![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sometimesblue on December 5, 2008, at 10:59:21
I have been taking Soma for about 3 years now for chronic back pain. It's pretty much starting to poop out on me...is there anything else I can suggest to my doc? I have a physical coming up in Jan. so I'd like to discuss it with him.
any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!
thanks,
SB
Posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2008, at 12:34:22
In reply to What's after SOMA????, posted by sometimesblue on December 5, 2008, at 10:59:21
Is it just not to trivialize it just from say arthritis or discs? I guess Soma is like benzos and other meds in that doesn't work forever. Cymbalta works for pain did for me. Not for anxiety unfortunatatly. Diagnosis? Love Phillipa
Posted by sometimesblue on December 5, 2008, at 12:38:36
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA???? » sometimesblue, posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2008, at 12:34:22
> Is it just not to trivialize it just from say arthritis or discs? I guess Soma is like benzos and other meds in that doesn't work forever. Diagnosis? Love Phillipa
It's for aherniated disks. I don't think Soma is a Benzo...I could be wrong though.
Posted by azalea on December 5, 2008, at 13:26:21
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA????, posted by sometimesblue on December 5, 2008, at 12:38:36
Soma (carisoprodol) is not a benzodiazepine.
Another muscle relaxant you could try is Flexiril (cyclobenzaprine).Are you taking other meds besides Soma?
> > Is it just not to trivialize it just from say arthritis or discs? I guess Soma is like benzos and other meds in that doesn't work forever. Diagnosis? Love Phillipa
>
> It's for aherniated disks. I don't think Soma is a Benzo...I could be wrong though.
>
>
Posted by sometimesblue on December 5, 2008, at 13:31:19
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA???? » sometimesblue, posted by azalea on December 5, 2008, at 13:26:21
> Soma (carisoprodol) is not a benzodiazepine.
> Another muscle relaxant you could try is Flexiril (cyclobenzaprine).
>
> Are you taking other meds besides Soma?Yes. Wellbutrin and Ritalin. Does the Flexiril make you feel floopy?
Posted by Sigismund on December 5, 2008, at 14:32:31
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA???? » sometimesblue, posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2008, at 12:34:22
My experience has been that nothing much helps with herniated discs, except finding a way to restack your vertebrae so that the disc does not press on the nerve, which is not easy.
Pilates and Feldenkrais have both been helpful, but only over time.
Natural anti-inflammatories (such as boswellia) might be useful.
Posted by sometimesblue on December 5, 2008, at 14:38:28
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA????, posted by Sigismund on December 5, 2008, at 14:32:31
I have to agree with that because when i used to go to the gym and do yoga regularly my back didn't hurt me...it was only after my first pregnancy tht I got lazy and it came back in full force. My orthopedic doc said i need physical therapy 2-3 per wk (which is expensive since my ins doesn't cover it) and I'm already numb in my right toe so there is some nerve damage...but while I know pills are merely a bandage to this whole thing i need something to help with the pain.
> My experience has been that nothing much helps with herniated discs, except finding a way to restack your vertebrae so that the disc does not press on the nerve, which is not easy.
>
> Pilates and Feldenkrais have both been helpful, but only over time.
>
> Natural anti-inflammatories (such as boswellia) might be useful.
Posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2008, at 19:41:26
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA????, posted by sometimesblue on December 5, 2008, at 14:38:28
I've had herniated dics but just pain down leg they resoved on their own. They never gave me pain meds. Does your doc know about the numbness that's not good. In my opinion. Phillipa
Posted by cactus on December 5, 2008, at 20:34:56
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA????, posted by sometimesblue on December 5, 2008, at 14:38:28
Med wise Baclofen might be worth a try, but if your doc doesn't know any good relief exercises then maybe an osteopath might be a good option for some simple core strengthening exercises, I find it way more helpful than physiotherapy.
Posted by yxibow on December 5, 2008, at 21:17:32
In reply to What's after SOMA????, posted by sometimesblue on December 5, 2008, at 10:59:21
> I have been taking Soma for about 3 years now for chronic back pain. It's pretty much starting to poop out on me...is there anything else I can suggest to my doc? I have a physical coming up in Jan. so I'd like to discuss it with him.
