tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.comments2024-03-11T06:04:10.286+00:00Back Pain Diaries BlogJacqueline Christodoulou-Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17318598645550765618noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-67317810839286203632016-02-15T12:55:17.491+00:002016-02-15T12:55:17.491+00:004 months into herniated disc L5/ S1. 32 years old,...4 months into herniated disc L5/ S1. 32 years old, never had back pain until 6 weeks before I put my boots on for work and it went. Living in Andalucía, Spain, interesting to compare our experiences and treatments. I am in what my physio calls 'the rebound stage' however, high heels, cycling and any sport right now seems far off in the future. I've been off work for 14 weeks (primary school teacher) and been going for daily ultrasound, tens, hot lamp and stretches with private health insurance, thanks to work. Have spent a fortune on taxis (can't drive) and alternative medicine (reiki, cráneosacral masage, therapeutic swimming lessons etc). Was dosed up on valium with everything else for first month (NEVER again!) and now still taking naproxeno and pregabalina morning and night (reduced quantities). I look forward to the day, I only have to worry about putting on high heeled shoes! It has been a journey so far, 3 more weeks and I'm hoping to be back at work but let's see. Keep on fighting and cry when you need to is my advice. Ginger tea is good for calming you as well. Stop reading negative stuff because I know this is the first place I've found anything slightly positive online.Herniated L5/S1 in Spainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10375363565167256883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-12852324200792207782016-02-03T21:42:14.169+00:002016-02-03T21:42:14.169+00:00My L5disk herniated 1 and a half years ago to the ...My L5disk herniated 1 and a half years ago to the point it had crushed my nerves causing searing pain and following this numbness. I had a steroid injection in my spine then I was operated on, doctors performing a discectomy, including realigning my nerves. I have coped since then with daily doses of tramadol along with amitriptyline. Not afraid to say the drugs have become a crutch. I constantly put my back out by simply sneezing, bending wrong. Having a bad day as was out walking dog and tripped. It went again. There is another op I could have which would fuse the bones together. Has anyone had any experience with this. I am really not a complainer. Just a bad day. Carmel. X X Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04698252319023563999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-86107749439276350882016-01-25T10:46:32.299+00:002016-01-25T10:46:32.299+00:00I´ve seen very good results on my patients treated...I´ve seen very good results on my patients treated with osteopathic techniques. Indeed, there is a great work that gives all the resources to treat sciatica with Osteopathy and the results and it is called 'Osteopathic treatment of low back pain and sciatica caused by disc prolapse'.Alanhttp://medoslibrosalud.com/en/osteopathy/114-osteopathic-treatment-of-the-low-back-pain-and-sciatica-caused-by-disc-prolapse.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-64163123308301159872015-12-17T08:42:03.447+00:002015-12-17T08:42:03.447+00:00Jacqueline you are so generous to share with us yo...Jacqueline you are so generous to share with us your journey for your back pain. Many people are suffering from back pain, ages between 20-60 years old. They are still hoping that back pain will be gone for a period of time but the truth is, it still there and will become worse if not properly cure. Thank you for your post. We got inspired to continue this battle and one day we all be free from the pain.Nigus Tylerhttp://niguschiropractic.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-44038471710781561642015-09-10T12:55:28.594+01:002015-09-10T12:55:28.594+01:00Hi Carrie,
Hope this finds you well.
