This is my first post but I need to know I'm not alone. I suffered a spinal cord injury in 2012 and had a fusion and that is when this began. I've been to doctors, specialist, neurophysiologist etc. My shoulders, arms, lower back and knees are extremely painful. I can't walk far without back pain or sit for long periods of time. Nights are brutal. I cannot lay in one of so toss and turn all night. I am on muscle relaxers neurotin anti depressants. My family doctor and pain specialist are very supportive. I cannot enjoy my grandchildren because I can't walk far. I went from a very young 55 year old to a very old 60 year old. Any advice would help.
I am gonna sound like a scratched record, before you try ANY of these suggestions talk to your MD 1st.
Have you tried consuming foods that lessen inflammation? I make my own fresh ginger decaf green tea. Durring the summer I make a gallon & put it in the fridge, during the winter I make it during the day by the coffee pot full. Another food I have found is celery but celery tea is untastey so I either have to add home made chicken soup or add tomato jce.
I take Magnesium, Calcium, D & C. I also get a B12 shot every month.
Has your MD's 'scripted for you one of those AAARRRGH, I cannot think of the name so I will describe it: It is black it is a walker & a sitter with a basket, there are two versions one is a 3 wheeled & the other is a 4 wheeled. Go to the Pharmacist with the 'script.
I bought a 4" memory foam top to place on the mattress. The cost was $100 & that was 2yrs ago. I will have to get a new one in Jan. It made a HUGE difference!!!
M
I'm not sure what those are called either but that is actually the route I've been thinking of going. I don't drink tea so not sure if I could get used to it. What is the b12 shot for? Thank you for the suggestion on the memory foam. I've been considering that but didn't know if it would be of benefit. Nice to know it would be worth the investment. At the present I applied for ss disability and it will be 2 years next month with no decision or hearing set. This has added a lot of stress. I've had an attorney from the beginning of the process.
The Neurologist told me that even though my B12 is "Within the Normal Parameters", she believed that I needed extra. For me it gets rid of the feeling that I have ants crawling all over my skin.
Check out the SSD section where Luna01 (me) told a true story of one of my relatives.
There is a lady on here who's husband is the same way with tea & she said that he drinks 1 cup of ginger tea in the morning & 1 at night. If you like spicy foods, you could maybe grate the ginger (it is spicy) into them.
I also have been thinking that I need one of those walker/sitter with a basket apparatus, probably the 4 wheeled one, it looks safer.
M
Jacob,
I can relate to the feeling of loss, the frustration, and the anger.
I'm beginning to think that 2012 is the year that shouldn't have happened. That is the year that my life took a noise dive also. I'm not going to go into what happened, but for the most part I'm in a wheelchair.
I tire out quickly also but I have found a lot of ways to enjoy my grandchildren. They have learned that I have limitations and are quick to make allowances for them, a lot quicker than adults. Even my one year old grandson figured out how he could play with grandma and have fun. Look for what you can do and go for it. Live for the plusses.
The walker is called a rollator walker. I started taking turmeric a week ago and my legs today feel better. It’s in the vitamin section at any pharmacy and it’s a capsule. I’m to the point I will try most anything to get some relief. Good luck to you.
Hi Jacob and welcome. It's nice to see you here although I am sorry it has to be over fibro!
I don't know why but fibro seems to present once someone has injured their back or has problems with the discs.
Getting a giid night's sleep is essential to you feeling some better. Maybe you could ask your doctor if a higher doseage of the muscle relaxant might help.
Also, many of us are very low on Vitamin D3 so it would be good to find out if you are too. Also, anemia can make you verrrrrrry tired. If your doctor hasn't run a blood panel on you, it might be a good idea to have it done to answer those questions and to also check for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and inflamation. Also, do you have psoriosis? If so, then you could possibly have psoriatic arthritis, which can be very painful. And if you had loose limbs, that can lead to Ehler Danlos, whch can also cause a lot if pain. Oh, and one more possibility: lyme disease. If you live in deer country, it is extremely easy to get bit by one of their ticks and not even know it! Again, pain, etc. can be a problem from it. That can also be tested on.a blood panel.
I think the thing you may get is called a rollator or rolling walker. I have them too. You can look on eBay for good deals on them. Also, you can get a mobility scooter. They have a battery powered engine so you can go places without tiring out. I got one that comes apart and can be packed into the car. Then you just charge the battery and you are good to go! The only problem with mine is it's too heave to lift the pieces and put them together! If you want one, check on Craigslist in your area. I found one that was a great deal. About $300 for the scooter, two chargers and a trailer. But I have no hitch! I guess I need to get hitched to get going!
Little kids love you no matter what. I had a relative who had a face full of unsightly tumors. She was the kindest person to us kids and we loved her for it. Never snubbed her. Kids do make allowances. Just you being there with them means the world to them.
doggie said:
Jacob,
I can relate to the feeling of loss, the frustration, and the anger.
I'm beginning to think that 2012 is the year that shouldn't have happened. That is the year that my life took a noise dive also. I'm not going to go into what happened, but for the most part I'm in a wheelchair.
I tire out quickly also but I have found a lot of ways to enjoy my grandchildren. They have learned that I have limitations and are quick to make allowances for them, a lot quicker than adults. Even my one year old grandson figured out how he could play with grandma and have fun. Look for what you can do and go for it. Live for the plusses.
Petunia Girl Thank you so much for the info! I do have psoriasis and not one Dr has ever suggested arthritis. When I had my spinal cord injury I had to have a disc replaced as well as a neck fusion. Just this week had to have a biopsy for skin cancer. I know my vitamin D was low but the insurance seems to control how often I can have blood work. It just feels like one thing after another. Again thank you for the info.