I have had osteoporosis since 2015 and I have been suffering with crippling back pain in the middle of my back that is agony. I am taking codeine but it barely touches it, I spoke to the GP and she has requested a thoracic and lumber spine X-ray to check fro fractures. When I broke all my ribs in multiple places an X-ray only showed 2 fractures I later had a CT which showed them all but I just wonder if an X-ray will actually show anything for the spine? I have a pain management specialist on the 4th December who I am hoping will be more helpful as I know the gp can only request and X-ray.
How do you all manage your back pain? I am on the zolendronic acid infusions but they have never helped with pain just to slow the osteoporosis however my back is agony now and I don’t know what to do I can hardly do anything I used to love my long walks but I really struggle now to do anything.
Many thanks 😊
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MyStar86
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So sorry for you, pain is the worst of it all. Yes, ray will show # s but a scan shows so much more too. Your gp can request a scan. Also gp should get your pain under control. I fought for a month to get xray and scan which showed 6 vertebral #s! Luckily I got a new gp who put me on various meds till I got pain under control, ended up with Fentanyl patches, lost 3 stones when on 50mcg, weaned meself down to 12 mcg which I've now been on for ? 3 years. It takes the worst off but occ. I top up with Tramadol. A heat vest really helps, esp. now cold too, like having personal central heating and cheaper! I eschewed AA, Prolia re side effects, just on Adcal D3, Fentanyl.
I understand the frustration as an outdoor gal, who rode and competed, now housebound, having to sit down every few minutes etc, moan, moan. BUT.... although my life is limited and different I am still basically a happy soul- humour is essential.😂 I would badger your gp till you get what you need, diagnosis and pain relief! 🤞
Thank you but down here the gp is limited to only an X-ray it has to be a consultant to request an MRI or CT and I have the pain management specialist on the 4th December so I am hoping he will be able to do that along with helping with some proper pain management as I really need some help now. Most of my day is spent in bed I do have two little walks a day but end up much worse after it’s just horrible I’m only 37 I’ve been through so much with surgeries for my bowel and with the back on top I feel like this is never ending as I can’t do anything whilst being in so much pain. I have to travel an over and hour to the hospital tomorrow for an appointment and I’m so scared as getting in the car is the worst possible position for me I hurt from the moment I get in and it just gets worse it feels like something gets trapped by my shoulder blades…..that’s been since my rib fractures. I’m just holding out hope for the pain specialist because when I had my recent surgery and I was dosed up on pain meds I felt like I was cured of everything and I could finally live a normal life but once all the meds wore off and I’ve been back home I am in complete agony it’s so upsetting. I’m glad you can be so happy and positive and It gives me hope that if I can get my pain under control then things will be different. Thank you so much for your reply it means a lot to me xx
Can you tilt the car seat back, I found that helped, plus cushion/ pillow/ hotbot and hopefully no potholes! At the very least you should be on Tramadol or sumat to get your pain under control- what did you have that worked before? Your gp is being pretty weak not helping you with meds, I'd be yelling by now. Good luck, try not to tense up, it just makes things worse. Accept and adapt is my motto. Good luck and best wishes. 🤗
Thanks I just have codeine to take at the moment which isn’t very helpful as it’s bad for my tummy but I can’t take tramadol it acts as a stimulant to me and I get rapid heart and can’t sleep with panic attacks so that’s one’s out. The gp was awful when I saw her she was so patronising saying to try non medical pain relief methods it’s a joke she was the same when I broke all my ribs in multiple places that’s why this time I’m seeing a pain management specialist as she is zero help to me. I have my cushion and I’ve made it to the hospital only to find out they don’t have a list with me on it so I am livid just got to wait around and see what happens I am very worried as this journey is massive for me and I don’t want to be coming back again in a rush so they better see me today otherwise I’ll of gone through hell and dosed up upsetting my guts for no reason 🤬. Thank you for your kindness xx
Thank you for asking, I was actually seeing my stoma nurse today and thankfully it did go ahead so the trip was worth it. I have my X-rays on Monday so that’s another trip to the hospital but thankfully that one is much closer the one today is was an hour there and another hour back…..it was killer but I seem to of suffered more since than the actual trip as I dosed up which helped but once that wore off I was left to deal with the ramifications 😭. Roll on the 4th when I talk to the pain specialist as I won’t be going back to my gp after that I hope I never have to deal with her again she is clueless xx
I got the xrays and they told me that it shows compression fractures in the vertebrae of my spine 😭 I’m only just 37 and I can’t cope I can’t even stand up straight anymore it’s too much pain I’m done with this mess!!
