[krzyk101]

Hello. I have not posted here for some time and am really needing some advise of anytype. I am quite confused at the moment from the pain and the pain medications. I can not understand whey the strong pain medicatons are not helping or relieving my pain to the point that I get some relief in some forms.

This is what I am able to understand about my condition. In year 2003 I had X-Ray panels of my spine. Then also in year 2003, I had an MRI of the cervical spine. I had began to experience constant pain. The MRI showed growths or tumors on C4 - C6? of my cervical spine. The spinal cord area had in 2003 began to narrow

Next, I was referred to a Pain Management Center in a Neighboring City Hospital, that was about a year and a half ago. I began taking 'HYDROCODONE APAP 10MG" 5 x day. This helped some for the first couple of months.

Then my pain was just getting worse and worse as time goes by. So they referred me to a Neurologist who ordered another MRI of the same from year 2003, in year 2005.

The Neurologist said the Stenosis had progressed very much compared to the MRI in year 2003.

The Neurologist also performed an EMG Test on both of my arms, hands, sholders, and the side of my neck. By sticking needles hooked up to a computer. That was about 6 Months ago. The results of that were permanent Nerve Damage in both the Right and Left Extremeties. Have not seen the Neurologist now since the EMG as he reccomended the Primary Care Physcian refer me to a NeuroSurgeon. The PCP say I dont need to see one.

Now going to Pain Managememt has me taking the following combonation of med's for my condition: Duragesic Pain Patch 50mcg/hour every 72 hours to change, Oxycodone APAP 10/325mg (2) tablets Three times a day, Valium 10mg Four times a day, and Artane (TRIHEXYPHENIDYL) 5mg Three times a day.---Only today like everyday at even a higher dose than prescribed, I am still so rigid and stiff in my neck, shoulders and upper body. Basically my upper torso is in one huge spasm.

Does anyone know what I do? or any new testing, or 'masking' as stenosis over another CNS or Neurological Disorder? I cant get rid of this pain and am suffering and no one seems to be able to tell me why this is happening with the level of pain increasing so rapid. And the headaches?

I just know I am watching my physical health fade away along with my memory and no concrete answers out of fear I will become 'psycosomatic'
every thing I have read has said the Stenosis occurs in the later part of life, only I am 33 years old. Any advice of help, hope or experience is appreciated.

Sincerely, Kris

I had never heard of spinal stenosis, so I looked it up. Here is are good sites for information if you need it:

http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/s...en.htm#spine_a

http://www.medhelp.org/HealthTopics/..._Stenosis.html

http://www.spinalstenosis.org/index.php

Maybe you'll find something helpful there? I tried to find an online support group for that disorder, but failed. But there seems to be a lot for general back pain and chronic pain.

Good luck, emmy

i too have spinal stenosis and also degenerative disc disease although you seem to be in a much worse state than i am.....i have had 2 surgeries.one to my neck and one to my lower back and will have a fusion in my lower back sometime in the future......i am going to look into the sites that emily sent (thank you emily)......i am in constant pain and have varying amts of stiffness to my arms and legs.....i guess i just want you to know that i somewhat understand what you are going through.......i truly hope that you find some relief

[(JD)]

Hi (((KRIS)))) I have to have physical therapy 3x week just to try and maintain ... so my muscles DON'T atrophy, and so the "knots' in the muscles can be worked out. I am unable to stretch myself adequately enough to prevent all this. I have spinal stenosis, and a lesion. NO SURGERIES! (No till the doctors have it "right" imo) My chronic neuropathic myofascial pain, along with neuropathy keep the crazy nerves from sending correct messages, so that adds to the muscle spasming.

Physical therapy, including manipulation, heat, ice, meditation... CBT... a good pain/stress mgmt psychologist..... have you tried a TENS unit? I also use Lidoderm patches, but can't use them as much as you do. Limit certain types of physical activity, wear shoes your PT says are balanced, walk evenly (no limping) even if DIRT SLOWLY.... no sitting without a back to the chair, keep stomach muscles tight... etc etc etc...

I found HEAT helps the muscles, ICE helps the nerves. I keep my A/C COLD, but take hot water showers to help relax the muscles. (MY nerves will get over it.) ICE MASSAGES of my low back and shoulders... wherever spasms/nerve pain. hit highs.. numb it and gives a few minutes of acceptable relief (through the tears) when in flare.

You might also be experiencing "rebound" pain... and also, some pain can be FROM the use of some of those meds. It's a tough road. (((hugs)))

[krzyk101]

((((((Thank-You)))))))) Emily, ButterFlyLady, and Sky for the advise and replys and support. Sorry it took me so long to reply. I had Therapy today after T beign away on Vacation and my Symptoms on all levels have been high. I obsess on one thing and at the moment to me it is so very intense in my mind.

The pain is always here and it is better today, and the websites and the advise I will check into and try. I am trying not to do this feeling so intense on one thing that gets 'stuck' in my head and on mind and with the pain when I get 'stuck' obsessing on the pain itself I only end up making it worse, as I am not thinking of anything else but the pain and my stubborn nature of 'fixing' things myself, or making them go away as I do with my mind. I have poor memory from not always being 'here' in this time frame of here and now.

I do Thank You, and am working on doing the best I can do with what is available to me. Thanks Again- Chris