mabbygirl’s Profile

Close Back Pain

I was diagnosed with degenerative disk disease at 30 and have so far had 2 surgeries. I just had one 5/1/2008 and have another MRI tomorrow to see if i herniated another disk. It's these same two over and over. I feel like i put too much of a burden on my family and friends with my chronic pain so i came here.

Treatments

Acupuncture Working / Worked

during some of my darkest days before my first surgery, this treatment could lessen my pain if only for a few hours up to a few days, well worth it! may have saved my life and sanity!

Bedrest Somewhat Helpful

exercise is the best but there are days when i can't even walk.

Epidural Injection Working / Worked

these things were great. I couldnt walk for weeks and my wedding was coming up. my first one got me back on my feet walking down the aisle and walking all around on my honeymoon. can only get about 3 a year though. steroids.

Fentanyl Working / Worked

this stuff somewhat helped my pain in my very worst times. I couldn't drive anymore due to this drug and it was scary to need something so strong, but I used it and i needed it and if ever needed again, i'd do it again. withdrawl was difficult and probably should be overseen by doctor. i did it cold turkey and was very sick. won't to that again.

Flexeril Somewhat Helpful

not my most favorite muscle relaxer, not too effective.

Heat Somewhat Helpful

sometimes ice is better when you have a more immediate pain, think ankle sprain, you wouldn't put a heating pad on a sprained ankle. try to determine if this is an inflamation or injury to the muscle or just aching muscles. if just aching, go ice

Hydrocodone Working / Worked

depending on what state the pain is, these can help, but side effects can include headache and upset stomach and are quickly addictive. once addicted, they are not even half as effective and the withdrawl symptoms are very uncomfortable.

Ibuprofen Working / Worked

i have found that 600 mgs of Motrin works just as well as Oxys/vicodin/percocet... and less side effects if any. and non addictive!

Morphine Working / Worked

in the hospital after surgery and it was HEAVEN! but, of course, that was just post-op! oh well! pain-free memories!

Physical Exercise Working / Worked

Physical Therapy Working / Worked

I highly recommend very active and supervised PT. Just hooking you up to a TENS and doing traction ain't gonna do it, massage ain't gonna do it, you need to MOVE and BUILD THE CORE MUSCLES! this is year 5 for me and i have tried everything. exercise is the best.

Positive Thinking Working / Worked

Stretching Working / Worked

moving the little muscles, stretching your hamstrings, MOVING THOSE MUSCLES helps!!!!

TENS Somewhat Helpful

this seems to only be a short-term release from cramping muscles, but worth the temporary relief esp. if your muscles in your back feel like rock!

Close Chronic Pain

Treatments

Flexeril Somewhat Helpful

Heat Somewhat Helpful

Hydrocodone Working / Worked

Lyrica Not Working

Meditation Somewhat Helpful

Morphine Working / Worked

Oxycodone Working / Worked

Physical Therapy Working / Worked

TENS Working / Worked

Positive Thinking Working / Worked

Physical Exercise Working / Worked