Hello fellow posters. My name is Rahferd Norman, and like the rest of you, suffer from chronic neck and back pain. Perhaps I should give a detailed post as to how I aquired this forsaken disease.

My line of work used to be in Sheet Metal/HVAC construction. I was rather good at my job, and gave it a lot of effort. When I started this line of work, I weighed 250 lbs. After 6 months (Started in June 2001) I lost 50 lbs and felt really good about myself. It was very labor intensive; having to climb ladders all day, lift heavy materials ect. I was a very fast paced worker simply b/c I was trying to earn my keep if you will. I done this line of work for 4 years and enjoyed it. I've only worked for two companies, the first was the biggest plumbing/heating contractor in the state to my knowledge. I left that company and aspired to work for another for more money & hours. I got exactly what I wanted...

Just 3 months into my new workplace, I suffered a neck injury. It happened on July 15th, 2004. Two gentlemen were handing me a rather heavy piece of equipment. I was positioned in a platform lift and proceeded to grab the equipment. While the two men were struggling to handle it, I reached outside the lift and helped them position it on top of the lift handle bars. The length of the Air Handler was maybe a few inches longer than the width of the lift, so I had to be sure to position it right, or it would have fell and could have possibly been damaged. I was a rather strong man at the time, working out with weights 3 times a week. I felt like the Air Handler was little for me to lift, so I grabbed it and started to slide it on the lift's bars. As I done this, I did strain some, turned my neck to the right and upwards, and immedietely heard a loud pop or crack in my neck, sorta like when you pop your knuckles or when joints pop. I didn't feel any pain or discomfort during the rest of the work day. I did tell the person in charge of the job what happened.

I drove home, jumped in the shower after work, and soon as I began to dry off, I felt a huge burning sensation in my neck, radiating from my neck to the top of my shoulders. I live an hour away from the company, so I had to call in work very early the following morning and told them what had happened. They said I needed to see the company doctor. Well since it was thursday, and I was hurting immensly, I just told them I would come back to work on Monday since I couldn't drive at the time. Over the weekend, I felt a little better and did go into work on Monday. I worked that day and didn't hold back my work speed. That afternoon, I went to the company doctor, had an X-Ray, and was told I had a herniation between C5-C6. They said I would have to have an MRI to further confirm the diagnosis. Was prescribed Loratab, Naproxen Sodium, and Flexeril. I took the meds as indicated, then 2 days later, went to get an MRI. I did indeed have a herniation and was rather shocked. So I was referred to a neruosurgeon, one of only 11 in the state of Mississippi.

He tested my mobility, reflexes ect., and prescribed some more pain meds, and physical therapy. I done physical therapy for 3 months while on workers compensation. At the end of the 3rd month, my fiance' and I found out that we were gonna have a baby. We were excited, but at the same time, I was scared and immedietely wanted to go back to work to save up money b/c workers compensation in the state of Mississippi is only 2/3's of your gross. So I went back October 4th, which was on a Monday, and worked a full hard day, without any limitations. However, before lunchtime, I was on top of a 12 foot ladder on the 10th step, installing fire dampers in the duct systems. As I was pushing the damper inside a block wall, I flinched and my neck began to hurt even more than I had experienced the first time. I then went to the job forman and told him what had happened. He then looked at me with disbelief and began to have this scoul look on his face. He called someone from the shop to come pick me up on the job, and then when I got back to the shop, I went back to the neurosurgeon. The nurse there got upset at me for not calling in and setting up an apointment, but told me to sit down and wait. I waited for around 3 hours, then went back to a room. Waited there for another hour, and finally saw Dr. Thomas Edward Cullom III (neurosurgeon). Told him what had happened and he said that was to be expected. I told him that it was worse than before. When I entered P.T., I had a pain scale of 7.5 out of 10. That day, I told him it was a 9-9.5 out of 10. He then issued a limited work schedule for me to follow, and I then left his office, went back to the shop, and put the piece of paper on the desk of the Project Manager overseeing jobs. I came back to work Tuesday, and worked with a limited load. I didn't put out as much what I could use to. I felt ashamed and tried to hide my injury. Worked the rest of the week up until Friday morning. On Fridays, we get paid, and as I went to go get my check, I asked the Project Manager about getting more hours. He told me to go outside. While he followed me, he had this look on his face that I've never seen before b/c I've never been fired from a job. He told me that the company didn't need me anymore. I was furious at the time. I told him that was wrong and said I was still hurt. He said "Sorry but we don't need you anymore."

