Nancy Bethe
Rowdy, my heart is with you. Although I haven't experienced the problems you have with your foot, I can sympathize with the herniated disk in your neck, the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. I am 51 years old and I had a herniated disk in my cervical area when I was 35. The surgical method I had to correct this problem was "ancient" by today's standards, but I have never had a regret that I had the cervical fusion done. You will always find those who've had a bad experience with cervical surgery, but I've known many people who have since had it done, and all were happy they did. You are facing several problems at once, which I wasn't at the time. I had no FM, or Chronic Fatigue. This is no doubt contributing to your depression. The question you have to ask yourself is "what do I have to lose?" If you are in such misery from your neck, do you have any alternatives? I think not. Find the absolute best surgeon you can, and ask for specifics on his percentage of positive results. It seems that you are also in need of a pain specialist. You need to get on an antidepressant medication that helps not only the depression, but also the pain. Consult a psychiatrist. They are, by far, the most knowledgeable on which medications will work with your pain and depression. A good rheumatologist can also help with your Fibromyalgia. I get injections directly into my "trigger" points and the FM pain subsides considerably. You also need to be evaluated as to whether you have a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders go hand in hand with FM and Chronic Fatigue. I also feel that a part of your Chronic Fatigue is a result of your depression and constant worry over what to do next. You poor man. You are exhausted from dealing with pain and depression. NEVER give up on antidepressive medication. I went through 6 different drugs before I hit on the one that brought me out of my depression. Refuse to settle for a drug that isn't doing the job. Your pain is not being properly addressed. Insist on pain management that will allow you to lead as normal a life as you can, all things considered. Many need to go to pain pumps that are put in their abdomen which give you a constant flow of medication so the pain can't get out of hand. You can't play catchup with pain meds. It doesn't work. I am on pain medications, antidepressives, anti-anxiety medication, and muscle relaxers. It sounds excessive, but I am not "drugged up." Yes, I still have some pain, but it is manageable. You may feel like caving in to all these problems, but you have to fight them. Don't listen to advice that tells you that you should be thankful since there are others worse off than you. That kind of advice is for losers and you want to be a winner. Good luck.