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MTs with spinal stenosis and still working - Vera
Posted: Mar 21, 2014
I have had spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis for years and even surgery with L5-S1 fusion. Did really good for years but now I am experiencing right leg weakness and all lower muscles ache and burn so bad that I can hardly walk at the end of the day. I have even gone PT too. I know I have severe right foraminal stenosis once again by CAT scan. I took early SS retirement 2 years ago but still work about 30 hours a week. I find that I am having extreme difficulyy doing that. I have seriously thought about ffiling for total disabilty but there i s a lot of red tape with that. I have to hold onto the buggies when I go sopping. Forget about about going to lots of activitiies in the community, cannot do that. It is very depressing at this stage. If it ws not for my sink to brace against, I could not even get the dishes done and sometimes I have to brace against the stove when I cook. My core is shot. I have no insurance anymore and I cannot even afford any of that Obama Care stuff. Now I think I have the beginnings of left carpal tunnel. Do any of you with issues like this still type and or wear any kind of LSO brace? I am going to order one. When a person is young, they do not think about ADLs, but just appreciate the little things in life before old age creeps in on you and now I understand why the older folks sit on the porch and use those scooters. Once your back is screwed up, you will know what I mean. Never ever make fun of someone with back issues. Since it is getting warmer now where I ligve, I am going to take up walking again. Even the most small household chores are a challenge. Just needed to vent a little. I have been in the MT business for 35 years anbd it has taken its toll for sure.
back problems - Heather
[ In Reply To ..]I have the same symptoms as you and have had L5-S1 surgery with some relief but then had 2 disks herniate. I have no insurance. I cant do anything. Sitting makes my pain unbearable in my legs. At the end of the day, I feel like my back has broken in half. I have shoulder pain, feet pain, arm pain and my hands hurt to where I have to force myself to use them. Im only 53. I cant do disaiblity bec they want you to not work when you apply and I cant live on zero money. My pain meds cost me 140 a month without insurance plus the office visit of 70. I understand you totally.. Its terrible and I feel for you!
Count me in three - nn
[ In Reply To ..]I too, have HORRIBLE lower back pain and literally have been eating tramadol and the pain is so bad in the morning that I can't even bend over at all. About a month ago, I was awakened with a HORRIBLE spasm, which necessitated a trip to the local ER. They found nothing wrong on the x-ray, other than "usual aging."
Here is the true kicker. I started the disability process with SSDI, because of slight cerebral palsy and finding out back in August, that I was born with one third of my brain missing. Went through all the "hoops" with SSDI, and was denied because of the fact that "As a medical transcriptionist, I can SIT and work for 8 hours a day." NOT -- many of us, myself included, are working much more than 8 hours a day in order to survive. It is JMHO that SS is another entity that is thinking that MTs are making the "big bucks."
Puzzled as to why - one would dislike this
[ In Reply To ..]Unless you are disliking the awfulness of her back pain issue?
This is a sad, sad tale and yes, she is attributing MT work rightly for a lot of it. I often think if I could afford to work 40 hours instead of 60 (and sometimes more if there is no work and you have to "flex") I could take that time and get some exercise, lose weight, if I had enough to buy healthy food instead of just pay my bills and make the best of whatever is left.
I don't even have back problems or any health problems. Yet. But I sure as heck am not going to diss someone for sharing theirs.
I hope you find help for your pain, OP.
MTs with spinal stenosis - Vera
[ In Reply To ..]I had a friend who had both knees done and she was turned down for SS Disability. She is appealing this year. I read the qualifications for back issues on SS Website. They told my friend considering this was a sitting job and there was nothing wrong with her hands that is why she was denied. I meet all of the criteria but one and that is you practically cannot walk without the assistance of a person or assistive devices. Some people just know how to work the system. I do not have pain meds so I just do the best I can. For the lady that found out she had issues about her brain I think I would find one of those lawyers and let them file an appeal for you. It is worth a try. Good luck to us all.
