Hi I am a 35 year old, post-op transsexual, who prior to surgery was diagnosed with Kyphosis aftre an accident in which I had a unstable burst T12 fracture. Subsequent MRI's showed the following:

"Marked Degeneration of the Spine, Limbus Vertebra at L3, Schmorls Nodes throughout, Failure of segmenatation at the Lumbosacral Junction with Dystrophic facet joints at this level, congential fusion of T12 and L1 with Posterior Hemi-vertebra at this level"

I have been struggling with pain for a number of years while awaiting orthopaedic review, as the orthopaedic consultant wanted to wait until after any definitive gender surgery was carried out before re-assessing things. However since the gender re-assignment surgery, the pain has gotten worst and I have found myself virtually housebound, as my mobility is severly restricted by the pain.

The pain altrenates depending on what posture I adopt, while sitting it is in my upper back and lower legs, while standing it is in my upper & lower legs, and pelvic and lumbar region of my back.

I am currently being treated with pain relief alone, MST tablets 20mg BD, and Oramorph 10ml 4 times a day, Arcoxia anti-inflammatory, amitryptyline for nerve pain, and paracetemol.

I also take 6mg/day estradiol valerate as part of my hormone regimen.

I am looking for any advice that can be provided on things I can do to try to help myself, I have difficulty sleeping, managing on average only 3 hours a night, every other day, as I find that on waking after sleeping on my back that the problem is worst.

Any advice on anything I can try to alleviate the problem would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Karen