Morgan BellThis pain is like . . . wow
July 5th 2009 19:31
I am now entering into my seventh consecutive day of excruciating back pain.
I was in a car accident about five years ago, and two discs in my lower back are ruptured.
Dessicated. Torn. Bulging into the nerves in my spine.
I go through ebbs and flows with the pain. It is usually quite particular to sitting, so I take breaks and shift position frequently. It is usually quite manageable.
But this has been a bad week. A very bad week. One of the worst weeks on record for my lumbar pain pattern. The forecast is looking gloomy, and if the pain bureau were collecting data they would declare this an all-time low.
I dont know what I did to exacerbate it. It could have been the twisting, bending, lifting combination of bringing groceries in from the car. It could have been sitting or sleeping awkwardly. Or perhaps rushing around in the morning, not warming up enough before sitting in the car.
I just dont know. I wish I did. I would remember to never do it again.
This pain radiates and refers, it spreads through my hips and legs and groin. Its like someone turned the gravity up, my legs are heavy and I am too weak to lift them. I hobble with aching baby steps to the bathroom and back, completely exhausted from the small task.
I cant sit down at all. I cant stand. I cant walk. I cant lie on my side. If I lie on my back I get stuck like a turtle flipped over rocking in its shell, pawing at the air.
I can lie on my stomach. Face down. Propped up on my elbows with my fingers extended to the keyboard.
My parents are in town, but I cant go see them. I cant drive. I cant get out of bed.
Im a pretty patient person, I can wait things out, but this is starting to grate. Its not just the pain, its the lack of mobility, the lack of independence. Two of my favourite things to do are driving and visiting people. I can do neither right now. Id love to have a glass of wine. Id love to eat a meal at the dining table.
This queen-sized bed my prison!
I was in a car accident about five years ago, and two discs in my lower back are ruptured.
Dessicated. Torn. Bulging into the nerves in my spine.
I go through ebbs and flows with the pain. It is usually quite particular to sitting, so I take breaks and shift position frequently. It is usually quite manageable.
But this has been a bad week. A very bad week. One of the worst weeks on record for my lumbar pain pattern. The forecast is looking gloomy, and if the pain bureau were collecting data they would declare this an all-time low.
I dont know what I did to exacerbate it. It could have been the twisting, bending, lifting combination of bringing groceries in from the car. It could have been sitting or sleeping awkwardly. Or perhaps rushing around in the morning, not warming up enough before sitting in the car.
I just dont know. I wish I did. I would remember to never do it again.
This pain radiates and refers, it spreads through my hips and legs and groin. Its like someone turned the gravity up, my legs are heavy and I am too weak to lift them. I hobble with aching baby steps to the bathroom and back, completely exhausted from the small task.
I cant sit down at all. I cant stand. I cant walk. I cant lie on my side. If I lie on my back I get stuck like a turtle flipped over rocking in its shell, pawing at the air.
I can lie on my stomach. Face down. Propped up on my elbows with my fingers extended to the keyboard.
My parents are in town, but I cant go see them. I cant drive. I cant get out of bed.
Im a pretty patient person, I can wait things out, but this is starting to grate. Its not just the pain, its the lack of mobility, the lack of independence. Two of my favourite things to do are driving and visiting people. I can do neither right now. Id love to have a glass of wine. Id love to eat a meal at the dining table.
Well, they are gone, and here must I remain,
This lime-tree bower my prison ! I have lost
Beauties and feelings, such as would have been
This lime-tree bower my prison ! I have lost
Beauties and feelings, such as would have been
This queen-sized bed my prison!
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Comment by Deanna B
I don't think it much matters how few or many injured discs one has...when activity re-pinches that nerve or nerves the pain is excrutiating! True mobility is days or weeks away.
Thank God for computers,eh? When I am laid up I still have the whole world at my fingertips. I can travel the globe via live streaming webcams (surfcams are my favorites)or go to the zoo or communicate with people who are countries away from mine!
However today I am not in too much pain and I have strawberries to put up and jam to make. I've delayed the inevitable long enough,playing on the computer!Tomorrow will be a different story. I suppose I ought not be negative...but I have raspberries to pick tomorrow and I am always in rough shape after that!
Ahhh.Fresh fruit season in B.C. Ya gotta love/hate it!
Take care Morgan and rest up...I'll check in on you later!
Comment by Morgan Bell
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haha you win!
if i concede the competition will the pain go away?
wishful thinking . . .
the web is brilliant for the bed-ridden, ive been really enjoying my BlogTV and my Facebooks quizzes, and even the old fashioned email . . . no wonder im a google-maniac, its a great way to keep your mind occupied when your body fails you, ive been researching lots of things
thanks for the comment
Comment by Jason King
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I would love to spend a week in bed, but would like to do it by choice not because there is no other choice.
Hope you get better!!
Time to do some reading!
Get that flat mate to make some breakfast in bed and foot massages
Comment by Morgan Bell
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haha i bet your idea of a week in bed is more like "a week in bed with Zac Effron"
i wonder if James McAvoy would let me stay in his bed? im sure it would be his wildest fantasy to play nursemaid to some crippled Australian chick . . . ill just lie here like a lump and watch you rehearse your lines James . . . exciting lol
thanks for the well wishes, i hope your neck gets better too, i would not wish this fate on my worst enemy!
Comment by Jason King
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Get better - Drs Orders!!
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Comment by Natalina
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How awful! My husband suffers from excruciating back pain due to an injury he sustained in the Army. There are days (most days, actually) where he is literally unable to move without wincing in pain. I've actually been able to see the muscles twitching under his skin when it goes into a really bad spasm.
I hope you start to feel better soon!
Comment by Morgan Bell
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overseas well wishes are double strength!
thanks for the good vibes!
sorry to hear about your husbands back pain, i think i have seen you mention that before, he has all my sympathy
back injuries are the most debilitating and demoralising things, im sure your partner is grateful for the love and support when the pain strikes worst
Comment by sam sall
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it seems acute pain and at rest also, IF IT is NOT controlled well with your prescribed medicine from before ....call your doc
ANY WAY if applicable try sleeping with a pillow between the knees while lying on one side that may increase comfort or lie on your back with a pillow under your knees. . but do it gently carefully do not injure your self . Bed rest is associated with a longer recovery period especially in the first 48 hours . BUT STILL YOU CAN get up and get moving to the extent you can.
About prevention of back pain is, somewhat controversial.It has long been thought that exercise and an all-around healthy lifestyle would prevent back pain. This is not necessarily true , so do not worry ,it is not your fault that pain comes back over and over... it just the way back pain is ....
Get well soon Morgan... our prayers with you
Comment by Chris Champion
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You have me wincing in sympathy.
I'm lucky enough not to have any back problems, but recently I damaged a lower spine disc (right about the red spot in your picture) while lifting a toilet seat. Don't laugh. For this I blame all women.
Unlike you, however, I got back to normal with a few exercises and a week's rest.
Here's wishing for a miracle cure for all back pain sufferers.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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thanks so much for all the great advice, i try using my heat-pack and going for little so walks as long as i can tolerate (not long), and ive got a doctors appointment this afternoon, hopefully i can get a referral to physio and/or rehab
its funny how even after all this time i still try to identify reasons for flare-ups, eventually i will just have to accept thats the nature of chronic pain and permanent spinal injury
i really appreciate your informative comment
Comment by Morgan Bell
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wincing, what a great descriptive word for my situation!
haha (oops sorry i laughed
Comment by Someone
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Or one that automatically goes down after a couple of minutes.
I used to work lifting heavy bags of fruit and veggies... threw my back out a couple of times, both times just lifting light things (like a bag of cucumbers) in awkward positions. Doesn't compare to you, but still couldn't work for days and days. You have my deepest sympathy
Comment by Morgan Bell
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thanks luv
dont worry about all the meanies picking on you, im sure anyone with a brain can see you are a genuinely thoughtful person who contributes constructive comments to the network
i think in humans our lower backs are relatively weak because, relatively speaking, we have only recently evolved into the "erectus" position . . . lets hope a few generations down the track we naturally select some core strength so we can lift objects and stand upright at the same time without hurting ourselves
Comment by Someone
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A few years ago I went to a chiropractor with my dad, who has a pretty bad back. Before he could get a'crackin, he made me get an x-ray of my back so he could see what he was working with.
Anyways, came back with the X-ray and he was looking at it and our conversation went a little like this:
Him: "How old are you?"
Me: "18"
Him: "I see... well, you're too young to have a degenerative spinal disease.... but that's what this x-ray looks like"
Me: "Cool beans".