>
> any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!
>
> thanks,
> SBI wish I could take it at one point because it vanished one of my dystonic disorders I have but, yes, it is powerful, it is one step away from Miltown, an old anxiolytic (not related) from the days of Quaaludes and the like in hopes they were better than barbiturates.
Getting off the Soma is something that may probably bring back your chronic pain more temporarily and should be done safely and properly -- it is habituating and is now labeled C-III and C-IV in a number of states. (States can exceed FDA scheduling and have labeled substances C-IV and C-V recently.)But it's a necessary thing because as you say, it is becoming less effective.
You may be able to ease off of it with its lighter chemical cousin methocarbamol (Robaxin) because of its relation.
I still take Robaxin, I can't say it has worked as well as I like it and I have some wierd rare side effect of heat connected with any serotonergic agent I take just for a brief period, but that's just my experience -- it probably will not be yours, it does have vague side effect lists in the PDR. It and Soma, after all, are older agents and were never tested against much of anything.
Yes, Flexeril is an option -- if you can stand tricyclics, I found it a bit odd but then again also my own experience.
Some of the dystonic back reaction is from a withdrawal from Tranxene 10 years ago -- and anxiety I think increases it.
I think at one point when things weren't as strong, even by accident Benadryl relaxed it, which probably is why Atarax relaxes people, and in fact orphenadrine (Norflex) is similarly related, another possibility but almost an opiate like agent to some.
Finally, there is Skelaxin, which is also known to be pretty strong, so due caution there.
There is always the one remaining COX-2 inhibitor on the market, Celebrex. It wont relax the back but it may cover the pain -- its supposedly more targeted than Ibuprofen.The whole COX-2 thing was a rather overblown situation akin to labeling every antidepressant a suicidal possibility, but obviously caution is warranted with everything.
Baclofen as was suggested, can cause seizures actually so probably something to consider carefully.
Basically, a lot of muscle relaxants may end up becoming less useful over time but it may take quite a while, just as it is theoretically possible that ibuprofen may become less useful. Benzodiazepines have antispasmotic/muscle relaxant properties as one of their four subtargets but they would probably become as habituating as Soma eventually.
One may have to switch among agents over time, but that's just an armchair opinion, it may not actually be true for you.
So I would discuss some of these things with your doctor -- if you have an anxiety disorder, some things may return when you discontinue Soma, on the other hand it is not a good idea to mix benzodiazepines together with it-- thats why I never got to try it.
-- tidings
Jay
Posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2008, at 19:30:33
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA???? » sometimesblue, posted by yxibow on December 5, 2008, at 21:17:32
Jay when first got the panic attacks so long ago was on Miltown and valium. When felt good about a year later just stopped it and no withdrawal. That pdoc was shocked that no reaction. I just didn't and I was only about 25 then knew nothing about meds. Wonder why just stopped it and was fine? That's wierd but then so are my med responses. Love Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on December 6, 2008, at 19:47:22
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA???? » yxibow, posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2008, at 19:30:33
> Jay when first got the panic attacks so long ago was on Miltown and valium. When felt good about a year later just stopped it and no withdrawal. That pdoc was shocked that no reaction. I just didn't and I was only about 25 then knew nothing about meds. Wonder why just stopped it and was fine? That's wierd but then so are my med responses. Love Phillipa
Yes, you may have unique responses to medication as do I. Not many people would prescribe Miltown (if it is even available) and Valium together, nor Soma and Valium together, those are major CNS depressant combinations and can be dangerous in the wrong amounts.
Posted by yxibow on December 6, 2008, at 20:04:17
In reply to What's after SOMA????, posted by sometimesblue on December 5, 2008, at 10:59:21
> I have been taking Soma for about 3 years now for chronic back pain. It's pretty much starting to poop out on me...is there anything else I can suggest to my doc? I have a physical coming up in Jan. so I'd like to discuss it with him.
>
> any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!
>
> thanks,
> SB
I forgot to ask/add, have you ever been in or referred to physical therapy? I know that severe pain may restrict what you can do but sometimes non-medication answers like stretches and massage therapy are just as productive.
I'm not particularly for the alternative, but some people get response from acupressure, I am a bit squeamish about the idea of acupuncture but some people also get response.
