degenerating disks & arthritus, what to do next?

Question

A few months ago I posted about my lower back I wasn't sure at that time what was going on since then I had an X-ray to figure out what is going on-bad news, I have three degenerating disks with severe arthritus L2, L3, L5 this was a blow to me I was not exspecting to hear more then what I already knew, L5 disks was bad which I knew from 2006. I lean to the left and stand that way pretty much all the time hurt bad to, my left knee and heel hurt so bad from all the pressure which is adding to the pain I already have & if im not carefull how I pick something up, stand, sit or move I get a surge of pain that stops me dead in my tracks and have to grab the nearest thing to keep my self from laying flat out until it rolls over it really sucks, I was hopeing to go back to work this year but not in this condition, my parents say im heading for disability and should start the process but not sure how or where, taking Tramadol for pain but kills my mind its 10% of morphine. btw i'm 34 years old

Thank you, I am set up for physical therapy 3 times a week for 6 weeks starting Nov. 29th then have a follow up doctors in Jan. to go from there, currently taking Tramadol for pain and also losing some pounds currently 184 and dropping. I want to be able to stand & walk for longer then 10 minutes after that I have to sit down because its just to much, I know I am heading for surgery but that is a while down the road I am also hoping physical therapy will loosen me up a bit and won't hurt so bad in the mornings, as for going back to work can't do it and I miss work!

Answer 1

Wow, I was reading my life!

I have all the same issues,plus a couple more with my lower back.

Get into a pain management doctor and they will start to help control the pain.

We are still trying to get my pain under control.
I am taking Norco and Flexeril, she just upped the strength of my Norco today.
I had a steroid shot last month in my back--it didn't help, turns out I am allergic to steroids. Thursday I go for a Lumbar Medial Branch Block--not sure what that is tho.

The most important thing is to get into a pain management doctor--here, your regular doctor has to referr you to one.

Answer 2

DDD or Degenerative Disc Disease is not a disease! As we age the Discs dehydrate. Discs are like donuts, tough outer shell, fill will jelly. After the age of 30 the jelly starts to dehydrate and when we reach 65 the jelly is no more. This is part of the natural aging process. Unless one of the Discs splits, the tough outer shell splits and the nice jelly jam squirts out hitting a nerve root, their is no problem. You state severe arthritis? Again I assume they are stating Osteoarthritis, as in 'wear and tear' which everyone has again after the age of 30. If the situation was 'severe' or 'serious' you would be sent to a Specialist, as in Rheumatologist for the Arthritis, or Orthopedic Surgeon for the Discs and Osteoarthritis. As you have been sent to PT, the idea is that you strengthen the back muscles and tummy muscles which will support the spine. I doubt you are heading for surgery, as they are no longer 'keen' on spinal surgery as it does not cure the problem, pain. Likewise I doubt if you filed for Disability you would be given it as this is all part of the normal aging process, so everyone over the age of 30 would be claiming Disability. Good Luck with the PT.

Answer 3

I have the same problems call social security to schedule an appointment. In the mean time you must go to the doctor @ least once a month or more if needed and document when you went and what was perscribed ( rx's, dosage, therapy, pain management, specialists, x ray appts, MRI etc.). Also you will have to get an attorney later on because SS will deny you not once but twice. It will take a long time but you have to have patience. Good Luck

Answer 4

if you are in the U.S. go to social security office to apply for disability, they will help you with the process