LEG PAIN

[weikelklan]

I am having chronic leg pain that unless I am walking (short distances) and laying down, is extreme.  I had a discetomy in 7/2010 and due to pain, had a ant/post fuse with hardware 2/2011.  After the fuse, I was doing ok, recovery was awesome and in April, the buttock pain and leg pain was increasing and did another injection that helped until about 3 weeks ago.  I think the current pain is due to too much too soon..but it is the base of my buttocks on the left side and all down the back of my left leg, outside of my left foot and my toes are tingly numb.  I have recently been having pain in my right leg on the inside of my thigh.  Went to surgeon for pain last Monday and did a CT scan to make sure there was signs of bone growth and also at that time the doc prescribed 300mg of nuroton at bedtime to help with the pain.  It is definitley the nerve that is causing the pain but what is irritating my nerve????  The CT scan shows bone growth and the hardware is good.  Next step is MRI to make sure there is no herniation at the L4L5 and to see if we can see what is ticking off the nerve.  Doctor is also sending me to a pain managment clinic and possibly another injection but 5 out of the 6th in the last year have had no effect.  I am a single mom of three who has wonderful support of my boyfriend and family.  This last year has been a struggle financially and emotionally as it just wont seem to end..  any suggestions for what to expect from panin managment or experiences or advice??  one thing I am also noticing is that when I turn my head, I get shooting pain from my low back down

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Thank you :)  It has definitley been alot of stress.  I did get a call from the pain management clinic and I have injections on Thursday.  I am not looking forward to it as the last 6 havent worked..which led me to my surgeries.  I have a follow up at Pain Clinic two weeks after.  I have no idea what to expect.  

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. You have been through so much at such a young age.... my heart goes out to you.

I think the MRI will reveal much. I am also pleased to hear that you are being referred to a PMP. In most states they are the experts in managing chronic pain, which is sounds like you will be facing in the years to come. They all differ a bit but he should evaluate your condition, suggest treatments and maybe prescribe medications. If her orders opiates you will probably be required to sign a PM Contract. Read it well.... and make sure you are given a copy. If you have any questions about the contract or anything else be sure to ask them. A pen and note pad are a good idea. It may also be helpful to go in with a list of questions and any thing you think will be important for the PMP to know.

Vertebrae above and below the fusion are notorious for causing pain and problems. As the fused area is no longer mobile those vertebra take much more force and motion then they did prior to the surgical repair. Sometimes it takes years before this occurs, other times it's just a few months. A multitude of things come into play with this.

The journey through Chronic Pain is not an easy one as you are discovering. It's disrupts our days and interferes with our sleep. However you deserve at the least to have some acceptable level of comfort. I hope the PMP will provide you with that.

I am glad to hear that you have good support. It's so very important. Please keep us posted. I'll look forward to hearing from you again and often.

Take Care,
~Tuck