I have the sa...Hi Carrie,<br />Hope this finds you well.<br />I have the same.. L4/L5...recently i have been experiencing alot of pain...but after a few days rest i can return back to my normal routine, as in I dont think its as bad as what you have gone through. Just wanted to know. Did you every wear heels again??? I'm a shoe lover and for me to give up wearing them, especially since I'm kinda short, is not easy. Btw...I'm 24 years old.<br />Best Wishes..namiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-60136663634757952052015-06-30T20:57:14.415+01:002015-06-30T20:57:14.415+01:00Thank you so much for posting this. I am strugglin...Thank you so much for posting this. I am struggling with a herniation at L2-3 and read your post when I'm feeling down. Mine happened in Nov 2014. I have upper leg weakness and numbness along with muscle twitching and thigh/groin pain. I'm not a candidate for surgery though and the PT exercises don't seem to help much. I do the Mckenzie stretches also and have corrected my posture, etc...all the things they tell you to do to help it heal. Some days are okay, other days I can't move without pain. Sometimes I can't feel my leg very much which is scary. My herniation is medium size (4-5mm) but it is directly impinging on the L-3 nerve and sure hurts like $&*&!! and I've read research online that the size does not always correlate with the pain. My doctors don't really listen to me when I explain the pain and only give me naproxen. I often wonder if the MRI was inaccurate. This is all very frustrating and depressing. I am struggling at work (office job) but luckily they have been very understanding and even let me bring my laptop home to telework when it's really bad. Your story gives me hope that I will maybe heal in time. The internet is full of horror stories about these things so it is a relief to read that someone actually did heal. Thanks.Sarah P.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-6827390276549724812015-06-29T14:45:31.854+01:002015-06-29T14:45:31.854+01:00This is Awesomely inspiring , Thanks Jacqueline fo...This is Awesomely inspiring , Thanks Jacqueline for Sharing this.<br />I just finished 3 weeks since my herniated disc L5-S1 and to read something like this is Very empowering . God Bless you I hope you are enjoying life as normal .<br /><br />Thanks again for sharing this , I am now more hopeful that I can reach something like this by next 30 or so weeksDeephttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08945490664844025158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-63151148959991053262015-06-05T14:07:09.357+01:002015-06-05T14:07:09.357+01:00Hi Carrie
In fact, I did have an MRI scan as well ...Hi Carrie<br />In fact, I did have an MRI scan as well while I was in hospital, but just before I went home. The reason I had the CT scan first turned out to be that the MRI scanner was busy and have no available slots. I didn't find it too bad, it was quite a short time in the scanner and they played music, but I think that I didn't mind it partly because I just wanted to know what was wrong with me at that acute stage. It would probably be worth trying it, nothing bad can happen and you would get a firm diagnosis then. <br /><br />I'm sorry that you are going through this and I hope that things improve for you. Please let me know how you get on. Jacqueline Christodoulou-Wardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17318598645550765618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-75981615040867953702015-06-05T12:20:31.185+01:002015-06-05T12:20:31.185+01:00Hi Jacqueline, your blog made very interesting rea...Hi Jacqueline, your blog made very interesting reading, thank you for sharing it, it's been a long journey for you. In my case, back in January, I bent over the bath to wash my hair as I had done a million times before and my back just 'went.' I had really bad pain naturally and the following morning I saw the out of hours GP who sent me straight to A & E. While waiting to be seen by a consultant, a locum asked me to try and touch my toes (!) When I told him that bending over that way from the waist had caused my back to go in the first place and the pain was too bad for me to try anyway, he just repeated the instruction. I told him I didn't want to try and do that and he just grunted. I was sent home and told to take painkillers when required. <br /><br />Then, a week later, I was getting out of bed in the middle of the night to pop to the loo when it suddenly got even worse and I was in agony. My daughter, who had been staying over to help me, heard me scream and came flying in, saying that she should ring for an ambulance but I told her not to. She was crying, I was crying, it was awful. The next morning I had the doctor out to me, who prescribed Naproxen and Codeine. The Naproxen I took for 4 weeks, the Codeine for 2 days as I read that you could easily get hooked on them, although the doctor told me to take them for as long as I needed to! On the 4th week of Naproxen, I developed terrible heartburn and, according to the doctor, this was caused by the Naproxen, an anti-inflammatory. I have been taking Gaviscon Advance ever since. <br /><br />The pain is a lot better but still there some of the time and I can't do a lot of things, such as lifting anything remotely heavy, hoovering - as you yourself couldn't - or anything where I have to reach or stretch. I was interested to read you were sent for a CT scan. Did they offer you an MRI scan? I need to