Chronic pain post spinal fusion surgery

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The invisible disability

I've suffered from back pain most of my life with a double S curve scoliosis, but it became second nature for me to disassociate from the pain and I never let it slow me down. With the exception of the times I really pushed the limits (like digging my own watergarden!) in fact I'd have to stop and think before realizing the amount of pain I was in...it's hard to describe unless you've done it. Anyway, suddenly in 1999 when I was 43 years old that all changed, and I almost literally woke up one morning and could hardly stand for the pain...my threshold had been broken! I had two spinal fusion surgeries in Feb 2000 which did help for about a year after 6 months of grueling recovery and physical therapy. Then the pain came back slowly but surely.

I have become almost house bound, take narcotic pain killers regularly which only serve to keep the pain at a manageable (don't want to blow my brains out) level. But I have learned so much from this...above all patience, humility and compassion. I have a newfound appreciation of the disabled in general. We are just like you! Most people that meet me on the street (although these days I'm rarely able to go out) have no idea because I'm wearing my 'like everybody else' mask, and usually have a big smile on my face though what I'd really like to do is scream from the pain.

It is my hope to increase awareness...even a tad. The next time you meet someone that seems a bit 'crabby', realize that they may be experiencing incredible pain! For the most part, we look just like you, and you'd never know....You could be the next victim of this invisible disability!

 

X rays 

My back xray (before spinal fusion surgery)

Xray 

Back xray post spinal fusion surgery

Looks like a tinker toy set no??

Chronic Pain Links 

Back pain and neck pain information for patients; by Spine-health
In-depth patient information on back pain and neck pain, written and reviewed by spine specialists. Includes hundreds of peer reviewed articles for patients, doctor directory, clinical trial listings, educational newsletter, patient discussion board, and more. By Spine-health.com.
Chronic Pain
Current reliable information on chronic pain. Extensive medical resources for patient and physician.
Back.com - Have questions about back pain? Back.com has answers
Back pain does not have to be something you live with. Back pain is common and can be caused by a spinal problem. Factors such as pain, weakness, and numbness can point to a more serious condition. Back.com has the answers.
The Invisible Disabilities Advocate - Chronic Illness
IDA creates a better understanding of living with chronic illness and pain with articles, a booklet, links, a message board and more!
My surgeon (he did the surgery when no one else would TOUCH it!) Thanks Dr. Graz!
Gregory P. Graziano, M.D.
Personal Data
Address:
 
 Phone:
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
2912 TC
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0328(734) 936-7299
Education
 
University of Wisconsin at Parkside
 
Medical College of WisconsinPostdoctoral Training
1983-1984
Indiana University Medical Center,
Rest Ministries Chronic Illness / Pain Support
Serves people who live with chronic illness or pain, caregivers and churches, through Christian HopeKeepers groups, e-friends, chats, devotionals, pen pals, and resources at the Comfort Zone store.
Do yourself a favor and subscribe to their daily devotional!
Revolution Health - Revolution Health
Revolution Health offers trusted health information, expert advice, drug and treatment information, doctor ratings, and a strong community to help you and your family with health issues. Visit Revolution Health as your one-stop resource for all your health needs.
WebMD - Better information. Better health.
The leading source for trustworthy and timely health and medical news and information. Providing credible health information, supportive community, and educational services by blending award-winning expertise in content, community services, expert commentary, and medical review.
Back Pain, Neck Pain, Sciatica - Symptoms Exercises Treatments Causes
Resource for back pain and neck pain information on treatments, conditions, back pain exercises, surgery, prevention and recovery. Reviewed by leading neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists and chiropractors.
Life with my pet back
Reflections on life with back pain and the journey to recovery.
InsideSpine.com Blog - Jill Serbousek, VP Global Communications, Medtronic Sofamor Danek Spinal
Inside Spine.com blog.
Scoliosis - Have questions about Scoliosis? iScoliosis.com has answers.
Scoliosis is a condition which affects the spines of many children, teenagers and adults. The human spine features many natural curvatures which help our bodies to move and be flexible.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY SECRETS: SSD SSI TIPS ADVICE TO WIN BENEFITS WHEN YOU APPLY & APPEAL FOR SSDI (SSA LAWYERS, ADVOCATES)
Social Security Disability - Help, Answers, Tips, Advice and Secrets for winning SSD, SSDI, SSI disability cases, claims and appeals, including referrals for lawyers, attorneys, and advocates
Midwest Pain Treatment Center
My pain management clinic.
Is Surgery the Best Scoliosis Treatment Option?
It's important to seek treatment for scoliosis to prevent the abnormal spine curve from progressing. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis, and it can be treated in many ways, such as observation, bracing, and surgery.