One thing though that I forgot to add was that in physical therapy units they usually have large TENS/interference therapy units. These have electrodes that are placed around the major areas of pain.
I havent used it in a while but I do have a portable interference units which are also made for the patient to use at home.Basically it applies a varying frequency of low amounts of electrical current with pads that may be used in a crisscross or parallel (I think ?) fashion. The pads are pretty inexpensive and are good for a number of uses and then you get new ones.
Depending on your insurance, they may loan one, or you can buy one outright from a company, depending on cost.
It is a slightly tricky I guess to apply the pads completely acccurately to the back I guess for a single person if they don't have someone else do it but it is quite possible if the pads haven't been used too much. Usually you refresh the pads with water and store them.
There is actual theory behind TENS and other forms of stimulation (interference, russian stimulator, etc), though there is debate among the scientific community as to its effectiveness among different conditions.
Another form of therapy would be a massage device; not the cheap ones from drug stores, but the larger units from Brookstone and the like which have two vibrating bumps on the back; last I got one, they had a more inexpensive model.
-- tidings-- Jay
Posted by sometimesblue on December 6, 2008, at 20:48:14
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA???? » Phillipa, posted by yxibow on December 6, 2008, at 19:47:22
I have a unique response to med as well...a very high tolerance. weird because I'm 5 feet tall and average weight (ok...maybe a little above average...lol). But in any event, I was like this when I weighed 110 and still even now I have a high tolerance.
The only thing that I'm sensitive to is anxiety. Which sucks...but I just got a nw ins plan that I just found out kicked in this october, so i'm going to look into seeing a specialist. I'm just anal about having all my info before going into seeing a doc, ya know? I want to participate in my treatment rather than just filling prescriptions written by someone that only saw me for 15-20 minutes.
And I really wouldn't mind the therapy (even if only to just have some time to myself), but I literally have no time...work full time, kids (2 toddlers), school full time...I barely have time to take a shower, let alone go to physical therapy. A rock and a hard place!!!
> > Jay when first got the panic attacks so long ago was on Miltown and valium. When felt good about a year later just stopped it and no withdrawal. That pdoc was shocked that no reaction. I just didn't and I was only about 25 then knew nothing about meds. Wonder why just stopped it and was fine? That's wierd but then so are my med responses. Love Phillipa
>
> Yes, you may have unique responses to medication as do I. Not many people would prescribe Miltown (if it is even available) and Valium together, nor Soma and Valium together, those are major CNS depressant combinations and can be dangerous in the wrong amounts.
Posted by sometimesblue on December 6, 2008, at 20:56:12
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA --- non drug methods » sometimesblue, posted by yxibow on December 6, 2008, at 20:04:17
Yes, I was referred. And I went to 2 which was $50 each session...and I don't have that kind of money to spend 2-3 times a week. And maybe it's just me, but I felt worse after my sessions...could be because I was out of shape. My Orthopedic doc also wanted me to take some kind of test where they put needles in you to see where exactly the nerve damage is...I hate needles and do NOT want to even go there (I've heard that also really hurts, and my friend who had it done said she thinks it eff'd something up even worse). I do stretched regularly and massages are expensive. I just feel like once I'm done with school and have more time I can then do the therapy full-time...but till then, I have to help with the pain. And it doesn't always hurt badly, most of the time it's a twinge here and there...but at worst, my back locks up and I can't move. Or if I lay on my back I can't get up again.
> I forgot to ask/add, have you ever been in or referred to physical therapy? I know that severe pain may restrict what you can do but sometimes non-medication answers like stretches and massage therapy are just as productive.
>
>
> I'm not particularly for the alternative, but some people get response from acupressure, I am a bit squeamish about the idea of acupuncture but some people also get response.
>
>
> One thing though that I forgot to add was that in physical therapy units they usually have large TENS/interference therapy units. These have electrodes that are placed around the major areas of pain.
>
>
> I havent used it in a while but I do have a portable interference units which are also made for the patient to use at home.
>
> Basically it applies a varying frequency of low amounts of electrical current with pads that may be used in a crisscross or parallel (I think ?) fashion. The pads are pretty inexpensive and are good for a number of uses and then you get new ones.
