degenerative spine disease

fuzzy · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 06:32 AM

Hello Sharon, Welcome to this group, I am totally with you. All of us here know your pain, you are in the right place. My spine is very similar as yours, degerative disk desease (DDD) everywhere. I am 44 yo and on a similar pill regimen and haven't worked a normal job in 8 years due to the constant problems. I had lumbar surgery and now facing neck surgery soon due to the degenerated disc's pressing on my spinal chord.

Having to wait for the neurogist for a year is totally outrageous but I also waited for 9 month and meainwhile travelled to europe to see someone there much faster which made the wait even more silly.

Take your meds, be strong and read this and other groups. You will learn a lot of very valuable information that will help you one way or another guaranteed. At a minimum there are many here who will listen to you and give you support.

I wish you the best and no more pain.

dshobbies · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 04:16 PM

Hi Sharon,

Welcome to the forum. We've been there, done that and understand your pain and circumstances. I don't know where you live that you had to wait a year for treatment but if possible, it's now time to seek another opinion, possibly more than one. You're in pain and depressed. Enough already. Depending on your very specific diagnosis, there is probably help out there for you. Getting that help presents its own problems though. You need to become proactive in your own treatment and this is a good place to begin your education.

If I read correctly, you had a herniation with surgery in '07, followed by involvement of a second level by '08. I'm assuming the levels were S1/L5 and then L4/5 but that isn't necessarily a given. So what levels were involved? Did you have a discectomy? A second discectomy? Do you have a current MRI? If not, that needs to be done, the sooner the better. That is your first step. Once you have a current diagnosis, you can then ask questions related to your condition.

I know you're hurting but and we're here to help. Where you live, your medical insurance, your finances - all play a roll in how this is tackled. Please let us know your circumstances.

Dale

treefrog · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 08:17 PM

Welcome to the forum Sharon. Degenerative disc disease is a common theme here, and we do understand your pain and the frustrations involved in getting treatment. This forum is a great place to educate yourself.

As Dale stated, it is imperative to take your health care into your own hands. Educating yourself is an important aspect of this process, and we can help you. Read as many threads here as you can, ask questions. We are here to help. Getting several opinions is also important. I don't know where you live, or how easy that is to do, but it can be done with persistence on your part.

Good luck to you.