Pain medication

[Unregistered]

I was recently diagnosed with a painful disc condition that has required a shot of cortisone to help set straight. I'm trying to avoid surgery, but we'll see what happens.

I have been prescribed Vicodin (for the day) and Neurontin (at night) by a board certified pain doc (I have a team of docs, an orthopaedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, and a pain management specialist helping me through this condition).

I know that ALL pain meds are disqualifying when I take them -- wait XX time to clear my system before I can fly again.

What are the issues at my next medical? From what I've read, I just need a doctor's letter stating that the scripts were for a transient condition, and in the case of Neurontin, specifically NOT for seizures or other abnormal neurological activity -- just for the control of extreme nerve pain caused by an extruded lumbar disc. When the condition clears, I'm in the clear.

Am I understanding this right?

Sincerely,

Back Pain SUCKS

 

[wby0nder]

It DOES suck but it WILL pass. Might take 9 months but it will pass. Think long and hard about surgery. Recovery rates are about the same with and without surgery. Physical Therapy sucks only slightly less than the back pain but can work wonders. Fewer and lesser complications too. Vicodin as needed can really help to break the pain cycle. Reduced pain can actually help with healing. It's not just for comfort. Good luck and keep moving

 

[bbchien]

If all you need are the injections, when it has passed, just have the pain guy write a one paragraph note summarizing what was done and that he had written no more pain Rxs since XX YY, 2010.

 

[ScottM]

If all you need are the injections, when it has passed, just have the pain guy write a one paragraph note summarizing what was done and that he had written no more pain Rxs since XX YY, 2010.

I am going through a similar thing but have not done the shots nor the surgery. I am doing lots of physical therapy. Is there anything special I will need to do come medical time?

I have not ruled out the shots, I see the doc in a few weeks and she is likely to add that as the next thing to do. I have improved a lot but am not near back to 100%. My sciatica comes and goes but I still have weakness and some pain.

 

[EppyGA]

I am going through a similar thing but have not done the shots nor the surgery. I am doing lots of physical therapy. Is there anything special I will need to do come medical time?

I have not ruled out the shots, I see the doc in a few weeks and she is likely to add that as the next thing to do. I have improved a lot but am not near back to 100%. My sciatica comes and goes but I still have weakness and some pain.

My wife has been using a walker for a month or so now. Over a year ago now she had fusion at S1-L5 and the L4-L5 disc cleaned up. The fusion has worked fine but the disc at L4-L5 is bulging and has been causing her extreme pain down her left leg. In September she had a partial knee replacement on her right knee which went very well, but during the recovery from that is when the back really started acting up again. she had X-rays, MRI and a Myelogram. Her Neurologist says she doesn't need surgery at this point and sent her to the pain specialist. Yesterday she had an injection and this morning she has been able to get around without the walker.

Hang in there Scott, I have some idea what you're going through.

 

[Unregistered]

Well, the first round injection doesn't seem to have taken. No real relief, but we're going to try for a second round. If that doesn't work, surgery appears to be the best course of action, but I'm hesitant to go down that path because I'm younger than most people dealing with disc issues.

My care team is advising me that this could be 6-12 months of recovery, given the site and nature of the condition. Does this complicate the medical process? I realize, sadly, that I'm grounded for the duration of treatment, as long as that treatment includes banned substances. I am looking at a number of alternatives to spending the next 6 months dealing with pain medication; this really isn't a lifestyle that I'm interested in.

Sincerely,

Back pain STILL SUCKS

 

[TMetzinger]

Focus on getting well. And remember, that even without a medical, you can still fly - you just can't act as PIC. Have a current/rated pilot buddy go flying with you.

I know several folk who flew (though not as PIC) while their medical was going through the review/special issuance process. Do NOT let your love of flying cause you to make bad decisions about your health.

 

[bbchien]

Focus on getting well. And remember, that even without a medical, you can still fly - you just can't act as PIC. Have a current/rated pilot buddy go flying with you.

I know several folk who flew (though not as PIC) while their medical was going through the review/special issuance process. Do NOT let your love of flying cause you to make bad decisions about your health.

Complete agreement here!

 

[Ghery]

Focus on getting well. And remember, that even without a medical, you can still fly - you just can't act as PIC. Have a current/rated pilot buddy go flying with you.

I know several folk who flew (though not as PIC) while their medical was going through the review/special issuance process. Do NOT let your love of flying cause you to make bad decisions about your health.

I did that in the interval between being diagnosed with prostate cancer and having an untectable PSA reading 6 months after surgery. And flying is a great way to keep your mind occupied with more pleasant things. Although I'm not convinced that doing my annual flight review for the club 3 days before the surgery was one of my brighter ideas.

Best of luck to you. Get well first, then worry about maintaining your medical.