I went to the Chiropractor yesterday for my X-ray results. He found calcification in my hip, small shards of bone fragments near the calcification and limited space between the low portion of my spinal vertebrae in one specific area. He diagnosed the pain as coming from that specific area. I am really bummed out. I have been in a lot of pain for the last week and I'm reaching the end of my pain tolerance rope. I go to sleep and wake up in pain, I walk I'm in pain, I sit I'm in pain. I can't find a comfortable position. My Chiropractor stated he would like me to start a low impact exercise regimen of stretching and light activity to keep range of motion. The last thing I want to do right now is exercise. I tried to exercise last night with stretches and light cardio and after 2 songs I was hurting worse. Is the pain ever going to end? I've been icing the area to bring down inflammation and hot baths seem to distract the pain for a while. I don't know how I'm supposed to go to work and function with this pain? All I can focus on is the PAIN. The problem is, I don't see a solution to this situation. It is the natural progression of the AS. Long-term use of pain medication is not a solution to me, it is a band-aid; And with the Fibro on top of all the other pain *sigh*.
Ginger root can be applied externally, grate the root, place it into the middle of a wash cloth, slightly wet the wash cloth & place onto the area. (you can also put it into your bath water), It reduces inflammation.
Comfrey cream is very effective at treating swelling, tenderness & pain. (when I grabbed my "Power Plants" book it opened on the Comfrey) My Guardian Angel knew what your GA wanted from me. M
Sara, did the chiro mention where he thinks the shards of bone came from? You know they found shards of bone where my disc blew out & I had the surgery. For myself, I wouldn’t want a chiro messing with my back if I were still in the pain & condition that you are in. I think you would be best served to see an orthopaedic doctor at this point. I pretty well know the pain you are experiencing-it was worse pain than what I had when my son was born! Of course, you could have spinal lumbar stenosis with the narrowing of the canal that you mentioned–do you also suffer from DDD and/or osteoarthritis in your spine? My thoughts & prayers are certainly with you as you try to get a proper diagnosis & relief from that excruciating pain.
HUGS from Deb
Luna-I just ordered some Comfrey Cream online, hopefully it helps. It will arrive in a few days.
Starr-AS is Ankylosing Spondalylitis Arthritis. It primarily affects the hips and spine.
Deb-I'm going to ask my PCP for a referral to an Ortho doctor. Thank you for that suggestion.
I have to go to work tomorrow. I already missed half a day on Thursday and all day Friday. It isn't an option not to go to work tomorrow. I guess I'm going to have to work through the pain. The medical expenses are piling up and it feels like they are never ending. I already have a set budget for medical expenses per month and it seems like I exceed that every, single month. New problems, issues, medications, new doctors visits with copays, medical testing *sigh*. I'm worried about the X-ray results and the thought keeps going through my head, what if it gets worse? It will, that is the progression of this diagnosis. What will life be like for me in 5-10 years? I have no answers to those questions right now.
My surgery was for spondylolisthesis. I had L4 to L5 and L5 to S1 fused due to nerves being pinched. I think my condition is not similar to yours. Sounds like your arthritis could be in a really bad state. I agree you need to see an Orthapedic Back Specialist. Try to get an emergency appointment. My back doctor has special appointments for emergencies.
Sara,
You really do need to see an Orthopedic doctor. Take your X-rays with you. That doctor may want to send you for CT scan or MRI to get better pictures. I wouldn’t exercise until you see the Orthopedic doctor either. You should never try to exercise when you are in severe pain. That’s your body telling you that something is wrong. That’s not your average FM pain. Good luck, hope you get some relief.