Spinal degeneration

[Hobbledehoy]

Hullo. Admin have suggested I post here. I have RA, thankfully under control. Have been able, via my super Rheumatology Consultant, to establish that all my pain is coming from lower back, where the nerves are being crushed resulting in intense leg pain - which is already in the pipeline for investigation.

I have had a prelim. appt with Registrar, who was shocked by picture - the more so because I am supple on his manual tests due to daily pilates exercises, which may put me down the queue for next step. I am to have another MRI scan (which frightens me, have requested an open scanner). So it is all v longwinded, but I am still grateful for everything. I take Pregabalin 75mgs x twice daily, Etoricoxib 90mgs daily and prescrip Codeine 30mgs x 3times a day. Nothing seems to touch the pain.

An important complication is c. o. p. d - spent many weeks in Respiratory unit this spring with severe pneumonia. They were unable to establish cause; am awaiting follow up with X-ray & poss CT scan. Lungs obviously weak as recent cold went straight to my chest, resulting in MORE antibiotics & steroids!

So, three distinct conditions. Would appreciate feedback on successful (!) pain meds, and from anyone who's had the surgery. I am informed that my back cannot be helped, but hopefully the legs. Although I sound like an absolute crock, I actually enjoy a number of sociable interests & activities - or would do if the pain would abate!

Many thanks for reading this long post. Best wishes.

[Hidden]

Hi there, welcome aboard . Which disc's in lumbar spine are the problem , the meds you use are ok for nerve pain. Do you have trouble with bowels as codein can cause more problems which can give referred pain in bottom of the back.

[Hobbledehoy in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for replying.

Last yr's MRI shows deterioration of L4&5 decompression & fusion ten yrs ago, in addition to grade2 anteriolisthesis of L3&4 with significant cord compression and hypertrophy of adjacent ligamentum flavum.

Little problem with codeine if I eat fruit & veg, together with much fluid.

My seated walker is a boon. I can't stand or stroll, but can tootle along smartly for short periods with frequent short rests. Once the pain sets in there is no going back, codeine or no.

My Rheumatologist is going to suggest to my GP (they know each other) that we could try an increase of the Pregabalin, so we'll see where that goes. (Have been on Gabapentin in the past, v comfortable but it wasn't enough).

I know that my difficulties are not v unusual, so hopefully we can support/enlighten each other.

Best wishes. Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain!

[Hidden in reply to Hobbledehoy]

Hi there, I feel your pain , I take pregabilin for nerve pain highest dose and it only takes the edge of ,I had fusion c4c5 I was to far gone as I was misdiagnosed for 20 yrs , now its bad at c3 which needs a op which im waiting for date , I have learned what ever level is fused then those disc's either side get added pressure , I have chronic pain all over my body , bladder and bowel dysfunction as it turned into cervical myelopathy a real pain in my arse but no choice but to get on with it we are all in it together .

[Hobbledehoy in reply to Hidden]

Oh, I'm so sorry, how awful for you, pet... I know They don't like to operate except as a last resort, which sound as though you're there...

How old are you, please - I am 72 - and what does "highest dose" actually mean? Sounds alarming, but does it do the job re- pain?

I am due for a GP review, and intend to have another realistic discussion. I have great trust in him, he has done everything he can to help me. I strive to do my bit also, for it's a team effort, and am prepared to go further. (Not least to put on more weight.). I greatly fear going off my legs.

I am very glad to have fellowship on this site.

[Kels1974]

Hi I have a bulging disc at L5 S1 I'm on amitriptyline,nefopam and gabapentin.im having surgery in October.Ive been in pain with this for 5 years.

[Hobbledehoy in reply to Kels1974]

Thanks for replying. I'm glad you're getting your surgery, good 🍀. By all accounts I'm heading that way too.

Best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to Hobbledehoy]

Hi there, im on 300mg, pregabilin twice a a day , and im 58 😭 just got to get on it , all the meds do is take edge of , good luck with your GP.