Degenerative disc and other problems (scoliosis, back pain, constant, sore)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Wife is getting worse. I'm condensing a lot of info to try to keep this short. At age 13, scoliosis and rod put on spine. At age 16, doc said rid had to come out. She has S curve, bulging disc, one disc already ruptured (4 screws and 2 rods holding spine together), nerve damage from multiple surgeries, and is in constant pain. She's now 44, her spine is curved beyond where it was before the rod, and she recently had a bone scan. Her doc said it lit up like a Christmas tree and that's not a good thing. She suffers shooting pain from lower back down left leg. She's 4'11" and weighs 130 lbs. she might eat one whole meal a day but her pain prevents her from exercising the excess weight off nor eating a regular healthy meals. When her pain becomes too much, she takes 10 mg Lortab, Flexeril for the related muscle spasms, and depending on the location of the pain she'll take a Mobic. This is also effecting her joints such as her knees, hips, and neck. Much of her day is on the recliner laying on a heating pad. Outings together depend more on her pain than on our money situation now when it use to be the other way around. She sees a pain management doc and a neurosurgeon for the past 4 years. I'm worried about depression possibly setting in as her condition gets worse. She
Puts on a brave smiling face when out in public. She's also stubborn and hardheaded so trying to push her to try something is a waste of time. She's open to the idea of water aerobics but wants to get the OK from her doctor before trying it. I thing she doesn't want to get in a bathing suit. She's hated her body since the start of her scoliosis thanks to the torment the school students put her through, both middle and high school. I work rotating shifts at the hospital boiler room and try to do as much house work for her as I can. Laundry (mine and bedding), sweep, mop, vacuum, bathroom, and dusting are things I try to do at least once a week. She insist on doing the cooking. Most times either I'll do dishes or we'll do them together. I'd just like to see her have one day without pain.
You're a great husband Dave. I too have the same situation as your wife. Scoliosis, spinal fusion< steel plate, 6 screws. No more surgery for me, the first almost killed me. I take 5 mg of Lortab and 750mg of Robaxin. I know how she feels...most days I am in bed, taking the meds as the Doc prescibes. I use icy hot patches too. Keep doing what your doing. When she's ready to do, she'll let you know. Continue being supportive. My husband was great at that. He was killed in 2002. Now, my kids help me. KUDOS dave! Keep your head up!
It's because of these tragedies that I've rejected any back surgery for myself. I had accute lordosis as a kid (that's also known as swayback), but special exercises and a mom who kept yelling at me whenever I walked on my toes eventually corrected it. I've had degenerative disc disease for the past 20 years, and developed osteopenia in my hip and spine around 15 years ago. It's not excruciating, thankfully. I have bad days, but they're few and far between and they're more like bad "hours" than days. Ibuprophen on days when I know I'll be standing more than 5 hours at work (I'm a cashier), and a Flexeril if I'm home and experiencing a bad episode (which is maybe once every couple of months).
I have no advice for you, medically, or any stories of how I've been helped or hindered, unfortunately. But you have my best wishes! Also, regarding the water therapy - tell your beloved that if the doctor feels it could be helpful, or at -least- take the burden of gravity off her for a few hours a week...that you'll buy her a new swimming dress to wear to the pool.
Not a swimsuit - a swimming dress. They're adorable, and old fashioned, and lovely, sexy in a "discrete" way (think Esther Williams) and fashionable among adult women who aren't trying to look like porn stars ) BTW: those dresses are actually one-piece bathingsuits underneath; the "dress" part is an overdress that's attached. So her butt won't be hanging out, at all!
Here's an example of a swimdress that she might feel more comfortable wearing: Swimdress | Official Esther Williams Website
I really hope she is able to, and agrees to unburdening her body in the water. It's an incredibly freeing feeling, especially when you have a bad back of -any- severety.
It's because of these tragedies that I've rejected any back surgery for myself. I had accute lordosis as a kid (that's also known as swayback), but special exercises and a mom who kept yelling at me whenever I walked on my toes eventually corrected it. I've had degenerative disc disease for the past 20 years, and developed osteopenia in my hip and spine around 15 years ago. It's not excruciating, thankfully. I have bad days, but they're few and far between and they're more like bad "hours" than days. Ibuprophen on days when I know I'll be standing more than 5 hours at work (I'm a cashier), and a Flexeril if I'm home and experiencing a bad episode (which is maybe once every couple of months).
I have no advice for you, medically, or any stories of how I've been helped or hindered, unfortunately. But you have my best wishes! Also, regarding the water therapy - tell your beloved that if the doctor feels it could be helpful, or at -least- take the burden of gravity off her for a few hours a week...that you'll buy her a new swimming dress to wear to the pool.
Not a swimsuit - a swimming dress. They're adorable, and old fashioned, and lovely, sexy in a "discrete" way (think Esther Williams) and fashionable among adult women who aren't trying to look like porn stars ) BTW: those dresses are actually one-piece bathingsuits underneath; the "dress" part is an overdress that's attached. So her butt won't be hanging out, at all!