Oh crikey! They MUST get your pain under control, did they give you anything at the hospital? How many vertebrae are affected? Your gp cannot ignore the xray results so I would give her hell or ask to speak to another gp. I had the same from a stroppy gp who insisted my pain was still from my kidney op but after 3 weeks had to admit it wasn't and finally got me xrays, showed 6 spinal #s! New gp at least sorted out pain issue. Afraid you need to shout sometimes to get help you need. Once your pain is sorted you can think more clearly and get more help. So sorry for you, it's a difficult time but things will settle down I'm sure. 🤞🤗
Thank you! I don’t know the breakdown yet as I haven’t been able to get hold of the xray report and they only briefly told me so I don’t have the details yet but should get them Monday before I speak to the pain specialist as I neee them so fingers crossed the gp can kiss my arse now I won’t ever speak to her again that’s for sure it’s so bad she did this before with my ribs they don’t listen I hate it pain is a dangerous thing unmanaged like mine so she needs to be careful. Hopefully the pain man will take me seriously and get me the help I need as I can barely do anything now it’s so scary. I hate how this has happened on top of my bowel surgery that’s made me worse I was too weak before the surgery so my body has fallen apart it’s very sad xx
Glad you're sounding more positive, feisty even! Hope you can get the right help now. I'd consider complaining about the gp , she needs pulling up, and maybe demand a new one? I can hardly move atm with pain and it's shower day, should be fun, not! Freezing here and hard to keep warm, feels like my bones have frozen. 🥶🤗
I’m sure you have said but what do you take to manage your pain? Especially in the early days? Did you see a pain management consultant?
I know I am annoyed at the gp and am considering complaining but I think I’ll just avoid her to save causing a fuss as I don’t want to get black listed as it’s hard enough to get anything from the gps so it’s a scary thing rocking the boat so I’ll just avoid her and seek out other gps from now on.
Good luck with the shower, do you find a bath would help your back more or is that too tricky getting in and out? I can’t stand long enough for a shower at the moment so I’ve been putting it off since my surgery as I’m so scared 😱. I’m only staying positive till I can get to the pain man as he is my only hope and I’m just taking as much codeine as I need vs trying to limit it as I know it makes my guts worse but if I don’t take it I just end up with the agony back and front so it’s best to limit the back agony on top at the moment as my guts are all over the place since the surgery which is upsetting on its own plus with the high output we don’t know how much of the medication I’m even absorbing as I had so many issues not absorbing my hrt as well (I had a hysterectomy in 2021) so if I don’t absorb the hrt that’s when I really can’t cope and if I don’t absorb the pain meds as well I’m screwed so I’m hoping the pain man can do something via patches. I think you said you have patches did you find them instantly helpful? Hope you have a good weekend xx
I tried allsorts, Tramadol worked initially, now on Fentanyl patches, topped up with Tramadol occ. Today esp agony so Tram and Nurofen as arthritis flare inc. now top left shoulder so can't use arm. Shower brief and painful! Had bath taken out as can't use, in out or get up plus prefer showers plus the planet you know.😁
I wish I could take tramadol but after having serotonin syndrome due to a poisonous mix of meds prescribed by a gastro I can’t touch many meds so I’m stuck with the codeine till I see the pain specialist but I’m really hoping he can do patches as my tummy can’t handle the drugs so I will hope and pray for next week.
I love a bath it always helped my back to give it a good soak but I’m so bony I don’t think I could handle it now I will have to brave a shower at some point but I’ve been putting it off.
