My legs are killing me

[MartySews2]

Kathy, am so glad that you are getting some answers & can get short term disability thru the FMLA. Sending (((HUGS))) & prayers for relief soon.
Marty

[bridesmom]

Finally some answers! Let's hope you can get into a surgeon and get this done with! No wonder you were in pain woman!!!!!

[LeapFrog Libby]

Glad you got some answers, even though they aren't the best news... Hope you are soon on the road to feeling better with whatever treatment is best for YOU.. Prayers and hugs coming your way..

[sewhappyrtr]

Not sure yet who I will see, have to check with ins. to make sure they are in-network. I called my boss who told me to come in today for FMLA papers and short term disability claim papers so I'll do that this afternoon.

Kathy

Yea for FMLA!!! HOpe you get some great help soon for your leg/back problems!!!

[kjh9835]

Update:

Good news, finally got to see the neurosurgeon today after a re-schedule last week.

Bad news, It's degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis damage that can't be undone and while I do have disc protrusions, they do not warrant surgery as the underlying issue is the degeneration. I told him about the memory/concentration issues I was having with the Lyrica so it was stopped about 10 days ago and now I can think right but the pain is back and worsens as the day goes on. He said I maybe needed to see a neurologist or return to the pain clinic (that appt. is next week, also rescheduled from this week) so I'm going to see the pain dr. first, explain everything from the last 2 months to the nurse practioner and go from there.

IMO, If the only thing they can do is manage the pain/symptoms, they need to do it so it doesn't affect my memory/thinking/mood and I can go back to work. If that's not possible, I'll need to find a new job that is not physically demanding and see if I can do it or apply for disability.

Kathy

[lendube]

Isn't it good to be one step (so to speak ) closer to a solution? Hope you're really on the right track now.

[bridesmom]

There's got to be better meds to control the pain Kathy. Something that doesn't make you looloo. And if it were me, I'd be looking at long term disability rather than trying to work, YOU are way more important than any job. And if you can do it financially without you working, then do your body a favor! It's the only one you've got! NO job is more important than your health!!!!

[sewingmom]

Kathy, Is there any chance your education could translate into a desk job like the nurses that review the patient records in the hospital and decide if the patient qualifies for further hospital days or must go home. I forget what that job position is called. It would at least keep you from being on your feet all the time and would all so stop your pulling and tugging on patients. I pray for you. Having my own set of repetitive strain injuries and arthritis, including foot pain/neuropathy, I can relate to your problems. Working with the sick and infirmed is very taxing. I pray that you will find a solution that will leave you able to enjoy your life inspite of your infirmaties. I wonder if a spa would give you some relief. A good hot soak with massaging jets really at least relieves the muscle fatigue.

[susandf]

Sorry to hear about your journey. It must be discouraging.

I know it does not lessen the pain, but you are not alone - and there are other options.

From this thread it appears you have explored a number of "Western Medicine" options, including pain medication and spinal blocks. Just a suggestion, but my DD (only 27 - joint pain, swollen hands, unable to sleep, etc) followed much the same Western Med journey you did. Many doctors - many tests. In the end, the diagnosis included terms like "degenerative" and "non-specific" and my favorite - "idiopathic". She was prescribed massive doses of steroids and pain killers - which provided only minor relief and like your experience, caused numerous less-than-pleasant side effects.

Her relief came from changing her diet to exclude gluten and "Night Shade vegetables" (a term I had never heard before). From what I understand, night shade vegetables include potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers which contain compounds that can trigger inflammation and pain.

She is now off all meds and feeling like she can handle any challenge.

With your disc issue, it may be important to maintain as much core muscle strength as possible (to provide support to the spinal column). Yet, it sounds like walking is quite painful. Is there a pool near you? Swimming and water aerobics are usually acceptable for those with back injuries because being in the water takes the weight off the discs.

You don't seem like one that will just give up - the level of effort required to see all those doctors and get the tests and imaging completed is testament to that! Use that "stick-to-it-tive-ness" to explore other options.

With your ability to get things done, you will find relief (even if it takes more than a few false starts and stops).

Good Luck on your relief journey. Know that we are all wishing the best for you.

[kjh9835]

Thanks susandf and all, guess I forgot the last update...

June 4th another nerve block of right piriformis for the nerve inflammation and burning. No relief. Not a bit. The Lyrica made me "high" so we stopped that and tried Cymbalta which I thought was great but it made me manic so I am now weaning off it. I've called the pain clinic three times since last with no return call. I asked for the dr to review my meds and see if there's anything else we can try and also asked who at the office deals with disability paperwork so I knew who to ask for if I had questions. They haven't called back which kinda makes me think they don't want to deal with disability paperwork but then again, they have ALOT of patients and I'm sure at least some of them are on or have filed for disability.

I've gathered about 80% of the information I need for disability and will file online and see what happens. I figure I'll get a denial at first and have to file an appeal but who knows after that.

I've looked for office/desk type jobs, there's none close enough with pay high enough that it would be worth my drive esp with gas cost and my Charger gets 20mpg. Thought about trading it in but not sure yet what we'll do since it was wrecked and the value has decreased even though it has been repaired. I could have gotten diminished value of maybe $2K from the other ins company but the claim maxed out and my ins had to finish paying for the repairs. I was told they do not pay diminised value for their own customers so I'm probably up a creek for that.

Mom told me that soc. sec. cannot force me to take a job for less than I was making. I don't know if that is true or not but long term care workers are usually paid higher than office/hospital workers and I have 20 yrs. experience. I could afford to work for a bit less but not if I'm driving a long distance. I cannot do long term care anymore. Right now, I can't do anything as my memory is shot. I have to keep a notebook on my desk and write everything down.

As far as health ins, we can all be added to Joe's plan the day I lose mine but not before. It's costly but we cannot do without.

Kathy