Scoliosis

[Elaine]

Havent been around for a while, been really busy at work and Graham now has the above after his toe operation, his spine has gone into spasm and he is now doubled over like an old man. So as well as work, I am running around doing everything. Poor guy is in agony.
My worry is that they wont be able to correct it.

[angieh]

OMG Elaine - not what you expect after a toe op - I have heard of the condition, but don't know what it means. All good healing vibes from me, hope it can be corrected.

[lynz85]

ouch, poor guy! have they gave him any pain relief or anti-spasmodics to try and help just now?

[Elaine]

Yes Lynz but they make him feel very very sick and upset his stomache, so he has stopped taking them. Waiting to hear from physio, hope he gets that very soon.

[Mags]

Sorry to hear about Graham, Elaine ...... I hope he is able to have some pain relief to help him.

I have suffered with Scoliosis (Curvature of the spine) since childhood and have frequent attacks of severe back pain when I have to resort to wearing a back brace for a week or more.

I'll be interested to hear how Graham gets on with physio .....

[Elaine]

I'm sorry to hear that you have suffered with this Mags. Over the last few months Graham has gone from being a a strapping man of 6 foot 2" to a bent, crooked and hunched man of around % foot 4". It's trully horrible to see, not to mention the pain and discomfort he is in.
He wont take his pain meds because they make him feel sick and upset his stomache.

[angieh]

Elaine - try to get G to go back to the doctor and ask for some gastro-resistant tablets such as Lansoprazole. I can't take most anti-biotics but if I take a gastro-resistant tablet half an hour before I take the anti-biotic, I don't get the stomach cramping, pain and nausea. There may be something specific G could use so he can take his painkillers.

[yola]

Elaine, that sounds awful, poor Graham :( I don't know what to suggest apart to keep pestering for physio referral or possibly to a back/spinal specialist? Was this a possible result of his operation? Is seems quite extreme for a toe op . . . .

[Shelley123]

Very sorry to hear about Graham's back problem, Angie's idea sounds good, there is usually another solution. I'd be making a big fuss until something is done.
Hope he can get some relief soon

[Elaine]

Thanks for that Angie, just ran it past G, he is a bit of a medical dictionary when it comes to what he has tried and not tried etc. But her hasnt heard of these, have written it down for him so he can call the doctor in the morning.

Yola, we dont really know why this has happened tbh but it would make sense that his spine has gone into spasm because he was imobile for a while and then when he was becoming more mobile, he was obviously walking with a very awkward gait.

We are hoping to hear about the physio this week, if not then I may well start bashing ears until we can get something done for him.

[angieh]

Cross-fingers he can get something that helps xxx

[Elaine]

And cross fingers please that he will soon be able to straighten up and walk properly.

[angieh]

Amen to that.

[Elaine]

No sooner had I logged off this morning, the phone rang, it was the physio folk and G is in this afternoon at 4.20.

[Elaine]

Well that was quite an upsetting experience tbh, I have never seen G cry before, he was in agony.
He has to go see a back specialist tomorrow now. They gave him a few excercises to do but didnt want to do too much until he see's the back specialist.

[Moli]

Well that was quite an upsetting experience tbh, I have never seen G cry before, he was in agony.
He has to go see a back specialist tomorrow now. They gave him a few excercises to do but didnt want to do too much until he see's the back specialist.

Thank goodness they are doing something, he should have seen a specialist before now:roll:
Hope you can get some real help tomorrow Lainey...

[angieh]

All I can do is hope and wish for the best hun. Fingers and toes crossed too.

[Kazz]

Elaine thats terrible. I do hope it impoves soon. Sorry he is is pain not a nice thing and spasms are terrible things.

I have a suggestion if he cannot take oral pain killers ask him to ask about Durogesic patch, it is stick on pain relief it is an opiate however I am aware of people being prescribed them for back/muscular pain relief it is used primarily I think in the treatment of cancer pain relief (hence I had them) there may be different "brand names" but mine was as above a Durogesic patch.

However pain patches overcome the issue of tablets that cause upset tummy's and sickness. My Mom had some stick on ones following her shoulder surgery not sure what they were but prescribed due to her swallowing issues. Ask G to ring his doctor and ask.

[Elaine]

Hi all. The back specialist has ordered that he rests and doesn't try to do anything, at least for the next week or two. His spine has gone into spasm due to damage of his sciatic (spelling) nerve. He has to see the specialist once a week for the next few weeks to monitor his progress. Progress will be slow and may take as long as 12 to 18 weeks before he is better and upright. He has been prescribed an anti depressant which is supposed to help with this kind of trauma.
G is now panicking about money and how we will cope, but we just will, we have to.