How long have you been managing your fractures? Have any of your fractures healed? Are you on any osteoporosis meds?xx
Although showering is nackering and painful for me it also makes me feel SO much better, change my patch and clothes after- I haven't given up yet! 😁 6 vertebral #s only found after kidney stone op in Nov 2020 when pain was even worse. Major fight to even get xray, gp dumb stubborn said from op. Everyone ignored me saying pain was from my back 🙄 Refused further xrays etc, no point, more damage done re travel etc with no treatment anyway. No Prolia, AA re side effects, just on Adcal D3, Stella and USA comedy! 🤷♀️You does the best you can with what you've got. Must admit felt 109 today! 😱 Hope things improve for us soon. 🤗
I’m glad you got through the shower and you are able to do more things with pain relief that gives me hope as today is the worst day of my life I am so scared I am in tears trying to sit anything that puts pressure on my back is horrific so even laying down is a struggle. It feels like I’ve trapped some nerves as I can barely lift my left arm and my left side has gone into spasms it’s so horrible I don’t know how to cope.
How long do fractures take to heal?? I have my pain specialist tomorrow so I’m praying he can help me as I can’t cope in this state I’ve just been trying and crumbling every few mins I’ve been crying in bed so my parents don’t have to see me. I don’t know what to do I’ve upped the codeine but it just makes my tummy worse so it’s a catch 22. Sorry I just don’t know how to cope I will pray for tomorrow as it’s my last hope now xx
Does heat help your back? Maybe reduce any muscle spasms, a hot bot or heat pad really helps me to relax. I had my worst day yesterday, much better today, so things can get better. Try not to fret, just breathe, distract, try rest/ sleep and good luck for tomorrow. 🤞🤗
Thank you so much for caring! I’m still in agony but it went well on Monday he recommended that I start buprenorphine 10mcg patches and also start pregablin. He has request and MRI of my full spine which I can get done locally and I’ve sent the info to the local Nuffield and they will get back to me shortly to book me in asap plus then he said once we get my pain under control with the new meds I can come up to London to see him for an examination and have a special mri that’s only done a few places in the country to look at all the nerves and find out the cause of all my pain from back to my abdominal issues with burning pain so that’s amazing. So happy however he secretary is rubbish and I hadn’t been able to get hold of her for the letters till she emailed me last night after 10pm 😡 and the letter didn’t even state a dosage for the pregablin so I can’t send it on to my doctors to start the prescription as they won’t do it based on that letter so I’ve asked if ge can do a simple prescription request letter with the two medications on it and dosages that way hopefully I can get it sorted but won’t get it till next week a the secretary only seems to work evenings and late ones which makes life difficult.
I have really been struggling as the codeine isn’t touching it and my guts have gone mental so I am battling too many things at the moment but I’m praying this will get sorted soon so I can get some relief as I’ve had enough now. I had to cancel a stoma appointment today as I just can’t get there in this state so it’s not ideal but I have to hope for the future rather than letting myself spiral as it’s easy when pain takes over to lose it but I’m trying my best.
I hope you are doing ok and thank you for checking on me xx it means a lot
I’m trying my best but it’s impossible to get hold of his secretary so at the moment it’s all up in the air it’s good to have a plan but not helpful if it can’t be actioned as I know how rubbish my gps are so if I sent them that letter I know they wouldn’t action it without knowing dosages 😡. Nothing is ever simple it always seems to be a battle I’ve taken loads of codeine today but it’s just upsetting my tummy so it’s a catch 22 I’m just hoping once I get the patches they will be kinder to my system and the pregablin will help with the burning nerve pain as that’s killing me I can’t escape it.
Your pain management consultant will help you to deal with the pain. They have many tools in their toolbox. I've been in pain management for over 20 years for neuropathic pain. Now with osteoporosis I've got extra pain on top.
Thank you I really hope they can as the only way I will heal is if I can get some relief and relax with rest so I’m holding on in hope for the pain management specialist as I know they won’t be anything like my patronising rubbish gp so for now I’m just taking codeine pain med and wise but I’ll wait to see on the pain specialist as I react badly to a lot of drugs but I’m hoping they can do something via patches due to all my bowel issues. Thank you again xx
Tell the pain specialist how the pain affects you on a daily basis. What you can and can't do. What makes it worse or better. He might ask you to describe your pain eg throbbing, stabbing, electric shock etc. He could also ask you to score your pain from 1-10, with 10 being the worse pain. All the best.
