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December sucks. (Probably off topic)

C

cwilk

New member
Ground is solid frozen now. It was nice and warm yesterday but heavy rain. The rain wasn't soaking into the frozen ground so now we have a lot of free standing water. Snow and ice in the forecast. Not that I could detect with this damned back. I mention this because I finally went to see a doctor about it. I am one of the large number of uninsured in America so I have to pay my own way. My doctor retired a few years back and I just never went and found another so I had that to do too. I lucked into this guy who I think is a nice fit for me. A young guy from Burma (he still calls it Burma not Myanmar) smart and funny. We had a good first visit which included a full physical, my first in 9 years. He gave me some muscle relaxers to use temporarily for my back until he gets back my bloodwork and until I can get some tests on my back. The blood and the visit was 450 bucks and I asked if we could put off until after the holidays and more tests. He said if the bloodwork came back ok he could prescribe something to relieve the pain in my back and then in January we'd continue and see if there is anything that needs to be fixed. I think rest is all it really needs and for me to lose a few pounds.

John in Edmonton. The doctor gave me Skelaxin. Anything I need to worry about? I had some kidney trouble a few years back and he said that if my kidney function test comes back ok he has a better drug but in mind. He said if I keep the Skelaxin to 800mg twice a day I should probably feel much better. I had taken a few Celebrex from a friend which really helped but he said that might be a bad choice due to my kidney history. None of the OTC drugs (Ibuprophen, Naproxen, Acetaminaphine, Aspirin) seem to be working for me lately. Icy Hot and hot showers help a lot.

Chris
 
He sounds like a good doc. Well at least it's winter and you have time to get better before the the MD'ing weather gets good.

I wouldn't worry about paying $400 bucks. That is less than what a premium is for the month and not even going to the doctor.

When I wasn't working I went to a clinic and they wouldn't let me pay full price. They said I had to only pay 15% because of no income. Plus they gave me a bunch of free samples of the prescriptions we needed.
 
I'm not familiar with Skelaxin. We use a similar drug also, but different. Drug therapy is trial & error like everything else. Some non-pharmaceutical treatments you can try are stretching exercises, relaxation therapies, traction, ice/heat treatments and good body mechanic techniques. Your doctor has ordered some liver function tests which will let him know how well they are. Good luck.....never give up :) If one treatment doesn't work, seek out an alternative.
 
Never hesitate to ask for free samples. That's why they are there. I have seen some of my doctor's "free sample cupboards, and they are just overflowing with all types of drugs, from Viagra, cough medicines to antidepressants. The nice thing about free samples, is that they can be used on a trial basis at no cost to you, and then if they are effective, you can start buying them. That's how they are supposed to be used. Good luck :thumbup:
 
Hey Chris,

Yeh back pain sux for sure. I have suffered with pain from my Cancer and I use natural stuff like this: Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate, taken in combination with MSM, has provided millions of people with relief from painful joints and may also be useful for relieving headache pain and back pain.

I'm not into pharmaceuticals as I do natural treatments for most things. Maybe your local GNC or herb shop will have these. I have a small disc prob in my back now from moving boulders while dredging this summer and use these for pain help.

Good luck
Alan in Oregon
 
We belong to an HMO and my premium is $29 a month and my wife's is $85 because she requires home health care and bath aides. My recent operation cost about $75,000 total and I had to pay $475.

Bill
 
I get several of my meds via free samples from my doc on a continual basis. All one has to do is ask. Docs get a ton of the stuff every month. If you ain't working or have low income you can get any drug free through the "Patient Assistance" program direct from the manufacturer. Just ask your doctor about it. My wife gets one free ( an injectable ) that costs $900 for a little tiny vial of the stuff.

Bill
 
Hi, all i can say is i am glad i don't live in us ( no disrespect ), as we don't have to pay for any ops or even to go and see doc, if you work you have to pay a certain amount for meds but if you don't you will not pay a thing, and you will get exactly the same as paying ppl, its a good job we don't have to pay for ops, as my daughter has had a lot over the past eight years, due to chronic kidney failure, that's transplants, dialysis, intensive care, etc etc, come over to UK and get it sorted, ime sure it wont cost as much including travel.
 
Chris

Oh I do remember Skelaxin...I had an accident and the ex fiance' and I were given Sakelaxin she was knocked out for hours and I was higher than a kite carried off in a hurricane! Be careful with the stuff...I would eat first

Don
 
Chris
I have 2 bad discs.I have used Vicoprofen.The Ibuprofen potentiates the Hydrocodone.It works great when my back is really bad.Usually a heating pad helps minor flare ups.Bill
 
The Skelaxin was a free sample. 12 tablets 800mg each. I have taken 5. Doc suggested no more than two a day until bloodwork comes back and shows my organs are still working. They helped a bit but I got a terrible headache and nausea one night. I have slept better since taking them. I was actually hoping for someting to kill the pain rather than dull it. I reckon I gotta give the doc a call on Monday or Tuesday and figure out what's next. I will say this. I could detect today where that would have been impossible last week. It's cold today but supposed to be warm tomorrow. I will have to lock myself in my place otherwise I'll be out reinjuring myself, I'm sure.

Chris
 
These pills were freebies. They gave some relief. I asked why he selected that drug and he said because it is relatively easy on the kidney. I like to know these things. I suppose it would be difficult to cram 7 or 8 years of schooling into a single visit. I was hoping for something that would remove the pain rather than the spasms. It has been a whole lot easier sleeping, though.

Thanks for the advice.

Chris
 
I have never been prescribed pain killers. I was given them a lot when I was in the hospital for a month a while back but when I got out all I got was Tylenol 3. It was excruciating. I suppose it was all my body could handle. I "borrowed" a few Percocet or Percodan from a friend last week and I had no pain for two days. I also got pretty buzzed the first day.

Chris
 
The source of the problem needs to be addressed. Pain is a symptom of your spasms. Get rid of the spasms and you get rid of the pain.
 
What I need is rest moderate exercise/stretching and to lose 20-30 pounds. I need the meds in the interim so I can work and what not.

Chris
 
I'm definitely done until 2009. I was trying to communicate how much better I'm feeling as opposed to last week. I honestly think all the detecting was keeping me limber and when I slowed down/stopped my back just tightened up.

Chris
 
You got the answer right off the bat.. Give it a rest and loose some weight. I lost 20lbs and all my back issues went away.

I did it by increasing my search time...bend over instead of kneeling down....and walk, walk, walk. Found some of my best rings and coins and had the best 6 months ever in the metal detecting business. I am just about ready to quit the 9-5 forever. I can just about support me and my family with what used to be a hobby.

Go for it and do what you love.

g
 
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