have mine checked to see what the damage was but I am claustrophobic and the thought of having an MRI scan fills me with dread. When the doctor came out to me, she said to go back if the pain didn't go and she would send me for an MRI but I didn't tell her then that would be a no-no. I hope you don't mind me asking and would be grateful if you could reply to my post. Meanwhile I wish you all the very best in your continued recovery. Best wishes, CarrieAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17838146555190899492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-43943029787321029122015-06-03T09:05:01.693+01:002015-06-03T09:05:01.693+01:00Hi Jacqueline. Thanks so much for sharing your lon...Hi Jacqueline. Thanks so much for sharing your long and difficult experience. I'm an osteopath and always trying to find ways to help people with chronic pain - ie pain of more than 6 months or more. Your blog is really helpful to think about the language we use as healthcare professionals, how we communicate with patients and how to help a patient understand their options. I'm astounded by how often patients come to me with painkillers and advice that hasn't really enabled them to find a way to help themselves. Only a patient can make a decision about their body and we need to find ways to give you the information you need yo make those decisions - preferably with compassion. I'm so pleased you are recovering well and managing the more lasting damage with positivity. Latest research shows that nerves do regrow, albeit very slowly. If you haven't read it, The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge might be of interest.<br />Kate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-26510573045906444412015-04-18T08:38:09.325+01:002015-04-18T08:38:09.325+01:00Hi, and thank you for reading my blog. In my case ...Hi, and thank you for reading my blog. In my case I did not avoid surgery, I was told that it was not an option and the balance of risk involved was not worth it for me as it would not improve my condition.<br />I guess each case is diagnosed on its individual merits in terms of surgery. In your case I hope that it works, one of my colleagues had a discectomy and it worked for him. <br />Thank you again for reading the blog, I would be interested to know your experiences with the surgery. Jacqueline Christodoulou-Wardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17318598645550765618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-85583284606168578682015-04-18T01:20:50.347+01:002015-04-18T01:20:50.347+01:00Thank you for being so kind to share your story. ...Thank you for being so kind to share your story. I also suffer from back pain, and was told my three discs in the lumbar region of my spine, had slid into my spine and nerves. The pain now radiates down my leg. This pain started about three years ago. I've been told surgery is the answer. I see you are an intelligent lady, and am wondering why you have avoided surgery. TYAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-38896911532548958512015-03-17T11:36:45.020+00:002015-03-17T11:36:45.020+00:00Excellent and helpful post… I am so glad to left c...Excellent and helpful post… I am so glad to left comment on this. This has been a so interesting read, would love to read more here….<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ppschicago.com/" rel="nofollow">Chicago Pain Center</a><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17086551720120046510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-70953898327153045932015-03-06T22:41:42.597+00:002015-03-06T22:41:42.597+00:00Hi Suzie. I'm glad your pain is better. I had ...Hi Suzie. I'm glad your pain is better. I had the same problem with numbness and a very strange feeling in the back of my leg, mainly when walking up hills and stairs, but also when I stretched my leg. <br />It has improved. It hasn't disappeared, but I would say the numbness is 80% better and the funny feeling in my leg happens maybe once or twice a year, when I am very tired or ill. <br />It's so difficult to think that life will be anything like approaching what it was before, but it eventually will, it just takes a long time. <br />Thank you so much for commenting, please let me know how you get on.<br />JacquiJacqueline Christodoulou-Wardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17318598645550765618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-6853518993036137072015-03-05T20:21:40.369+00:002015-03-05T20:21:40.369+00:00Thank you for this blog. I have just found it aft...Thank you for this blog. I have just found it after searching for any information about slipped discs and it is very reassuring to find that my pain was 'normal' (and yes, everyone I talk to has apparently had a slipped disc and describes having to lie still to stop the pain. If only lying still had stopped the pain I would have thought it was a miracle) I have two herniated discs and one bulging disc. Apart from the pain, which is now much better, another problem I am left with, six months down the line, is numbness in my lower leg and a jelly like sensation in my upper leg when I walk. I have trouble climbing stairs, and my life as I knew it has disappeared. Can I ask, did your numbness go away eventually? I really feel at the moment as if I'm going to be left like this forever. Susienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-58540316377016936772014-12-08T11:53:41.321+00:002014-12-08T11:53:41.321+00:00I have been read this