Back/hip pain update - Montana Owners Club

HamRad · 07-12-2012, 09:09 AM

Fortunately the pain has subsided and did so within a week of starting steroid meds plus some Oxycontin. Steroid meds took about a week and Oxy I took for about two weeks.

Had a CT scan about 10 days ago and yesterday had appointment with pain doc. The CT report indicated that in the "....L2-L4 disk area there is diffuse posterior bulge of 4mm is seen. There is ligamental hypertrophy and calcifications. These factors cause severe spinal canal stenosis and bilateral foraminal stenosis....." There is much more but the news was somewhat of a surprise. Apparently the onset of the severe pain I experienced was because something I did aggravated this portion of my back.

So I have several courses of action (or non-action): Do nothing and see how it goes. Have a steroid injection into the L2-L4 area. Or.... talk to a back surgeon! So I'm thinking about my "choices". In the meantime we will be trying to get in at least one trip to visit our daughter in Seattle. Here's hoping that simply traveling will not cause any further aggravation of the back.

Happy trails folks and hope to see you all somewhere on the road! Dennis

**DQDick** · 07-12-2012, 09:49 AM

Had something similar when in my 30's. Took the steroid shot. Most painful shot I've ever taken. It did work, however, and with some exercises I was given has kept things mostly under control since. Good luck! I'll say a prayer for you.

HamRad · 07-12-2012, 11:15 AM

Dick,
Thank you. Dennis

Janet47 · 07-12-2012, 02:33 PM

steroids....avoid surgery at all costs....

PapaBeav · 07-12-2012, 03:35 PM

Dennis, I have had a bad back since I was 40 and have been seeing an Orthopedic Surgeon (a friend of mine for the last 20 years) and he is always telling me that surgery is the last thing that you want. So unless surgery is the last resort I would hold off. I have had numerous Epidurals and Cortisone shots over the years which is only a temporary fix. But since I have been retired it has been somewhat stable. All the best to what ever you decide.
Rich

HamRad · 07-12-2012, 03:41 PM

Hi Janet,
Understand about the surgery...... I've already had 2 back operations. If I continue to have pain the steroids will be my first option. Thanks for advise. You folks seem to be having a great time. Keep on enjoying! And see you in Q in January. Dennis

Rich,
Having been there before I agree. Don't particularly care for the steroid shot either but certainly better than surgery. Later, Dennis.

steelpony5555 · 07-12-2012, 06:19 PM

Ask about RFL or Radio Frequency Lesion...it's where they use radio waves to burn the nerves in your back. Works great for the pain but only works for a year and then you got to do it again. believe me I have had numerous steroid shots for the past 20-30 years. The steroid shots no longer work so we went to the RFL. I have been avoiding surgery because it scares the hell outa me. I have talked to people who tell me they feel great and it was a success and I have talked to people that are far worse off since they had surgery. It sounds to me like a crap shoot to me. My pain doctor said as long as you can manage the pain go with that and avoid surgery.

Art-n-Marge · 07-12-2012, 06:55 PM

Wow HamRad, I never thought you were a pain in the neck, but now you taking this way too literal. I hope you and your doctors find a solution and soon. Pain like that cannot be easy.

The worse back pain I had was a couple of decades ago and I had a sciatica issue and there was no comfort no matter what I did. I was throwing my back out all the time and walking around crooked every time I did it. This would last 4-6 days. In my case, what worked is I lost the extra 30 lbs of weight and that solved my problem. As my doctor put it, my body only gained weight between my neck and waist. Everything else remained skinny. This extra weight and where I carried it put a huge burden on my back something fierce. I'm not saying this will work for you since this is not your issue, but I am saying I can identify with back and nerve pain. They are no fun!!!

It sounds like others have gone through similar things with their own incredible stories. I hope you find what works for you.

HamRad · 07-12-2012, 08:02 PM

Art,
We won't go into the weight thing! If I would lose a little weight (about 100#) I'm pretty certain I would feel a lot better. So I guess my real problem is not with my back but with my eating habits! Of course the weight thing is not a 100% type thing...... Otherwise we'd never see a skinny person with a back problem..... And we know that ain't true! I know several really skinny folks who have had or have bad backs, knees, hips...... But definitely need to lose some of those pounds. Heck I'd probably even improve my fuel mileage!