>
> Depending on your insurance, they may loan one, or you can buy one outright from a company, depending on cost.
>
> It is a slightly tricky I guess to apply the pads completely acccurately to the back I guess for a single person if they don't have someone else do it but it is quite possible if the pads haven't been used too much. Usually you refresh the pads with water and store them.
>
>
> There is actual theory behind TENS and other forms of stimulation (interference, russian stimulator, etc), though there is debate among the scientific community as to its effectiveness among different conditions.
>
>
> Another form of therapy would be a massage device; not the cheap ones from drug stores, but the larger units from Brookstone and the like which have two vibrating bumps on the back; last I got one, they had a more inexpensive model.
>
>
> -- tidings
>
> -- Jay
>
Posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2008, at 21:32:33
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA --- non drug methods, posted by sometimesblue on December 6, 2008, at 20:56:12
Accupunction although myself can't afford it is supposed to up endorphins and a real in life person had it for her breast cancer the doc leaves rings in her ears or wherever the trigger spot for the problem is and it's supposed to be really good. Don't think it's time consuming. That you'd have to check into and price as well no idea what it costs. It's a good option though. When had my herniated disc the PT the doc sent me to made it worse as had me touch toes without bending knees no good. I'm sorry you're struggling so much now. Love Phillipa
Posted by cactus on December 6, 2008, at 21:48:46
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA --- non drug methods, posted by sometimesblue on December 6, 2008, at 20:56:12
I did my back this time last year, I was already on clonazepam and was given baclofen and panadeine forte 500mg paracetamol/30mg codeine and I was fine. A little spaced out but I was still in agony.
I had a couple of acupuncture sessions which helped then I got onto an myotherapist which finally ended my month of agony. My point being is that you can get extra exercises to do while you are sitting in the car, at your desk, at the dinner table or watching tv if you have the time. So you don't have to keep going back to pay out $50 for each visit. These little tips I received helped me so much. I know it's not the same predicament that you're in at the moment but I found a combo of east meets west worked really well for me.
I really like the fact that most osteopaths and myotherapists like to try and help you within 2-6 visits and don't want to see you again, compared to physio's and chiro's who want you coming back 2-3 times a week for how ever long. Don't get me wrong, if I sprained my ankle I would go straight to a physiotherapist, but for my back I would choose a myotherapist or osteotherapist 1st. My back isn't great from the work I do, so I have tried heaps of different therapies. I learnt after a while that I gain no relief for my back from physio or chiropractic work at all.
Check out this link, it gives you a very quick run down of what they do and how they work. Sorry it's an Aussie link but you'll catch my drift, I'm sure
http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/massage/Myotherapy
peace C and good luck!!!!!!
Posted by yxibow on December 7, 2008, at 3:43:25
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA???? » yxibow, posted by sometimesblue on December 6, 2008, at 20:48:14
> I have a unique response to med as well...a very high tolerance. weird because I'm 5 feet tall and average weight (ok...maybe a little above average...lol). But in any event, I was like this when I weighed 110 and still even now I have a high tolerance.
I have a high tolerance for some medications, I metabolize fast, but very unpredictably sensitive to APs and some other not often seen side effects to some medications. Hence, we've gotten more conservative about my treatment, not to mention that psychiatry is moving that way anyhow that more medication (than needed) isn't necessarily better.
> The only thing that I'm sensitive to is anxiety. Which sucks...but I just got a nw ins plan that I just found out kicked in this october, so i'm going to look into seeing a specialist. I'm just anal about having all my info before going into seeing a doc, ya know? I want to participate in my treatment rather than just filling prescriptions written by someone that only saw me for 15-20 minutes.Yes, unfortunately psychiatry through an HMO tends to be that way, I mean I experienced that before I needed the intensive treatment that I am in attempting to get back as much of my functionality at the moment.
But no matter how it is, I would completely agree that you should have all these ideas on the table and any more that you can think of, because having a relationship with a doctor should be at least somewhat of a bidirectional partnership.
