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  • Relentless Pain?

    Hi everyone,

    I've only posted once or twice here, but I have a question. How many of you either pre or post op have had horrific pain in your back, shoulders, neck before the surgery? I am in SO much pain. Even my ribs hurt. I can hardly pick up my 20 mos old son to even put him in the crib. I've been so depressed lately about this....I can't even do normal housework. Sorry to complain so much, but no one seems to believe how bad the pain is. Tell me I'm not over reacting...lol

    Lois

  • #2
    I did have some pain pre-op, but it was more of a dull ache- like my back was tired. At the risk of sounding like a callous idiot, maybe you should try to cool it a bit on the housework and lifting, as repeatedly bending over is required to perform those types of tasks. I suggest you get your husband/boyfriend/significant other to do the housework for a while to give you a rest (if you can-I don't know your situation)- you deserve it! I mean, being a new mommy is hard enough when you are in perfect shape, let alone when you are a scoli patient.

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    • #3
      Lois, are you planning to have surgery? Kris

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      • #4
        I have constant pain, but it doesn't sound horrific like you're describing. It's about a 6, 6 and a half on the pain scale. Have you tried talking to your doctor about physical therapy or an anti inflammatory? Some other form of pain management?
        I'm Karin. I had surgery for my scoliosis on October 13, 2005, and am doing well! I formerly wore a providence brace and did PT for treatment.

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        • #5
          This is just my opinion, but I think any significant pain that goes on for an extended period of time is "horrendous pain". My daughter has been dealing with pain for over 2 years now and on the rare occasions that she isn't in a lot of pain, she is anticipating the pain. Both experiencing and anticipating the pain is terrible. It affects every aspect of your life, and the lives of those closest to you.
          I think in the case of my daughter I waited too long to get her some real help for her pain. If I had it to do over again, I would have signed her up for pain management much earlier than I did and not just accept narcotic therapy to tide her over.
          As I said, these are just my opinions. Everyone has to do what is best for themselves.
          Take care of yourselves.
          Kathy

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          • #6
            Originally posted by gina lea
            I did have some pain pre-op, but it was more of a dull ache- like my back was tired. At the risk of sounding like a callous idiot, maybe you should try to cool it a bit on the housework and lifting, as repeatedly bending over is required to perform those types of tasks. I suggest you get your husband/boyfriend/significant other to do the housework for a while to give you a rest (if you can-I don't know your situation)- you deserve it! I mean, being a new mommy is hard enough when you are in perfect shape, let alone when you are a scoli patient.
            Hi Gina,

            You don't sound like a callous idiot at all! I thought you were gonna say "Stop being such a baby!" lol Anyway, I'm a single mom and I don't really have anyone to help with housework. Everything in my life and my son's life that needs to be done - I do. Not trying to cry on anyone's shoulder- but that's the truth. I try to do heavy housework on the weekends when I have more time to lay around afterwards (with Sam, my son, climbing all over me! haha). The pain I have is like a squeezing pain all over my back when I breath in. I also can feel how out of line my body is - does that make sense? I get a dull ache in my lower back and anyway I try to lay down when going to bed kills - honestly. I usually end up sleeping like a newborn does - knees tucked under my chest. Its just gotten like this in the past few mos and I'm scared that it will get worse, ya know? Anyway, thanks for replying to my post!

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            • #7
              Originally posted by KRIS ATKINSON
              Lois, are you planning to have surgery? Kris

              Well, I do want to get surgery done. I went to a surgeon last August (2004) and he wanted to the surgery pretty soon after that. However, I have no one to help with my son after the surgery. The dr said I should have someone help for at least 3 mos post-op. He said I wouldn't be able to lift for 3 mos either - is that true? I'm checking with my insurance co to see if they pay for nurses/aides - but I doubt it. So, I am planning on the surgery but I have no idea when.

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              • #8
                Kathy ~ I totally agree with what you said about it affecting every aspect of your life and those around you. It's affected my life, I know, in a tremendous way.