I didn't know what to do. So I went to go file unemployment and lived off of that for 2 months. In the meantime, my car broke down and I didn't have a way to go. My fiance' was in college at the time and lived in the dorms. So I had to wait until she got out on Dec 14th and asked her to drive me back to the doctor. By this time, unemployment was turned off, and we were expecting a baby. We were really in a rut and seemed like life was getting the best of us. Went back to the doctor, and he after a few weeks later confirmed that I was still injured from the job and put me back on workers compensation. But that didn't take effect (as in get a check) until Jan. 15th I believe. But before the 15th, something also happened that just put us in shock...

My wife went into labor at 23 weeks. We were told that the baby would have a 50/50 chance of survial either vaginally or C-section. They put her on steriods to help develop the baby's lungs, and we stayed in the hospital a week. On December 31st, 2004, our first baby was brought into the world. Weighing at 1 pound, 7 ounces, he wasn't much to look at. He had to stay in NICU for 3 and a half months. But now he is such a miracle, as I will explain further as leading up to surgery.

After the doc put me back on workers compensation, he basically gave me two choices: steriod shots or surgery. Told me that it would be ok if I took some time with my wife to talk about it. We talked about it, and decided it was best 2 days later to go ahead with the surgery. But before this, I had to get a mylogram, which was God awful, and something I cannot recall the name of, but it was similar to shocks and impulses that were fed into my spine to see where the nerve pain was originally. I hated those tests .

So after all the tests and diagnosis, we opted for surgery. On Janurary 31st, I went under the knife for cervical fusion. Stayed in the hospital overnight, and was released the next day. I had so much pain after surgery, which was to be expected. My wife had to go get a job as the workers compensation wasn't enough to pay the bills. If it was close to what my Net income was while I was working, she wouldn't have had to get a job.

I was bed/chair ridden for I think 6 weeks. Then afterwards, I did P.T. for another 7 months. Mighy long time for P.T. as I was told; they had never had a prescription for P.T. that long! I done this 3 times a week for 7 months. All the while trying to ride in a car to see our baby boy in the hospital. This was heart breaking for the both of us. But after 3 and a half months, our boy got to come home. We were overjoyed!

He was my inspiration during all of this. He had fought for his life at such an early age. I am so proud of him and thank God for allowing him to live and put joy in our lives. Me taking care of him was tough though. I had to fight neck pain and spasms while being "Mr. Mom". This is another story that I hope I can post maybe at a later date if you readers are getting bored with my long post :S.

So after 7 months of P.T. with no results, I was released from them and the doc told me to come in every 3 weeks for an X-Ray. Done this for I think three times, and was finally released and he ordered me to see a pain specialist. I am awaiting a call to get an apointment set up at this time. Also, workers compensation had ordered a 2nd opinion from an independent doctor for his diagnosis of the situation. Basically, he coudln't treat me as a doctor and I couldn't be a patient. Kinda weird, but I understood the circumstance.

It is best to tell you all what I am experiencing now. I cannot turn my neck nearly as much what I could before the surgery. The muscle that connects to my neck from my shoulder that is on top is always stiff and sore, following a burning sensation. I have been on all kinds of pain meds, ranging from Tramadol, to Oxycotin. I recently was hospitalized for lower back pain. Had an MRI there and I have 2 buldges, but wasn't told which specific areas. I was prescribed Tylox and Methacarbamol for that instance.

