Severe back pain...meds...and wacky side effects

[Jennasis]

So I have been dealing with crippling agony in my back for almost two weeks. Seriously, walking and sitting are nigh impossible, and the only thing that makes me not want to kill myself is lying down with my legs/knees elevated. So I finally went to the doctor today and he prescribed a muscle relaxer (Flexeril) an anti-inflammatory meant for arthritis (Voltaren) and Hydrocodone.

One would think that I would be a drooling, partially comatose vegetable with all of that stufff in my system, no?

Nope. I am just fine and dandy. To be honest, the pain is still there, but "the edge" has been taken off, which is nice. I don't know what I was hoping the doc would do for the pain other than give me pain meds, but normally that high powered stuff (oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc) just makes me violently nauseous.

He told me if I'm still not improved in SIX WEEKS, he'd send me for an MRI.

I will shoot myself dead before I let myself go six weeks with this debilitating pain!! Plus, I already know that it is a herniated disc in my back from high school. It flares up once or twice a year, but this is the worst flare I've ever had!

Anyway...I'm just shocked at how functional I am despite the powerful drugs I'm on. My mom and sister both took flexeril and it completely incapacitated them.

 

[Muushka]

I had similar symptoms to yours and the doc I worked for gave me some samples of Flexiril. I asked the RN who handed them to me if there were any side effects. She said nope, so I took one. On my way home from work I stopped at a red light. I woke up when the light turned green. Scary! Good luck!

 

[Ohiodislover]

flexeril GOOD!!!!

No, seriously....my DH has been dealing w/ back pain since August, almost non-stop. Before that he would have "flare ups" every 6 mos or so that only lasted a few days. He had an MRI about a year ago, and a follow up in November, after being sent to a pain clinic. The MRI showed buldging discs. He is starting physical therapy as soon as he can get scheduled, and the next step after that is steroid epidural injections.

So far he has been on a combo of vicodin, flexeril and low dose prednisone which did nothing.

then...high doses of prednisone, percocet, and flexeril, which helped the pain, but shot his blood sugar thru the roof. He was able to work while taking this which amazes me. He took this for about 4 weeks.

Now he takes 800 mg ibuprofin, every 6 hours. His stomach is a mess, but his pain is reasonable.

Oh, and we have spent about $350 on several different types of shoes to try and find a good support and fit. Of all the shoes, he feels best in a cheap pair of Dr. Scholls from walmart....Go figure


NOT FUN

 

[Va-bear]

Oh, and we have spent about $350 on several different types of shoes to try and find a good support and fit. Of all the shoes, he feels best in a cheap pair of Dr. Scholls from walmart....Go figure


NOT FUN

Tell DH good luck and to you too OP. I have a severe congenital spine disorder and could go on and on on this topic but will spare you all, but I did want to comment on the shoes. I would suggest he try some Keen brand shoes. Try a pair on in the store for size - they run small - and then buy the cheapest pair on Ebay you can find - then if he doesnt agree you arent our much $. But, honestly, they are the best and I've tried a lot - my DH and many other family members w/ back/knee/foot issues do too. (They are the only shoes DH can wear w/out his prescription orthotics.) YOu will see they are not padded - but the way they support your body and position you is perfect for bad backs....padding had nothing on good structure.

Take care of those backs!

 

[Art 1]

I feel sorry for you, I have been there. I would recommend starting to take a stool softener or Metamusal. Some pain killers can cause very bad constipation.

 

[C.Ann]

When I hurt my back (had a flare with an ongoing problem) just before I was to leave on a trip to Florida, I was given hydrocodone and flexeril - with instructions to take the flexeril only at night because it would "knock me out".. I did sleep better, but it certainly didn't knock me out..

I've had flare ups since then - same meds - only with instructions to take the flexeril during the day as well.. No problems at all - not a bit drowsy - no nausea - or any other side effects.. (Pretty good for me - since I'm so sensitive to medications..)