>
> And I really wouldn't mind the therapy (even if only to just have some time to myself), but I literally have no time...work full time, kids (2 toddlers), school full time...I barely have time to take a shower, let alone go to physical therapy. A rock and a hard place!!!I understand, its a difficult situation -- and an untreated anxiety sensitivity can also make pain worse. There are links between pain and somatization though I'm definitely not saying your back troubles aren't really real and painful.
I guess it comes down to finding that last minute that you can spare, for yourself -- I'm not saying you have to be in intensive physical therapy, that's why I was saying that there are FDA approved home treatment devices as well as heavy duty massagers that might be of help, but your back pain may be of a different nature.
-- best wishes
Jay
Posted by JadeKelly on December 8, 2008, at 19:26:12
In reply to What's after SOMA????, posted by sometimesblue on December 5, 2008, at 10:59:21
Hi SB,
Car accident quite a while ago but sounds like meds are still in use. Damaged nerves and discs c6/c7, did 3 rounds of physical therapy. One visit chiro, 3 spinal blocks (ouch). Btw-let the insurance company know about numbness in foot. Thats not good. They should be covering this.
Physical therapy does help. I was referred to neuro when pain didn't leave. He prescribed Klonopin, which REALLY does work on nerve pain. 25 steroid shots were worthless.
For relax/pain, several people recommended Soma and baclofen but my Dr.(GP) wouldn't prescribe them. I didn't ask why. I was getting migraine type headaches. So for pain, Doc prescribed any of these depending what I wanted:
Ultram/Tramadol
Vicoprofen/Hydrocodone
Toradol-(non-narcotic but best pain relief. You can only use for few days at a time tho, tears up your stomach)Klonopin for nerve pain (works well for that)
I'd try Baclofen if Doc will prescribe.
I worked with someone at the Gym and my headaches went away. Just don't work anything where you are lifting your arms above your chest,
and don't bend your head backwards.You probably know most of this, but if I can prevent an ounce of pain....haha, good luck.
~Jade
Posted by sometimesblue on December 8, 2008, at 19:37:09
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA???? » sometimesblue, posted by JadeKelly on December 8, 2008, at 19:26:12
> I worked with someone at the Gym and my headaches went away. Just don't work anything where you are lifting your arms above your chest,
> and don't bend your head backwards.funny you mentioned my head..I can't lift my head up (like looking up at the sky, ya know?) and haven't been able to since the accident. I feel way too much pressure on my neck, almost like my neck will break or something...not pain, just a lot of pressure.
Posted by JadeKelly on December 8, 2008, at 21:42:33
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA????, posted by sometimesblue on December 8, 2008, at 19:37:09
> > I worked with someone at the Gym and my headaches went away. Just don't work anything where you are lifting your arms above your chest,
> > and don't bend your head backwards.
>
> funny you mentioned my head..I can't lift my head up (like looking up at the sky, ya know?) and haven't been able to since the accident. I feel way too much pressure on my neck, almost like my neck will break or something...not pain, just a lot of pressure.You were in a car accident also? I'm lucky, hope you are too. Unless I do something to my neck, I almost never get the headaches and neck pain I used to. If you think about it, your putting pressure on the very discs that are messed up, when your head goes back. I feel for you chasing toddlers in that pain! Hope you get something good from Doc, I found switching things around worked, until I didn't need them anymore.
~Jade
Posted by sometimesblue on December 9, 2008, at 8:40:15
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA???? » sometimesblue, posted by JadeKelly on December 8, 2008, at 21:42:33
> You were in a car accident also? I'm lucky, hope you are too. Unless I do something to my neck, I almost never get the headaches and neck pain I used to. If you think about it, your putting pressure on the very discs that are messed up, when your head goes back. I feel for you chasing toddlers in that pain! Hope you get something good from Doc, I found switching things around worked, until I didn't need them anymore.
>
> ~JadeYes, it was...jeez, i wanna say 8 yrs ago...(wow! didn't even realize it was that long ago!). That's when the neck and headaches started. I did see a chiro back then and he helped with the the head aches and stiffening neck pain. But since then I fell on my back and got pregnant (and subsequently gained alot of weight during the pregnancy which aggrevated the pain in my back) so I HAD to lose a lot of weight just to be able to lay down and get back up because my back would lock up. I can't even carry my kids on certain days :( hurts my back too much.
