Need Help!!!
I have had chronic back pain for over 20 years. In 1994 I had a lower back spinal fusion and in 2003 I had a cervical spine fusion with two vertabrae being fused together with a plate and screws. A month or so ago I had a complete MRI of my spine and I need more surgery on my lower and upper spine. There is also a problem in the middle of my spine which my doctor says doesn't need surgery, yet. Let's not mention all the arthritis in between! I have no insurance and don't know how I could live with any more metal in my spine if I did have insurance. I am not a machine!!! I also can not live with this pain much longer. I am unable to sit for longer than 5 minutes. It hurts to stand and lie down. My doctor would only give me Ibuprofen for the pain. WOW! What can I do to get some of these wonderful drugs that were made for people like ME? I won't say what's on my mind for the answer. Do I need to take over a hospital and take hostages like John Q? Is it any wonder I drink alcohol to extremes? Is it any wonder I am on medication for depression and anxiety? MY pain has got to get better. I have a 14 year old who needs their parent. Can anyone tell me where to go next. And PLEASE>>>don't tell me this is all in my mind!!!
Exactly what do you need help on ? Pain ? opertion procedures ? I do know this just because you had an mri and it looked like all the screws were in place and you are in more pain have it checked again by another doctor or have your doctor go over the mri with a fine toothed come. In 2008 my brother had his neck fused with a cadaber bone which was put in place with screws he went for about a month ande began to have pain that hurt worst than it did before the operation he had an mri and the doctor said it was all in place. My brother went to another doctor with the same mri file and the other doctor saw that all the screws were loose. So my brother had to be cut open again and the screws tightened and a new type of glue was used to make sure the screws would never come out or back out unless a doctor physically removed them. I would not allow another operation done in the same area or another area until it is absalutly positive the screws have not backed out. God bless you.
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Well first off is this doctor a chronic pain doctor? If not comb the yellow pages to find one. They understand pain and will most likely give you something to control it. Try to call around to see if the chronic pain doctor does more than write perscriptions, like physical therapy, pain block injections, ect. I know this might sound expensive... are you uninsured because your job does not offer health insurance, or you can't work? Regardless of the reason it wouldn't hurt to see if you can receive state provided insurance. I wish you the best of luck.
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glbrt1pi
Friday, July 17, 2009 at 12:39 PM
No, my doctor is an orthopedic surgeon. When I was there he wanted me to go get a cortizone shot to block the pain in my neck but I can not afford it. I am unable to work any longer and could never hold down any kind of job for long. I don't have enough time working to get disability. I also can not qualify for government assistance because my father left me a trust fund when he passed away and the money I receive each month is too much to qualify. Too much for that but not enough to buy insurance. I barely make ends meet. I am a single mother and get no child support. I can access my trust for medical but there's very little of it left and if I do that I will lose my house and car. I really am between a rock and a hard place. I can't seem to find an answer and I really am so tired of hurting. Thanks for your advice.
Artemis
Friday, July 17, 2009 at 12:58 PM
If you don't mind me asking what state do you live in? I know that state aid can be tricky, you have to kind of be your own lawyer : ) Sometimes there are doctors that base your co pay or medical bills on what you make a month. Which can be affordable with no insurance. In Arizona (where I'm at) they have several different health insurances, from no cost to you at all, to payments based on what you get a month. I would fight for disability. It may be hard and fustrating, but the end result will hopefully be you seeing a good chronic pain doctor that will give you the meds that you need. Again good luck, and don't give up.
glbrt1pi
Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 08:00 PM
I live in NC. Can you get disabilty without having paid enough in? I called them and they said I couldn't. Thanks 1
No, I certainly don't think it's all in your mind. It sounds like you need a pain management specialist. Here's a link to a directory where you can search for pain doctors in your area: http://www.doctorsforpain.com/physicians/index.html
If you're given pain medication, though, you're most likely going to have to give up the alcohol. In fact, if you go to a pain specialist, you'll probably be asked to sign a treatment agreement. I'd recommend reading this first so you'll know what you're getting into: Treatment Agreements: What You Need to Know Before Signing
Since you don't have insurance, be sure to ask any doctors you go to if they give a discount for paying cash. A lot of times it's worth it to them not to have to file insurance and wait for payment.
I hope you're able to get some pain relief soon.
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glbrt1pi
Friday, July 17, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Thanks for the links. I will check them out as soon as I reply to you. I don't drink on a constant basis and am more than willing to give it up entirely. It's a analgesic you know and when I've suffered all I can I know I can get relief from the pain, if only for a night. Thanks again for your concern and the links.
glbrt1pi
Friday, July 17, 2009 at 01:08 PM
I checked the links and have found several doctors to contact. I also read the treatment agreement. I have no problem with that. I just want a chance for a better quality of life. Thanks so much!
Thanks for your response. I need help with the pain. I really don't won't anymore surgeries. More surgery will only lead to more surgery and then what? My whole spine will be nothing but metal and bone. It would be impossible to move. I've searched the internet and have found several places in Florida that do non-invasive laser surgery. Both places will read my MRI for free. I plan on getting in touch with them soon. Only thing, I can't afford them. My neck surgery never did take from day one I've had problems. My doctor says it is the disc above the fusion that has worn out which was a risk, but like I said, it never did take. My lower back surgery was a miracle but now the disc below that fusion is gone. Thanks for the advice. I hope your brother is doing good now. God Bless You, too.