When DD's back is at it's worse (from her car accident) she will be prescribed either hydrocodone or oxycontin - both of which she has to take phenagren with because they make her so sick to her stomach (not to mention sleepy as all get out).. When they add flexeril to the mix, forget it - she's out like a light - for a good long time.. I think everyone reacts differently to these types of medications..

However, I did want to mention that with my most recent flare up - which was very, very bad (could barely walk; couldn't sit in a chair; couldn't bend over; couldn't roll over in bed; had a heck of a time just getting up and down in the bathroom; etc.) what really helped me a GREAT deal was the Therma Care HeatWraps that are for your back and/or hips.. They come 2 in a package - last 8 hours - and were amazingly helpful.. They worked SO well, that I always keep a box of them on hand now.. Although a tad pricey, they work a million times better than Ben Gay; Icy Hot; or any of those other products.. Have you tried anything like that yet? If so, you might want to give it a shot and see how it works for you..

Hope you feel better soon.. I know all too well the exact type of pain you're suffering with.. NO FUN!

 

[AKL_Megs]

I packed up our last apartment while home sick and on pain killers (Vicoden) and a BIG TIME anti-inflammatory. My Dr. told me to expect to be in bed all day long, and this was true the night I came home. I could barely roll over. But the next day, I popped my pills, took a shower and packed! I was still in pain, but I didn't care! I wish I could feel that bliss right this second!

Oh, and I second the stool softner. He told me to expect that too, and I didn't listen.

 

[Jennasis]

Thermacare wraps are on my shopping list for the morning. Now that you mention it, I think we have Phenergren in the house too from DH's shoulder surgery. So i CAN take the hydrocodone and not worry about the nausea!

The back is feeling halfway decent now. I guess the meds be working!

 

[minkydog]

flexeril GOOD!!!!

No, seriously....my DH has been dealing w/ back pain since August, almost non-stop. Before that he would have "flare ups" every 6 mos or so that only lasted a few days. He had an MRI about a year ago, and a follow up in November, after being sent to a pain clinic. The MRI showed buldging discs. He is starting physical therapy as soon as he can get scheduled, and the next step after that is steroid epidural injections.

So far he has been on a combo of vicodin, flexeril and low dose prednisone which did nothing.

then...high doses of prednisone, percocet, and flexeril, which helped the pain, .

Now he takes 800 mg ibuprofin, every 6 hours. His stomach is a mess, but his pain is reasonable.

Oh, and we have spent about $350 on several different types of shoes to try and find a good support and fit. Of all the shoes, he feels best in a cheap pair of Dr. Scholls from walmart....Go figure


NOT FUN

All of the above. I have herniated discs twice and the pain is excrutiating. I can't take NSAIDS and Tylenol doesn't touch it. Percocet helped a lot,but that's not a good choice for long term pain.

OP, I'm really floored that your doctor didn't want to do an MRI now. Why would he want to wait 6 weeks? It is unacceptable to expect you to put up with pain for 6 weeks.Not to mention issues with taking a narcotic for that length of time. At the very least he should have ordered you in to PT.
when I blew out 2 discs at the same time I was really in a world of hurt--I couldn't move, sit, stand, walk, nothing. I was so miserable. And I thought I was gonna die when I started PT but it really wasn't bad. And it helped a LOT. I didn't have to have a steroid injection and it took about 7 weeks to completely heal, but at least I didn't have to have surgery(like my sister did!)

I would also vote for orthotics. I have flat feet, which has caused inumerable problems with my feet, ankles, and back. I have to buy specially made orthotics about every 18 months and I wear nothing but New Balance shoes. Very utilitarian looking. The alternative is no orthotics, wear whatever I like, and within a few days I will be in pain like you won't believe.

 

[disneymarie]

So I have been dealing with crippling agony in my back for almost two weeks. Seriously, walking and sitting are nigh impossible, and the only thing that makes me not want to kill myself is lying down with my legs/knees elevated. So I finally went to the doctor today and he prescribed a muscle relaxer (Flexeril) an anti-inflammatory meant for arthritis (Voltaren) and Hydrocodone.

