UPDATE ON MY MEDICAL PROBLEMS

Dan, I'm sorry to hear about your disappointing alternatives. I know what back pain is like since I also have degenerative disk disease (L3, L4, L5). That was actually one of the major reasons for deciding on weight loss surgery for myself. Your advice about not waiting until it is too late is excellent. I am almost 49. And, although I am only one month post-op, I already feel a great sense of relief. I am optimistic about the future. Since you are a person of faith, God may help you manage your pain. Prayer is very powerful and results are often not explainable with logic. I have experienced many examples of this in my life. I will keep you in my prayers. Jim

Dan, Sorry to hear of the "..not much can be done..." As for the stimulator? My first year out, I had serious back pains due to Not having any abdominal muscles connected to anything. Although mine was muscular and not Spinal, I got a TENS Unit through my doc, and wore it around the clock. It cut through the pain better than anything else, including Demerol. I would think that the internal stimulator would be similar. Have they tried a TENS Unit on you? At first it feels just like being shocked, But bit by bit The electrical stimulation gets in the way of the pain signals and it feels Like hitting "the Off Switch." Or, at least it did for me. The drugs do make pain tolerable, but they drag you down so. When I was on pain meds for so long, My doc added some anti-depressants to keep me from spiraling on down. Chronic pain and the drugs to "manage" it, both add to the blues. Are they giving you a prescription for depression to offset the pain and pain meds? I hope and pray that your docs find a workable fix that'll let you enjoy The "gains made by losing." I'm keeping you in my prayers.... Best Wishes- Dx

Thanks Dex for the information. I have a tens unit that I got from the VA and it works on the pain sometimes. Yes I have also been prescribed Celexa for depression. I will let you know what I find out with my visit with my regular Pain Mgt Dr tomorrow. Hopefully we can work out something that will allow me to be active again. I also have to stop eating all the time. Dan

Hey Dan - Sorry to hear things are not getting much better for you. I've also been dealing with back problems for quite some time - degenerative disc disease with nerve root compressions at L3, L4 and L5 - it's NO fun. Had one neurosugeon that wanted to do surgery about 8 years ago and an orthopedic surgeon saying don't do it. Happened to find a combination of meds that worked for me - neurontin and voltaren. That option is gone as I had to get off the voltaren if I wanted the RNY. Getting by with ultram and neurontin but there are days it's a little rough. My mom is 87 and had really bad stenosis and nerve root compressions until two weeks ago. She was in so much pain that even oxycodone wasn't working and she had completely lost the use of her legs. She had seen doctor after doctor, specialist after specialist, pain management clinics, etc. and was finally referred to yet another neurosurgeon who suggest surgery. She decided, despite the risks, she wanted to try surgery and did it a few weeks ago. She's up and walking several times a day with a walker for the first time in a LONG time. I guess all that to say "don't give up hope". Steve

Thanks Steve for your input. I had the stenosis problem about 10 years ago and it did me a lot of good. My problem is L3, L4, and L5. L5 is totally gone. I am not one to give up hope and will fight this battle until I find something that will work. Dan

Dan, May the loving and healing grace of God shine down upon you my brother. I am deeply sorry to hear about your troubles. I do have a bit of advice. If at all possible, go for the stimulator!!! My father had very similar troubles and finally had to have the stimulator implanted, and it changed his life greatly! I know the drugs are a real drag...I'm on that bus myself right now until I can see an ortho for my left knee, which I've been told is gone. I'm hoping my WLS will help with the pain. I have been diagnosed with 2 herniated discs in my lower back and also Degenerative Disc Disease, so I know the tale of back pain. But I am much younger than you and my surgery should help me greatly, or at least that's what my doc says. Watch that DVD and SERIOUSLY give it some thought. I know it helped my Dad. Best wishes to you my friend and thanks for keeping us posted. My wife and I will definitely keep you in our prayers. Troy