But I've noticed since the accident I've had tingling (kind of a sensitive to the touch pain) down my leg, I get what I call patches of tingling and numbness in my back, and now the numbness in my right toe. And when my back hurts a lot (especially when I lay down for some reason) the numbness expands to the inside part of the same foot. I'm guessing it will get worse, since it has been over an 8 yr time span.
So what has helped you?
-SB
Posted by JadeKelly on December 9, 2008, at 14:25:38
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA????, posted by sometimesblue on December 9, 2008, at 8:40:15
> > You were in a car accident also? I'm lucky, hope you are too. Unless I do something to my neck, I almost never get the headaches and neck pain I used to. If you think about it, your putting pressure on the very discs that are messed up, when your head goes back. I feel for you chasing toddlers in that pain! Hope you get something good from Doc, I found switching things around worked, until I didn't need them anymore.
> >
> > ~Jade
>
> Yes, it was...jeez, i wanna say 8 yrs ago...(wow! didn't even realize it was that long ago!). That's when the neck and headaches started. I did see a chiro back then and he helped with the the head aches and stiffening neck pain. But since then I fell on my back and got pregnant (and subsequently gained alot of weight during the pregnancy which aggrevated the pain in my back) so I HAD to lose a lot of weight just to be able to lay down and get back up because my back would lock up. I can't even carry my kids on certain days :( hurts my back too much.
>
> But I've noticed since the accident I've had tingling (kind of a sensitive to the touch pain) down my leg, I get what I call patches of tingling and numbness in my back, and now the numbness in my right toe. And when my back hurts a lot (especially when I lay down for some reason) the numbness expands to the inside part of the same foot. I'm guessing it will get worse, since it has been over an 8 yr time span.
>
> So what has helped you?
>
> -SBHi there,
What helped, I geuss, is what I listed and working with a personal trainer at the Gym. He had some rehab experience. I had to work hard, but it was a full workout, partially designed to work on all muscles that would support my neck, and others designed to prevent injury in general.
I'm really not understanding why your Docs are not being pro-active with this. I believe you are a lot worse than I was. I had transient numbness, in my right hand and arm, but you've got back problems and numbness after 8 years.
If you are not doing these things, I'd do them now:
1. Contact orthopedic Doc for opinion, and x-rays. Get good one.
2. Contact Neurologist and go over everthing. Tell him you want CT-Scan or similar.
3. Have them compare notes. If needed, take time to do Physical therapy, and make sure you do it correctly. Even for a short time, so many exersices can be done at home, but they need to be done right.
4.I found a qualified personal trainer (ask for credentials, etc) at the Gym I go to, he's the one who finally got rid of my headaches. Unfortunately he moved. Believe me, its worth every penny If you find the right one.I feel that if you continue, and these numb areas, etc. aren't dealt with now, you may be looking at surgery. If surgery is brought up, I'd get at least 3-4 opinions.
Finally, get the best Docs you can!! I went to local people and it just prolonged my recovery. If you have a top hospital in your area, I'd contact them and use their specialties.One more thing. If your insurance company refuses to cover these things, write them a certified letter (cc to your attny if you like) and explain in detail what you are experiencing, and wouldn't it ultimately be cost efficient for them to comply? If not, and you feel you need treatment, maybe you will have to have your attny involved.
Good luck to you, contact me any time.
~Jade
>
Posted by sometimesblue on December 9, 2008, at 14:44:31
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA???? » sometimesblue, posted by JadeKelly on December 9, 2008, at 14:25:38
> I'm really not understanding why your Docs are not being pro-active with this. I believe you are a lot worse than I was. I had transient numbness, in my right hand and arm, but you've got back problems and numbness after 8 years.
>
> If you are not doing these things, I'd do them now:
> 1. Contact orthopedic Doc for opinion, and x-rays. Get good one.
> 2. Contact Neurologist and go over everthing. Tell him you want CT-Scan or similar.
> 3. Have them compare notes. If needed, take time to do Physical therapy, and make sure you do it correctly. Even for a short time, so many exersices can be done at home, but they need to be done right.
> 4.I found a qualified personal trainer (ask for credentials, etc) at the Gym I go to, he's the one who finally got rid of my headaches. Unfortunately he moved. Believe me, its worth every penny If you find the right one.