[Kazz]

Hi all. The back specialist has ordered that he rests and doesn't try to do anything, at least for the next week or two. His spine has gone into spasm due to damage of his sciatic (spelling) nerve. He has to see the specialist once a week for the next few weeks to monitor his progress. Progress will be slow and may take as long as 12 to 18 weeks before he is better and upright. He has been prescribed an anti depressant which is supposed to help with this kind of trauma.
G is now panicking about money and how we will cope, but we just will, we have to.

Blinking heck Elaine thats a bummer. Poor old G

[lynz85]

ouch, hope the 2 weeks rest help, i know when i hurt my back it helped. the type of tablets he's on can be used as a muscle relaxant aswell so should help a lot!

[Elaine]

He is sleeping better, so that's got to help.

[Shelley123]

Hope Graham is feeling better very soon, Elaine

[Kazz]

Did you mention the pain patches to the Doctors Elaine?

[Elaine]

I mentioned them to G, dont know if he mentioned them to the doctors though.

[Kazz]

I mentioned them to G, dont know if he mentioned them to the doctors though.

Glad he is sleeping.......what a terrible shock for him
did they say why it occured?

[Elaine]

Glad he is sleeping.......what a terrible shock for him
did they say why it occured?


They dont really know tbh but think it may be because he went from being active to being inactive and then as he began walking, he was favouring one side.
I also think it was down to his bloody mindedness of insisting he drove up to Lossiemouth and back in his small car. Lossie is 60 miles from here.

[Elaine]

G was at the back specialist yesterday. They now want to do X-rays and an MRI scan. G said that they said his condition may not reverse itself.
We are both gutted and devastated by the thought of this.
Please send as many possotive vibes as you can muster that G is not going to be a twisted cripple from here on....

[angieh]

((((HUGS)))) to you both and huge wagonloads of positive health vibes coming G's way.

[Moli]

Buckets of vibes coming G's way, I am sure he will recover...:lol: .

[lynz85]

keeping my fingers crossed it will sort itself out in time x

[Kazz]

Blinking heck Elaine.

[Kim]

Only just caught up with this, so very sorry to bear about G, Elaine. Lots of positive vibes being sent for a full recovery xx

[yola]

Elaine, I hope with all my heart G will recover from this horrible thing and be back to normal. Even if the road is a slow one, you have all my thoughts and wishes. Lots of love xx

[Elaine]

Well the good news is that G had his X-rays today and they couldn't see anything untoward other than the obvious curvature of his spine and some general wear and tear. They are now exploring different pain meds for him and they still want an MRI scan.
Only time will tell I guess but I thank you all for your well wishes. Xxx

[Elaine]

MRI scan booked for tomorrow morning.

[angieh]

Fingers crossed Elaine. That's fast work ...........

[Kim]

Be thinking of you and G, Elaine xx

[yola]

Be thinking of you and G, Elaine xx

Me too . . . .

[Kazz]

Be thinking of you and G, Elaine xx


Well said Kim and ditto G and Elaine.

[Elaine]

Thanks guys. MRI done, just have to wait for the results. G said it was very painful because he couldn't lie flat on his back and had to go in on his side. He said he was worried he'd get stuck.
Fingers crossed its just going to take time.

[angieh]

Everything crossed here Elaine ....... thinking of you both xx

[Mags]

Thinking of you and G, Elaine ....

[Elaine]

Thanx again every one, still no change sadly to G's condition.:cry:

[Moli]

Its gonna to take time, Lainey...

[Elaine]

Yeah but how much time, funds are low, G is depressed and my energy levels are nil.

[Kazz]

Elaine you will get through it because you have to. Wishing you the best Karen

[alexgirl73]

Sorry meant to reply to this the other day and got sidetracked. Keep positive Elaine, you'll come out the other side of this. I know it's hard though. Sending healing vibes and ((hugs)) xx

[Elaine]

Thanks again. I'm ok, just get really drained trying to do everything and keep going. Still no results from the MRI. G is still pretty much just the same, no improvements.

[angieh]

(((((BIG HUG))))) Elaine. Sad that I live too far away to offer any practical support. Try and keep your chin up.

[Elaine]

Thanks Angie, that's a nice thing to say xxx

[Shelley123]

sorry to hear there has been no change yet Elaine, thinking of you both

[Moli]

Has he got any exercises he has to do???

[Elaine]

He spoke with the back specialist today to find out what was taking so long with the MRI results, apparently they are in the hands of the surgeons:shock:
I am not sure what all of this means tbh and G is not exactly the best at giving info.

[Elaine]

Still no further forward but G did manage to take a little walk out of the flat and across the road to the shop today. He said it was very painful and took him an age to do, surely thats a little progress, I hope.