Thank you I really will as it’s only getting worse I’m in agony as the spasms from my stomach are making even resting Impossible im struggling walking around now it’s getting so much worse I Walked a tiny bit down the road today and was doubled over when I got home I’m so scared 😱 everything is so bad now I can’t cope. I’m praying the pain man can help me as I can’t continue like this and I won’t as this isn’t a life I’m not even surviving I’m so scared it hurts to do everything. I’m just hit from all angles with my recent surgery and my bowels not coping and now my back 😭 I don’t know what to say except I can’t do this I can’t handle this level of pain I’m scared to go to bed as I know what I went through last night but It sitting up is also agony so I can’t win. When I do doze I just have terrors due to the pain so I’m all over the place. I don’t want this life I hate it I’m not me anymore I’ve lost everything I’m so broken my body and mind just can’t take anymore.
I had an MRI two weeks ago and found out today I've a fracture just below my neck and a prolapsed disc in my lower back. Explains why I've been having unbearable pain. My pain management consultant sent me for the MRI so yours will probably do some investigations too. I know the worry and not knowing makes it all worse but I feel better now knowing what is causing my pain. I'll be having injections in my upper back and surgery for the disc issues.
Thanks the thoracic xray showed compression fractures in the vertebrae of my spine so I’m hoping the pain guy will send me for an mri to check things in more detail as I know the xray doesn’t show things the same as the scans like my ribs that only showed two when I had broken them all. It hasn’t helped me knowing the cause of the back pain it’s just upset me I’ve been on zolendronic acid for 2 years and I’ve been doing all I could for the bones but I think this last surgery was just too much for my weak body to take as my back has been bad for ages but nothing like this now I can barely move without crying and sitting is just horrific I just feel so lost. I pray for the pain man on Monday as that’s my last hope. Thank you again
Hello, may I ask why are you taking Adcal D3. The calcium content is calcium carbonate and very ineffective, goes into bloodstream not bones. D3 should be taken with Vit K 2.
Tell my doctor that! I had to fight to get Adcal, then bid, then D3 ,simply from what I learnt on here. I am not going to take loads of stuff that are recommended by some, eschewed by others just in the suck it and see category. I have other health issues severely affected by meds, natural or not so shall stick with with what works atm. But thanks for your input, I may change my mind later. 🤔
I'd you do reconsider, it's scientifically proven that calcium carbonate furs up blood vessels. Well done for pursuing your dr, I know well the struggle. All thd best
Do calcichew calcium tabs contain calcium carbonate? I'm just curious because my GP said to come off them because of the reason you stated. When I was in hospital due to fractures a consultant told me that's not the case anymore and that information is from an old study.
sorry to hear about your back pain, yours is worse than mine at the moment which I get after I have been doing just everyday things looks like I am going down the same path as you, I am t12 so not good, but what can we do, I am also waiting to see gp for a spinal x-ray, I need a scan really but it's hard to get one, anyway hope you will be feeling a bit better soon.
