~Help-6 months out-pain unbearable~

Hi all, I am 6 months out, I have lost 146# total (pre op 44#). I have had OA and DJD for 9 years or more. I was DX'd with arthritis at the age of 4 in both knees.  I was told in Sept 2005 by my ortho that I would be in a wheelchair in the next year IF I didnt get the weight off. I had RNY on 11/29/06-and in Feb of this year-I started having the worst back pain-originally I was told it was due to the rapid weight loss and how my body was realigning itself. I went back to my ortho (who thank goodness has been my doc for 9 yrs and knows me and my tolerance for pain) he ordered an MRI-He then DX'd me with DDD. I have 4 disingrated discs, 2 herniated discs and I have 2 liquid filled cysts on my spine. I have just undergone my 3rd and last epidural on Weds-and I am wondering IF some kind of medication will work BEFORE I have the surgery they are recommending. I would like to be one year post op before having surgery-but I live on Vicodin, Percocet and Flexiril and believe it or not, they do not work to control the pain-does anyone have any other suggestions or similiar story? I was told that because of the weight loss-I have taken padding from around the area and that is why I am having all the pain now-ANYONE? I would love to hear from you and what you do to control your pain....I do not want to just lie around because I feel so much better now-but I just cant do much. I do have an inground pool and will be in every day (weather permitting) in the next 2 weeks or so.  Thanks in advance, for any suggestions you can give me.  Love and Prayers, Janet

Janet, I too had lots of back pain after surgery.  I still have it if I sit very long.  I too was told it was due to my rapid weight loss. The rheumotologist said that once I stabilize my weight I should adjust accordingly.  Her thought was that I didn't put the weight on as quickly as it was coming off, so my body and especially my back was compensating and trying to find its center of gravity.  As far as meds go, I don't think my pain was as bad.  My rheumy diagnosed me with fibro and gave me flexiril, tylemol 3. and tramadol. That works ok, but the real helper is the lidoderm patches that I apply to where it hurts.  I can use three a day. I wish I had more help.  I really think the patches are great, and maybe you could try the patches that contain the narcotics since your pain is so bad.  Kim M.

Hi Kim, Thanks for responding-I was starting to feel like the lone ranger on this board-LOL....I do have the patches....Nothing has worked as of yet. I guess the surgery is inimet-but I am just hoping and praying I can get through at least the next couple of months before going through such another major surgery. I have heard others speak of the tramadol for maintenance-and I may try that since it seems a lot better than oxycontin-which I was on for 6 yrs and dont want to venture back into that life~ Good luck to you-I hope you continue to have relief and pray for you that your body will align itself quickly-LOL....who knew that the kind of weight loss we have endured would be so painful? LOL...Take care and thanks for taking the time to post to me. I areally really appreciate it. Janet

Hi Janet. I'm only 5 weeks post op from lap banding but experiencing back, hip, and knee pain since no longer taking anti inflammatory.  Just wondering if you've thought of or tried to incorporate acupuncture or some type of alternative medicine in conjunction with your prescribed meds.  I've not, but am seriously contemplating it as I'd rather do the least invasive before doing surgery.   I do envy you your pool and hopefully the weather will cooperate for you.. Good luck Nona

Hi Janet I have degenerative disc disease in my back, spinal stenosis and herniated discs. I was like you downing pain meds just to be able to function. I went throught the epidural injections that did nothing to ease the pain. I finally made the decision to have surgery. When I woke up after the surgery was over I had less pain than I did before the surgery- It was the best decision for me. I had what is called  a lamenctomy. My doctor removed the herniated disc material. I was only in the hospital overnight and soon as I was taken back to my room after coming from recovery I was up walking. Of course I still have the dengenerative disc disease and have some pain and stiffness, some days worst than others, but nothing I can't live with compaired to what I had before the surgery. We don't realize how obesity can destroy our joints until we have problems like these. I had RNY in 03 and lost 100 pounds. My back surgery was in Feb 06 I so glad I was 100 pounds lighter, felt it made my recovery faster. Of course your dr is the one to advise you- just wanted you to know surgery was the best choice for me. Jillywilly

I have had two back surgeries for herniated discs (had a two level fusion).  I also have ankylosing spondylitis.  I use duragesic patches.  They are strong med and not something you want to take unless a last resort.   They have helped because of the malabsorption of oral meds.   I go to a pain clinic and they have been wonderful for me.   I do deal with some depression and I must admit that after losing 118 lbs, I have lost all of my padding on my hips and back.  I can't sit for extended periods of time without some pain.   I am very happy that I had the RNY.   It has brought me from being pre-diabetic, hypertensive, high cholesterol, as well as other health issues to being normal in all of those areas.   My Dad died at 56 so I am working hard t keep that from happening to me.

Prayers for you.