[kaater]

Hi, I was involved in a car accident leaving me with horrific injuries that led to a spinal fusion from L2-S1 as well as C 4,5 & 6 fusion. I broke my back in two places and fractured my neck. After a few years, I started to become depressed over the pain. It was and is constant. It's a sad reminder that not all pain can be alleviated with drugs and surgery. My treatment thus far, after surgeries, I'm on fentanyl patch 75 mcg and dilaudid 4 mgs for breakthrough pain. In addition, I take 1800 mgs a day of neurontin. All help with the pain but it isn't a cureall and I'm tired of taking all these strong medications. I cannot exercise as it "triggers" pain and the surgeon told me to stop all physical therapy. I've tried water therapy but again, that triggered pain, too much that I was off my feet for over 3 weeks. It's severe pain.

Anyone have any suggestions as to what they have done in a similar situation or if you have words of positivity, I'd appreciate that as well.

Warm regards,
Kaater

[lizardlady]

kaater, welcome to PC!

I'm not sure I have any positive words for you. I'm struggling with my own problems right now and it's coloring my perspective.

We have a great group of folks here at PC. I'm confident you will find lots of support here.

Hello Kaater: I don't know that I have much to offer with regard to this either. It sounds as though your circumstances are extreme. I have a ruptured disc in my low back. It impinges on the Sciatic Nerve. So I have pain down my left leg, & also partway down my right leg. The toes on my right foot are also numb. I don't take any medication for it. I am on 120 mg. / day of the generic variety of Cymbalta. It's prescribed for my depression. But I think it also helps with regard to my chronic pain.

I have ongoing low back problems & I re-strain those muscles periodically. When I'm able to, I do some simple & gentle yoga / stretching exercises. But actually, for me, the thing that has helped the most over the years has been walking. We have a small dog. He & I walk twice a day everyday & have done so for as long as we've had him... about 8 years. We go rain or shine, wind, snow, whatever. I'm in my mid 60's & I have little doubt it's helping to keep me going as well as I am.

Other things that come to mind are finding a good pain management / rehabilitation physician / center, if you don't already have one. Also, have you ever looked into one of these pain management devices that you wear. I thinks it's referred to as a TENS unit?

I don't know where you live. Here in Minnesota we have a program called: "Courage Center". They work with people who have physical disabilities to help them to become more independent. I don't have any personal experience with them. But they have a marvelous reputation. I'm sure they're not the only program of their type in the world.

Best wishes...

[sambaqueen23]

Hi kaater! I can relate in a lot of ways because I too have chronic pain which has led to chronic depression and even two suicide attempts. My pain is not as bad as yours, but it is equally widespread. The last time they bothered to do MRI's (in 2008) they found herniated/bulging discs and/or other degenerative issues in 16 different places. I have taken every pill there is, constantly trying to find something that offers some relief. I'm so tired of being dizzy/drowsy/forgetful/muddled, etc. just from the meds!

For me, finding people to talk to who understand usually helps, since most people have NO CLUE what we are going through and how overwhelming and NEVERENDING both the pain and depression seem to be. Even family & friends (sometimes, ESPECIALLY family & friends) don't know how to help and get sick of hearing about it or try to force you to do things that they think should help, but don't. So, for me, sometimes it's just talking to someone who gets it and will just listen & empathize.

The other thing that helps me is when I'm able to feel useful in some way. It can take my mind off of it, even if it's just a little bit. Plus, if I feel like I can contribute something to the world in some way, it helps to alleviate the depression and hopelessness. When your life is pain and agony (physical & psychological), 24/7 with no end in sight or possibility of relief, every little bit helps.

Then again, I just joined today, and it happens to be the best day I've had all year. I'm not always this optimistic. Ask me tomorrow and I might say "nothing helps", because that's how I feel most of the time these days. That's why I joined! I need people who get it to talk to.

Anyway, hope this helps and good luck!!

[sambaqueen23]

And "The Skeezyks", I love the quote about demons....it fits my mood on most days!!!

[Breckman]

Kaater-I can definitely relate to your expirience.I too was in a bad car wreck,which has left me with chronic pain,the last 10 years being by far the worse.This eventually led to chronic depression.I believe you have had worse time than i have.So i'm really sorry your going through it.Somehow since i've come here this site i seem to be doing better.But if i have a painful day i get depressed all over,and the pain also causes me to dwell on things,which makes it all worse.All i can say is try to hang in there but i know it's hard,really hard.

[lorna]

I relate as well its so hard to believe that just a moment can change your life so drastically. Pain, you think just goes, well thats what someone who has never has had it thinks. I hate how people assume you are fine... how is that possible, I find it insulting. Once you go through surgeries and anything touching the spine, you are darn lucky if you walk away with no pain, I would say its in the minority.

[rwither1]

Originally Posted by kaater

Hi, I was involved in a car accident leaving me with horrific injuries that led to a spinal fusion from L2-S1 as well as C 4,5 & 6 fusion. I broke my back in two places and fractured my neck. After a few years, I started to become depressed over the pain. It was and is constant. It's a sad reminder that not all pain can be alleviated with drugs and surgery. My treatment thus far, after surgeries, I'm on fentanyl patch 75 mcg and dilaudid 4 mgs for breakthrough pain. In addition, I take 1800 mgs a day of neurontin. All help with the pain but it isn't a cureall and I'm tired of taking all these strong medications. I cannot exercise as it "triggers" pain and the surgeon told me to stop all physical therapy. I've tried water therapy but again, that triggered pain, too much that I was off my feet for over 3 weeks. It's severe pain.

Anyone have any suggestions as to what they have done in a similar situation or if you have words of positivity, I'd appreciate that as well.

Warm regards,
Kaater

I dealt with a similar situation, though not as severe in terms of bodily injury. There seems to be a definite relationship between physical pain and emotional pain. A few years ago, after a job loss and a divorce, I was having such a hard time walking with a bad back i had to give my poor dog to the humane society - I couldn't even walk her 10 feet. Horrible times. For me, at least, it got better, though I do notice that in times of stress that back pain starts to magically reappear. I also got on a medication that is an anti-depressant as well as some sort of a pain management component, though it is non narcotic. I'm not sure if it is the reason why I'm better or just part of it. I do know it took time though, as things always do.

[Angelique67]

I have DDD and haven't really been able to walk much for about 5 years, with it getting progressively worse. Do you think it could get better for me? What has been helpful to you? Thanks.

Sent from my A0001

[chriskyle]

Yoga exercises can be beneficial in your case.

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by chriskyle

Yoga exercises can be beneficial in your case.

Thanks but I don't know if I can do anything like yoga in my current state.

Kaater, I don't really have any suggestions but just wanted to say I'm so sorry you struggle with constant pain. As someone who suffers from migraines and fibromyalgia, although not as severe as what you're going through, I understand how physical pain and the effect it has on one's ability to be active can lead to depression.

I once had a migraine for 3 weeks straight and was largely incapacitated. It was horrible, so I can't imagine what you're going through. Hang in there.