Thank you that means a lot!!!! It’s just awful I’m so scared as I have to go in the car today which is the worst thing possible 😞 I have my X-ray on Monday but I’m hoping the pain management specialist will be more helpful however I have so many things going on I know I’m a complex case which all medical professionals hate but I will hope for the best. Just dreading today as I know it’s going to really set me back but I have to go to the hospital for an appointment following my surgery so I just need to dose up and hope for the best x
Hello. I m sorry for what you be been going through. I am much the same as some of the other replies. I have 11 spinal, 4 or 5 pelvic which are all treated with cement. I take pregabalin but don’t think it does much now as I be been on for years. I think the cement has kept me more upright than I would have been and also both my hips fractured really badly at different times which didn’t have anything to do with the spinal ones. I have had Prolia which was my downfall as it was stopped for about 6 months and nobody realised I should have had something straight away so at least half of my fractures I think were rebound. They know about that now but bit late for me. I know that wasn’t your question I was just saying the cement has helped but I still get a fair bit of pain I can walk but not many household tasks and my fractures don’t always show on an X-ray. Sorry about the ramble I wish you all the best
Don’t be silly it’s not a ramble it’s nice to hear your story! What dose of pregablin do you take as I’ve just been prescribed it? I have an mri booked for today (Saturday) so I’ll wait and see what comes back from that. Sounds like you have been through a lot I’ve seen lots of stories about the cement personally I wasn’t convinced at the idea of it as it sounds very scary but good to know that it has helped you and you can do more things. Is pregablin the only pain relief that you have? Take care x
I take 250 mg morning and night with paracetamol and I have oramorph for breakthrough pain which I usually take at some point in the day if necessary. I m not sure the pregabalin does much good as I have been on it for a good while but it’s very difficult to get off and not much alternative. Never mind I can at least walk if the weather is ok but don’t do much cooking as standing at the bench is painful. I m very lucky that my husband does a fair bit. I hope your scan has gone ok. Let me know in the future xx
Thank you so much, I managed to get to the mri today and it wasn’t as bad as the bowel ones I’ve had before as I was worried about having heavy things put on me but they didn’t however it was very painful being on my back on the hard surface for nearly an hour as it was the full so e they did. I looked in the mirror when I got changed after and my spine was bright red and still was when I got home 😱 I’m very skinny so my bones have no padding and they made me take my jumper off. I’ve had a terrible afternoon since but at least it’s done and should be reported on Wednesday next week then sent to my pain consultant so I’ll arrange a follow with him once I’ve had a chance to try the new meds and he has got the mri results so we can see what needs to be changed with my meds or if anything needs to be done for my spine. Just hope I can get my new meds soon as I’m not absorbing the codeine so I’m just going through hell roll on next week.
I’m glad your husband is very supportive that really helps. I’m 37 and not married but in 2020 when I broke all my ribs I had to move back to my parents so they are really good as I can’t drive so I have really relied on my mum for my many hospital trips. I see my bowel surgeon next week so that’s another car journey that I’m dreading as the car is one of the worst things for my back it seems to push me in a bad position and it’s a long trip but never mind it has to be done so hopefully I have the new pain meds through by then as I’m hoping I will actually be able to absorb the patches 🙏🏻 xx hope you have a lovely weekend
Thanks for letting me know. I did reply but not sure if it went so good luck with the bowel surgeon and I hope you get some meds that will give you some comfort, there is nothing worse than pain. I know what you mean about the mri s they are so uncomfortable and the radiographers not very sympathetic but I guess they have to get on with the job. At least you’re getting some boxes ticked and I m pleased you have your Mum and Dad for support. Life’s tough sometimes isn’t it. Good luck and let me know. Lots of lovexx( sorry if this has come twice)
Thank you I hope the patches are at the pharmacy on Monday that’s what I’m praying for as those are what I really need as I’m just not absorbing the codeine with my ileostomy so I’m just left in agony but the pharmacy did order them late Friday so my mum will see if they are in by Monday afternoon so I can at least start the pregablin and then the patches on Tuesday as I’m so done with this life of suffering. I just try to spend as much time in bed as possible to wish away the days and have less time sitting up and having to function which is very sad it’s not a life but maybe it’s some pain relief I will be able to cope better because right now I’m ready to give up. Thank you re the bowel surgeon I see him on Thursday for my 6 week follow up after the ileostomy but there is another procedure that needs to be done so I’m hoping he will take pitty on me and be kind and do it vs me going through the trauma of having it with the nurses as he can do it via sedation and save my back so that’s what I’ll be begging for but will have to see luck hasn’t exactly been on my side for a long time 😞.
