything I have learned before and after thinks and acts like the expects due which is good enough for me. I see a pain management specialist in his office no dr nabil ahmad. I had a great experience with everyone in the office. I think I was in the hospital for 3 days 2 nights but the beginning of surgery is all kind of a blur to me. I did not have any ccomplications after surgery but I struggled with pain management a lot since then. Everyone in the office has been great about responding when I had questions and concerns. That is so funnny he is your doctor too. What do you think so far?
I can't seem to send you a reply message so if you want I will give you my email and you can msg me there. ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ so I can respond back to ya.