And I was wondering why my back was always sore after playing footy....
And I am a bit of a meanie myself, don'tcha worry 'bout me mon.
Comment by Norm
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There's probably little comfort in that for you.
Hope you get some relief soon.
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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yeah for some reason all doctors think spinal degeneration is congenital, backs are one of those areas they know absolutely nothing about so they like pulling out the statistic "80% of people suffer lower back pain" to excuse themselves like its a common cold
i want a new spine grown from stem cells
Comment by Morgan Bell
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i just went and got a drug cocktail from my GP, its a shot of oxycodone, two shots of diazepam, and a mobic chaser . . . ill be sleeping with Prince Valium tonight
apparently theres some ludicrous month long wait for a nurse to refer me to physio, ill just abuse my liver in the meantime . . . i could abuse you a bit too if you would like
Comment by Morgan Bell
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i think you have suggested that before, thats the 40 degree heat yoga right?
imagine how frizzy my hair would get . . .
i think i am going to get back into some kind of gym and aquatics routine to build up a bit or core strength . . . im taking all suggestions into consideration at this point, thanks for reminding me of that one
Comment by Cheryl J
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Except you sleep with Prince Valium and I sleep with Sir Stilnox, *sigh* I wish they were as exciting as they sound.
I really do feel for you. I know you're in agony and I know our pain is different but I think I know where you're at. There is nothing worse than not being able to find ANY position where you aren't in agony. I hope you get well really soon.
PS: The pillow between the legs really does help a little, it's a good suggestion.
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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between my last comment and this one i had a little "cocktail" induced nap and woken up feeling notably more flexible
well we dont want to date the same relaxing guy now do we? i would hate for one of us to have to call Cheaters lol
after 7 days face-planting my doona in agony, a brief moment of comfort is more exciting than it sounds!
thanks for the sympathy and well wishes, i know you know where im coming from with this one, its great to have someone to relate to
Comment by Morgan Bell
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mines a bit higher than the tailbone, its mid-lumber (L3-5), but that sure is a scary story about your friend!
my doctor asked me if i wanted to try "selective nerve blocks", which are injections in and around the spine . . . that one made me immediately think of the risk of paralysis, its probably quite low but spines are delicate things
Comment by Dianna G
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I get my own back pains here and there (my spine is slightly curved) but nothing as extreme as that. I feel for you, big time. Would send a hug but I dunno if that would hurt or not.
Do you at least have a comfortable bed? Not being able to go outside and do stuff sucks, but if your bed is comfortable that does make it a lot easier.
Hope the pain gets better soon... I think you might want to go to a doctor though-my dad had back problems and they got like that and he went to the hospital... and figured out he had cancer. A good thing to know.
~Dianna
Comment by Morgan Bell
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thanks for the virtual hugs!
in the last few years i have regularly been scanned by MRI and CT and all it ever shows is the two protruding disks . . . because the pain refers to the front of my hips and groin doctors have always been fond of scanning the pelvic area to rule out the female cancers (eg: cervical, ovarian, endometrial) but it seems all this pain really is attributed to injury from impact
i have a very comfy bed, the one saving grace of the situation, which is super soft, like sleeping on a cloud
Comment by Dianna G
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Good to know. I hope you feel better soon. And yay cloud beds.
~Dianna
Comment by Morgan Bell
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thanks for being so nice
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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i) to apply ice packs to the area (make sure they're wrapped in something to avoid any burning) - this will at least assist in quelling any inflamation - and look to an anti-inflammatory (I could site a few over the counter brands - but that may not be particularly responsible).
That at least should put you in a position to move with a little more comfort.
Whatever you do - don't - I repeat don't (no matter how good it feels) apply heat to the area - it will only inflame and engorge the area -
Facet blocks also work wonders (short term) if you're open to steroid treatment to relieve the pain.
