Hi, my name is TA69! looking for support with chronic back pain

TA69

I am new to this forum, looking for support with chronic back pain and information to make my quality of life better 

TommyUK

TA69 said:

I am new to this forum, looking for support with chronic back pain and information to make my quality of life better 

Welcome to the forum! I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with chronic back pain, but I'm glad you've reached out for support and information. 

Living with chronic pain can be challenging, but finding a community of people who understand what you're going through can make a big difference. In this forum, you'll find a supportive community of individuals who may have similar experiences and can offer advice, empathy, and encouragement.

In addition to seeking support here, I recommend talking to your healthcare provider about your back pain and discussing any treatment options or lifestyle changes that may help improve your quality of life. Physical therapy, pain management techniques, and exercise can all be beneficial in managing chronic pain.

Remember to take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. Don't hesitate to ask questions, share your experiences, and reach out for support whenever you need it. We're here to help you navigate your journey towards better health and improved quality of life.

Tom

Albus_Scope

Heya @TA69 and welcome to the community from me too! I hope you're doing ok today?

I'm sorry to hear you're having issues with back pain, I just wanted to let you know I've moved your post over to another category, so more people in the know will be able to see ad hopefully offer more top advice. I hope that's ok? 

chiarieds

Hi @TA69 - & welcome to the community from me also. I agree with TommyUK that seeing if physiotherapy may help or pain management is a good idea. As a retired physio who also lives with chronic pain I've found that several things help to somewhat alleviate this including gentle exercise & diaphragmatic breathing as also mentioned above. Also great advice from johnmichael above.

There are some other resources mentioned here: https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/102784/resources-and-tips-for-those-living-with-chronic-pain

I hope you'll have a look through these, as it's often several modalities that seem to work the best & it's a matter of finding what combination of things help you the most.

TA69

Sorry perhaps I should be more specific, I've had 5 back surgeries 6 slipped discs, non stop siatic pain down my numb left leg and chronic burning back pain.
I have consulted with every physician available even referring myself to St barts for a spinal implant. 
To date everyone has now discharged me saying they can not help as my nerves are damaged and my pain to complex.
I'm 45 so it's not like I can retire, I can not go for a walk, swim or anything else is I'm on crutches in agony, I can barely drag myself around.
I'm looking for a guinea pig trials, specialist pain places ( not NHS as they have discharged me saying they can't help me) anything thats new to deal with this kind if debilitating pain.
Currently my life is in the toilet. 

Generalsciatica

Dear Chiarieds, thanks for responding to the Spinal Stenosis discussion. In view of the numerous, genuine replies, I should like to continue in the discussion, posting more regularly. Unfortunately there was one contributor who got banned for using objectionable content, and my poor computer skills are off-putting!
Could we possibly tidy-up this Spinal Stenosis discussion, giving it a more easily accessible forum? Maybe a member of the Scope team would be interested in helping out with this? Thanks again,
Generalsciatica. 06/03/24.

Generalsciatica

Dear TA69, Thanks for contributing to the Spinal Stenosis discussion. You really have been through a traumatic ordeal. Nobody understands the pains except those who have spinal injuries.
I too am on life's scrapheap. A spinal injury is a life-changing event, which I have come to understand we have to live with. Yes, there are very little facilities for the disabled, even public transport and even toileting is difficult or impossible! 
All of the people contributing to this site, have similar conditions and we are learning to live with our unspeakable pains and challenges. Unspeakable to the able-bodied and those who simply don't understand pain, and impossible when the slightest daily living chore is unachievable, like putting a sock on!
So, please don't beat yourself up, it doesn't work and only makes things worse. Furthermore it actually achieves NOTHING! 
Hopefully, you will take advantage of the benefits system and this is not a charity, but it is YOUR money, ie Universal Credit and Pip. I know they are hard to claim, but deserving cases such as yours, will qualify.
Thanks for sharing your concerns and challenges, and you will soon see this spinal condition can be shared, the pains can be managed, and you are NOT alone. Take good care, go easier on yourself, and join the club!
Best.
Generalsciatica. X!

TA69

Thanks for your reply, I don't quite understand how these threads work.
Why was someone banned, for saying something back to my comment?

I look forward to hearing people's ways of coping while they work as this is most useful for me since I will be forced to go back to work in the coming weeks. 

Best wishes to all out there!

chiarieds

Hi @TA69 - looking back as to where Generalsciatica  has previously posted, unfortunately a member was banned for breaking the community house rules back in 2019, so nothing to do with replying to any of your comments.

Hi @Generalsciatica - this seems to be the most current post about chronic back pain, &, as I have previously commented on earlier threads such as the one you started in 2019 here: https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/821127#Comment_821127   there isn't a category for 'spinal stenosis' rather posts about this are probably best in this category, 'Chronic pain and pain management.'  

It would, I feel, get very unwieldy if there was a category for every disorder, so this is likely the most appropriate.

I don't know what device you're using to access the community, but the month & date should show for earlier posts, with the date on newer comments, & the time also on comments for the current day, e.g. for myself using a desktop computer, I can see this to the left hand side of the screen below the person's username. It's probably best to comment under posts that are not several years old, as sadly some members are no longer active in the forum so you are less likely to get a response. I hope this helps explain things a little.