Chronic Pain News from Google 

Chronic pain help a chronic woe: doc
By SHARON LEM, SUN MEDIA TORONTO -- Michael Jackson's death should highlight the need to address Canada's inadequate treatment of chronic pain, experts say. ...
Chronic Pain Educational Seminar
Dr. Jason Rosenberg, MD, of Waccamaw Pain Management Center will conduct a patient education seminar on the topic of chronic pain. ...
Dr. Dustin Ballard: Jackson not alone in overuse of painkillers
And this number does not include those people who have been diagnosed with chronic pain, a group who are known to suffer from a high incidence of untreated ...
Pain Management And Prescription Painkillers
Michael Jackson, too, may have been taking pain medication. Doctors walk a fine line in treating patients who are seeking relief from chronic pain. ...

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More pain related links 

Another EXCELLENT Squidoo lens about spine fractures
In April, 2006 on an impromptu snow trip to Tahoe with my family, I fractured my spine in two places while sledding. I sustained a compression fracture of L1 and a burst fracture of L2. A small piece of bone broke off of my L2 fracture and impacted my spinal column by 25%. Thankfully, I did not expe

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Spine Universe featured articles 

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Life with my pet back 

Reflections on life with back pain and the journey to recovery.

Great blog I just ran into...

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Read about Pain... 

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual (2nd Edition)

Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/06/2009) Buy Now

Conquering Your Child's Chronic Pain: A Pediatrician's Guide for Reclaiming a Normal Childhood

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Pain Free: A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain

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Cognitive Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Step-by-Step Guide

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The Chronic Pain Solution: Your Personal Path to Pain Relief

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Chronic Pain Wikipedia 

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists longer than the temporal course of natural healing, associated with a particular type of injury or disease process.

The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage." Pain is subjective in nature and is defined by the person experiencing it, and the medical community's understanding of chronic pain now includes the impact that the mind has in processing and interpreting pain signals.

Chronic Pain on Backtype 

heights
[...] is nothing near breaking your spine. You poor thing. Gar! How did we live? I bet that still bothers you... I have chronic pain but it's literally "chronic" so I ignore it most of the time. Read more comments by mad-tante
Nashuatelegraph.com
[...] /dea/ongoing/marinol.html So, it would seem that the medicine is already available to the sufferers of chronic pain and other serious conditions. That of course makes me ask.. what's the point of this bill that [...] Read more comments by AlexF
Nashuatelegraph.com
[...] from controversy but I'll bet that many will be please if this bill is signed. People who suffer chronic pain or those in cancer treatment now have extreme choices - for some, it's suffer or be barely conscious. [...] Read more comments by SLRNashuan
Anybody here with fibromyalgia? I've been ...
[...] put me on celexa it seemed to make a big difference in the pain area. I have been on it for 6 years now. I think I now need a change of meds. Am to try lyrica. First diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. I have IBS and sleep apnea also. At this time I [...] Read more comments by Fran
Jennifer Kirk Speaks Out Against Eating Disorders In The World Of Competitive Figure Skating ...
[...] ..now it's moving on to men and steroids. I have nothing against the use of some steroids for chronic pain; I think a lot of the professional/Olympic rules about steroids are unfair. But if being a winner [...] Read more comments by SarahHeartburn
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I'd love to hear from YOU!  

jasmineann wrote...

Wonderful lens. Great you are bringing awareness about this often hidden pain to people. Great job!

ReplyPosted May 10, 2007

Lensmaster

Lisa Copen wrote

Thanks so much for listing Rest Ministries on your Squidoo list. I hope we are an encouragement for you. Also wanted to make sure you know about National Invisble Chronic Illness Awareness Week in Sept http://www.invisibleillness.com

Blessings to you!
Lisa Copen (founder of Rest Ministries)

Reply Posted March 08, 2007

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