Other than that - chocolate and a whole lot of sympathy from us all is probably the best we can offer without having an M.D after our names.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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chocolate!
when i saw my GP he did recommend the cortisone injections to the facet joints (ie "selective nerve blocks") but i thought it sounded a bit risky . . . do you know anyone who has had it done?
i was trying to get by on ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen) as an anti-inflammatory from over the counter, but i ended up getting a script for Mobic which has been far more effective
i did not realise the heat was bad, they always used to apply heat at the physio . . . maybe i should try the ice-pack instead next time?
the best guaranteed relief (for me) is always a couple of Valium . . . it relieves the cramping and stiffness in muscles, i swear they contract into tight knots when the nerves start misfiring
thanks for all the great advice and sympathy
Comment by Deanna B
I agree with MNG...don't use heat...been there done that.It is a very bad idea. Go with the chocolate,though. Chocolate is great therapy! Eaten ofcourse...not rubbed on the spine! 8)
My pain also refers to the front of my hips and groin as well.Finally an Xray taken in the correct position showed that with my lowest discs prolapsed...my pelvis was pushing on nerves that irritated those areas.It's a longer story than that but this is about your pain and discomfort.
Suffice it to say your Doctor knows best. It would be great if you could remember what you were doing when the pain flared up again...so you could find a way of doing it without ending up in agony.
Looking forward to your next post!
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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Heat is designed for blood flow only. The old sporting adage of RICE - Rest Ice Compression Elevation is a good rule to live by.
And yes - cortisone injections have been part and parcel of my sporting - ahem - life. Three in the last 12 months for shoulders and two in the facet joints. These have been done by a sports medico who I've known for in excess of 25 years and who also looks after the Waratahs, Sheffield Shield side and few high profile athletes.
These are usually administered (when backs are concerned) while the patient is conscious and requires someone other than your GP.
Cortisone is something you don't want to have too much of though - it kinda sits in your system - but should offer almost immediate relief so as the problem can be properly diagnosed and treated.
It is not a cure - but a means to a end.
Mobic will help - but if you're desperate you can get Voltarin 25 over the counter.
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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its official then, chocolate is the answer!
are you still blogging on Orble? you should write a post about the issues with your spine and send me the link, i would be interested to read about it
Comment by Morgan Bell
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i once took Prednisone (orally) for my sinuses (before i had my nose job) and felt a bit ill, i have always presumed steroids dont really agree with me . . . i know needles dont really agree with me . . . but i would give it due consideration if i saw no improvement
sports medicos really are the best, when a relation of mine had a disc-trimming spinal operation she went to the surgeon that many of the AFL clubs use in Melbourne . . . i guess when your physicality is your livelihood (ie: professional footballers) you will only trust the best
ive taken Voltaren Rapid 25 before and didnt find in did much in my case
thanks for sharing all your knowledge though
Comment by Morgan Bell
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thanks for the warning!
my dad semi-regularly gets the Cortisone injections in his big toe joint, i know it kills him to have it administered, but it gives him some relief afterwards
my main concern is that the spine is so much more delicate and complex, so much greater potential for error
ill try the chocolate first . . . haha
Comment by Samantha Elley
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I know you don't believe but if you don't mind, I'm happy to say a few words of prayer for your back. I'm a big believer in the power of prayer esp. for backpain.
I know what it's like to have excruciating back moments.
Hope it feels better soon,
Sam
Comment by Morgan Bell
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i dont believe it will do anything but i dont mind you doing it
im sorry to hear that you have had excruciated back pain too, it really is quite demoralising, i can only hope that with some research some brilliant scientist will figure our a way to replace or repair faulty discs
thanks for the well wishes, it is appreciated
Comment by Janet Collins
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Hope it heels quickly!
Comment by Morgan Bell
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note to self: do not attempt horse-riding
actually i have a friend who breaks and trains horses for a living, he is a guide on horse-rides, he told me to never ever ride a horse with my back . . . too much jolting, too high impact
you know i feel a bit better with this new slew of medications . . . or maybe its all the good vibes from my friends on Orble
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I have exactly the same symtoms you describe, the pain in the grion and hipa and it radiates down my legs (in fact I have a bad limp when it happens). I don't know if there is anything to relieve it apart from massive amounts of drugs. I have been to so many docotors that like you I tend to wait it out. You have my sympathy and I hope it eases soon.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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im so sorry you have had to experience this kind is pain too . . . seems (unfortunately) way too common
when i get a limp i feel like Keyser Soze in The Usual Suspects (i hope that movie reference isnt too random)
thanks for the nice words
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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on any normal day it only hurts to sit
the past week or so it hurts whenever i do anything other than lie face-down . . . sitting, standing, lying on my back or side, all agonising
its not hot to touch, the Valium has helped, and i see a physio next week
thanks for all the helpful advice