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I'm Back about Back

I apologize for my infrequency on this forum but I just get busy with things and don't get around to it as regularly as I would like. 

So far I have taken two Entyvio infusions.  I have my third one upcoming within a couple of weeks.  After that, I will start my 8-week maintenance schedule of infusions.  So far, I haven't seen any positive changes in my condition.  In fact, over the past 3 weeks or more, I seem to be going through a rough stretch as far as digestive issues / diarrhea goes.  More frequency, more urgency / pain, and generally a lot more discomfort.  To summarize, it has been causing a lot more disturbance to my life than it normally does.  Because I started a new job about a month ago, it has been very frustrating.  So, I am hoping that this Entyvio will work its magic sooner rather than later.

On another note - and I am writing this while it is fresh on my mind - I have been struggling with lower back problems for a very long time.  I don't recall having such issues prior to my Total Colectomy in July of 2000.  Since then, it has been an issue and seems to get worse as I age.  I have had 2 or 3 MRIs over the past 10 years.  The latest mentioned that my condition has worsened.  The most recent MRI I had was in January of 2020.  It showed the following:

L3-L4: There is a shallow left lateral and foraminal disc protrusion which is new since the prior study.  As disc contacts the left L4 nerve root and the exiting left L3 with potential for irritation. 

L5-S1: Again there is a small left lateral disc protrusion contacting the left S1 without compression. 

L4-L5: No abnormality is seen.

Does anyone have a similar diagnosis?   When sleeping, the discomfort becomes unbearable.  I have to move from my back onto my side, usually in the middle of the night or early in the morning.  The pain / discomfort is very intense at times.  The longer / better I sleep, typically the worse the pain and stiffness is when I get up.  It's extremely aggravating; some nights / mornings worse than others.  I don't know if a new mattress would help.  Mine is in pretty good shape and good quality.  Many mornings the soreness and stiffness is so bad I can barely put my socks on.  Then it tends to go away during the day, although lately there have been time when the pain has been so intense that the soreness / stiffness lingers through part or most of the day.  Driving and sitting at a desk for extended periods of time can be aggravating as well.

It's been a battle for years.  I am concerned that it will get to the point where it will cripple me.  I just don't know what to do. 

Is it connected to my IBD issues and surgery?  I have know idea.  All I know is that it is frustrating as hell.  If anyone can relate or suggest anything, I am all ears and eyes.  I have raging fires burning in my world that I can't seem to get a handle on - my chronic diarrhea and my agonizing lower back.  Thanks for reading.

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