Controlling My Pain to Stay Relevant

Jon B.

Transdermal Therapeutics Patient

Many men my age cannot get out of their house, let alone get on a lawnmower to cut the grass like I am still able to do. I attribute this ability to a topical treatment made specifically for me as a “compounded” medication. I was diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis several years ago which causes severe back pain. The worst part about this disease and diagnosis is that I am unable to use any oral pain medications other than over-the-counter drugs because of the medications I must take daily. Some of the medications I take daily will interact with oral pain medications in a way that could lead to death or at least a lengthy hospital stay. My pain was unbearable to the point that I could not do much of anything. I began using other types of creams to relieve and ease the pain but nothing seemed to work. The creams that I tried were over the counter and consisted of Bengay, Icy-Hot cream, and Aspercreme. The neurologist I had been seeing wanted me to have surgery for this pain, but that was not an option unless it was the absolute last resort. I continued to see the neurologist for different options and one day was sent to his Physician Assistant instead because the neurologist had been busy. This was a great thing. The Physician Assistant suggested I try a topical cream to help with my severe back pain. I had my doubts this could work since I had tried almost everything else. He prescribed me the formula, faxed it to the company and within a short period of time I had my new prescription at my doorstep.

I started using the Transdermal cream twice a day, morning and night, and have continued that ritual as I write this. There are some days when I need to apply an extra pump during the day, but those days are not very often. Those are days that I am able to get out in the yard and cut the grass, yes I do pay for it in extra pain but it is worth it so that I can keep moving forward in my life. I do not know what I will do if or when the day comes this cream does not work for me. This cream has allowed me to live in a way most people my age cannot. The medication gives me a sense of purpose and will have a lasting positive effect on my life.

Controlling My Pain to Stay Relevant

Spinal Stenosis describes the pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots due to a narrowing of spaces in the spine. This narrowing can involve either a small area of the spine or a large area. Due to the location of the pressure, pain from this condition can be felt in the upper or lower part of the spinal cord, the neck area, the shoulders and even the legs. The cause of this condition can be inherited, caused by scoliosis, the curving of the spine, or in most cases caused from the aging process. The symptoms of this condition vary among people and some do not show any symptoms, however if the narrowing is producing pressure over time there can be progression symptoms. These would include numbness, weakness, cramping and general pain. A licensed medical professional can diagnose this condition using a variety of approaches including medical history, examinations, bone scans, and more.  For more information on this condition please visit http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Spinal_Stenosis/#spine_e.