[dshobbies]

Three months ago I saw a new pain management doctor. I was basically satisfied with my previous doctor, have been stable on my meds for more than one year and was not looking for a change. First, he charged me $50 to fill out a jury summons and then refused to renew my prescriptions because he forgot we agreed to two visits a year unless otherwise needed.

My gp agreed to renew whatever I needed but strongly suggested a pm should be familiar with me, just in case. Three months ago I saw his referral and received one of the most thorough exams I’ve ever had. He spent 45 minutes with me.

Though I think that L2/3, not all that healthy at the time of my surgery but not a pain generator either has since become one, my main complaint is the nerve damage to my left leg. It’s much weaker and by day’s end, is done. The pain is endurable at mostly a 1-3, at least for me, and though I need an anti-inflam everyday, I only use pain killers or muscle relaxers on an as needed basis. My surprise came with a bursitis diagnosis, an inflammation of the bursa sacs in my hip.

He threw so much as me that first visit that I didn’t think to ask how nerve damage from my back could cause this. I saw him again last week – it seems I walk differently, mostly to protect my back but also to keep the strain off of my leg. After six months on crutches, I was happy I could walk and was/am unaware I walk stiffly. The muscles in my hip have tightened and pull on the bursa sacs with every step, thus the inflammation.

Aside from trying to walk more naturally, medicinal remedies exist. Of those I’ve tried, my favorite in half a Lidoderm patch on my hip at night. My leg seems to be less tired at the end of the day. My pain is too mild for more invasive procedures.

Loosening up my walk is proving more difficult than I thought. Walking is natural while thinking about it is not. Additionally, I can’t step normally on my left toes. However, I’ve noticed some new pains up and down my leg which is actually good news.

Never heard this mentioned on the forum before and thought I’d warn all you ladies, that shake is far more important to us than to the them! Gents, you’re on your own.

My best, Dale