Thank you for your support and I hope you are having a nice weekend xx
Bless you. You , ve had such a lot to cope with especially for one so young. You have had a really rough time. Definitely ask the surgeon for sedation, I ve just asked my Gp to do the same for another problem but not like yours. Your Mum is obviously a great help and support. Please believe that these pain meds and patches will help you. I also use a lot of heat. I have a heat mat that I sit on from Amazon and I move it up to my back. I also have an electric blanket. I know you can feel very low when you’re lying in pain is it possible you could stay with her till your pain is manageable You sound like a lovely person Tuesday isn’t long to start the patches good luck, I ll be thinking of you Lots of love xx
Awww thank you so much that’s very kind of you and I’m always here if you need me too whilst physically I’m not much help I’m always here ready to listen. Thank you for the advice I have a hot water bottle I use in the middle of my upper back as that’s where all my pain is and I have wheat pads for my tummy as I looked at the electric heat pads but they all have to be plugged in which isn’t so easy I ordered one that was lovely and said rechargeable so I thought that meant it didn’t need to be plugged in but it does so I sent it back. It’s tricky as I’m always burning up due to my guts being so bad so the heat does help my back but I get so flustered and stressed with my tummy it’s a catch 22. I could better cope with my back if I didn’t have the tummy issues but they are never ending as it’s the cramping from that which is destroying my back no one really knows what to do but I’m hoping the surgeon can help on Thursday as it would save my back doing it with him. Yes fingers crossed for Tuesday but at least I can start the pregablin tomorrow that’s something to focus on as today has not been easy I was up most of the night in agony and I get terrors due to the pain so it’s very scary but I’m trying my best. I wish my mum could be with me but my dad is not so understanding so I don’t get that luxury this is one for me to suffer alone unfortunately 😞 but I am trying my best. I hope you are having a nice weekend xx
I have a little saying and it’s. The show must go on. ! I know I have wheat cushion too which I put on my tummy but of course I don’t have your trouble. I understand tho that it could aggravate it. What a time you’re having lovely girl and let’s hope this is a good week for you. Xx
I agree and I am trying to just focus on one day at a time not quite the show but I juts try to get through the days and hope one day I’ll wake up and life will be better if I keep going.
I will let you know how things go re the new meds and my surgeon if you want to know that is 🤣 but thank you for caring and I hope you have a good week too. Big hugs xx
Yes of course let me know. I know. A day at a time. Sometimes even an hour. I once read about someone who every time someone asked how they were they said. Fine. This was the case for a while until one day she was a bit better. That’s got to be the case for you. It will get better and certainly more manageable xx
When people ask me how I am I always reply saying well I’m still alive not sure if that’s the best thing to say but it seems fitting to the current situation. Hopefully as you say once I get some pain relief that I actually absorb that will be the case and the bowel surgeon can sort out the remaining issue with my bowel then life will be a bit better because at the moment it seems to get worse which is why it’s so scary but I keep hoping!! Thank you and I hope you have a lovely evening xx
I'm very sorry and empathize with you completely. I've 8 vertebral fractures. Maybe 9. Diagnosed by CT scan. I've had 2 vertebroplasties where they i ject a cement-like substance into the vertebrae. I finally have MRI scheduled in December so the surgeon can determine which are the most acute fractures to be done next. Also GP has requested a regular xray for the most recent incident. However, my Neurologist says regular x-ray can detect these fractures. The pain is debilitating and excruciating and getting on with things is next to impossible. My pain is from my back muscle spasms, trying to compensate for a collapsing spine. Pain goes from spine around to stomach and diaphragm and I can eat maybe half of what I used to, having lost 20 lbs. Deep breathing exercises help with the diaphragm a bit. I can walk better than sit, but not far. Able to prepare small meals. I use a walker to get around. My back collapsed inward the other day and the pain is indicative of another fracture. Bed rest is the only thing that helps the muscles relax a bit. For the pain: If you're able, try 2 extra strength ibuprofen and 2 extra strength paracetamol (acetaminophen) together. One for the inflammation, one for the pain. I can no longer take ibuprofen, so take 2 acetaminophen/codeine every six hours. Gives relief for a bit, but not the 6 hours. Opioids do not help at all, but would like to try some kind of patch. The codeine does constipate terribly. A whole other problem. Also had the Zolendronic infusion about a month ago. I take 4000 D3 and K2. Car rides are the worst and I relish the weeks where I have no appointments scheduled. Hope this info helps a bit. My heart goes out to you.