I still hurt just as much as before surgery to this day. I am very limited as to what I can do as far as labor goes. I do also have C.T.S. a lot and wake up often with my arms and hands going numb. I basically do not know what to do about the situation, as it has put a severe clasp on me and my family. My wife and I haven't been getting along lately. We going to counseling this Wenesday and I hope we can resolve our differences. I do have trouble coping with the situation, and was put on Cymbalta for agression problems. Before all of this nasty pain and discomfort, I was a happy free spirited person that enjoyed life. Now I cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm rather frustrated and upset at myself.

I wish I could get a steady supply of pain meds, as they helped out a lot. But it might seem as I do not need them; having an addiction if you will. But one cannot be addicted to something if one really needs it, and I had a huge problem getting meds from the surgeon. I would like to talk to you men and women about your situations and compare/contrast them, and I hope some wisdom can be shared. Thank you all for reading, and God bless.

First your job....you had the right under the Family Medical Leave Act to have 90 days given you WITH insurance to recover. They should have informed you of that right but instead with you not knowing about it they took the opportunity to fire you. Have you hired an attorney or talked to one?

God Bless your child and the miracle he went thru. I'm sorry your now having problems with your wife. It does put a heavy load on a family when someone is hurt like this.

Surgery for a lot of us made things worse. Mine is in my lower back and I've had fusion done and some other things. Nothing has helped and now I'm on the same anti-depressant you are..now working well for me. I still stay in bed almost all the time and my moods although their better are still not inspiring.

There will be others here that have had neck problems and they will try and help you. It sounds like you've been on some strong meds. We have all decided that we're not worrying about addiction. I've been told that it's different because were taking the meds for pain and not to get high. I really don't think I'll have a problem getting off of them...if I do I'll deal with that later. Right now as you, most of us need the meds to relieve the pain somewhat and most doctors will tell you that meds are part of the recovery.

I had almost as long as you did in PT and now I hate the thought of EVER going thru that again.

When you go to PM they may prescribe pain meds for you. My family doctor prescribes them for me and is considered my PM. Surgeons normally don't give meds passed 3 months after surgery. That's normal so he's not trying to say your not hurting.

You've given us a lot of info and I'm sure there will be a lot of help and advise given you.

Welcome to the forum. You will find kind and understanding people here and there will always be someone to listen. Gentle hugs to our new friend. Tammy

Thanks Tammy for the reply. It's comforting to know that there are caring people in the world :D.

Hmm, I did not know specificly about the Family Medical Leave Act and its laws. They didn't inform me of that, as I suppose none of them knew about it either. I have hired an attorney long ago and getting information from him is like trying to get oil from a water sprout. Very difficult .
But people talk really good about the law firm, as they do take a long time to settle, but the results are astounding. I suppose I should have more faith in him rather than be pushy.

Something I also forgot to mention was that I did have accidental and life insurance with Colonial. The structure was basiclly set up if I got a specific injury, they would cut me a check instantly and pay for milage ect. I havn't receieved a dime off of them as well. Something else that is pending I suppose.

I hope when I do go through PM I get pain meds, as I can do more things around the home while on them without being nagged with pain. Although one does build a tolerence to narcotics, I enjoyed Loratab a lot as it was quite effective. Tylox wasn't too strong for me either. I guess I have this misconception about pain meds as if people know I take them, their first assumption is an addiction. I shouldn't worry about that, but at the same time, I don't want it to affect me in a negative way. Actually, I'm a lot happier and more free-spirited when on them.

Which pain meds do you take? It is different for each person, but maybe with your situation and mine, we could perhaps compare/contrast the effects without going too far out of bounds. Thanks for the quick reply Tammy. I hope to become friends with all of you and maybe we can get through these troubling times together.

Rahferd Lee

Hi Rahferd Norman! You have really been through a lot! Many of us that have herniations in our cervical spine also have CTS symptoms. I've had my left wrist operated on since my mva for a carpal tunnel release yet I still have symptoms and nerve conduction studies show problems. I've also had shoulder problems and the PT says that they are coming from my spine.