Here's an example of a swimdress that she might feel more comfortable wearing: Swimdress | Official Esther Williams Website
I really hope she is able to, and agrees to unburdening her body in the water. It's an incredibly freeing feeling, especially when you have a bad back of -any- severety.
I agree with this advice - the water exercises could be very helpful. I also agree that because of posts like the OPs is why I will never have surgery for myself. I have scoliosis, stenosis and spinal compression, all of which cause me various aches and pains but nothing I can't manage. I workout every single day to keep strengthened and limber. I have had long periods (months) here and there with really bad pain due to some of these issues, but they have always gotten better for me. I am hoping I can go through my life without anything getting worse. But to the point, I hope your wife will go for the water therapy, I think it could be really helpful and a relief to her. What about massage therapy - have you looked into that at all? The right therapist can be really helpful.
Bless you for the great care you take of her and I wish you both the best.
Her doctor suggested it but she's against massage therapy. Her multiple surgeries have left large parts of her back feeling numb or tingly like a foot asleep just getting the feeling back. They had also done an epidural and cortisone injections which she says greatly contributed to her weight gain. When we first met and got married, she might have been a healthy 120 lbs. now her body fat is centered on her buttocks and belly, neither good for lower back pain. Exercises like situps or the plank are out of the question for her. Walking in Walmart is followed by several days of pain. When she's having a bad day, our dog can tell. She's a 9 year old chihuahua named Katie who is spoiled rotten. She provides my wife some comfort and entertainment.
I have had 2 spinal fusions and I love water exercises. I had not exercised in decades when I started and I never felt sore at all. Just walking in the pool can help to begin with.
I also liked Neurontin which de-sensitizes nerves and thus dimenishes sensations of pain. I used to have shooting pain down the L-3 distribution on one leg that would leave me in tears when it hit. Neurontin (generic gabapentin) took care of that. It's quite sedating so I took it at night.
My mom has the same thing and does water exercises because her doctor said it would help her feel better. On days where she doesn't do her exercises she is in pain. When she goes in water she feels SO much better.
I would have your wife clear it with the doctor to be safe, hopefully it will help!
Your wife sounds like a strong lady, and you sound like such a supportive husband. I have scoliosis and can relate to the self-image issues that come along with it. For the amount of pain she's sure to be in, the amount of meds she is on is minimal - I can safely say this because I used to work at an office with 3 neurosurgeons. Again, your wife is a very strong person.
You are right about depression setting in. She might be coping with it now, although she might not show it. Or quite possibly she's accepted that this is her situation and she's going to cope with it the best she can.
There are alternative treatments excluding surgery, such as the water aerobics you mentioned. If she can stay within a healthy weight range, this will greatly help her joints and back. There's also pain management, although she might be hesitant to go. They don't only do medication management, they have other modalities of treatment. She could try a consultation, but she might get discouraged. They might offer steroid injections or physical therapy, and she might not be up to it.
There's also acupuncture. I know a lot of people won't try it, but it can help. It might only give temporary relief, but the new experience might also lift her spirits. Also, a professional massage might be relieving. For both services, they ask her health history and they'll be prepared to work on her trouble spots.
Exercise is crucial. She probably doesn't feel like it much. The thing about exercise is that it releases endorphins, and those natural chemicals make you feel good- mentally and physically. Musculoskeletal disorders often tend to be a domino effect - one thing leads to another. In your wife's case, she doesn't feel like doing anything because she hasn't felt like doing anything in a while due to the pain.
Diet is also important. She needs to be intaking proper nutrients and vitamins for her health. Although she might not eat much, she should be eating nutrient dense foods when she does eat.
Another quick thing, see if she'll just sit outside, even if she doesn't want to walk. Sunshine releases endorphins and gives us Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a natural anti-inflammatory and it's very good for the bones - it helps the bones absorb calcium.
I know this is a lot, but I hope you find comfort in this and maybe some renewed strength. You sound like my own husband - committed and loyal. I hope your wife finds some relief and is able to enjoy life to its fullest.
You sound like a wonderful husband. My DH is truly special (as are you). I also have scoliosis, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, RA and have had two strokes. The strokes left me paralyzed on my right side so the left side has had to overcompensate causing great pain.
I have tried everything - PT, water PT, massage (which feels great but I hurt again in two hours so not really worth it); hydrotherapy (hot tub)- feels wonderful but I have to be careful that my core temp doesn't rise drastically, huge amounts of narcotics,acupuncture (feels nice but doesn't last long).
I FINALLY after living with pain since I was 11 (I am now 46) have found something that works for me. I now have a pain pump. My pain is vastly improved (not gone but under control) and I am able to take substantially less pain meds as it is delivered directly to my spinal cord instead of having to be absorbed and then parted out. I am no longer depressed and life is certainly sweeter. This may not be the solution for your wife but it has certainly allowed me to more fully participate in my own life!
I hope that she finds relief- Bless you both.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
) BTW: those dresses are actually one-piece bathingsuits underneath; the "dress" part is an overdress that's attached. So her butt won't be hanging out, at all!
