Steroid injections for back pain.

[51114]

I have osteoporosis following a crack in my right femur which was not set or pinned in 2015 when I had an accident. The right leg deviated out to the right. Over 18 months to 2 years I had 3 steroid injections into my spine. No one told me about risks. Last November I had my leg straightened. This resulted in more scoliosis, 2 cracked vertebrae and 2 slipped discs with vertebrae pressing on each other. The pain is horrible. I can barely walk. The idea from a chiropractor and a orthopaedic surgeon was that once my leg was straightened, the chiropractor could work on the scoliosis. Now this chiropractor says he can do nothing for me. This has gone on for 7 years. No GP was very interested on my rare visits. I attended the orthopaedic clinic every 6 months. Eventually I paid a great deal of money to get my leg straightened and now my surgeon’s Secretary returns my emails. Still the GP is disinterested. All of this has wrecked my retirement ‘by the sea’. I have no social life. I can’t move much, but I pay the bills. and take codeine in large quantities. I’m 78 and feel my life is over. If anyone can suggest a way I can stand straight and walk without pain, I will be so grateful for what remains of my life.

[springcross]

Hi 51114. I'm so sorry to hear about your ordeal, what a nightmare you've been through. I can't help I'm afraid but you could also post this on the Bone Health Forum to see if anyone there can give advice. Good luck.

[51114 in reply to springcross]

Dear Springcross. Thank you for writing. I never had much faith in these forums, but you have helped me by just responding. will look at the Bone Health Forum. I’m Pleased to have contact with a few people who are sympathetic. This does help.

[springcross in reply to 51114]

Good luck 51114, I really hope you can get some help.

[oldtimer2]

It sounds to me that you should write down a summary of your problems and consult a GP in the first instance to obtain a referral to an orthopaedic specialist who has a special interest in the spine. Or perhaps this is the person who did the steroid injections and you should be going back to them? This forum has most personal experience in Rheumatoid Arhritis and you might be better looking for a difference forum.

[51114 in reply to oldtimer2]

Dear OldTimer2. Thank you for writing. I think I may have used this forum just once before ages ago. I was just glad to send my distress out into the ether. That you replied is so kind. I can’t afford anymore private treatment. I feel the surgeon who gave me the steroid injections didn’t consider my circumstances and took the money anyway. I feel so alone. I am being blocked by every health professional. I’ve done nothing wrong, and I haven’t complained, but I am 78 and I feel they all think I will die fairly soon anyway. It’s a sad end to a very full and active life. It’s also very cruel, although I’m grateful for the good things.

[Bella59]

So sorry to hear you feel ignored by gp.You have had a rough time in recent years.maybe gp feels there is nothing more they can suggest.I myself was referred to a pain clinic it helped talking to other people in chronic pain.we done Tai chi exercises,mindfulness learning to try and do other things to take your mind away from pain.Painkillers only dull pain for a short time.I myself can hardly move getting second hip replacement in a few weeks.I am fortunate that I have good husband who does a lot in the house.I pass time doing crosswords,reading to try and take my mind away from pain it does help.I hope with better weather that you will feel a little better it has been a long winter..

I

[51114]

Thank you for writing, Bella 59. I’m not alone with stress about GP services in North East Kent. No one understands why they can’t get face to face GP appointments. I asked years ago to attend a pain clinic. The GP would not agree and instead prescribed Amitriptyline which was supposed to reduce pain and help me sleep. It did neither, but what it did do was make me light headed and several times I fainted over the 4 years I took them. I looked up side effects for my self on the enclosed leaflet and there it was- can cause fainting! I gave up the Amitriptyline right away and I’ve never felt faint since. I fainted causing problems for others and even to call a taxi to take me and my dog home on one occasion. I was a hazard to myself and others, all because of ,medication. You are lucky to have a lovely husband to take care of you.

[Angels54]

I really feel it for you , and I understand your pain.Three years ago I fractured my back , and crushed veterbrae, I was told I had 3 fractures and rested up for 3 months, still in pain begged for MRI scan which showed I had seven fractures, I was referred to a consultant to have possible filler put into fractures , I had 3 phone calls , I have never seen a consultant, and suffered terrible pain , this all happened before Covid so no excuse. I am in late 60 can’t walk far as I have to sit down due to spasms in my back . I told my GP I am due a call from consultant and have said to cancel it as I couldn’t bring myself to talk to him , I also have RA and feel all this has affected the quality of my life , I am taking strong drugs, I wish I could give you some advice but I don’t feel anyone cares anymore, I think I will eventually need s scooter, I just use ice pack for pain , plus hot water bottle, pain killers , hoping to try hydro pool, always here to listen, keep strong .💪