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A MySpondylitisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Williamsport, PA

Hi all, I have had a lumbar fusion in 2008, gave me a few years, but the disc's above the fusion are now degenerating, Dr. said Degenerative Disc Disease, more surgery, NO thank you.

Could anyone having back issues tell me what works best for you to relief some of the pain
I take 2 Naproxen, 1 Hydrocodone a day and use cream with Lidocaine in it, that wears off after a couple hours. Have a massage chair. Dr. wants me to ride my stationary bike 1/2 hour - 5 times a week, - I would rather… read more

December 31, 2020
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Answer Summary

Members responding to a question about chronic back pain relief after lumbar fusion shared a wide range of strategies, including turmeric... Read more

Members responding to a question about chronic back pain relief after lumbar fusion shared a wide range of strategies, including turmeric supplements, muscle relaxers like cyclobenzaprine and methocarbamol, lidocaine and ketamine-based prescription creams, and a spinal cord stimulator called the HF-10 that helped one member reduce daily pain medication. Several members described living with additional challenges like degenerative disc disease, AS, neuropathy, and stroke-related mobility issues, and emphasized the importance of staying active through tricycle riding, water therapy, and gentle stretching. A recurring theme was the emotional strength found in faith, grandchildren, and community support when navigating constant pain and complex medical decisions.

A MySpondylitisTeam Member

That sounds like fun. I bet it's easier than a 2 wheeler. We may have to look into that. My first bike in the 50's was a Schwinn. It probably was the main supplier back then. Pamela is getting weaker. I told her to say something about it when we go there to have an injection today. It may be time for a break from the chemo. What good is it when you have to sit on the toilet 12 hours a day?? It's a terrible cycle. Hope I haven't put a damper on your day. Get out there on that trike today while you can. Supposed to be rainy & a lot cooler tomorrow here. Stay safe & warm. Peace.

February 25, 2021
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

You certainly are a special person. You have the capacity to think of other people & there needs before your own. We give a lot of old clothes & other things away all the time. When our kids lived here Pamela & them would have yard sales at least once or twice a month. .Now we just give it away to whoever needs it most. It's amazing how much stuff you can accumulate in 42 years. We're both pack rats too!! Beautiful day here today. Pamela was a little tired so we just went to get the pump removed & came back home. But it was nice to sit on the deck in the backyard. She loves birds. We have a yardful of feeders. Hope you had a wonderful day. Stay safe. Peace.

February 24, 2021
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Removing the pump should only take about 30 minutes. Sometimes it takes an hour or so became they have to flush the port out. Sometimes it gets stopped up & it takes time to clean it up. The injection the following day is only about 20 minutes. That's supposed to help the blood stopping up the port. I don't know anyone that has had the virus. I took 2 test back in Nov. & Dec. The Docs told me the minute I feel sick to come in for a test. Me & Pamela have challenged immune systems. So we can't take any chances. I had the beginning of a sinus infection & the beginning of an upper respiratory infection. Antibiotics took care of both of them. I have no idea how I caught them. I don't go out without a mask. But, at least they were quickly treated. I have my appts. for my vaccine shots. But, there in April. Pamela tries every day but can't get one yet. Hope you stay safe & warm. Peace. Later.

February 23, 2021
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

I just got back about an hour ago from my infusion. A little tired but, that's about it. I told Doc my left hip has been hurting pretty bad for about a month & asked him for an injection. He said sure . I sleep on my side. When I'm on the left the pain wakes me up. So I flip to the right. Inevitably I'll flip back to the left & after I'm back to sleep for about an hour, herd comes the pain. A cortisone shot takes care of it thank goodness. I also asked him about a Covid vaccine. He said get one as soon as you can but wait until the week before your next infusion. The Remicade affects your immune system to a degree, but not enough to not take a chance on getting Covid apparently. Well, I can't believe it but, they say we are gonna get about an inch of snow tonight. That'll probably be it for the year. It'll look cool, though. Stay safe & warm.

January 8, 2021
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and I take a supplement called vitamin and it helps alot...

December 31, 2020

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