My Back prproblems starstarted in the Military

[Xwing]

My back problems began while on active duty in the Coast Guard. They diagnosed me with degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis. In May of 2019 I had a Lamondectomy, and in 2020 I had a discectomy. In November, 2023 I had a tubular decompressioin. This comming Fall I will be having a spinal fusion. Recent MRIs have indicated that my T12 vertabra was injured at some point and there are more issues with my neck that are affecting the mobility of my arms. This is the big question, this comes with a great deal of pain; and with the recent crack down on pain medication I have found it very hard to get it perscribed for me. I was on it for several years and just recently my new VA doctor took me off of it and refered me to pain management which only does Epidurals which my Neurosurgeon highly recommends me NOT to do with more spinal surgeries coming up. To make a long story short when I ask the VA for pain medication they refer me to the neurosurgeon who is not part of the VA and the neurosurgeon refers me back to the VA so its a round robin and I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place in pain. Any suggestions?

[Maxgate2]

How very unfair that after doing such a public spirited job you have to contend with so much pain and when you are still relatively young. I have had two caudal epidurals and am whole heartedly on the side of your neurosurgeon. I had some relief from the first but hardly any from the second. At very best the effect of an epidural lasts three months. As well as epidurals I have had multi level nerve root blocks and spinal injections and a spinal decompression in 2018. I am suspicious that all these interventions may have contributed towards PMR. The very best of luck to you for your upcoming surgery and I just hope I have helped you a little in persuading you that an epidural really isn’t a good idea.

[Tonynatella]

Zwing

Thank you for serving our country I commend you. You are a true American hero.

You are in a terrible and unfair position.

I am also addicted to lesser drugs that I will never be able to get off; although you didn’t mention this I’m assuming by your comments.

All these drugs that are addictive are terrible long term.

Going in for spinal decompression and can’t take opioids b/c of other drugs I’m on for migraine, only solution they offered is keep narcan close by and see how it goes.

I will pray for you to find an exceptable solution to you dilemma .

I will pray for your peace with the grace of God.

[Tonynatella in reply to Tonynatella]

Tony