Ooer, missus! Boy are you going through it! I can vouch for Fentanyl patches though could not tolerate Morphine, yes, opioids but they work for me and there are many different types/ strengths that may help? Interesting that you had cement inserts, my useless consult refused on grounds it would just make rest collapse. My pain sounds similar to yours, I can only stand/ walk a few mins, sit-can actually feel my back sink, seems lumbar muscles go into spasm. I can't even lie in my bed, have to be banana shape sleep on recliner sofa- can't find new one as this old one nackered too. Spent all day trying to find cheaper one in Black Friday sale, none as good and not much discount. 🙄 My heat vest does really help though to relax muscles, and keep me warm now! I have absolutely been left to it with nil hope of further help, hope you can get some. 🙂
Sounds like we're both going through it. A heated vest sounds like a great investment. Yes, there is a risk of vertebrae on either side of the plasties letting go. Which may have already happened. If I lived on the ground floor of my building I could get out more often to walk. But not feasible right now. Try a pillow at your back to keep you from rolling off your side and a pillow between your knees which would help take pressure off your low back. Your sleeping position is so important. I sleep very well. Generally get 8 hours. Thanks be to the gods. I may ask to try some fentanyl patches. Would help my stomach considerably. Thanks for the advice. You can buy a large U shaped pillow which would support you front and back. You can google under maternity pillows. Who cares what it's called as long as it helps. You are your best advocate. I've been in the fight for 2 years to get help. I now have Rheumatologist, Neurologist, GP when beforr I had nowhere to turn. Our forum is fantastic, but we can only point you in the right direction. Don't give up. Hugs to you fraid.
oh I do feel for you, I am lucky in as much that sitting in the car driving I am fine I can also sleep well but standing and walking is extremely painful, I use heat pads all the time cannot take meds😫 can I ask where you got your vest please I really need one of those to help me get around , hugs xx
I'm mostly static so am plugged in , got first one from cosihomes ( weird name) been brill, but this one bit worn out so just ordered new one from ebay, bright blue but same and cheaper £22. You can get ones that will give you ap. 4 hrs heat? Sumat to do with USB computer stuff, don't ask me, total tek dummy. Just googly heat vests, loads on market now, copied off original cosihome one, the noive! Can you use a back support thing? I had a vulcan wrap around one years ago to keep riding, can make your back sweat if you're very active. I found if I used tiger balm then wore it the heat burnt though! 🥵 🤗
I tried Robaxin then Baclofen as presumed my back pain was spasms and just needed to be able to stand bit longer to shower. Neither made any difference atall, so assume it's more nerve pain and adhesions as all my spinal processes were ripped off when # s occured. Nowt I can do except sit asap, can feel back settling down like a spring being unstretched .🤷♀️
Wowsa...reading these posts makes me understand a bit better why (I sometimes feel) my doctors don't take me very seriously. Clearly, I am in pretty good shape/functioning pretty well despite fractures. And I am sorry to all who are suffering so much, but thankful for your willingness to share your situations and what, if anything, helps.
To the original question, I have at least three and possibly six vertebral fractures. It has taken three years and six x-rays to ferret out the three. Two in my upper back weren't detected until a physiatrist asked for very specific images. He also discovered something at the base of my spine that he didn't call a fracture but noted it is contributing to excess curvature in that area that wasn't detected in three other x-rays. So, it seems to me that x-rays are iffy. Yet, despite 3 inches of height lost and pain in most of my spine (thankfully ny neck is okay,) no one has suggested a more advanced imaging process. Guess they figure they're not going to DO anything anyway, so why bother?
I will also add that at least for me, staying active is extremely helpful. Trekking poles are almost a miracle--seriously. They: help me with my posture (my back will start to hurt while walking now without them,) move the muscles in my upper back which get super sore/stiff, prevent me from hunching my shoulders, and work my arms. And, it just feels mentally good. The only thing preventing me from walking double digit distances right now are my toes (that's a different problem, pops up about the 7 mile mark.) I have read about weighted vests being good, but the one time I tried one, the compression factor made it miserable. I think I could utilize one with the poles, though. It's amazing how helpful one's arms can be! I just got little shoes for my poles, it's like having four wheel drive.
I recognize we're all at different places, but wherever you start, it might help. If I go for a walk when my upper back is screaming, 15 minutes in, it's eased. So it's potentially not just a way to exercise, it's a way to ease pain.
Of course, there are also stretches that can help, but I do know, if your fracture isn't stable, you gotta be pretty careful. If it IS, though, I have found that lying on my back, on the floor, with my lower legs on a chair, knees at 90 degrees, rolled towel under neck, really does relax my strained muscles, and supposedly it helps undo the upper back curvature (any curve, I imagine.)