It is very normal to be angry over the circumstances you now find yourself in. It is really important to allow yourself to express your emotions - in a safe way - and allow yourself to grieve for your old life and the hopes and dreams you had for the future. It may sound strange, but by allowing the grieving you open the way for you to start feeling better and to be able to find new ways of being in the world. You might find it helpful to get a book or two from the library on managing pain and anger and also on meditation and relaxation. If you are still on Workers Comp maybe you could get a referral to a Cognitive Behavioural Psychologist who can help you through this difficult time.

If you are able to take your baby out in the stroller, walking can be most beneficial in helping you get back to your usual self. Any exercise releases hormones called endorphins - the same substance found in chocolate & morphine - the body's natural morphine, and thus allows your tense muscles to relax. Right now you are in a very stressful situation and stress releases other kinds of hormones which make us want to either flee or stand & fight. Anything you can do to ease the stress will help lessen your pain.

Re medication, I've found neurontin (Gabapentin) to have been most helpful in reducing my pain. There is a natural mineral, though, that uses the same nerve pathways as neurontin - magnesium. There is new research indicating that this can be very helpful, not only for pain, but for High Blood Pressure and Fibromyalgia and IBS. If used in a "bio available" form it can help lessen your pain. Just don't overdo the dosage or you'll spend a lot of time in the bathroom!

All the best & don't forget, you are most welcome here on this site! Love & Light!

Thanks Ozkiwi for the reply. Although I do see a shrink and he did prescribe me Cymbalta for depression and agression, perhaps that might be a good idea to see a Cognitive Behavioural Psychologist. But the problem with that is I do not talk to anyone from the insurance company, and have to rely upon my attorney, which could take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks! I'm not saying it's impossible, but instead of requesting things, I have been pretty much gone with whatever advice and instructions they have given. I know it is my own body, but I'm hoping through Marriage Counseling that I'll be able to learn to cope better and communicate with my wife.

We did get a new stroller for X-Mas, and I have been taking him out on a stroll about 2 times a week. I would also like my wife to tag along when she is off work so we can bond more closely .

I'm willing to try basically any med as long as there aren't really harmful side effects. Much is appreciated and I will look into the info you have given Ozkiwi.

Rahferd Lee

Btw I don't think I posted my age, but I'm just 24 years of age. I do have so much to look forward to, but it is difficult knowing that I could be working and making a really good living while at such a young age.

24 years old is so young to be going thru this. At least you have your age on your side and there is more hope I do believe for recovery.

My surgery was over a year ago and it's made things worse for the most part but there are days with the meds that I actually feel a lot better. I have a few really good days a month. The surgeon's assistant said there is still hope it will get better. The surgeon says Chronic Pain.

I'm on Vicodin and Neurotin (sp)? but I'm getting ready to ask my family doctor to increase the Vicodin or go back to something stronger as I have really bad days where it doesn't even take the edge off.

Honestly, your family doctor would become your PM doctor if you don't have luck at PM....their going to want to give you shots I can tell you that straight up but they may work a week maybe two but it's like throwing money way. If I had to do it over I would skip them.

Dr. Dave who use to be on this forum helping people does still answer questions. If you wanted to you could copy your first post here and paste it and send it to him. He's great but he hasn't been here for awhile. I wrote him and he was a big help. He says he doesn't mind the emails. I don't have the address but go back thru and do a search.

Your still very young and I'll be praying for you and your family. It's still possible you could get thru this and possibly be ok. You might have some resriction on your movement but there is always hope....especially since your so young.

Gentle hugs to you and your family. Tammy

Aye. 24 years of age is indeed a rather confusing age to be going through this, as I expected my body to last at least in my middle ages!