>
> I feel that if you continue, and these numb areas, etc. aren't dealt with now, you may be looking at surgery. If surgery is brought up, I'd get at least 3-4 opinions.
> Finally, get the best Docs you can!! I went to local people and it just prolonged my recovery. If you have a top hospital in your area, I'd contact them and use their specialties.
It isn't the doc's fault, I went to an orthopedic specialist and had MRI that's where they pin pointed exactly what was wrong. The problem is (was) that my insurance didn't cover physical therapy (which is what the ortho said I needed to do 2-3 times per wk). The therapists wanted to charge me anywhere from 50-75 per visit and I couldn't afford it. It's really my fault it's gotten this bad. I really thought that medicine could just bandage the whole thing until I am done with school and had some extra money to spend. But fortunately I just switch over to a very good ins plan that I belive covers all this and I will HAVE to take the time to help myself get better. But I have a doc's appt coming up and I wanted to go over all this with him, let him know I'm getting worse and have him refer me somewhere since my new ins will cover it now. I haven't seen a neurologist though, I guess I will ask him about that too.Thanks a lot, you've been reeeeaaaallly helpful :)
Posted by JadeKelly on December 9, 2008, at 19:50:15
In reply to Re: What's after SOMA????, posted by sometimesblue on December 9, 2008, at 14:44:31
> > I'm really not understanding why your Docs are not being pro-active with this. I believe you are a lot worse than I was. I had transient numbness, in my right hand and arm, but you've got back problems and numbness after 8 years.
> >
> > If you are not doing these things, I'd do them now:
> > 1. Contact orthopedic Doc for opinion, and x-rays. Get good one.
> > 2. Contact Neurologist and go over everthing. Tell him you want CT-Scan or similar.
> > 3. Have them compare notes. If needed, take time to do Physical therapy, and make sure you do it correctly. Even for a short time, so many exersices can be done at home, but they need to be done right.
> > 4.I found a qualified personal trainer (ask for credentials, etc) at the Gym I go to, he's the one who finally got rid of my headaches. Unfortunately he moved. Believe me, its worth every penny If you find the right one.
> >
> > I feel that if you continue, and these numb areas, etc. aren't dealt with now, you may be looking at surgery. If surgery is brought up, I'd get at least 3-4 opinions.
> > Finally, get the best Docs you can!! I went to local people and it just prolonged my recovery. If you have a top hospital in your area, I'd contact them and use their specialties.>
> It isn't the doc's fault, I went to an orthopedic specialist and had MRI that's where they pin pointed exactly what was wrong. The problem is (was) that my insurance didn't cover physical therapy (which is what the ortho said I needed to do 2-3 times per wk).Hi again, SBlue,
Maybe pay for one visit, ask Ortho who is the best PT around, and tell him/her you have this one shot at getting a home program. Take notes! Ask what NOT to do.
The therapists wanted to charge me anywhere from 50-75 per visit and I couldn't afford it. It's really my fault it's gotten this bad.
Ya know, sometimes our choices are limited, its easy for me to look back an say do this/do that. Oh, and something you should know about me, I'm not a big believer in pain. Don't much believe in toughin it out when that could make it worse. My GP said nip in the bud, cause I was ending up with 3 and 4 day headaches. So do what you gotta do to take care of your kids and function.
I really thought that medicine could just bandage the whole thing until I am done with school and had some extra money to spend. But fortunately I just switch over to a very good ins plan that I belive covers all this and I will HAVE to take the time to help myself get better. But I have a doc's appt coming up and I wanted to go over all this with him, let him know I'm getting worse and have him refer me somewhere since my new ins will cover it now.
Make sure your new insurance won't call this "existing condition" sometimes a wait, maybe different with company plan.
I haven't seen a neurologist though, I guess I will ask him about that too.
You had neck and head pain and never saw a neurologist? Strange. I want to say don't let any of them talk you into shots, but your not me, maybe you would benefit.
>
> Thanks a lot, you've been reeeeaaaallly helpful :)Anytime, Iv'e gotton lots of help here,
~Jade Oh, btw-if you click on small box that says add name of previous poster, people will know who your message is for.
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