I'm 41 years old and have suffered from intermittent low back pain for years. It was determined that I have degenerative disc disease and an MRI was ordered. I went to the doctor yesteday and he said the results of the MRI show I have 4 vertebrae that are messed up (can't recall which ones he said), a bulging disc that is pressing against both sides of my spinal nerves - causing the extreme and now consistent low back pain, and I also have another bulging disc that is torn. He said the degereration is so bad that there's nothing that can be done other than to continue my steady course of pain management medications. In addtion, I have both osteroarthristis and rheumatoid arthritis and I have yet another MRI being scheduled (brain) to determine whether or not I have Mutiple Sclerosis, as he suspects from other symptoms and because my paternal half-brother was diagnosed with MS several years ago. Not intending to joke, but I'm much more accurate than the local weatherman. I can only sleep on my left side with a pillow between my knees to keep my hips as even as possible if and when I can sleep....I have more pain on the right side than the left. There have been many days over the past 2 years that I've literally had to have help getting out of bed and/or crawl to the bathroom, crying in extreme pain. The pain itself is located in my lower back, both hips, shoots sharply down the back of my legs and even into my groin area and into my knees. Rarely does it go any further. I have numbness and tingling (pins and needles) in part of my right hand as well, fall or teeter like a drunk occasionally, and have trouble with motor skills rendering me unable to hold onto even small things. I cannot tolerate the heat like I used to, but the cold brings on even more pain. I know things are only going to get worse as time goes on and it really frightens me to think I may end up in a wheelchair one day. I've read and read and read some more on each condition and nothing I've seen has done anything to show me a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. So, I guess my question is how or what, if anything, can I do to lead a semi-normal life in the meantime. I get extremely depressed, as I'm sure you can imagine and the quality of my life just plain stinks, I raised three sons and two nephews. I have a grandchild and two more on the way and I never once thought my "golden years" would be overtaken with such pain, misery, and despair. I want to be a part of my grandchildrens' lives. So please, any suggestions? Thank you, Tab
Q: Constant back pain, diagnosis, and prognosis.
Well it certainly sounds like You have your share of pain..Have you been seen by a Neurosurgeon ? You should be seeing 2 or more to get a level headed opinion.
That Old cliche, " 2 heads are Better than One applys here." Arthritis, combined with a severe B12 Deficiency has left me with Greater Degenerative disease and permanent " nerve damage " in both legs and feet. Numbness & Tingling, as well as shooting pain in my legs and feet - extreme burning & freezing sensations...are all a part of my life..combine that with bone to bone in both knees and " retracted ear canals due to a chronic infection which made me suffer " vertigo " for 13 Months..I felt like a boat out at sea in a raging storm..
Plus I had a FRACTURED HIP AND A FRACTURED S1 VERTEBRAE all due to one bad knee, Fallng due to ears and B12 dizziness and fatigue,
The knees are being fixed, I take meds for My Pheripheal Neuropathy.
You can be helped. You don't have MS - your'e too old to get MS.
I was told this by the Top Neurosurgeon in Oklahoma. He teaches all NS here..
Do this: Have a CAT scan done to include the sacroiliac S1-S5 vertebraes,
Have a Brain MRI done, get knees x-rayed, be tested for Vitamin B12 & D Deficiencies..see an Ears, nose, Throat doctor, have your ears looked at tested and last but not least.." Find that Neurosurgeon and Take all these results w/you.." We take So Much for Granted in Life, but Phoof in Seconds it is gone! "
Never want to Die. It's so Easy to Quit..A Looser Always Looses,but a Winner never Quits.Be Strong and Ask The Lord & Believe & He will provide. He said So..
Goodluck. Everyday there are New Medical Applications Developed to Help The Sick.." So Do Yourself a Favor if not for Others..& Stick around."
I wish I had an aswer for you or a magic pill but unfortunately, I don't. If I had I would certainly be on it myself too. With a failed back surgery I have gone from an active person, who loved gardening and spent a lot of time on it, to someone who can barely walk, have no balance, walk bent over, etc. etc. Is this all there is??
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
She is asking for help and you are telling her to keep a stiff upper lip. What kind of help is that?