I'm wondering if I should ask for a specific type of med. I am going to a doctor close by tomorrow since he did treat me for a back injury a few months ago. I really do not have a family doctor anymore, as he just retired a few months ago (which is my uncle btw). So I guess the doctor I will see tomorrow will have to be my family doctor.

Im hurting so much it is unbearable atm. I've been trying to hold off taking any meds up until I see the PM, but I cannot last any longer. I did get one of those Spinal Cord Stimulators and used it for an awful long time. It was a complete waste of time, as I was more sore afterwards and haven't gained any mobility. So I got the neck things going on, two lower discs and one in the middle of my back now that is going out of wack. Crazy stuff. But I hope to be feeling better by tomorrow afternoon.

My wife and I are going to a local pastor for some counseling. If he cannot help us, then he's supposed to refer us to someone. I love my wife with all my heart, and I hope we can resolve our differences. We fought all last week and hurt each others feelings. Since then, I've wrote her a huge letter, and a poem. Today I ordered 2 dozen roses, an "I love you" mylar balloon, and a plushy teddy bear with a card. I hope we can be close again b/c I miss having her in my arms. Marriage is tough

Marriage is especially tough at the times where something like this happens. Your marriage is not the first one in trouble from the stress caused from a MVA.

I would certainly ask the doctor tomorrow for pain meds if he's now going to be your family doctor. Management of the pain is part of the healing process.

No wonder your so depressed without taking pain pills there would be no one who would ever talk to me. No one would be able to be around me I'd be such a B*****. I can't imagine how your bearing it.

It's important to get that pain under control....I just went thru this where I tried to cut way back and now I'm taking them like the doctor said and doing much better. I went thru a time where I was in so much pain I couldn't get out of bed. It was from the meds coming out of my system and showing me what it would be like without them. My back hurt so badly. I had no side effects from cuttting back other than the same problems as before only 50x's worse. I believe in the meds.....I'm 58 and didn't take much at all b4 the MVA...I took xanax for over 22 years once a day .5mg and a blood pressure med...that's all. It's different now but at least I'm much older than you. I hate it that your 24 and I will add you to my prayers that you get better and that you will get your life back.

Gentle hugs to you and your family. Tammy

Indeed it has been so tough. I suppose I have been testing myself without the meds to see if I really don't need them. Alas, I have come to a conclusion, GIVE ME THE MEDS OR IMA CURSE LIKE A DRUNKEN SAILOR!!!

My wife, though I don't know how, has stuck with me through all of this. Adding to the fact that I haven't been on any meds for a while now except the anti-depressant Cymbalta, she surely must love me. Hopefully tomorrow I will get the right dosage and I hope things will turn out for the best.

Please let us know how it goes. My doctors and PT all say that the meds are part of the healing process. It will make it easier on you and your wife.

I drove a school bus so I had to go off on Disability Retirement and I hate it. I can't drive with the meds so I had to learn to except what I can do. Sitting, standing and expecially walking are a problem for me so there's not much left job wise to look for.

Hope you get good news tomorrow. Tammy

Update: Yesterday I got to see Dr. Wade and he prescribed me 40 Percocets. They should last until I see a PM specialist. However, my wife and I are at quarrels right now. Since Sunday Janurary 21st, I decided to turn my life to Christ and became a born again Christian. I have not fought with her since then. We have gotten along very well. We went to a pastorial counselor, and he didn't want us to seperate. I DO NOT WANT TO SEPERATE FROM MY WIFE! But she has already made up her mind she wants her own place. I've tried understanding her point of view, but I cannot help but to feel hurt. I bought her 2 dozen red roses for her B-day. I do not bother her at all about helping around the house anymore. I've told her I love her with all my heart and soul. But she doesn't want to live here anymore. She says she's unhappy and does not know why. I believe with all my heart that we should work on this together as a family. I believe that when God says He hates divorce, he hates seperation. I do not want to break the covenent that we made with God when we got married. But I feel like I don't really know why she wants to leave, other than to "have her own place." I feel so miserable now, but I will feel so alone after she leaves. But I'm not gonna give up on her b/c I love her way too much to give up. It is taking a lot of courage just to be able to support her decision.

