J.Brady looking for answers.

Hello dear friend...I feel your pain!

Having been through the system myself, I can identify with you! All I can advise, is that you need to become your own advocate and take your healthcare into your own hands.  Not an easy feat when you are in chronic pain.  My journey has lead me through 2 back surgeries, resulting with a multiple disc fusion (L4 - S1) and now I have been blessed with more herniated discs (C1 - C3), severe stenosis and spondeliosis.  Because I am not pissing or crapping my pants and have not had any paralysis, the Dr.'s just tsk, tsk and tell me there isn't much they can do.  Too many discs involved and with half my back already consisting of titanium bolts and brackets, I have to say I agree that surgery is not an option.

So where does that leave us?  I have been through over a year of PT and ritualistically perform my stretches throughout the day.  I have been on medical leave for 4 weeks and will most likely need to terminate my employment as my job is mostly computer work, which is the last thing my body needs.  I shouldn't even be on the computer right now, but old habits die hard and I am truly a geek at heart.

I am on a regiment of anti-depressants/anxiety meds and in a way, they do help me with my outlook at least.  They help me from becoming too despondent and hopeless.  I have come to the conclusion that my family Dr. is truly not capable of providing me with the care I need.  Sore throats, sprained ankles, paps, the occasional odd mole...that is what she is capable of treating.  A chronic, progressive degenerative disc disease, with fibromialgia, chronic osteo-arthritis throughout my body and of course, depression/anxiety (no wonder) are more than she can deal with.  Drug seeking?  You bet!  I am always trying to find "something", "anything" to stop the pain when it gets real bad.

I recently asked her to refer me to a Psyciatrist to manage my mental health meds.  This was the start of my taking my health into my own hands and it was the best move I could have done.  I also sought out a therapist who specializes in chronic pain management, which has been very beneficial.  Finally, I asked my Dr. for a referral to the U of M Pain Management Center.  It took her almost a month, but the referral finally went through, so now we will see what the real experts can do.  Once the dust settles, I will be searching for another Dr. who can handle more complex medical cases.

Hang in there and remember, you are in control of your own healthcare.  Don't get lost in the system and don't let them wear you down!  Another reason to seek out a therapist is to have a professional validate what is happening and vouch that it is not "all in your head".

A final note:  If you can find something every day (I try to do this in the morning) to be greatful for, it can make the pain more bearable...you know, at least you have a home, a loved one, food to eat, flowers in your garden, the ability to type, walk (or in case shuffle ), etc.

Good luck and best regards,

The back problems probably are normal. Normal people don't have pain with the same MRIS that we do with fibro. Try to avoid surgery. Question the diagnoses, without seeing the evidence. Study up on fibro as much as you can. You must learn to pace yourself and try to see what therapies might help you. There are several helpful National associations who will send you info and have good newsletters on fibro. Try Mark Pelligrino's book. Don't expect a cure, but look for alleviation and if your lucky, a Dr who understands fibro and will work with you. Try FMAWARE.org  Don't let the b---------

get you down. Also look at Devan Staranyl's website. Water aerobics for arthritics through The Arthritis Foundation that publishes Arthritis Today is another good idea, depending on if there is a class near you and you are up to it.  Good Luck.