L4/L5

[Ccannon]

Well i walked for 30 minutes on Wednesday, was in the pool for 30 minutes on Thursday & Friday so now i feel like i can sleep for 3 days. Wwweeee. It taks a lot out of you, plus where im staying at my brothers house i have to go up & down stairs so many time during the day and that kills me the most. My pelvic pain doctor said to avoid stairs if possible but there just not time where i can avoid them. Can anyone tell me when or how they knew it was time to ease their way into sitting? I dont want to force my self but i dont know when i should slowly start easing myself into it. Its uncomfortable to sit so any advice? How is everyone eles doing out there? Good i hope. Have a great day.

[Laramarie]

Hi Christine
I am so glad you were able to get into the pool! Wonderful! Remember .... Only water walking and gentle flutter kicking or you could get a flare. As per the stairs.... I wasn't bilateral so I was given different instructions from Dr Hibner with going up and down stairs so maybe Karyn can help you with that question. Also with sitting, I still have pain when I sit, so I sit on my cushion for short periods of time and then ease up when I start to feel pain. I also still stand when I eat. I just can't get comfortable enough to sit at a table for long periods of time. Or I sit on my couch on a thick quilt and eat with a tv table while my family sits at the dining room table. I find my pain increasing later in the day. Are you taking anything for pain?

Take care

Lara

[Ccannon]

Yes i was taking Lyrica, then they put me on Gabapentin but once i reached 3200 mg a day i started to fall asleep plus was putting on a lot of weight so they now have me on Topamax plus pain meds. I also take muscle relaxers as needed. Has anyone seen Dr. Miller in Minnesotta that took the place of Dr. Antolak? My file is going there so maybe i can talk to the doctor over the phone to get some guidence but i dont know anything about this doctor. Any advise would be great if anyone knows anything. Thanks everyone.

[quo1]

wow that is really so informative thread thanks for sharing that with us.
Disability insurance in Louisiana

[Ccannon]

Your Welcome for me sharing, that's why we are on here. Honestly I'm ready just to give up. I know I shouldn't say that but after all I've been through I see no light at the end of my tunnel. I know many on here have had it just as bad if not worse but my body is so tired all the time and with my L4/L5 killing me and pain going into my right hip it has slowed me down from trying to recovery from surgery. I cant get any medical help as I need a spine specialist but there are none who take state Medicaid and I cant get my nerve blocks any more as no doctor takes this insurance either. I cant get better without medical treatment. I don't see a good ending in site. Bless everyone on here and I hope you all are up and dancing the night away soon:}

[Laramarie]

Hi Christine
I know how you feel..... Don't give up. I know it's hard. I am in the the same place as you post operatively. Can I ask what pain meds you are prescribed? Maybe your dose isn't high enough? I am also prescribed Topamax as well... 200 mg. I am on dilaudid 9mg 3x a day and tramadol 200 mg once a day. This combo has been helping but it has taken me a while to get a good combination going. I have been working with my pain doctor trying to find meds that help. I also use vaginal suppositories (Valium and baclofen) twice a day and they help tremendously for the muscle spasms. Do you have assistance for your prescriptions? Every month will get easier Christine. Hang in there..... I will be praying for you.

Lara

[Ccannon]

I'm on 50mg of Topamax which hopefully will increase soon as I was on 3200mg of gabap., valium, talwin for pain, Lexapro for depression. That needs to increase too. It's looking like I'm going to have to go home since I can't get any medical coverage here in Va. We have one more avenue to try before I go back. It will be hard with no family to help and give support but not much of a choice. I hope everyone is doing well & are keeping their heads up high, that's the hardest part for me, depression is as hard to beat in this as much as the healing. Good everyone

[Violet M]

Hi Christine,

Healing from PNE is a very long road and can be daunting at times. It might be helpful to be evaluated and treated by a PNE knowledgeable PT if you can find one who takes your insurance.

Violet

[Ccannon]

I can't find one because I don't have insurance yet here in Va, I have it in Ky but not here. If I don't get on here I will go back home and find a physical therapist. Violet I would like to ask you and Amanda and the others ( I believe I've asked you this before) but I know I have so many years in front of me to recover and also reliaze I may never recover. I've spoke to doctors, I'm on anti-depressants, with family, etc but sometimes it's not enough to fight the depression. I'm afraid it is winning me over, I pray for the strength but sometimes I pray not to wake up. Depression is winning and if you all could let me know anything else to think to do please let me know.
God bless everyone, ha e a good night

[stephanies]

Christine,

I feel the same as you do. I wish I knew the answer for you, me, and all of us. Please know that I am sending good thoughts your way.

Sincerely,
Stephanies