We are seeing a professional counselor this comming Monday. After we saw the pastor, she said she got nothing out of it. He did tell us that we needed to work on this as a family and not seperate. My faith is getting tested, but I will not give up b/c I believe without a shadow of a doubt that God wants us to be together. So I will support her decision although it will devestate me completely.

I'm glad I got the meds now b/c they will help me relax and cope throughout this whole process. Please pray for me b/c I need it alot. I love you all and hope things are going well for you.

Rahferd Lee

whew what a long post. It's not your fault, it's just that since my mva 6 years ago, I have yet to read a newspaper or book because I have no attention span. I actually read your post all the way through and want to comment on you worrying about getting addicted to meds or your friends thinking your an addict.

First of all, forget what they think. Your body is still healing and may never be the same as it was pre-mva/surgery. Do you have a pain management doctor in your area? If so, get an appt. w/one. Their primary focus is your pain. They are responsible to make sure you are in as little pain as possible while you are healing or even after the healing period is done and you still have pain.

My PM doc told me that on about 3% of patients get addicted. He said that as long as you take your meds as directed and aren't taking them recreationally, but are taking them for pain, you won't get addicted. I know it's true because I've been on Vicodin (which is on the same level as Lortab). I actually when I had surgery to my neck to cut the nerves which cause pain.

Once I was painfree, I quit the meds and didnt have withdrawals or anything like that. Of course, 11 mths later had a second mva and that's messed my neck and back, hips and legs up. I'm back on Vicodin started 5/500 then 7.5/750 but now on highest dosage which is 10/650. I also take Lyrica for nerve pain, Cymbalta for depression and anxiety, and take Prilosec because the stress of everything has given me ulcers & acid reflux. I've tried Tylox after my back surgery (fusion) but they upset my stomach so back I went on the Vicodin. I was concerned and told doc they don't work as well as they used to (been on them off and on 4 yrs) and he told me-when they stop working completely we will change you, but once you move up from Vicodin, you go to the opiod narcartics which are more addictive. So Im staying on Vicodin for now.

So, don't worry about the meds. You need them to control your pain and if your friends and family don't understand, oh well. My mom thinks I'm a junkie bcz I take all these meds and keeps telling me to just stop taking them. Uh, don't think so.

Good luck in your journey,
Stop to talk anytime, we are here for you and understand when no one else does.

donna

I'm glad you got the meds to help you thru you injury pain but you need something for your nerves too with what your going thru with your wife. I'm so sorry to hear she feels the need to get her own place. I've been married and divorced and from what I know you have to give them the space the need. You know the saying "Sometimes when you love someone you have to set them free." If you have to give her time so she can make her own decision. I know it's hell but there's a lot of people on this forum that have lost their spouses after MVA. Maybe she just needs time to deal.

I wish you the best sweetie and I will be praying for things to work out with you and your wife and your recovery.

Love and gentle hugs. Tammy

So much has changed and I find it hard pressed to remember things. I basically googled my name and I think this link was the 4th hit or something.

To give an accurate update full of detail is gonna be hard. I remember Tammy and someone else helping me out 3 years ago. I hope they are still here.

My pain has gotten worse. Sometimes I have to use a cane to get around now. I battle depression and I try to ignore my bi-polar tendencies. I attempted suicide in September of 2007. I think I just gave up because I was crying all the time. I don't get out and socialize any. I wish I had someone to talk to that I could trust.

I think shortly after my last post, we seperated and the divorce was finalized in December of that year. I haven't seen my son in over 2 years. I miss him dearly.

I live with my mom and step-dad now and I know it's a burden on them. I'm on disability but the money isn't much. I still get workers compensation but it has been reduced to absolutely nothing now.

I don't know where to turn or who to talk to. My personality is geared to give and I have lost sight of things.