QUOTE]

I function fine on them. for spasms though I take 10 mg of generic valium. Neurologist says the only true muscle relaxant. DS takes .5 and is loopy though. Oxycodone 5/325, skalaxin, I have tried, Flexeral, did nothing, the toradol and valium, with one percocet gave me relief to function after two days, Then I tool dil Christmas shopping and flared again. I ended up with the toradol shot and made it through the holiday until I got into the pain mangement folks.

If you lay flat and try to raise you leg on it own, does it scream in pain, You hurt to lift it yourself, but if someone holds it, it fells better>?
Or it could be siatica.....

hurt to sit in a car, burn down the side to front of the leg. I have lubar issues for years. but the Holiday pushing flaler BURSITUS in the side of my but and hip to leg.

I had an injection today after 5 weeks of that pain and I can honestly say, it helped so much, I cannot believe it. I can sit raise my leg, did laundry. I do not even feel the injection sites, sacroilliac and the hip joint. I expected at least a bandaid and sore butt?????

I thought to myself maybe he could not get a view and scrapped it, but they gave me ice, and instructions. I did chicken out the last minute and asked for verset. I do not remember anything beyond the scrubbing and tilt of the bed. Then I was being walked to a chair.

I suffered so bad....

Oh, and Toradol if the same doc would give you a shot of toradol and non opiad, an kick butt anti inflamatory, it burns going in the rump for 30 secs and then in 15 minutes or less sooooo much relief.

If you did not have an accident, just over use, it is something that needs to be calmed down, not suffer,.

These meds, may mask and may do nothing.
For the weekend, use heat, get mineral salts in the tub water to soak., that 3 Advil liguid gel caps three times a day.

I have been sleeping in the recliner to help.

Been managing and reformatting my maintance and flares for 10 years now.
Di

 

[Jennasis]

All of the above. I have herniated discs twice and the pain is excrutiating. I can't take NSAIDS and Tylenol doesn't touch it. Percocet helped a lot,but that's not a good choice for long term pain.

OP, I'm really floored that your doctor didn't want to do an MRI now. Why would he want to wait 6 weeks? It is unacceptable to expect you to put up with pain for 6 weeks.Not to mention issues with taking a narcotic for that length of time. At the very least he should have ordered you in to PT.
when I blew out 2 discs at the same time I was really in a world of hurt--I couldn't move, sit, stand, walk, nothing. I was so miserable. And I thought I was gonna die when I started PT but it really wasn't bad. And it helped a LOT. I didn't have to have a steroid injection and it took about 7 weeks to completely heal, but at least I didn't have to have surgery(like my sister did!)

I would also vote for orthotics. I have flat feet, which has caused inumerable problems with my feet, ankles, and back. I have to buy specially made orthotics about every 18 months and I wear nothing but New Balance shoes. Very utilitarian looking. The alternative is no orthotics, wear whatever I like, and within a few days I will be in pain like you won't believe.

I have had an MRI in the past...granted it was about 15 years ago, but we already know it's a herniated disc. Also, we cannot afford an MRI right now.

I asked him not to send me to PT since my insurance sucks to high heaven and we cannot afford it. I remember the exercises I did in PT 15 years ago and will be doing them again at home. We even have a tens unit at home to use too.

 

[C.Ann]

I have had an MRI in the past...granted it was about 15 years ago, but we already know it's a herniated disc. Also, we cannot afford an MRI right now.

I asked him not to send me to PT since my insurance sucks to high heaven and we cannot afford it. I remember the exercises I did in PT 15 years ago and will be doing them again at home. We even have a tens unit at home to use too.

How are you feeling today? Hopefully a bit better..

Were you able to get the Therma Wraps? I still can't get over how well they worked for me.. Hope they work for you too..

 

[muffyn]

hubby had a bad back attack a couple months ago.so much pain he could only crawl. out of work for 10 days ( way not like him).
trips to chiropractor along wiht an MD'z prednisone & flexeril got him alive again. ( btw the pills never did put him to sleep)
took a month, but he is at least up & walking. I keep tabs on him so he doesn't pick up anything heavy, but he is still sore. I had been reading horror stories where many back problems like this would last for months & into surgery!

one thing he had to do was use ICE not heat.


