So, went to the Dr. today... - Page 2

shilala · 01-16-2015, 10:19 AM

My back is fused, Mike. Hurts like hell every day, all the way to my toes.
They did it 6 years ago and I'm seeing a neurosurgeaon at Cleveland Clinic right now.
My hope is to get it ironed out and get the rods and screws removed.

Mind ya, I smashed my back up in an accident, it wasn't just wear and tear.
They'll tell you surgery may be an improvement, but you have to temper your expectations.
Mine got better, for sure. But only enough better that I can stand it. I have to baby it and ice it and take lots of anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers to keep it under control.

Point being, read up on it a lot so you know what to expect.
That way when it's all said and done you'll be prepared to take care of it.

Remo · 01-16-2015, 10:26 AM

Thanks Scott!

MurphysLaw · 01-16-2015, 11:07 AM

Best of luck to ya bro, I'm thinking about seeing a specialist myself for my sciatica. Pain is minor but I'm getting sensation down my leg. Chiropractor really didn't help much, so it's about time to see a real doc.

Remo · 01-16-2015, 11:13 AM

Good luck bro, may want to look into injections also if the pain is not too bad.

Tio Gato · 01-16-2015, 11:32 AM

Good luck Mike. As others have said don't hesitate to get a second or third opinion. You might want to look for a doc that works on athletes.

Had one work on my knee. It ended very well. Prayer sent for you no matter whether you decide to fuse or not. I wish you well.

14holestogie · 01-16-2015, 12:49 PM

Prayers sent for you, Mike.

pattersong · 01-16-2015, 07:29 PM

A colleague of mine had the exact same symptoms as you. Rather than spinal fusion surgery, it might be worth while to inquire about having a spinal cord stimulator implanted.

He endured 3 spinal fusions over about 5 years starting at L5 and ending at L2 (Discs leaking fluid). The fusions dealt with the leaky discs, but the pain shooting down his leg remained. These surgeries are quite invasive, and he was left with scar tissue interfering with his spinal cord.

This past fall, he had a spinal cord stimulator implanted and has had a reduction of about 60% in pain.

The stimulator is far less invasive than the fusion. It may be an alternate option to consider.

I wish you good luck and a healthy outcome!

AdamJoshua · 01-16-2015, 08:00 PM

Hey might nothing but good vibes and the best of thoughts!

Wait does this affect our chips.. oh wait you sent those already, ok all good here.

Seriously though, hope you get some good news my friend!

Remo · 01-16-2015, 08:17 PM

Thanks guys, I watched a video of the surgery, I don't think I am to that point yet!!

PCR · 01-16-2015, 09:11 PM

Best thoughts and prayers to you Mike. Back pain is the worst. Sorry for your pain.

mosesbotbol · 01-17-2015, 08:24 AM

Do you stretch your back and lower body daily? Muscle tension contributes to back pain immensely.

shilala · 01-17-2015, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Remo

Thanks guys, I watched a video of the surgery, I don't think I am to that point yet!!

I watched a video, too. It was gross. Gaack.

Remo · 01-17-2015, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Do you stretch your back and lower body daily? Muscle tension contributes to back pain immensely.

Yes, I think I am also going to buy an inversion table

Remo · 01-17-2015, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shilala

I watched a video, too. It was gross. Gaack.

Ya Scott, don't think I am down with that until I have exhausted all options.

01-16-2015, 10:19 AM	#21
shilala Dear Lord, Thank You. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Posts: 13,721 Trading: (252)	Re: So, went to the Dr. today... My back is fused, Mike. Hurts like hell every day, all the way to my toes. They did it 6 years ago and I'm seeing a neurosurgeaon at Cleveland Clinic right now. My hope is to get it ironed out and get the rods and screws removed. Mind ya, I smashed my back up in an accident, it wasn't just wear and tear. They'll tell you surgery may be an improvement, but you have to temper your expectations. Mine got better, for sure. But only enough better that I can stand it. I have to baby it and ice it and take lots of anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers to keep it under control. Point being, read up on it a lot so you know what to expect. That way when it's all said and done you'll be prepared to take care of it. __________________

