Hi Sarah..
I couldn't help responding to your submission. I am not a doctor...however I am a patient that has suffered with
cervical myelopathy, stenosis, radiculoapthy etc.
I also have a
brachial plexus injury along with a torn roatator cuff. I know the pain you are feeling - trust me. I can only share with you my experiences. The pain has kept me from working as well. It is quite frustrating...depressing...and gloomy. With that said, I did find pain relief with traction (manual and mechanical) at therapy. Also, I need to take
Ibuprofen 800 mg and
Vicodin 10 mg almost daily. The Ibuprofen helps me with the pain - while acting as an anti-inflammatory. The Vicodin is mainly for bedtime and helps with sleep sometimes.
As far as pain management, it would be ideal for you to find a Dr. who not only deals with pain management, but is a
psychiatrist as well.
Cymbalta was prescribed along with Amrix (
muscle relaxant) and I find them helpful.
I don't know what state you are in....but there are always state or federally funded programs for those who cannot afford health care. Trust me...my wife worked as a social worker and people need to utilize these programs or the state or county will lose their funding.
Now....the MRI'S...they are your films..period. You need to go to the facility and request the films (even if they put them on disc) and the reports. These are crucial pieces if medical documentation you will need for treatment from: therapy, specialists, pain management dr...etc. Demand them...threaten legal action if need be.
So bottom line, please seek help from your state or maybe even the department of Social Security. SSI will may be helpful....especially if you were (or intend to be) out of work for 12 months.
I know it's depressing...but you are not alone. I will check this post to see if you followed up.
Stay strong...
AB