Unreal! I'm too young for this crap!

I'll be going in to surgery in 2 weeks to get two disks in the spine removed and replaced with some metal object. Seems I have herniated disks and a chunk missing at one spot. No more heavy lifting No more job and no more trying to become a engineer for a big building.

This sucks! Can I change my user name to "The youngest 80 year"?

You know? I never had any surgery ever in my life! I have all my gizzards and giblets! Not anymore LOL!

Kind of frightened about this though! I've got two weeks to think about what could/can go wrong.

[rizzle]

I feel for you bro. Keep your chin up.

Hang in there Jeff.....I'm sorry to hear this but you'll be fine. The docs know what they're doing (hopefully!) and you'll be in good hands I'm sure. No sense worrying. I know that's not easy to do. Just hang in there buddy.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by yellowgoat

I'll be going in to surgery in 2 weeks to get two disks in the spine removed and replaced with some metal object. Seems I have herniated disks and a chunk missing at one spot. No more heavy lifting No more job and no more trying to become a engineer for a big building.

This sucks! Can I change my user name to "The youngest 80 year"?

You know? I never had any surgery ever in my life! I have all my gizzards and giblets! Not anymore LOL!

Kind of frightened about this though! I've got two weeks to think about what could/can go wrong.

I feel for you.
I am a sufferer of 2 herniated discs for over 18 yrs.
Not fun.

However, please make sure that you have gotten a good second opinion.
A conservative second opinion would make one stop and think.
Sounds quite serious what they are about to do to you.
I have put my surgery off for years now and as long as I can walk, take pain killers and get an occasional epidural, life goes on.

This stuff is serious.
Best of luck to you and a speedy recovery.

[AAlmeter]

Its OK, stay positive, **** happens.

I had a similar surgery (minus the fusion) when I was 20. My brother had a fusion as well as a disc replacement when he was 28 (I think). He's still been able to play with the kids, he can lift as necessary, he works out daily, and leads a normal life.

Be diligent in your recovery and in keeping yourself in good shape after surgery.

If you're feeling iffy about the surgery itself, you can always reschedule after getting a 2nd (or 3rd) opinion. For my particular case, I opted out of a fusion for a badly herniated disc, and instead took the path of a less aggressive surgical procedure.

Hope all turns out well for you....and that you quickly feel relief from the pain.

I've been reading about it, It's called "Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion" that's a mouth full. this thing is what he wants to do



it's also effecting the left arm and makeing mt thumb and index finger numb. the doctor said that I can lose mobility and feeling in my left arm if i don't get it fixed, and I have lost strength in my left arm already since it's been 3 month now. The first doc put me in physical therapy and that made it worse so he recommended me to this guy I'm seeing now.

anybody had or has this?
this is what it is exactly

Thanks everybody!

[AAlmeter]

Yes, that is exactly what my brother had. He also had a lumbar disc replacement.

I've had a laminectomy and microdiscectomy, and have been very pleased with the results.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by yellowgoat

I've been reading about it, It's called "Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion" that's a mouth full. this thing is what he wants to do



it's also effecting the left arm and makeing mt thumb and index finger numb. the doctor said that I can lose mobility and feeling in my left arm if i don't get it fixed, and I have lost strength in my left arm already since it's been 3 month now. The first doc put me in physical therapy and that made it worse so he recommended me to this guy I'm seeing now.

anybody had or has this?
this is what it is exactly

Thanks everybody!

Arm?
Fingers?
That means your herniations are in the cervical area.
That is usually more problematic than the Lumbar, which affects the legs/toes.
Did he tell you how he plans to do that?
They often times do that procedure via the throat as easier to access than via the back of the neck.

[MedicCook]

Good luck Jeff. Try your best not to dwell on the possible negatives. I know it is hard but postive thinking does help the healing process.

[BigFrank]

damn man, good luck with all that!

I'll hope for the very best for you!

[pcozad1]

I have had Four ruptured discs and four surgeries. Still live in constant pain. But I still work and enjoy life . also still lift things I know i shouldnt. Good luck to ya.

[Nick]

it's cool jeff my pops had back surgery and it didn't slow him down one bit at all.

That really sucks. Good luck with your procedure. Hopefully, it won't keep you down for too long.

My Dad had a serious accident when he worked construction and compressed 2 discs and herniated another. His was in the lumbar region and he had a hard time walking and would get muscle spasms on one side of his body. He chose to try therapy before going into surgery. Fortunately, his PT regimen was incredibly effective and was able to avoid surgery. I think what AAlmeter said is key. He worked hard to stay active and really take care of himself, and he still does what makes him happy.

That makes me feel better! Thanks guys, I just didn't and still don't know what to expect so it can get a bit scary as a first timer looking at any kind of surgery.

Cheers everyone!

[Scottw]

Hey man, best of luck with everything, we're pulling for you!!

[CBI_2]

We have added you tou our prayers along with the medical team and your family.