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Is there other things to use that work as well as opiates, etc.?

I am wondering if there is other things I can try other than narcotics.  I went down that road before for 5 years, all it did was cover the pain, allowed me to keep working (which was great), but the high doses I received left me unconcious twice.  My doctor was worried I had taken too much on purpose, which I assured him I didn't.  But this implies he had me on too high of a dose.  I do not want to go down that path again, but the pain is relentless.  I learned about the opiate receptors of the brain, and how  when you are on synthetic opiates, your body stops producing it's normal "opiate" relief which is natural.  I have learned that being on these for years can destroy the chance that they are destroyed forever.  I do want to argue differently.  I have been through it.  Of course my body was dependent, and it was very hard and lasted for several months of intolerable pain.  But it's been a year and a half and I do not take anything narcotic anymore.  
I am in significant pain though, and my dx is spinal stenosis, slight cauda equina syndrome, and several bulging discs and severe arthritis in my lower spine.  I am 37.  I had back surgery at age 20 from a ruptured disc L5S1.  I am pretty miserable, and do not live a normal life.  I can't work anymore right now, (I'm an RN)  and I miss it.
I was wondering is there other options.  I am going to have a transforamenal steroid injection in December.  Are there other ways to manage this.  I am to be evaluated by a surgeon in April when I have insurance.

Please help,
Kristin
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547368 tn?1440541785
On the Forum I have heard many comments on SCS. I'm sure I don't hear a lot of the positive ones. The issues seem to be the hardware.

I think on one of the major keys to success in correct implantation by a skilled practitioner. It is my position that anything if worth a try provided in can be reversed. Some ppl have complained that it did not function properly and it was not removable due in some cases to scar tissue. Obviously due to that they were no longer able to have imaging to diagnosis further disease or injury.

Hopefully members with personal experience will respond to your questions.  
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Avatar universal

Well, I was more wondering along the lines of invasive procedures without the full back surgery...like nerve blocks.  I've heard of spinal stimulator, but don't know a thing about them.  Does anyone have a spinal stimulator implanted???
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198154 tn?1337787265
google "Toradol"
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547368 tn?1440541785
Hi Kristine,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am sorry you are in such pain.

As an RN you should be aware of the alternative managements to chronic pain. Warm baths, acupuncture, a TENS Unit, massage, bio-feedback these just are just a few options. What works for one may not work for another.

I have found nothing that relieves my pain to even a tolerable level without small doses of narcotics. Therefore I am sorry that I cannot provide you with any personal information that may be helpful. Hopefully one of our members will offer some suggestions for pain releif that does not include opiates.

Best of luck and take care.
Tuck
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st. louis, MO
317787 tn?1473358451
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