I have DDD in my neck which makes my arms and hands numd and a herniated disc in the L4-L5 region. That has been since Aug 2006. I have been on pain meds all this time. When I went to see my new Pain Management Dr. he said I will never get better and the shot I will recieve in my low back probably won't work. He gave me even stronger meds and all I said to him is my whole body seems to be going numb and I can either feel my neck pain or low back but not at the same time. He said I cannot lift, twist, or garden. Not gardening is going to be the hardest. I have 2 pain meds and 2 nerve pain meds. I can barley function on all this, should I go on disability? And any other advice would be helpful too. Thank you.
2007-03-19 14:03:41 · 5 answers · asked by Red! 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
If you're never going to get better, then I would suggest filling for ssi. Try not to get a lawyer, you can if you want, but you really don't need one. I got a lawyer, and she really didn't do anything. I went in and started to cry and that's what won my case. Anyway, sorry to hear about what you are going threw. I'm not sure what to say except this. Do not, I repeat, do not go on fentanyl (Duragesic). I am on this medicine and can't get off. I go threw horrible withdrawls. It's not worth it. If you are on it, get off. Andrew
2007-03-19 16:48:30 · answer #1 · answered by Mr Hawk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have herniated disk in my neck and a bulging S1 lower disk that cause foot and leg numbness. Its a pain in the a-r-s-e because I used to be very physically active. I got through the neck pain without surgery and its getting a lot better. I'm seeing a PT about the lower back and doing exercises. Back injuries can be a pain, but they don't have to stop your life. My advise is to stay active, do exercise and stay away from doctors and surgery as much as possible. Email me if you want to compare horror stories ;-) Good luck!
2007-03-19 21:06:53 · answer #2 · answered by ccguy 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would go on disability. I'm never going to get better either and I'm on strong paiin meds-morphine and methadone and it barely takes the edge off. If you are going to go on disability get some help applying it will go faster. I'd say start now cause it takes a while. I believe it http://www.ssa.gov good luck try a diff pain doc too
2007-03-19 22:47:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's always wise to seek a second or third opinion. With today's technology there must be something out there to help your pain. I have heard something about a new device that is implanted in the back call advanced bionic spinal cord stimulator. Ask your pain management doctor about it.
2007-03-19 21:45:18 · answer #4 · answered by luh 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can barely function, you may indeed wish to go on disability.
Have you found out what is causing the pain?
2007-03-19 21:23:37 · answer #5 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