01-16-2015, 10:26 AM	#22
Remo C.I.A Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: Mike Location: Palm Harbor, Florida Posts: 12,597 Trading: (122)	Re: So, went to the Dr. today... Thanks Scott! __________________

01-16-2015, 11:07 AM	#23
MurphysLaw Anything can go wrong Join Date: Dec 2010 First Name: Brian Location: SoFlo Posts: 2,823 Trading: (19)	Re: So, went to the Dr. today... Best of luck to ya bro, I'm thinking about seeing a specialist myself for my sciatica. Pain is minor but I'm getting sensation down my leg. Chiropractor really didn't help much, so it's about time to see a real doc. __________________ It's THIS easy to help our Troops.

01-16-2015, 11:13 AM	#24
Remo C.I.A Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: Mike Location: Palm Harbor, Florida Posts: 12,597 Trading: (122)	Re: So, went to the Dr. today... Good luck bro, may want to look into injections also if the pain is not too bad. __________________

01-16-2015, 11:32 AM	#25
Tio Gato Uncle Kitty Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jeff Location: Casa Grande, AZ Posts: 2,075 Trading: (11)	Re: So, went to the Dr. today... Good luck Mike. As others have said don't hesitate to get a second or third opinion. You might want to look for a doc that works on athletes. Had one work on my knee. It ended very well. Prayer sent for you no matter whether you decide to fuse or not. I wish you well. __________________ "You stink like cigars Uncle Kitty!" Said my Boo age 3. "Kid, take care of your family and the hell with anyone else" My Grandpa Bubba.

01-16-2015, 12:49 PM	#26
14holestogie Serial banter killer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tim Location: Clintonville, WI Posts: 4,341 Trading: (52)	Re: So, went to the Dr. today... Prayers sent for you, Mike. __________________ *I loves me a Parti*

01-16-2015, 07:29 PM	#27
pattersong Gentlemen, you may smoke! Join Date: Jun 2014 First Name: Greg Location: Toronto Posts: 100 Trading: (0)	Re: So, went to the Dr. today... A colleague of mine had the exact same symptoms as you. Rather than spinal fusion surgery, it might be worth while to inquire about having a spinal cord stimulator implanted. He endured 3 spinal fusions over about 5 years starting at L5 and ending at L2 (Discs leaking fluid). The fusions dealt with the leaky discs, but the pain shooting down his leg remained. These surgeries are quite invasive, and he was left with scar tissue interfering with his spinal cord. This past fall, he had a spinal cord stimulator implanted and has had a reduction of about 60% in pain. The stimulator is far less invasive than the fusion. It may be an alternate option to consider. I wish you good luck and a healthy outcome!

01-16-2015, 08:00 PM	#28
AdamJoshua Article 4 Free Inhabitant Join Date: Jan 2013 First Name: The Other Adam Location: Satellite Beach Posts: 14,787 Trading: (40)	Re: So, went to the Dr. today... Hey might nothing but good vibes and the best of thoughts! Wait does this affect our chips.. oh wait you sent those already, ok all good here. Seriously though, hope you get some good news my friend!

01-16-2015, 08:17 PM	#29
Remo C.I.A Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: Mike Location: Palm Harbor, Florida Posts: 12,597 Trading: (122)	Re: So, went to the Dr. today... Thanks guys, I watched a video of the surgery, I don't think I am to that point yet!! __________________

01-16-2015, 09:11 PM	#30
PCR Maduro! Maduro? Maduro. Join Date: Aug 2010 First Name: Paul Location: NW Washington State Posts: 429 Trading: (6)	Re: So, went to the Dr. today... Best thoughts and prayers to you Mike. Back pain is the worst. Sorry for your pain. __________________ "I smoke cigars when I win, to celebrate ... and I smoke cigars when I lose to console myself." -Winston Churchill

01-17-2015, 08:24 AM	#31
mosesbotbol That's a Corgi Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moses Location: Boston Posts: 6,171 Trading: (6)	Re: So, went to the Dr. today... Do you stretch your back and lower body daily? Muscle tension contributes to back pain immensely. __________________ Port Wine & Claret \| British Cars \| Welsh Corgi's