Things going very wrong after Dynesys

[LC in UK]

Hi Betsy
Nice to hear!
Is it because you're able to hold on to the rail on the treadmill that you can walk better than on the pavement?
Hope you're not as wobbly as me? This is a new problem for me, only started in the last 6 weeks or so. Since 1982 when I first injured my back I've NEVER experienced wobbly legs before and I'm really worried about the implications, especially as it looks as if I'm being left in this state for possibly another 3 months. Back pain is one thing but losing mobility is something else, very scary.
On Cipro at the moment due to diverticular flare-up, that's nice on top of everything else!!
Luckily have an appointment to see the colo-rectal surgeon on Monday morning and I'm going to tell him about the wobbly legs too and see what he makes of that.....I'm sure these guys think I'm mad when I ask if there's a connection between the sigmoid muscle not working properly anymore and having all this invasive back surgery and scaffolding around my spine!
Not looking for a miracle anymore, just what you said, a doctor who LISTENS and hopefully a decent diagnosis so I knowwhat I'm dealing with.
I somehow think we're on the same wavelength!
Take care
Lynette

[fireyangel76]

Lynette,
I can't say I ever had wobbly legs. I am at a loss as to what it may be. Even with all my back trouble and nerve compression I never had wobbly legs.
Sorry to hear about the diverticulitis. Low residue diet while it is in a flare up, but I am sure you must know that already.
I am so frustrated with the medical care here. My OSS wants me to see a Psychologist for depression and Pain management. I am not sure that will help but hey it won't hurt. I have been trying to find one and get an appt with no success. They either aren't taking new patients or they don't do pain. I am also supposed to see a rheumatologist but can't get his office to return my calls. I know him and he is a jerk so I don't want to get him cross with me...so I wait. My OSS doesn't want to see me again until I do those things. Maybe he thinks it's all in my head and I am crazy. I just know that a crazy person could never handle the maze of healthcare insurance authorizations, finding your own medical care providers and specialists. I must be crazy I have been trying to do these things for 2 weeks now and am still a square one.
Oh well maybe this is my week and I will have success! I am still in pain but am determined to stay on my exercise plan..no pain no gain...really doesn't change my pain level anyway. I would just be happy if I could lose a pound or two!

[LC in UK]

Hi Betsy
What a struggle, it's very difficult to stay positive when everything hurts and you just want to get on and not have to think about how much more damage you're going to do to yourself by activity.
Worst time is first few steps out of bed, I stagger like Frankensteins monster from my bedroom to the bathroom! My knees hips and feet feel like wooden joints, just like a puppet would have with no cushioning in the joints.
Makes me feel SO old!
Thats the depression, no escaping that sinking feeling. I'm usually better after an hour or so, and my lovely warm bubble bath. Can't stand looking at my puffy knees and less than perfect thighs and they really need firming up but I'm scared to do the level of exercise needed!
Oh I have to laugh at myself otherwise I'd have no friends !
Hope you've got good friends too who do know what you're coping with, mine are very good and they tell me off for doing too much but if I just sat around that would be so depressing.
Colo-rectal surgeon I saw yesterday says problems are down to previous abdo surgery - especially hysterectomy possibly damaging stomach wall and muscles there. Wants me to have pain killing injections but he hasn't convinced me that it's referred pain. Think he just wants me off his clinic list.
We've got those doctors too Betsy! Some doctors feel better if they can convince us we're mad. If you're mad then I am too!
Well I have to wait for the spinal probe anyway so the Dynesys and other scaffolding can be checked out but that won't be for a few weeks yet, just have to keep staggering around!
Bet I've really cheered you up eh?!?!
Keep pounding the treadmill and think of me with a bolt through my neck!
Speak soon
Lynette

[fireyangel76]

I actually got a really good chuckle out of that posting. LOL! Sounds like we have the same thighs! I know the feeling in the morning. I feel as though I am turning into a statue. I think if I don't keep moving everything it'll just freeze up on me! Ah thats where the rheumatologist is supposed to come in. My left shoulder is coming in a close second to my back, then the right hip and leg. I am 48 going on 70. I have a few close friends and relatives to keep me in good company when I feel up to it. One of my friends just fractured her right leg...a pathological fracture. She called me asking if I can drive yet because now she can't. The problem is I can't lift her big casted leg to help her in the wheel chair. Once she is in I can't push her! So we both depend on our other younger and healthier friend to cart us around. She has also insisted we get a handicap parking permit...she said with all her lifting and walking for us she is going to laid up soon! I told her thats the price you pay for always getting to feel so young around us!

Yes I shall think of the bolt through your neck and you can think of me as a statue with bird crap all over me! LOL!
I hope you now had a good laugh.

I guess we are all mad!

[LC in UK]

Things are moving , got a date today for a spinal probe ( look-see with a tiny camera) July 23rd, day case so at least that's a start.
Can't wait..........

[fireyangel76]

Can you explain exactly what this camera probe thing is? I am very curious about it as I have never heard of such a thing here.

[LC in UK]

Spinal probe is a tiny camera into the spine through an incision in the lumbar area whilst you are sedated but not fully "out".
They can also deliver anti-inflammatories or steroids at the same time apparently and the whole thing is also done with some kind of radiological guidance.
Had this procedure done twice before prior to surgery so surgeon has a very good idea of whats going on.