[Shelley123]

yep sounds like progress to me, elaine

[Kazz]

As long as he made his way back then thats progress. Did they say to walk as in that far? or rest mostly? although I suppose when you are in that much discomfort you do what you think you should do rathr than follow instruction.

[Elaine]

He was given a few gentle excersises to do and told to rest mostly. But then I have been away house sitting ofr what feels like months on end, I try to get back every day just to make sure all is well and take whatever is needed home with me, food milk etc, but sometimes I just cannt do everything.

[Kazz]

He was given a few gentle excersises to do and told to rest mostly. But then I have been away house sitting ofr what feels like months on end, I try to get back every day just to make sure all is well and take whatever is needed home with me, food milk etc, but sometimes I just cannt do everything.


Take a breath no one thinks you can do everything. :bighug:

[Elaine]

G bloody does:?

[Elaine]

A little bit of good news, G feels his back begining to slacken off a teeny tiny bit, he still cannt staighten up or anything and still has alot of pain and numbness down his right side and through his leg. But every now and then he feels he can move a little better.
Fingers crossed every one that this is a good sign that it will come good again.

[Shelley123]

that's good news Elaine, fingers crossed for you both.Any improvement however small is good.

[lynz85]

fab news! elaine, has he tried using a tens machine?

[pamela81]

thats great news elaine

[Kazz]

G bloody does:?


No no no ...he does not think he is a man he reacts.:-D

[Kazz]

Brilliant news

[angieh]

I have fingers and toes crossed.

[alexgirl73]

positive news Elaine :) fingers crossed for him x

[Elaine]

Things have taken a backward slide again. G is in agony and not sleeping, the knock on effect is that I am not sleeping much either and am feeling quite resentful to be honest, I know how selfish and callus that may sound but I cannt help it.
I am busting a gut trying to keep everything together, the bills are pouring in the flat is an utter midden, I am working all hours I can between running to the surgery for prescriptions, the super market for food for every one. My back aches also but do I get any thanx or any kind of acknowledgement as to how all of this may be affecting me? Ofcourse not, because I am not the one in pain, I am the one who has to take the bad tempers and abuse as well as keep everything ticking over.

The sooner this life ends the better coz I am done in, seriously.

[angieh]

Lord Elaine, I am so sorry - you need at the very least some practical support, someone to do the shopping/get prescriptions etc. I expect that you would have asked friends/family for help by now if you could ......

[alexgirl73]

Elaine hunnie, I honestly wish I could be there to offer some sort of practical help :( First of all, you help loads of others out, time to call in a few favours. Don't be proud, ask anyone and everyone for some help!! Second of all, remind G, CALMLY, that whilst you appreciate he is in pain, you are making yourself ill to make things easier for him. If you can't speak about it without shouting, try writing it down. And thirdly, if it all gets too much, go!! Go to a friends, a relatives, the beach for a walk, anywhere you can have an hour to yourself where you can take some deep breaths. Sending lots of ((hugs)) xx

[Shelley123]

Elaine, sorry you are feeling like this i can quite understand it. You must be at you're wits end.
As Alex says, is there anyone you can call on for help ?

[Elaine]

No sadly, every one seems to have their own problems to deal with.
While your advice sounds fantastic Alex and I do apreciate it, trying to talk to G about anything other than himself has always been a bit of an issue. You know the kinda thing, you get in from work and say "what a day" to which the reply is always "You've had a bad day? Wait till I tell you about the day I've had" and then proceeds to talk over you for the next half hour.
When i HAVE TRIED TO SAY ANYTHING LATELY i JUST GET A FOUL MOUTHED TORRID OF ABUSE.
I cannt talk to friends about it on the phone coz this is a small flat and he can hear. Tried talking to my mum who just said "chin up"

[angieh]

Sounds to me as if you need someone professional who is not a friend/family member then. What about Samaritans? They may be able to offer practical advice and point you in the direction of proper help.

[alexgirl73]

I agree with angie Elaine, if you can't talk to anyone, go to a phonebox and call samaritans. Or if you are at work, call me! I'll listen to you rant and rave all you like ;) But you need to do something or you are gonna blow and it wont be pretty!!

[Liz]

Robin is away all week and can offer you B & B hell box up the kits and bring them to, can offer a total mad house with a glass of wine and can get a cheesecake

Failing that come next weekend and we can put the worlds to right I ma home from work at roughly 6pm and need to sort out the troops and pill and inject them but have the time it you need to bend someones ear and the boys Sky, Sunny and Minstral can play ball with Rayne

Also G will be entitled to benefits help inckuding Council tax and can help you out with that to

[Elaine]

Thanx every one. Have bent several ears over the week end which has helped alot, just getting stuff off my chest and being able to be honest about my feeling without feeling guilty, eased some of the pressure I think.
All advice has been well noted and I am very thankful for all of my friends both on the internet and in real life too.;)

[yola]

Oh Elaine. Your comment about having your bad day/illness/tiredness 'hijacked' rang so, so true. I feel awful for you . . . I've stopped any kind of conversation about how I feel and what I think because it's just not worth it.

