Looking for Wisdom....Chronic Back Pain....

Hello All, I am writing because I'm suffering big time from Chronic Pain. I have several issues with lumbar and cervical spine pain. I have chronic shoulder and lumbar back pain. I've through treatments after treatments. One of the main reasons why I chose RNY was to avoid back surgery. My pain is back with a vengence. It started at about 40lbs lost and it keeps getting worse. I use the weight loss as my mile marker, as I do months, I'm a super detailed oriented person. MY questions is, since the medicines aren't working enough, I am working full-time, in addition to being a mom, wife and woman, I need some wisdom. I've posted before about this back pain and got wonderful responses, I need them again. I am NOT a candidate for spine surgery, Yeah! The negative I cannot take the traditional med's that they use for these things due to my RNY. Don't get me wrong I love my RNY, I just need some encouragement to fight off this horrible pain I'm in 24/7. Thanks, Jennifer

I couldnt see where you posted your starting and current weight. Im assuming you still have a ways to go before you are at your goal weight. I can tell you that the shape of your bones in your spine changes with changes in body habitus. In skinny people the human spine is shaped like a lazy s. It is shaped like this in order to act like a sort of spring to support your body during movement. The bigger you get the straighter your spine gets. The problem is you are more prone to injuries and chronic pain also. Basically your spine is learning to move back into a spring shape as you lose weight. By the time you hit your target weight it should be close to s shaped again. I remember learning that the bones are replaced every 8 months or so. I could be wrong about that it might be longer. There are several over the counter suppliments that do work well for joint and back pain. You can get an appointment with a massage therapist also. If all else fails your Doctor can put you on hormone therapy to speed up the replacement of bone. As long as there is no disk injury your back should improve with time. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the insight RM. I really appreciate it. I didn't know any of that stuff about my bones or spine. I have lost 70lbs very rapid, I went from 247 surgery day to around mid 170's, my back has been screaming since the rapid 40lbs came off first. I will try the supplement. I am scheduled for a spinal injection in my neck/back now that I'm 6 months, I can get some medical care again. The downside is no more advil or any type of NASID. So, this is a little harder for me since they worked in the past. This has been going on for approx 3 years so you'd think I'd be used to it by now. I didn't kknew that our bones repaired themselves either. What an amazing machine our bodies are. How is your appeal going? I know you will get the surgery, you are determined and I admire that. Thanks again for taking the time to answer my post. Jennifer

I think bone replacement varies depending on which bone it is but the average is 8 years, not 8 months. Sorry for the misinformation before. One of the best suppliments is Glucosamine Chondroitin. Its good for arthritis and degenerative joint disease among others. I would recomend massage therapy also. Maybe even a chiropractor? Concerning hormone therapy, the hormone they use is HGH or human growth hormone. It causes a lot of reactions in the body most notably things you would associate with going through puberty, or as a very young adult. Among those is rapid replacement of calcium in bones and reshaping of bones due to different stresses... I think it is relatively expensive though. My appeal will be in about a month or so. Ill post what happens then. Take care.

Hi Jennifer, I have been out of touch and just read your post. Have you been referred to a pain center? My daughter (who has nerve damage in her left arm sees Dr. Muniz at Southeast Pain Center and he is excellent. They are specialist in handling these situtations and are wonderful. If there is a problem with your disc or spine, the weight loss won't "cure" it. Maybe your primary care will give you a referral. I am so sorry that you are going through this. I see how it is with Allison and how hard just day to day living is. I hope you feel better soon. Pat