Back Pain

by Angela Vasey

After complaining about having some back pain for several years now they might have just found out the problem.

The problems started in March 2007. I had a blackout at home on a Sunday night went into work on the Monday. I rang the Doctor who said I mustn’t drive and to come see him ASAP which I did. I explained what had happened and was fine but later that afternoon I stood up and took two steps, then collapsed on the floor. I was taken to hospital but later released, as they said nothing wrong.

The Doctor thought otherwise and said he would write to the hospital for an appointment for me to see a Neuro Consultant.
In the April I went to see the consultant at Newcastle General Hospital for my first visit and I was there several hours as they went through quite a few tests. I had blood taken, EEG, ECG and he arranged for a CT scan and an MRI scan.
I made an appointment for the following week for some of the results and more information. I also had a sleep deprivation EEG (I had to stay awake for 48 hours with some help from friends) I also did another ECG and that was OK.

I had the CT scan, ECG and another EEG which were all fine. I was having these most weeks and they all came back OK and then I had the MRI scan which also showed up fine.

I was asked if I had another collapse, to video it if possible, for some observation to see what happens. This was eventually done and was shown to the consultant who then came to the conclusion that I was possibly tired and it could be my body shutting down.
By this time it was the end of August 07 so it hadn’t taken that long.

As my licence had been revoked, I had to re apply for it, which took some time. I was told that as they could not find anything wrong with me, everything should be fine, but I now had to deal with DVLA medical section, which was scary!

As this was going on, I was slowly going down into minor depression, although I didn’t realise it at the time. I still could not work, as I didn't have a licence, but I did have a letter from my Consultant to say all was fine and she was happy for me to drive and have my class l.

Because I didn’t have my licence back and due to other personal things, at one point I wanted to end it all. I sat with two bottles of wine, a number of pills and a very sharp knife in front of me; although in the end I didn’t do anything.
This was on a Saturday and on the Monday I rang my Doctor. After several calls he arranged for me to go to the hospital and they kept me there for three days to assess me, although I was no danger to anyone, even myself, they needed to be sure. I think this is when I realised I needed some professional help.

Eventually, in January 08 I received a letter from DVLA to say that I was fine to drive and they returned my licence.

I found some courses for stress, depression, and panic attack anxiety. Because these are hard to define and are all related to one another, (as I call the catch 22 situation) they did help to an extent, but you have to want the help and admit you have a problem before you will get much benefit form all this. I did have some antidepressants but they made me sleep for most of the time, so I had to have them changed.

I was still on the sick when I had an incident in June 09. I was admitted into hospital for an unexpected overnight stay. I had another CT scan on my head & also a lumber puncture (not recommended if it can be helped). These were both clear, much to my relief.

Later in the year I had another incident and I ended up in hospital again. This time I had an X-ray on my back & neck which revealed that I have 2 prolapsed disc ( L1 & L2) and Arthritis in the neck, causing spasm in my left shoulder with a great deal of pain.

I went to see my Doctor who then sent me to a pain management team at the local hospital. A mix up in appointments meant I didn’t get to see them until much later than I should have done, but this was to my advantage, as was there for 2.5 hrs so there was a lot to take in. The hospital have supplied me with a tens machine (which is working fine so far)
I now have physio booked for early January and I’m awaiting a letter for an MRI scan on the back and neck to see the extent of the damage. They also want to change the drugs I am taking and I have a Doctors appointment made for this.
I also have a direct line number for the pain relief nurse which I can use at any time.

So here is hoping that 2010 can be a bit better than the last three years.

This is all due to a bike accident in 1980 which I didn’t think a lot about due to it being at low speed. No-one else was involved; I just misjudged a corner and went over the handle bars. No, I didn’t go to hospital at the time, which I should have done, although they are not sure if this is the cause of the rest of my health problems & probably never will.

With some luck, just knowing what is wrong has made a big difference as I have changed a few things.
I’m just waiting for all the drugs to change and take effect and hopefully, the physio will help. The tens machine has been great so far and I would recommend the use of one to anyone. It has brought back some feeling in my back that I didn’t realise I had lost.
 

I now have the report from the Doctor at the pain management clinic and had a call from my own GP to visit them where they prescribed;

ibuprofen
codeine phosphate
paracetemol
amitripryline
gabapentin
esitalopram

Each to be taken daily.

I finally received the MRI scan results, which showed wear & tear of the small joints in the neck and an old fracture was noticed in the lumbar levels.

I went for the 1st round of injections yesterday and to be honest, they weren’t as bad as I thought they would be and all went well.

They started with my neck first and I had four injections in the top of my back as these were the trigger points. Then I had to lie flat on my back, keeping still, while the Doctor worked with an X-ray machine so she could get exactly the right place. I then had another four injections in my neck.
I only felt it slightly, but maybe I have a high pain barrier as blood pressure, pulse etc. were normal.

Then had to stay lying flat for approximately 30 minutes while the nurse monitored me. They made sure I could move all my limbs then I sat up for 30 minutes. I was given toast & coffee as I hadn’t had anything to eat or drink from 10 am as instructed. I managed to get dressed without any problems and arranged for my son’s girlfriend to pick me up. I had to have someone there or stay in hospital but that wasn’t a problem as they both stayed with me.
Although I felt ok, I was careful not to lift anything too heavy or do too much and I did get a good night sleep. I was a little stiff when woke but that can be expected, and although I feel ok, I will still be taking it easy for next few days.

Well, round two followed, and I left work and went to the Hospital for 13.00. I had to change into one of their ‘nice flattering’ gowns and waited a short while the Doctor came round.
I had four injections across the shoulders and hardly felt them going in. I was fine for the rest of day and could move but when I woke up the next day, I was a bit stiff. I thought it would ease when I started moving. It was a little tender all day but the following day it was much easier with no pain at all.
So far, so good, the next round is in early August and then again in December.