Struggling with Degenerating Discs at 20

hey, im struggling pretty bad with my degenerating discs. im 20 and got told earlier this year i have 1-2 degenerated discs in my thoracic spine, t11-t12. only a few weeks ago i was told i have 3 more in my neck, c5-t1. i also have a couple bone spurs, and two fused vertebrae in my neck. i kinda just hurt all the time and cant sit up for 2 hours without starting to go numb. i have other recent and unknown chronic illness crap happening to make things even more fun. my family tells me to “just push through the pain” and it makes me feel so useless. im terrified for my future honestly. what do i do? anyone go through anything similar?

Your answer

PurpleBasil420

2y ago

I too have a degenerative disc disease. I spent MANY years feeling useless and wondering why I was even here. What most people don't understand is that you ARE "pushing through the pain" just by waking up. It took me a long time to accept what I wanted for my future was no longer possible and even longer to figure out what I can do now. Don't give up, there is ALWAYS a light at the end of the tunnel. Life may not be what we want, but it is what we make it. Try and find at least one beautiful moment in each day and hold on to that! Here if you need to talk.

KitKat1450

2y ago

I have similar issues and finally got into a good rheumatologist and got a diagnosis for psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis which means my insurance will cover trying meds specifically for that to see if they’ll help. Before that is was just a whole long wrong with my back and non operable degenerative disc disease. I knew something was missing to piece it all together. Now I finally know and can create a much better and more effective management plan than just relying on my back doctors but feeing like complete shit all over that no other specialists could really figure out.

Cheylo

2y ago

I would get in touch with an orthopedic specialist and see what they recommend. Because I know that pain and considering it sounds like you have worse pain than I do I can only imagine. But even though you're being told to suck it up and deal by your family but your feelings and opinions are valid and I'm sorry you have to "push through the pain" when you're hurting so much.

jilliebug

2y ago

i do currently see a wonderful orthopedic surgeon who actually did my sisters surgery! (gentic issue ig) all i have so far is PT and meds but im heading to an app rn so fingers crossed!! thank you so much for the validation man means a ton :)

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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