My doctor told me I could be dealing with this herniated disc for a year at my initial appointment. My last appointment he told me it could be up to 18 months. He does NOT want to do surgery. He told me that he would have to refer me to someone out of state to do this type of surgery. My T7 disc is herniated vertically. My doctor said that this happens when Osteoporosis is present. I am 44 and my bone density test was negative. I am a very active person...or until this pain hit. I don't know exactly how this injury took place. If I need to build a wall...I get the materials and build it. Not many physical limitations until this injury. This chronic pain has really hit me with my necessary lifestyle change. I am a doer. What can I do now? How do you cope when you have been told that waiting is the best option? I have begun a Prayer Blanket Ministry. I sew scraps of fabric to create lap blankets for others that are in need of physical comfort. Some days my pain level will not allow me to sew. I have begun comforting others online by the mean sof Facebook, Myspace and my blog...http://scrapstowraps.blogspot.com
If you have any suggestions or encouragement please share!!!!
I'm glad to hear your doctor is not pushing surgery. Spinal surgery should usually be a last resort because there are no guarantees it will be successful.
I can relate to your frustration. Before fibromyalgia came into my life, I was a Type A person – always on the go, alwalys doing something and requiring little sleep. Now it's a struggle to do almost anything and I need two to three times as much sleep as before.
You are already doing two of the best things you can do by making the blankets and encouraging others. You're focusing on something besides your pain and you're giving of yourself by helping others. Another thought – use this time to deepen your personal relationship with God and ask Him what He wants you to do during this time.
This can also be a good time to reevaluate your priorities. When I was healthy, I spent lots of time and energy on a variety of things that interested me. But now I have to limit myself to only those things that truly capture my heart. When I took a good, hard look at how I spent my time, I was amazed to discover that most of my time and energy were being spent on things other than my top priorities.
Also, here is an article I wrote about some other truths I've learned on this journey with chronic pain: "You Are Not Your Illness Although it specifically mentions fibromyalgia, the principles apply equally as well to any physical limitation.
One final thought – You have one thing in your favor that I do not. You have a very realistic hope that your pain will eventually end. Try looking at this period of time as a gift that allows you to learn how to rest and refocus your life.
My best wishes to you. – Karen
Thanks Karen...it seems you dooo know how it feels. Wow I have been trying to see the good in this bad situation. I have another thought in the back of my mind. I am having symptoms of RA as well. I have spoken about this with my Dr. He says lets focus on the back. I can hardly move in the morning. I awaken to my whole body screaming in pain. I thought the symptoms leaned more towards fibromyalgia...until my cousin visited and noticed my swollen knuckles and reminded me that my Aunt and Grandmother had RA. I truly believe I am dealing with two illnesses. I can deal with the back...I pray every day that it will require rest only to heal. The other symptoms are not in line with the back pain. My joints...elbows...neck...wrists...knuckles...knees all kill me. Like I mentioned mostly in the morning. It is sooo great knowing this forum is here to hear of anothers pain. It helps me to realize I am not the only one dealing with this situation. I will read the article that you mentioned. Thanks again.