SteelPony,
Nothing has been said about RFL. Guess that might be another option. Will discuss this issue with doctor at next visit. Thank you for also sharing your experience. I hope you are able to keep your pain level under control. Happy travels, Dennis

Glad to hear someone was able to get rid of some weight. Thanks for sharing. Dennis

Ozz · 07-13-2012, 01:53 AM

Sorry to hear that Dennis, I wish you well, Sue has had problems with her back-neck and the epidural helped her, but only for a time, whatever you decide I know will be well thought out.
Take care of yourself out there.

exav8tr · 07-13-2012, 11:29 AM

Dennis, and everyone else with chronic back pain, I feel your pain as Cathy and I are going thru the same thing. Weird thing is hers and mine is at the same verterbrae and same side, maybe that's what 43 years together does. The last "spine specialist" told me to come back when I couldn't walk and he would consider surgery, in the meantime, go home and take Aleve....Go Figure, and for this Medicare pays him how much?? I lost 45 lbs since March and I'm hoping this will help my back but so far no dice. Ibuprofen and Oxycodone seems to be the conventional method of treating this.

HOOK · 07-13-2012, 11:39 AM

I have a similar prognosis and you have my compassion. Last year at the National rally , I was in serious pain . God bless you and heal you is my prayer. Larry

HamRad · 07-31-2012, 05:58 PM

Today (July 31) I visited my hip and knee doctor. I found out a little bit more as to why the hip replacement was recalled. It seems that some microscopic particles are coming off the steel hip ball. These particles get in the blood stream and also the surrounding tissues. Apparently that is what causes the pain.

The X-Rays looked excellent and the doctor took my hip for a "joy" ride and it seemed to be completely normal. One way to check if the hip is causing a problem is via a blood test. So I did the blood draw and hopefully will know the results in a few days. If chrome and cobalt show up in the blood then I may have to have the hip joint replaced again!

So the battle continues. In the meantime we are getting ready to hit the road! Yeah! Everyone travel safely and we'll see you on down the road. Dennis

seahunter · 07-31-2012, 08:53 PM

Hey Dennis, sorry about the back. I have chronic back pain as well. I too would go the epidural route and at least see if it helps. I get four shots every 2-3 months and they do help me. Consults with the neurosurgeons are so iffy as to the benefit for me that we are not doing that at this time. One thing you might ask your docs about is a spinal cord stimulator. I had a trial one implanted, and now in August or September I will go in for the permanent implant. Basically it feels like a TENS unit, but it is implanted down the spine rather than applied externally. The trial was very promising and I am looking forward to the permanent one. I do not tolerate pain meds too well, so this will hopefully be a good non-drug way to distract some of the pain. Hope you get some relief!

jjackflash · 07-31-2012, 09:16 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by HamRad

Today (July 31) I visited my hip and knee doctor. I found out a little bit more as to why the hip replacement was recalled. It seems that some microscopic particles are coming off the steel hip ball. These particles get in the blood stream and also the surrounding tissues. Apparently that is what causes the pain.

The X-Rays looked excellent and the doctor took my hip for a "joy" ride and it seemed to be completely normal. One way to check if the hip is causing a problem is via a blood test. So I did the blood draw and hopefully will know the results in a few days. If chrome and cobalt show up in the blood then I may have to have the hip joint replaced again!

So the battle continues. In the meantime we are getting ready to hit the road! Yeah! Everyone travel safely and we'll see you on down the road. Dennis

Best of luck with that blood test,our prayers are with you Dennis.
Be safe on your trip,give Spike a final hug for us.
Jack

HOOK · 07-31-2012, 11:58 PM

Dennis, I have a similar diagnosis. I had an L4-L5 Lamenectomy 20 years ago. Now have Scoliosis, Stenosis and Arthritis, you have my compassion and prayers. Recently at Duke I was prescribed Steroid shots. As my pain has subsided at the present I am just waiting before I do anything. Good Luck, and I will pray for you. Larry

HamRad · 08-01-2012, 02:43 PM

Jack,
Thanks. I just hope I don't have to come home early!

Greg and Kris,
I think I've tried everything there is. I even tried the acupuncture. Wore a TENS unit for awhile. They are always coming up with something new.

Larry,
Sounds like you've got a full plate of "pains" to deal with! Good luck to you.

Thanks everyone and travel safely. Dennis

**DQDick** · 08-01-2012, 04:23 PM

We're praying your blood test comes back with no sign of a problem!

Jay Bird · 08-02-2012, 03:12 PM

Dennis.
We add our prayers that your blood test turns out good for you.

Safe travels

DonandJudy_12 · 08-03-2012, 04:29 AM

I had an L4-L5 laminectomy several years ago [at my age I can't be more specific]- I could hardly walk before and the pain was nonstop- I feel fine and will continue to do the prescribed DAILY exercises as long as I am able- My surgeon gave me the option of doing the exercises and regressing to my former condition- When I miss a day of exercises, I pay the price for several days- If you do have the surgery, do all the rehab stuff religiously and never stop the exercise program- Best of luck on your recovery- JMHO- Don

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