Hi Vera and I plan on it - nn
[ In Reply To ..]Hi Vera, I am the one who found out about the "brain issues." It was VERY strange how that had all transpired. I went in for a routine eye exam, at Wal-Mart of all places. The eye doc said that I was losing the peripheral vision on my right side, and that it was her opinion, that it was not caused by macular degeneration, glaucoma, etc., but rather by trauma. I then scheduled an appointment with a local neurologist, who scheduled an MRI for me, and even before the MRI encouraged me to apply for SSDI. When the results of the MRI came back, with showing me missing a third of my brain, EVERYONE, family, doctors, friends, were shocked. I have an extremely high intelligence level and I guess this is just some indication of how the brain truly works. I received notification of my denial back in late February, early August, and am in the process of relocating, so going to wait to speak to an attorney when I get to my new location.
SSDI is known to refuse all first requests - anon
[ In Reply To ..]I just quit my job because of an L5-S1 fracture and even when healing I could NOT sit for the required amount of time (keystrokes monitored, only allowed 1 break in 4 hours). My back muscles went into severe spasms and I had numbness/tingling down my leg. I understand totally what you are talking about.
Anyway, I wanted to tell you to keep trying for the SSDI. My son-in-law was injured at work and was in a coma for 3 months, rehab for a year, still has TBI with problems with executive functioning, and is legally blind (damage to optic nerve due to swelling). Well SSDI refused him also! They got a lawyer and were successful. It is worth it to keep trying IF you have a legitimate case, and the lawyer told them it is a matter of routine to turn down all first requests. My daughter spent hours and hours gathering all of the medical information (there was a TON) trying to do it on her own and the lawyer's fees weren't that much according to her and she did all of that paperwork, making sure everything was completed correctly. I hope you can get some help with this!
Well technically, this was my second denial - nn
[ In Reply To ..]I'm the one with the CP -- when I initially filed back in July/August of last year, I used my address in IL, they sent some of the paperwork to my old address in FL, caused a delay, and I was also hospitalized for a few days during that time. I was about 2 days late getting stuff back to them, but had called and was told to send it in anyway. Went through the "hoops," and my second denial was the one I received a month or so ago. I am leaving on the 5th to go back to FL, so, plan on pursuing it with a lawyer there when I get there rather than starting with one in IL and having it get goofed up again.
Be sure to get a lawyer who specializes in SSD. - mt2
[ In Reply To ..]My husband is on SSD. It took almost 3 years with an attorney. And 7 years ago, FL was at least 3-4 years backlogged. I hope you get approved sooner than he did.
Stenosis, spondylolisthesis, cauda equina synrome (sm) - Rose
[ In Reply To ..]I really feel for those of you who are having to deal with this, especially without insurance! I have been able to work part time without back symptoms but my pain is more in the SI joints. I have difficulty with bending and lifting, but sitting and even horseback riding I have no symptoms so I'm very lucky. I can't stand for more than about 20 min. without one or both my legs going numb and have sciatica for about 3 days after having to lift something bend a lot.
A couple of things that have helped are spinal injections, which I got when I had insurance, about every 6 months. I went from only being able to be active for about 15-20 minutes to being active 1 1/2 hours. The injections were outpatient into the SI area and the only pain was the sting of the needle. for the local anesthetic.
The other thing I do now for the severe burning foot neuropathy is to put on cold wet socks and put my feet in front of a fan. I go to sleep like this in the summer.
Regarding SSDI, I got it for another reason after just sending one long letter to them. They sent me to a specialist one time to confirm and I've been on it now for about 8 years, never having to see a doctor again for it. I have since been able to work PT doing transcription.
Think my problem is venous insufficiency - and self diagnosed myself
[ In Reply To ..]a few months ago, now ortho saying what I first thought was the issue. I had extreme leg pain at night, wakened me from sleep, tired legs. After seeing the orthopedist for another issue on leaving out told him about the legs at night and he suggested trying the soap in the bed (if you haven't heard, Google it) and I always sleep with soap now. The nighttime got better but noticed bilateral ankle swelling about a week or so ago and thought my toes were excessively red. Went to ortho yesterday and he ordered compression stockings, getting 2 pairs, 1 with toes in, the other not and knee high. I will get these in about a week. There is a cardiologist here in town that now has a vein clinic. From what I am reading there are long term treatments that can be done without the continuous lifelong use of the compression stockings. I did hear that venous insufficiency was ongoing. I know of no one in my family that had it so other than what I am reading on line, etc. do not know that much about it.
