[winkynjr]

what a day? first I posted in here and I feel very judged by someone but that is either here or there!!
Anyways, as some of you may know I have been fighting to get MRI's done and I went to the pain clinic for the first time again today and found out the results of my cervical MRI!!! I have herniated discs between C3 and C4 which is causing narrowing and pinching of the nerves which is sending pain down my right arm, tingling and numbness!! so now on June 4th I have to go and get a cervical epidural pain injection in my neck to try before we do surgery!!
Next Friday the 31st I go for my next MRI of my back where it is being done at the hospital so they definitely knock me out this time and I do not freak out in the tube!!
Besides all this bs I have beein calling around and trying to find a shrink and keep getting denied or put on a dam waiting list and then I get told that I am being impatient and stop looking for instant gratification!! what the hell!!!
anyways I am just full of pain and emotions and the only way I know to deal with it all is either run from it or cut/burn!! which neither work!!!!

[shezbut]

(((winkynjr)))

I'm sorry that you're having such a rough time right now. You're obviously in a lot of pain, are you taking any medication to lessen the intensity or trying physical therapy?

A few years ago, I was a CNA and had an accident at work. Transferring a resident from wheelchair to recliner, I slipped a lumbar disc in my lower back. I then had to re-position him and made the injury worse. The result was L4 and L5 bulging into my spinal cord and extreme pain. I couldn't move at all without screaming in agony!

I went to the hospital, and had several tests and medication trials to find some pain relief. It took a few days in the hospital ~ and doctors decided to try the epidural injection into my spine, before moving onto surgery. {An uncle of mine actually had the surgery many years ago, and the side effects do add up.} Knowing that, and having had brain surgery, I wasn't real keen on the idea of having surgery to fix my problem...despite my incredible pain.

The neurologists leaned me over a table of sorts, in a special room, with video of where they were in my back. The shot was given by a long and thick tube that into the middle of the lumbars. It was uncomfortable, but not painful per say. A very weird, but uncomfortable feeling. It wasn't an immediate help for me. But, somewhere along the way, the pain became more controllable with their medication and physical therapy. Physical therapy was slow as well, but I could also see and feel the differences it made in my life.

The pain is almost completely gone now ~ I occasionally (but very seldom) get an intense pang in that spot as I bend over. Once you slip and bulge a disc, the more easily it slips again. So, you've got to be careful in basic movements. Bend with the knees, that kind of thing. That's my personal experience with the same injury, just a different spot.

(((gentle hugs)))

[Leed]

Dear Winky ~ PLEASE DO NOT agree to surgery untiil you have gotten at LEAST 2 MORE opinions from NEUROSURGEONS about your MRI. You have got to have more opinions! Surgery should be a last resort, and you cannot count on one surgeons opinion about surgery!!! You may not even need it!!!

So please dear friend -- get more opinions, okay? You're talking about you're life here. It's so important!! Sometimes physical therapy can take care of it. Latest studies have shown that people who have had surgery get the same results as people who have had physical therapy!!! So you may NOT need surgery.

Have you tried just closing your eyes before you go into the tube for the MRI? That sure works for me. I don't open them until they bring me OUT of the tube. Plus I just hum or sing songs while I'm in there. LOL But I NEVER open my eyes. And I AM claustrophobic!!!

Best of luck Winky. And let us know how you do. But PLEASE get more opinions on your MRI. God bless. Hugs, Lee

[winkynjr]

Originally Posted by Leed

Dear Winky ~ PLEASE DO NOT agree to surgery untiil you have gotten at LEAST 2 MORE opinions from NEUROSURGEONS about your MRI. You have got to have more opinions! Surgery should be a last resort, and you cannot count on one surgeons opinion about surgery!!! You may not even need it!!!

So please dear friend -- get more opinions, okay? You're talking about you're life here. It's so important!! Sometimes physical therapy can take care of it. Latest studies have shown that people who have had surgery get the same results as people who have had physical therapy!!! So you may NOT need surgery.

Have you tried just closing your eyes before you go into the tube for the MRI? That sure works for me. I don't open them until they bring me OUT of the tube. Plus I just hum or sing songs while I'm in there. LOL But I NEVER open my eyes. And I AM claustrophobic!!!

Best of luck Winky. And let us know how you do. But PLEASE get more opinions on your MRI. God bless. Hugs, Lee

Thanks Leed!!! I am not agreeing to surgery right now, we are going to try cervical epideral shots and pt first....also I have tried to close my eyes while I am in the tube but see I have other problems then, I have many many flashbacks when I cannot see what is around me and what is happening if that makes sense!!!!!!!

[avlady]

I have degenerative disc disorder, in pain in morning until my loritab kicks in. I refused the injection, i don't want to go that path so i'm on loritabs. I was wondering if anyone knows if Yoga is a good thing to help with it?