& excercise his back,, a lot.side twists in chairs, twists on floor. back bends against a table. we also got an inversion table.

 

[englishteacha]

I hope you feel better. My DH suffered a back injury during a horrible time in our lives (my father passed away just a couple days after he got hurt), and so he ignored the pain as best as he could, and it got worse and worse. He was in agony, and pain meds wouldn't touch it. Our doctor suggested a chiropractor who is very well respected in our area and after several adjustments, some electric thingy to stimulate the muscles, and more than a week of bedrest, he finally could function. Biofreeze helped a lot to ease the pain. It's a gel, I guess like BenGay or IcyHot. The other thing that helped him, though it was miserable for me, was to have the bed to himself. (I camped out either on the sofa or on a pile of sleeping bags and blankets in our bedroom for more than a week.) The only way he could be comfortable was if he could spread out, and since we only have a double bed, I had to get out! I hope you find relief soon.

 

[The Princess]

Just hoping you are feeling better.Both my DH and I have had back surgeries (he had 2) so I know where you are coming from so I just wanted to wish you well!!

 

[bouldertcr]

I hope you feel better. My DH suffered a back injury during a horrible time in our lives (my father passed away just a couple days after he got hurt), and so he ignored the pain as best as he could, and it got worse and worse. He was in agony, and pain meds wouldn't touch it. Our doctor suggested a chiropractor who is very well respected in our area and after several adjustments, some electric thingy to stimulate the muscles, and more than a week of bedrest, he finally could function. Biofreeze helped a lot to ease the pain. It's a gel, I guess like BenGay or IcyHot. The other thing that helped him, though it was miserable for me, was to have the bed to himself. (I camped out either on the sofa or on a pile of sleeping bags and blankets in our bedroom for more than a week.) The only way he could be comfortable was if he could spread out, and since we only have a double bed, I had to get out! I hope you find relief soon.

I agree with englishteacha. See if you can get a recommendation from a friend or family member about a chiropractor in your area. Most health insurances cover their treatment.

 

[quentina]

I would go to the ER. I would not wait any longer. It is possible you are doing more damage by having it untreated.

I hope you feel better soon.

 

[rie'smom]

Just reading the title gave me goose bumps. Several months ago I had a flare. It had been a few years since the last one. I had forgotten just how excrutiating the pain was.
It convinced me to get new mattresses for our room because with the pain, it was almost impossible to get into bed with the high profile mattresses.

 

[Jennasis]

No better today, I'm afraid. The meds are worthless. I've got Flexeril, Voltaren AND Hydrocodone in me now, and sitting at the computer is just torture. I'm going to go back tomorrow and see the ortho specialist in the office. I'm miserable.

 

[disneymarie]

No better today, I'm afraid. The meds are worthless. I've got Flexeril, Voltaren AND Hydrocodone in me now, and sitting at the computer is just torture. I'm going to go back tomorrow and see the ortho specialist in the office. I'm miserable.

Do you have some good old asprin in the house? Try two asprin and two liquid gel cap Advil or just 3 Advil 3 a day,
Heat like mineral soak in the tub, heating pad.

Could the herniation have flared a bursitus? I over did at the holiday and it was miserable. I know the flexeral is suppose to be a muscle relaxant, but it never worked for me.

An anti inflamatory, ask for a shot of toradol tomorrow, will help!!! almost as soon as your are given it. THe bum burns about 30 secs but relief in minutes starts. No matter what is generating it.

I have a rehab place that offers health living for $30 a month to use the theraputic pool and facilities. The heated pool I could do some range and stretches, walking, then I hung on noodles and let gravity pull down the back compressions and herniations.

Put your feet up on a box, lean back on the computer chair and keyboard on you lap. mouse on a book.

Have a new xray, just to check the bursitus chance. they kind of go one with the other, and the sudden onset made me think of that. I over did with the holidays and having the herniations flared the bursi.\

I hope you feel better soon. Oh, when it calms down, massage,