Posted on: Sun, 08/17/2008 - 10:50
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Need some advice for husband
My husband was diagnosed with DDD 3 years ago. He was told that he has it in 13 of his disks. We have been to 4 surgeons and they all said there was nothing they can do for him. He was always active and at 45 and not being able to do the things he used to he is getting more depressed. They have him on Morphine and Percocet which get him really screwed up. The oxy's were worse. Even with the pills he is always in pain. He isn't comfortable sitting or standing and can't seem to sleep. Would appreciate any advice out there.
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Hi there,
Your husband can not expect to continue living like that, anyone would get depressed. I assume he has had an MRI or two? Does he have any tingling or numbness in his extremities?
I would keep searching and ask friends and relatives that may have or know of someone that has gotten satisfactory results from a reputable Dr.
Good luck to you and pursue this aggressively, you won't be sorry.
Ranger
Double laminectomy L4-L5, bulging discs, DDD, Bone spurs, nerve damage in left leg and hip, DJD, and that to familiar visitor,arthritis
to SH. Your husband really may need to be put on meds for his depression. Many chronic pain sufferers also suffer from depression. The earlier that it is treated the easier it is to get under control. Also, if there are no alternatives to meds maybe he can talk to his doc about a long acting opiate. Many of us are on these and actually after you get it into your system you feel quite normal just with little to no pain. Good luck and please keep us posted with his progress.
I am in no way associated with the medical field. Anything that I post comes from personal experience only.
DDD, Facet Arthropathy, DJD, Sleep Apnea
PT, Epidurals, Facet Blocks,Medial Branch Block, Rhizotomy,Discogram,Annular Tare L3/L4 Endoscopic Microdiscectomy,Laser Surgery
Methadone, Percocet, Soma, Welbutrin
Welcome to spine-health,has your husband been to a pain management doctor yet?
L5 s-1 mild posterior protrusion 9mm,disc findings are new as compaired to 6/22/2007,rhizotomy January 17 2008...
Thank you all for your quick responses. He has been to see a pain management dr. but all they seem to want to do is keep him on these pills that are making him so flighty. He has had 3 MRI's and a discogram. He does get numbness down his right leg I don't recall him saying anything about any tingling though he does say that he gets real bad pain in the groin area. His Dr. is telling us that the morphine is the strongest pain med that he can get. We are now in a different county so I will be looking for a new Dr. I will keep you all up to date.
are similar to what I had prior to the laminectomy I had to my lower back L4 thru L6 back in 2006. I had tingling/numbness of my left thigh and at times
my groin area was very painful. I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Since the laminectomy the numbness has disappeared and also the groin pain. If indeed your husband has stenosis don't delay as it can affect bladder and bowel control.
Take care and I wish you the best of luck.
Ranger
I too, have DDD. I did, in fact, have a fusion in my lower back. Remember, just because your doctor said that nothing can be done, that doesn't mean that another doctor can't help him. Search the web for other procedures and specialists that may have more specific expertise.
Read my post: "Did I choose the right procedure" on this web site. I hope this helps.
Good luck!
D
your husband is in pretty much the same shape I am in. Look at my signature to see the simularities.
The key for me was finding some balance. Balance in my medications and daily life.
Some suggestions...
Your husband should be on an nsaid. I have tried just about every one on the market and now use Sulindac. There is more than likely an nsaid out there that will help your husband. I made a choice not to take the stronger pain meds. I take Vicodin daily to take the edge off. Its just enough to make the pain bearable. I take soma at night to help me sleep. Flexeril made me feel way to goofy the next day.
With some balance I still work and have a life left to live. My activities have changed greatly. I no longer skydive, Dirt Bike, Off road or do the activities I so enjoyed. These days I enjoy photography, gaming and family.
Yes it sucks and its depressing at times. Some days are so bad I play " I'm going to ER game". I tell myself i'm going to ER. I get ready and then decide to suck it up and deal with it instead. My doctors visits are always filled with the temptation to take the stronger meds and escape the reality life has become.
Your husband needs to find some balance. He is very lucky man though... He has a very loving caring wife and thats more important than anything else I have posted here. I don't think I could go through what I do daily without my wife.
Good luck
Bromaz
Chronic Pain, DDD Stage 2+ Entire Spine, Arthritis, Stenosis, Spondylosis, Radiculopathy, Facet Joint Issues, Diabetes, High blood pressure. Spine is Ankylosing (Fusing). 60-90% loss of motion . Reflexes in right leg gone. Right foot numb. 47 Years old Male. Current meds - Vicodin, Percoset, Soma, Ibuprophen and BP meds.