spinal stenosis and venous insufficiency - Vera
[ In Reply To ..]My feet and ankle areas have been red lately. Venous insufficiency does run in my family. I wear the compression stockings when I type. I also think they have medications for circulatory problems and I am going to check into that. I have also noted an odd feeling in my left thumb like CTS symptoms which drives me crazy. That just started a few weeks back. I am 64 and really starting to feel my age. I noted the weakness has been a little better in the past few days. I cannot stand still though for any length of time in one place. Legs feel like Jello. I do qualify for some of the SSD requirements, but most likely they would turn me down, but I might try.
As I know no one in my family who had venous - insufficieny, is it supposed to
[ In Reply To ..]be hereditary? I have had so many things others in the family have not had, think I am adopted! Do you wear the hose above your knee or knee length ones? Did you notice improvement fairly quickly in your symptoms and what were your symptoms? Mine were the legs hurting at night, awakening me, and then the redness in the toes and the ankle swelling starting about 2 weeks ago. I heard this was ongoing but also found a vein clinic (don't know if I mentioned that earlier or not) that has several treatment plans for the insufficiency. I think if ongoing I would have some sort of not sclerotherapy, heard that is not good in the long run, but another type of treatment they advertise. Clinic run by reputable cardiologist so will certainly check out later. Also, how long have you been diagnosed. I have questions, hopefully can learn something from others. I did read the redness is part of that picture.
Spinal stenosis and venous insufficiency - Vera
[ In Reply To ..]I wear those white SCDs to the knees. They work good for the swelling in my ankles. My mother and most of the relatives have some form of vascular issues. I have worn them for years off and on. I really do not have any kind of major issues with varicose veins. I read the redness is due to circulation. That comes and goes too. I also try to lay off as much added salt to food as possible and processed lunch meats. Lots of people think this is an easy job, but really it is not. Long hours, eye strain, doctors you cannot understand and all the searching and filling in the demographics that we do not get paid for. I have done this for 35 years and it is just getting worse with so much technology and etc. No one wants to pay for our knowledge at all.
Fitted for the hose but ortho took me off of - a drug which he said could be causing
[ In Reply To ..]the problem, said my bilateral ankle swelling systemic meaning perhaps heart or kidney. I was on Diclofinec (sp?) and he said twice before he had seen it cause an issue with swelling. He said do not take anymore, I didn't and now my feet are really looking a lot more reasonable as far as the swelling. Heart checked out fine last year with stress test, EKG, have kidney followup this week and will let that physician know about the ankle swelling, do they need to check anything further. A few spider veins, no varicose, no one in my family that I know of had such issues with circulation. I have done this job now longer than 35 years and for the most part health has held out. What I find now is just boredom and crappy dictators that do not care at all. That is what I hate so much about the job now. Used to be a love, not now.
Get relief this way - I am so much better
[ In Reply To ..]I would highly recommend going to an "atlas orthogonal" chiropractor. This is a highly specialized sound wave adjustment (you can't feel it) of C1 ONLY. Go on the following website and click on "patients".
www.atlasorthogonality.com
Three weeks ago I was barely walking. I was actually limping. I was dizzy. Lot of pain. I could envision myself having either cancer of the bone or some degenerative condition. I was that bad and in that much pain. I thought I would end up in a wheelchair. I went to one of these chiropractors (there aren't many of them around as it's very specialized). Two weeks later, I'm a new person. No pain. No limping. No dizziness. No meds. Look at the videos on the website I gave you to look at. It beats disability. It beats giving up on life and ending up nonfunctional and in a wheelchair.
I've also had tremendous results with AO. - 2Tired2TypeTonite
[ In Reply To ..]Very long story short: My right leg was significantly shorter than the other following an accident. Was like that for 3 years, during while time a physical therapist gave up on me and told me to get an insert for my right shoe.
First atlas orthogonal treatment, and my right hip came down so that my leg lengths were equal. (The issue wasn't with my leg lengths -- ever -- it was that my right hip was hitched up.)
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