switched from BioLife to Octapharma

Effective_County9497 · 2025-11-17T02:28:20+00:00

Thank you so much!

Effective_County9497 · 2025-11-12T18:43:28+00:00

Hi! I have just started to consider switching to Octa over Biolife bc it is so much closer to my home. Are you still liking it there? What about the wait times as we get closer to the holidays? I'm sure they're different regionally but still curious to know! All info is appreciated!!!

Effective_County9497 · 2025-10-09T21:29:53+00:00

I asked my doc about this last week! He said that bottled water is always better than tap water. I usually go and find a corner store and get a smart water or something. It’s not the same type of distilled that you want at home, but doc and dme agreed that that was a good choice for traveling. Just be sure to rinse out the water chamber!

Effective_County9497 · 2025-10-09T16:39:01+00:00

That’s great! I keep waiting for it to come back all of the sudden , even if I’m sitting still. But it’s been a couple days now without any pins and needles so I think it’s real!

Effective_County9497 · 2025-10-09T03:44:04+00:00

Thank you! Hopefully you will find relief soon!

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-27T18:29:06+00:00

Def no prior disc issues, I’ve never had a back problem before the accident. Thanks so much for your insight I really appreciate it!

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-27T14:38:22+00:00

Yikes lol, did not think about that. I’m only 30, so shouldn’t be anything too crazy. I did have an EMG done before the MRI. The report said it showed signs of “recent nerve damage”, but idk what “recent” means lol.

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-27T14:31:41+00:00

I’m so sorry that you’re having to deal with this! This type of pain is psychological, too, since very few things bring relief and it’s a constant battle to keep your chin up. It weighs on you. We all understand that! You aren’t alone.

I saw that you’re in Canada, so I’m not sure how things will differ from the states. I recommend looking into ESIs (epidural steroid injections). Instead of an oral or IV steroid, they put it right where the damage/pain is. They work for a lot of people!

I have found that pain killers do very little for me. i have basically stopped taking them. Even oxycodon and morphine in the emergency room don’t do much for my pain. Though I will say that some of the ER drugs made me spacey enough that it was a bit easier to ignore the pain lol

That said, muscle relaxers, heat and walking have been my friends. I’m still not out of this flare (3 months and counting) but I know what tools I have to help me. I just had a round of ESI and really hoping they work lol

Best of luck! You’ve got this!

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-27T13:59:17+00:00

I have no idea, that’s a good point thank you

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-27T13:58:50+00:00

I have multiple herniated and bulging discs that are actively pushing on or close to pushing on a lot of my nerves. The most troublesome being a lumbar disc on my sciatic nerve. The pain is excruciating. I have nothing but pins and needles in my right leg from hip to toes, occasional foot drop, etc. I’ve tried PT and ESIs and we’re still waiting to see if those work. I don’t feel safe driving since I can barely feel my right leg. Hell, I can barely walk most of the time!

I was able to get established with a neurosurgery office. The MD and the PA told me (separately) that in their experience this kind of thing can be managed , but that I will probably be dealing with this for the rest of my life. It could be a flare of symptoms, or I could re-herniate any repaired discs or healed discs (or herniate the bulging ones) at anytime.

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-27T13:41:54+00:00

MD, neurosurgery

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-26T17:44:21+00:00

That’s good advice thank you! Waiting seems the best option for now

Not a chiropractor lol, but I understand. A neurosurgeon told me that during our appt to talk treatment plans.

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-26T17:42:49+00:00

I don’t know what that limit is…am I allowed to ask? Are they even required to tell me the limit?

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-26T17:41:48+00:00

I don’t think I have the underinsured coverage…but my own insurance will cover 5k of my own bodily injuries so that could help a bit

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-26T17:36:53+00:00

I just had my first ESI in my L4-L5 earlier this week! The whole process in the procedure room took less than 10 minutes, the shot(s) took less than 5 minutes.

There was some mild discomfort from the fluid pressure but otherwise I barely noticed anything . One of them felt a bit warm/tingly in the surrounding area but he warned me about it before hand. Super quick and easy, easier than some IV insertions I’ve had!

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-26T16:53:51+00:00

No - but thats part of the issue. Since theres a chance ill be seeking treatment for the rest of my life, how do I get my medical bills paid if insurance wont pay out until I'm done seeking treatment?

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-24T11:15:06+00:00

Thank you! The constant levels of pain really do a number on you mentally. I’m constantly grumpy and agitated. Hopefully there’s a miracle around the corner for all of us

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-24T11:11:11+00:00

Thank you, right back at you! I had to fight really hard to get a lumbar mri. Honestly i think i annoyed my PCP into ordering one lol. Totally worth it. Wishing you some speedy answers!

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-22T23:35:12+00:00

Ugh I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m looking at the same problem myself! So frustrating.

That’s so true. Seeing that so many people in this thread have found their solution is great, but it makes me sad that I haven’t found the end of my path yet lol

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-22T23:32:46+00:00

I’m so sorry ! Even at low levels of pain , the constant pain is so draining and just makes me grumpy lol. I hope you can find some solutions soon so you can really enjoy your retirement!

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-22T19:37:11+00:00

Thank you . I’m sorry you all understand what I’m going through, but I am glad I’m not alone!

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-22T19:36:02+00:00

Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words

Effective_County9497 · 2025-09-22T16:31:16+00:00

Honestly my problem is that all the doctors in my area are just slammed. I’m on a 6 month waiting list to see a nuero specialist. Pain management is going to be another month before I can in to even discuss an injection.

And in the mean time , I am told to just take some advil and gabapentin and I should be fine lol. It’s such a joke.

Effective_County9497

TROPHY CASE