Constant Pain

toms

For nearly 40 years I have lived with pain in my lower back. I have had 3 previous lumbar discs removed, 3 separate surgeries including spinal fusion. My lower back condition has become gradually worse over last few years, very recently diagnosed with another prolapse L4 Disc, Spinal Stenosis and Compression of nerves. I am now being referred urgently to consultants. Anyone suffered same fate? long term prognosis? 

Alex_Alumni

Hello @toms and thanks for sharing your experience of chronic back pain with the community, I hope the referral to consultants can bring some relief for you, in whatever form it takes. 

I can't imagine what it's like having to manage such high levels of pain, but I'm sure some of our members do have similar experiences of their own. To help them share their thoughts I've marked this post as unanswered. 

What do you think you'll be discussing with the consultants? 

Let us know how things go for you, and please don't hesitate to reach out for support here on the community, even if it's just a chat, we're here to support you

Alex

toms

Hello Alex, 

Thank you for your message, much appreciated. 

I have for many years managed my back pain and overcome all previous surgeries. However, I will be discussing with my consultant all possible ways of managing my current issues with my back, I will be trying to avoid any further surgery, 

Kind Regards

Tom 

Sandy_123

Hi @toms sorry to read about back and that you been refered urgently to your consultants. It must be a worry for you. I also have a bent spine and lower spine problems, so I can relate a little. You've had a few operations on yours, did they help in anyway? I'm presuming that you've tried all ends of pain relief as you've had pain a long time.

chiarieds

Hi @toms - as you've unfortunately found, surgery isn't always the answer. As someone who has chronic/persistent lower back pain, I can say that there are ways to help; discussing this with your consultant is definitely one of them.

With chronic/persistent pain it's trying to find how best to manage this, & also be willing to look at different things that may help.

Perhaps ask your Drs for a referral to physio/a pain clinic/pain management course. I'd also recommend this website as a starting point to manage your pain: http://resources.livewellwithpain.co.uk/ten-footsteps/well-done/

Alex_Alumni

Thanks for explaining @toms it sounds like you've been having a very long battle, and I hope you find the above replies helpful too

All the best for your appointment soon, and just ask if we can assist further.

toms

Thank You to all for your comments. 

I will be discussing my consultant very soon, ways to manage my pain. I want to avoid any further surgery. 

I will keep you posted with my progress.

In the meantime, thanks again.

Tom