Question: I've had lower back pain since childhood and I've always been skinny and active until I ruptured 3 lower dics in my back in 1997 and underwent 3 separate surgeries just weeks apart. Since then I've been to a pain clinic and diagnosed with 5 different back problems and began getting neural blocks with sedation and put on a number of mind numbing narcotics that made me lethargic and I gained a significant amount of weight and couldn't function. In 2009 my mother died suddenly and less than a year later my son died suddenly at the age of 29. He was super healthy but the autopsy showed a malfunctioning heart valve that caused him to die instantly in his sleep. Since then I've suffered from severe depression and was put on a couple different medications. In 2014 I told the pain clinic I wanted off the narcotics against their advice but, I couldn't function on them so they gave my general physician the schedule to down dose and 8 excruciating weeks later I had detoxed at home totally and lost 35 lbs. in the process. However as I already knew, as the drugs left my system the pain increased and now I'm thinking clearly again and my mind wants to do everything I used to but, my body and the restless legs, migraines, stinging and burning in my feet and legs plus the severity of pain and restricted movement of my back has been the reason for my prolonged insomnia. I'm awake 24/7 for 3 or 4 days and then I just pass out wherever I land and have been hard to awaken. My husband is very concerned as are my children and grandchildren but I don't want to be put on narcotics again. I am 69 years old and I don't know where else to turn. Please advise me. Sincerely, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

I submitted a health question just 20 minutes ago and realized I typed in my age as 69 but it was an error and I am 59 years old. I was born on Oct. 30th, 1957.

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX for your advice. I should mention that of the five diagnoses I've received after my last MRI, (spinal stenosis, failed back surgery syndrome, degenerative disc disease, neuropathic pain, nerve compression of S1-S2) one was "epidural stenosis". I assume that means a narrowing of the nerve root caused from numerous nerve blocks and epidural steroid injections. Will that condition worsen if I continue receiving those blocks and epidural injections?

Sincerely, Mrs. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX for your prompt reply. I will discuss nerve root blocks with my doctor. I appreciate your advice and your time. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Sincerely, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX