My Options For Back Pain Treatment

[shaynagrl]

Today is the first day I have not been running a fever! /default_smile.png

Thanks for asking.

 

[wyldepixie]

*high fives*

 

[wyldepixie]

Shaynagrl....haven't heard from you in a few days. How are things going with your back?

 

[shaynagrl]

Thanks for your concern and kindness!

Two days in a row, I have gone walking in the supermarket and use the cart to steady myself. The first day I had some awful pain after a bit, so I stopped. The second day went a bit better. I had less pain and was able to go a little further.

Today I took a rest day from walking.

I have another epidural scheduled for this coming Tuesday and a different dr appt follow up the day before. At that appointment I hope to get a refill on my pain meds. Just in case, I am trying not to take any unless I really need it.

Shaynagrl....haven't heard from you in a few days. How are things going with your back?

 

[Mr. Crowley]

Thanks for your concern and kindness!

Two days in a row, I have gone walking in the supermarket and use the cart to steady myself. The first day I had some awful pain after a bit, so I stopped. The second day went a bit better. I had less pain and was able to go a little further.

Today I took a rest day from walking.

I have another epidural scheduled for this coming Tuesday and a different dr appt follow up the day before. At that appointment I hope to get a refill on my pain meds. Just in case, I am trying not to take any unless I really need it.

Good for you!

(Claps)

 

[shaynagrl]

Yesterday I had a follow up with my PCP. He not only gave me a refill on my oxycodone but upped the frequency. What a relief -- now I just wish I didn't get so sleepy.

I also asked for and got a muscle relaxer. However, my insurance company is requiring medical authorization, probably because it is expensive (Zanaflex). So I don't have that rx filled but hoping to get it resolved soon.

I had my second epidural this morning. I think that they used less anesthesia because I wasn't zoned out all day like the first time.

Also, the injection area is not quite as sore. However, I am running a fever like the last time. I am managing it with Advil.

Thanks again for all your support.

 

[wyldepixie]

I'm so happy things are starting to improve for you! How many of those shots do you have to get?

 

[shaynagrl]

Thanks for asking. I am scheduled for a round of three epidural treatments, and I have had two so far to date. I will get my third treatment in either October or November, depending on what my insurance will approve by which date.

I don't feel nearly as sick as I did after the second one as I did the first time. I am running a low grade fever which is responding to Advil quite well. I also don't feel as generally ill as I did after the first one.

I saw my PCP Dr the day before my epidural, and I got my annual flu shot. I was really concerned it might affect how I feel today, but I don't think it has in any aspect.

I am still working from home and taking it easy. However, if I still feel like this I plan to go back into the office early next week!

 

[Guest]

Thats great! Yay! Xoxoxo

 

[Phrenicz]

Thanks for asking. I am scheduled for a round of three epidural treatments, and I have had two so far to date. I will get my third treatment in either October or November, depending on what my insurance will approve by which date.

I don't feel nearly as sick as I did after the second one as I did the first time. I am running a low grade fever which is responding to Advil quite well. I also don't feel as generally ill as I did after the first one.

I saw my PCP Dr the day before my epidural, and I got my annual flu shot. I was really concerned it might affect how I feel today, but I don't think it has in any aspect.

I am still working from home and taking it easy. However, if I still feel like this I plan to go back into the office early next week!

Good stuff Shaynagrl, sounds like the marvel of medicine may be working!!

Glad you're on the up

~P~

 

[shaynagrl]

Two days after I got my 2nd epidural, I get a letter from insurance saying that the procedure was DENIED.

Ugh, what a mess....

 

[Phrenicz]

Shit! That's fucking typical isn't it!! How can somebody's health and well being get Denied because it doesn't fit into their number crunching, mushroom headed world of 'bottom line' policy!?

The world is literally fucked!! I wouldn't mind, but these are some of the most profitable and wealthy corporations in the entire world!!! Aaaaaaaarrgghh!!

Sorry to hear that Shaynagrl :-(

 

[shaynagrl]

Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[Phrenicz]

Ha! That's sometimes what this board is all about!

Nothing wrong with a good old vent!! Good for the soul...

You're in good company

 

[Guest]

Two days after I got my 2nd epidural, I get a letter from insurance saying that the procedure was DENIED.

Ugh, what a mess....

You have GOT to be fucking kidding me? Jesus! So sorry.

 

[shaynagrl]

I called the insurance division who handles this as soon as they opened this morning.  It was a mixup, thank goodness.  I was approved for the procedure I had earlier this week.

Whew!!!

 

[Phrenicz]

That's cracking news! Bet that's a relief

 

[shaynagrl]

@Phrenicz, while it is a relief, it also means that I have to wait a minimum of 8 weeks to get my 3rd epidural.  The pain dr. had it scheduled for October.

While I don't necessarily mind waiting, it's just the issue of the insurance company overriding what the dr. seems to think that I need.

The same thing is happening with my muscle relaxer, which was prescribed on Monday.  The insurance said it would approve a cheaper one (already tried it and it didn't work), and that this would would need a PA (prior authorization).  Well, it's Friday now, and nothing has been approved yet.  If I pay cash, the 30 day supply will be over $700!

(Ironically, this is an easy to get med at a few of the IOPs I use.  However, I have insurance and have met my $1,000 pharmacy deductible, so I thought I would use it.  Silly, silly me!)

 

[Phrenicz]

Hmmm, that's a tricky one??

I'm not really that 'up' on how things work over there, as everything here in the UK is subsidised by the NHS...

However, I am all too familiar with greedy capitalist insurance companies and it does not surprise me that they would put profit over people's welfare.... Over here they'd do just about anything to avoid paying out!!..

I do find the money that my American brothers & sisters have to pay for medical insurance/costs, almost obscene though!

All I can say Is good luck Shaynagrl and hope you get what you (so obviously) need

 

[shaynagrl]

Thank you very much!  My husband is British (he lives in the USA with me).  He is incensed even though he has been here for a long time, at the hoops one must jump through in our system.

We were talking about it last night -- why is American health care like this?!

Well, that's probably a topic for another thread, right? /default_smile.png