I also do what I've heard called a tricep bridge. Kind of a reverse plank. I start raised, hold it for 5 count, lower my rear, then raise again, hold. Final rep I hold for 20. This works to stengthen the lower back muscles, and pinches those upper back muscles in the opposite direction. I've been able to do this even with active fractures, not sure why.
Of course anything you do should be cleared by someone who understands your physical state (good luck with that.) I've definitely found some things out the hard way, in fact, all my fractures/issues except the upper back (not sure how those happened,) came about when I was exercising, including once with a personal trainer tasked with preventing injury. Still, move if you can. Get the blood flowing!
I am so sorry you are going through this without good medical support. Constant severe pain beats you down. I sympathise with your story because I had three major abdominal ops for endometriosis in my 30s. I had a lot of back problems after that but eventually everything settled down. But now I am back to severe constant pain, inability to walk but being 76 I expect it more. I can’t believe your dr hasn’t given you good pain relief like oro morph for when it gets too much. My GP gives me a bottle now and again. Pain clinics very but I have found them to be good. Be patient because they may want to start on the least invasive treatments. Mine order an MRI regularly.
In my opinion you should be under the care of an osteoporosis clinic, most major hospitals have them. Also, if you are in the UK the Royal Osteoporosis Society are excellent. The nurses will talk to you on the phone. google.com/search?q=royal+o...
I agree about the heat. I have a heat pad plugged in in several rooms. Also, intermittent ice packs and a back brace.
So sorry that you are going through this at such a young age but keep going forward, you will find relief eventually.
No, xray can not show what a CT shows. Xray is 2D and CT is 3D. It would take many xrays from many angles to see fractures hiding behind structures.
Pain, there is a TENS unit. It distracts by electrically contracting the muscles and interrupts pain signals to the brain, cold laser which also speeds healing of bone and some pain relief, accupunture this requires multiple treatments. You might consider reiki, energy or spiritual healer for pain. At times when conventional medicine isn't working, I think outside the box and it worked.
That’s very kind of you and im so sorry that you are having a tough year, i am sending you massive hugs. My bowel issues have been crazy and im just waiting now to have the whole colon removed and all the surrounding tissues so it’s a massive surgery and a bit scary but that could finally save me from so much pain and get my life back so I’m keeping hopeful and positive. I am always here if you need to talk don’t ever suffer alone and thank you again for thinking of me xx
Thank you that means a lot 🥹 I’m sure I’ll be on here moaning once I’ve had it done and dealing with the recovery but I just pray that this will be my last surgery lucky number 11.
How have you been? I know you said it’s been an awful year I hope you are ok and things are improving xx
hello again. Yes unfortunately it’s been one thing after another. My sister died suddenly in January, I don’t live near her and I can’t really get over it. Then straight away we were with my mother in law every day for a few months till she died in June and that gave me slot of stress as it is a very dysfunctional family and I arranged everything as my husband is deaf. Then I had a couple of falls by one in September which was my own fault I was just being silly at a friends saying I remembered a dance from years ago, stood up and started then when I was dancing backwards I fell flat on my back. Nothing broken as I ve got cement all in spine and pelvis but took a while, then about 3 weeks ago we had our grandson off school, he s 12 but I like to sit with him. Anyway I went for a was I was stiffening up, bought a take out coffee and tripped over a paving stone, fell badly on my side and face. I had to be slowly picked up, driven home then went to A and E for 6 hours. Again just stitched on my eye and nothing broken but the pain from this has been the worst ever. My lovely surgeon said he ll ring in a couple more weeks when bruising has died down but I m pretty sure nothing broken again. Just have to go through it.
Ha sorry about that I just thought I d fill you in on my year😂Lots of love and luck xx
Wow you really have been through it this year that sounds like a lot for anyone but you are very lucky not to of broken anything as they sound like dangerous falls I would of crumbled 😱 so well done you being made of strong stuff just take care it sounds like you need a quiet few months ahead and let’s hope 2025 is a better year for us both just calm and happy with some sunshine……just no dancing 🤣!! Thank you for sharing with me it means a lot and I’m always here for you if you want to talk don’t suffer alone big hugs xx
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