Chronic low back pain

[bellanetta]

Help.  I had L4-5 microdisectomy with L5 laminectomy in July of 2007.  During surg had a CSF leak that was patched.  4 days post-op CSF leak recurred.  6 days of flat on my back bedrest did not resolve.  Was readmitted to hospital and a drain was placed.  Developed fever and was put on ABs.  After 8 days in-pt was dc'd to home.  
Honestly, I felt better the 1st 4 days post-op than the next two months after the 2nd hospital stay.  I really think it was from being flat on my back and immobile for those two weeks.  Probably the worst thing to have to do post surg.  
Anyway, although I'm just incredibly better than I was pre-op, I have this chronic pain.  It is much worse after sleeping for a few hours.  In fact, if I lie down (in any position) for more than a few minutes, it is incredibly difficult to get up.  It's like I'm stuck.  I have to use my arms to shift my hips/back and to push myself to a sitting position.  Often there is an incredible stabbing pain when trying to move from a lying position.
I'm exhausted.  I swear, I haven't slept through a night in over a year!
Other things of note, I have moderate degenerative changes and stenosis.  Also, I visited a chiropractor recently (I'm trying everything!) who stated that I had a sacralized L5-S1.  However, that was not noted on any of the MRIs I had done which makes me think it likely isn't the case.  Additionally, I have a herniation at T-11.  I don't really think I have any problems with that.
I have taken hydrocodone (1/2 of a 7.5mg...I'm a pain med woos!) at bedtime with "okay" results.
Does anyone have any idea what is going on?

[sandee1818]

Great advice Tuck.
I was going to recommend you talk to your Dr about the chiropractic adjustments too. When healing your body needs time and doing things too soon can only cause further problems.
Please let us know how your doing and if we can help in any way. Being in pain is no fun and it is something that not everyone understands unless they have been there so if you need to talk or vent or need support we are here for you:)

[Tuckamore]

Hello Bellanetta,

Welcome to MedHelp. I am glad you found our Pain Management Forum. I can hear your pain in your post and I am so sorry you are hurting. Most of our members have severe pain also, we can relate.

Let me encourage you to consult with your PCP before you have anymore chiropractor treatments. Often after the type of surgery you had it is not recommended. It is not uncommon to have post surgical pain after what your body has gone through. I too have trouble getting up from a chair or out of bed in the morning. It is no fun. Once I'm up and moving some of the stiffness will leave.

Degenerative changes along with the stenosis can cause pain to say nothing about the back surgery. You probably have some arthritis that set in the area also. Have you had an MRI recently? If not I would suggest another one.

And I am a pain med wuss too. But I urge you to take the medication as prescribed. It will not harm you and you may sleep better. You deserve to have some pain relief. I don't know of any pain management member that says they like to take narcotics. But I know plenty that are unable to function without them. None of us like that fact but all of us hate pain worse than we hate the narcotics.

Please discuss your current pain level and condition with your physician if you haven't already. He/she may have some better suggestions. Please keep us posted and hang in there. I will be waiting for your next update. Take care, Tuck

[sandee1818]

Hi and I am sorry to hear your in such pain!
I would recommend taking the full dose of medication that your Dr prescribed to help with the pain.
I will see what I can find out for you and be back in a bit okay:)