Have any of you been diagnosed with this? I recently was following a Radioactive Bone Spect with CT. I have this degeneration in c1-C6 and L5-S1. What treatments were recommended? How did this impact your daily job? I know this degeneration can typically begin in your 60's but I'm 47 and wonder how quickly this progresses and what is realistic for my health as it progresses.
Thanks.
I am 49 and have had the same diagnosis for more than 10 years. I get RF twice a year on each side to manage my pain. It has been getting worse since it is degenerative. Norco some what helps but I don't want to get addicted. I can no longer work and repeatedly get denied for social security disability benefits. I've had neck and back surgery and wouldn't wish these conditions or this pain on my worst enemy. I pray something changes soon or I don't know what is going to happen to me. I try attend Mass and pray daily for those living with chronic pain.
I have and have had four Radiofrequency Neurotomies. They help and each one I get lays longer before I need another one.
I was dx'ed with DDD in '06 and have my pain get progressively worse and spread to my hips, thighs, and knees. Walking is almost intolerable. Finding a good night's rest is nearly impossible, too. My latest doc says the facet joints in my back are now messed up, but he has not started any regimen for me yet. I just want you to know that you are not alone and that I understand some of the Hell you are going through, especially having this coincide with Fibro. I am 42 and scared like you. Just know that you are loved, sweet sister... <3
I actually got the report and what the nurse told me (that I wrote above) wasn't entirely accurate. My appointment was today. I need to have an MrI next week on the cervical and thoracic portions of my spine to show more detail Got a cortisone injection in lumbar region today.
@A MyFibroTeam Member, other than your post above today is the first I heard of radio frequency - it would be for my neck. Does it hurt? Is there recovery time? Will they have to shave my back? Just kidding- I'm female and I don't have a Harry back.
Thank you, ladies. Looks like I have more research to do. Did your doctors discuss typical rate of degeneration? My cervical pain greatly impacts me at work so I'm quite anxious about that and losing neck mobility.
The pain in both regions is sure intense!!