post at least three times, b...I have been read this post at least three times, because it gives me hope. I have had a herniated disc now for five months, but it's only been a month and a half since my MRI. I'm so glad you feel better now. You are a warrior for surviving. I'm actually considering surgery. I don't think it is the right thing to do, but I'm not sure I can endure another night of pain. I just started acupuncture and have my second epidural on Thursday, so maybe something will help me keep going without the knife. Anyways, I'm interested in the way you examine pain as negated as a construct outside the self. I thought a lot about the strangers who I have let touch me during this--so many painful massages, needles, midevil traction machines. In a way, pain threatens sexual safety. (I'm just an English MA theorizing.) Another instance I keep thinking back to was when I need psychological help, in the early days, and a physical therapist told me, people with my attitude (depressed) experience chronic pain--like my need for emotional support was the reason for my pain. I was offered no support, no affirmation that I am going to get better. Back to the idea of sexual safety, the fault for this physical violation was placed on me, the victim. It's hard to not think in terms of rape when I think of healthcare. I thought I would throw that out there, because you may understand what I mean. My name is Stacey, by the way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-91984080076754650542014-12-08T08:25:54.418+00:002014-12-08T08:25:54.418+00:00John, thank you for reading the article. I hope th...John, thank you for reading the article. I hope that PT helps, realistically it will take a while until the pain subsides. I honestly don't think it is easy to articulate how bad this pain is, but please remain positive that in time it will get better. All the best. Jacqueline.Jacqueline Christodoulou-Wardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17318598645550765618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-81975081922547245072014-12-07T16:25:28.027+00:002014-12-07T16:25:28.027+00:00I found your blog by accident researching herniate...I found your blog by accident researching herniated disc. I have been in pain for over three weeks now and nothing is giving me relief. The MRI I had this week shows a herniated disc at L3/L4 that are mild to moderate. As far as I am concerned. Nothing in the description of the pain I have is moderate. I am experiencing the worst pain of my life. It will be interesting to see how PT works as it begins tomorrow.JohnRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13423641069961569440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-3515278221363566902014-10-08T11:35:12.670+01:002014-10-08T11:35:12.670+01:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-89399328750621933982014-09-11T11:37:54.064+01:002014-09-11T11:37:54.064+01:00Crystal Mansker
I understand what you are going th...Crystal Mansker<br />I understand what you are going through. I have 5 bulging disc and 4 out of the five are pressing against the nerve root. My pain level is at an 8 with meds and I take highest amount the doctors can give me. You are so right they don't understand what the does to you and others around you. It's changes your life. The insurence company I have will not give me the tents unit, so I just eat pills. I was hurt on the job so workers comp will not help at this time. But I will pray for you because what has happened to us is no fun and we need all the help we can getCrystal Manskernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-57978528927833067262014-09-11T11:37:03.735+01:002014-09-11T11:37:03.735+01:00Crystal Mansker
I understand what you are going th...Crystal Mansker<br />I understand what you are going through. I have 5 bulging disc and 4 out of the five are pressing against the nerve root. My pain level is at an 8 with meds and I take highest amount the doctors can give me. You are so right they don't understand what the does to you and others around you. It's changes your life. The insurence company I have will not give me the tents unit, so I just eat pills. I was hurt on the job so workers comp will not help at this time. But I will pray for you because what has happened to us is no fun and we need all the help we can getCrystal Manskernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-42837064375935709192014-06-06T11:26:41.480+01:002014-06-06T11:26:41.480+01:00Thank you so much for this post. It is a total god...Thank you so much for this post. It is a total godsend. I'm healing well at almost a year in. Every time i have a setback, or need some positive thinking i come back here for inspiration.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-14169533228930715632012-11-07T15:20:37.199+00:002012-11-07T15:20:37.199+00:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.Staci Burruelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06294665436373626447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-24623553727065699722012-06-16T02:36:27.023+01:002012-06-16T02:36:27.023+01:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.Nelson Samayoahttp://socialmediamagic.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824405473666021292.post-46401300094996832832012-03-05T08:58:19.091+00:002012-03-05T08:58:19.091+00:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.RHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03266836864567938421noreply@blogger.com