I can also sympathise fully about the sensation of being totally overwhelmed. I'm still immersed in it and sometimes it can take a long time before things straighten themselves out (no pun intended there - poor G) ;)

I'm pleased that you've managed to get some of this out into the open, I hope too that you can appreciate the importance of thinking about yourself - even if it's for a little while, because we all matter.

Please know that I'm thinking about you . . . and like the others, if I were closer I'd be making an offer of my spare room for a few days of 'you time'.

[Elaine]

Aww Yola, you made me cry again but thankyou so much for your lovely words and thoughts.

Thankyou every one.

The reality is that on the outside I am holding it together but other than that I am a bloody depressing wreck right now, almost bi-polar if that makes any sense at all.

[Elaine]

Well Graham went to see the surgeons today who have said that he needs an operation on his back to remove a damaged/crushed disc and to shave a bit off of his spine. So he's now on the waiting list for an op'.

[alexgirl73]

Funny, I was just thinking we hadn't had an update from you, about an hour ago :)

Well, at least they are doing something! Fingers crossed it sorts it ll out for him and life can get back to some semblance of normality x

[angieh]

Fingers crossed something gets done quickly and gives G some relief and therefore you too Elaine.

Silly Q probably - had G injured his back before he went in for his toe op?

[Elaine]

Not that I am aware of Angie. Its a 6 to 8 month wait for the op'. I have him booked in to see an Ostiopath tomorrow morning. He has been busy telling everyone that I am sending him to the vets because the Ostiopath also does dogs, hence I managed to get him booked in with her quickly. Dont know why I didnt think of her before but here's hoping she can also help.

[Kazz]

Hey positive news. Does the surgeon think that will resolve it?

So now G is going to the dogs along with you.

[Shelley123]

Hope the wait for the op isn't too long and that it helps

[angieh]

Good news about the osteopath - I'm a believer! Dogs 'n' all.

[Elaine]

Well G went to see the vet this morning, or the torture queen as a fellow dog walker calls her lol.
She was absolutely disgusted that they are making G wait so long for an operation and about how long they have simply left him in this condition.
She gave him a deep tissue massage, he said it was very painful but he had expected it to be so. She wanted to give him accupuncture but G asked her to "hold off" on that, he's a sceptic about such things and it also a big jessy when it comes to needles. He does feel tender after the massage but does seem more up beat if that makes sense.
He goes back to see her in 10 days and then she's going to stick the needles in him.

[Shelley123]

Glad the visit went well, even though it hurt and left him tender he probably feels like at least something has been done towards improvement.

[Liz]

Get him to have the accupuncture it took my pain away after about 10 treatments with the electrodes attached, I havea top up once a month and its wonderful:)

[angieh]

I'd also vote for the acupuncture. You don't actually feel the needles at all ..... or shouldn't!

[Elaine]

Thought I'd update a little, not much to say really but G is a little straighter and doesnt seem to be dragging his leg as much which is fantastic.
Accupuncture tomorrow morning, think he's quite excited about it all now, maybe excited isnt the right word but definately more possitive.

[lynz85]

thats brill news elaine, things are looking up!

[Elaine]

Fingers crossed Lynz, I think he's still going to have to have the crushed disc removed from his back but we'll see....

[Kazz]

I know there is a medical reason however - I wonder if the massage and now the accupuncture will enable him to relax so to speak.
Hence releasing the tension in his body and making it easier all round

[Elaine]

Thats what I am hoping Kazz, can the discs repair themselves? I dont know.....

[Kazz]

Thats what I am hoping Kazz, can the discs repair themselves? I dont know.....

I don't know but all around if he feels less stressed/tense/worried I imagine he would feel much better all round.

[angieh]

I do believe that alternative therapies work in a subtle way to release negative energies, so I hope that the acupuncture and massage will help G. Fingers crossed!

[yola]

Good news Elaine, alternative therapies are wonderful for relief of muscular tension and I think they should make a huge difference to G. However, for crushed of fused discs, as I understand it surgery is really the only option. I had a friend who went through something similar about 15 years ago and it made him feel like a new man once the operation had taken place.

[angieh]

How's G getting on Elaine? Are you OK???

[Kazz]

Good question Angie how is everyone actually?