Male 48 have had extensive spine surgeries both neck and low back. 2- neck fusions with titanium plates/screws.  2 low back surgeries.  First low back surgery was a laminectomy/discsectomy. Second low back surgery was a fusion with titanium plates/screws. I had them done years ago and have been suffering in severe chronic pain for over 12 years. There is extensive medical evidence. The Dr. who treated me for years and after extensive test said I've lost alot of the Mylan sheathing around the spinal nerves which is a contributing factor as to the severe nerve pain. What causes it ? Injuries my guess I don't really know the causes of it. It;s my understanding the Mylan sheathing is the protective coating around the nerve fibers..

   I've been through years of nerve blocks, variety cortizone type injections in both neck and low back which did not help at all. They were useless in my opinion but wanted to try looking for anykind of relief. Have spine sonograms that do show severe fluid but full of whiteness thick streaks on the xrays through all the disc spine levels.

Been diagnosed with multiple large disc bulges, pain and numbness into both legs. Nerve test confirms adnormalities consistent through years of test. Complex Regional syndrome both neck and back, Severe myofascial spine pain ligaments/tendons, Radiculopathy both neck and low back called RSD.

  Have been recommended to being put on a pain pump surgically but refused and worried about being on the pump and do not want to become addicted to the medicine or have complications from it either. My biggest fear is to go through with it and for it not to work or help at all. I'm seriously thinking of reconsidering this now after years of going through severe pain.  

  I am completely frustrated with how the "Medical Field" treats Spine injuries and blame most of it on "State Regulations" and people who abuse the system or medications and it is deeply frustrating and upsetting. It has contributed to the lack of treatment and care to those of us who truly deal with severe chronic pain especially after injuries and surgeries. It's so unfair and so many of us are truly suffering in pain! The Dr's are so scared to prescribe pain medications anymore and if they do then they are restricted by the State or punished. The State just thinks people like us are addicted to drugs or medications when the majority of us are "NOT" and just look to the Medical Field for help in relieving our pain! It's exhausting to live with and I can't imagine for the Dr's who not only must be Dr's but somewhat a Lawyer as well.

   I remember a Dr I had seen for over 12-years who was a Pain managment Dr for many years and very good and understanding as well as thorough when he examined me. He told me one day he became a Dr to help people like me and he never realized how much he'd have to learn as much as a lawyer to the laws regarding medical treatments. It's sad because this Dr is no longer in practice and he was the best I've ever found at treating me and giving me the Myobloc spine injections through my entire spine and they helped even though only temporary when used with my pain medications which I tried numerous types of medications and nothing woulld work excpet the current ones I've been on for years now. They do "NOT" cure the pain or stop the pain, they merely only dull the pain. At anytime of even light activity such as groceries I suffer extreme pain spine pressure and leg numbness by the time I get done with groceries off those hard cement floors which kill me pain wise. Doing laundry and folding elevates the pain so severely I have to lay down to get off the pressure building up. To cook food is a daily battle the standing increases the pain so bad it's unbareable. The only thing I can do is take my medicines as prescribed and lay down with ice paks and massagers.     

 Dr's hardly even examine you anymore or don't have time to deal with you it seems or right away suggest it's depression instead of really examining and testing further. Then when you complain it's in one ear and out the other. I tell my Dr. I wish you'd come live with me a week to see what I go through then maybe you'd understand... I pray changes are made someday to help those of us sufferring in chronic severe pain. We need help and we need treatments and medicines that works without punsihment by the State and Federal laws. It's wrong to let us suffer and inhumaine... and for those people who abuse the system then by all means I understand punishment but don't punish the ones who truly need help and don't punish the Dr's treating and trying to care for us either ....The system is so messed up...They have to realize that pain meds is the only thing that helps some of us that don't make us drug addicts! Most of us are sick and tired of taking these medicines but have no other options. When you come up with better technology and solutions I'm all ears...  

  I miss being active and lifting weights so much. I've never been one to be lazy and in fact being overly active probably contributed to wear and tear among working in very heavy labor construction areas Home building and oilfield Riggs for many years. The damage is done now though and it's a battle just to find treatment if any that helps manage the pain!