Glory Anna - Spondylolisthesis Story (Grade 3)
My story begins at a very young age. In fact, as far back as I can remember. When I was young if I did anything strenuous, the next day I would be suffering pretty badly. My sister and I would sometimes ride horses ... the next morning I would feel like I was hit my a semi-truck.
I believe I complained about it hurting to my parents, and I'm sure to my siblings. But back a ways in time we didn't know what we know now and that children could even have such back issues. So it's not that my parents didn't listen, more that they thought I was just being a little whiney child ;).
Through my teenage years I pretty much lived like a normal teen. Although I was in pain all the time, but it was bearable. I was able to do a lot, and now that I look back on it, I was probably was way too hard on my back. When I was 17 years old I was in a very bad car accident. The car flipped numerous times, and I was thrown from the car. I didn't notice too much difference after it surprisingly. A fact which is pretty stunning! But, I am sure that it had some kind of negative effect on my back, as it was a horribly bad accident and I had to be medevaced to the hospital.
The years went on living in the same pain, but I kept living my life as if I didn't have any kind of condition. I met my very handsome husband when I was 18. We dated for 4 months then got married. A year later (when I was 19), had our first son, Ethan. Labor was tough but I opted for no meds, but ended up with 2mg of Stadol. It (as you can imagine) was very bad back labor. Afterward, what hurt most, of course, was my back! After a while, it got a little better and I kept on keeping on.
When our son was about 1 1/2 we found out we were pregnant with out daughter Haley.
I was very excited, but knew my back would be hurting that much more for the next 2 years.
And, sure enough, it did! In fact, towards the end of my pregnancy, I literally had to crawl to move about. We were living in a town where we knew NO ONE and I had a 1 1/2 year old to take care of, and let me tell you, that was one of the most difficult times of my life!
During this time I was fed up with the doctor's telling me that, “Most people in the world have a backache, here is a flyer of exercise’s you can do." So, I persisted. I told my doctor at the time, “No, I need an x-ray, and if you won't give me one I will go elsewhere to get one." And I got one alright! The doctor called me THAT SAME DAY and told me: ”I’m so sorry I didn't believe you. You have a serious back problem and you need to come in right away so we can talk about it." I just cried and cried, not because of my problems, but because someone finally listened! I knew all along there was something seriously wrong, and that I wasn't just complaining or exaggerating for no good reason.
From there I got an MRI. At this point in time I was about twenty-two. The films showed that I had Grade 2-3 Spondylolisthesis, as well as nerve damage, bone spurs, and a few other issues. It has been a very tough road. Now, at this point, I was at least happy to know what was going on. And, even though it wasn’t good news, it was news. I had validation and some answers to my ongoing pain and related symptoms.
From that point forward I have seen a number of doctors in my search to find the right one for me. I hope to find one who actually listens and will help me, not just give me pain meds to mask the pain. Although, I have to take some pain medication to control my chronic pain in order to be able to live my day-to-day life!
I am so happy I found the Spondyo support group! I have never felt so welcomed before! Also, I get a lot of answers from all the members! SO THANK YOU! I will be writing a Spondyo & Pregnant story VERY SOON! So all who are still in the baby making years should check out the page! It is amazing and VERY HELPFUL! Again, thank you to all of you for listening and helping as much as you do!
- Glory
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