                Lois ~ I hope you can figure something out. There's a lot to plan with surgery, as I'm sure you know!! Meanwhile, I'd check in with the doctor about PT, anti inflammatories, electric stimulation, anything.
                I'm Karin. I had surgery for my scoliosis on October 13, 2005, and am doing well! I formerly wore a providence brace and did PT for treatment.

                Comment


                • #9
                  I also agree with the impact enduring pain has on oneself and family. Since I have accepted that my pain is not going to reduce in the short term at least, it has actually got easier to manage. I've found some websites for people in chronic pain to be helpful in all sorts of ways - happy to give details if anyone contacts me by email.

                  Lavinia

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                  • #10
                    Lois, do you have any support system locally? Family, friends, church or organization group? Kris
                    Last edited by KRIS ATKINSON; 09-23-2005, 07:49 AM.

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Lavinia
                      I also agree with the impact enduring pain has on oneself and family. Since I have accepted that my pain is not going to reduce in the short term at least, it has actually got easier to manage. I've found some websites for people in chronic pain to be helpful in all sorts of ways - happy to give details if anyone contacts me by email.

                      Lavinia
                      Hi Lavinia: I tried to email you, but it wouldnt allow me to, But I would like the info on pain mgt.. please email to me: askforken@aol.com
                      Thank you!

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                      • #12
                        Computer seems to be playing up at the moment. In case anyone else has been trying to get through, sites I have found helpful are

                        www.painsupport.co.uk
                        www.coventrypainclinic.org.uk

                        Best,

                        Lavinia

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Back in April (when I first found out that I will need surgery...after 48 years of pain), I was in such horrific pain that I literally could not get out of bed, in bed, stand up, sit down. My husband had to help me in and out & even that was horrible! He had to dress me, also. I haven't been dressed since I was 3! My doctor sent me to a pain management specialist where I received some shots (wonderful shots!). I had to go twice, but it has held until recently. My insurance covered most of the shots, so maybe yours can, too. As for help when you have your surgery, the question has already been asked whether you have any type of support -- i.e. church, family, neighbors. I guarantee, if you lived nearby, my family and I would help in any way we could. I'm sure there are others. Don't wait too long for your surgery. But please, get a second opinion. Linda

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by crookedspine
                            Back in April (when I first found out that I will need surgery...after 48 years of pain), I was in such horrific pain that I literally could not get out of bed, in bed, stand up, sit down. My husband had to help me in and out & even that was horrible! He had to dress me, also. I haven't been dressed since I was 3! My doctor sent me to a pain management specialist where I received some shots (wonderful shots!). I had to go twice, but it has held until recently. My insurance covered most of the shots, so maybe yours can, too. As for help when you have your surgery, the question has already been asked whether you have any type of support -- i.e. church, family, neighbors. I guarantee, if you lived nearby, my family and I would help in any way we could. I'm sure there are others. Don't wait too long for your surgery. But please, get a second opinion. Linda
                            Hi Linda - what kind of shots were they?? Also, have you tried a better mattress & or foam mattress pads - (this helped me alot).

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                            • #15
                              The shots that I had were steroid shots. They worked great! My last (second) one was the 1st week of May. They only allow 3 in a six month period. I have been waiting for my 3rd. My back has started the same old things.....the muscle on my right side is "bulging", a burning on my right hip, aching/hurting in hip & back areas...just the last few weeks. I am hoping to be able to bear it until November when I have my surgery. However, if it even BEGINS to get as bad as it was then, I will get the last shot. Consult your doctor, get a second opinion (if you haven't already).

                              Also, check with the local churches around you. Many of them (especially Lutheran) have programs to help people in your situation. I used to belong to a Missouri Synod Lutheran church that had a great program. All they needed to know is WHO needed help & they were there. Please contact a church that you will feel comfortable contacting (I know that it is not easy asking for help, but you really do need it! Good luck & God bless you and your child! Linda

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