Just out of curiosity.........

[tom d. friedman]

i had 3 blown discs in 98. i was in much pain. i couldn't sit for anything, but standing, i could run the 100 yard dash. my brother's brother in law was an anatheseologist ( to lazy for the dictionary) or gas passer at women's & children's hospital in boston. he recommended caudil epidural blocks. women get them when in labor delivering babies. i had 3 of these in a month, they easied the blown tissue off the nerves, i had some physical therapy & have had no trouble since. ask your doctor about it. it's quite common & successful now.

[Beachy]

I tried the epidural "therapy" first, but my doc wouldn't give more than 3 in a 6-month time frame, and each injection only lasted me about 6 weeks.....That's a lot of weeks of pain with no relief!!!! Believe me, I tried a whole range of solutions before deciding on surgery! There's a chance that the surgery won't solve the problem forever, but if I get even a few years out of it without the pain I'll be happy! Now it's just a waiting game to see what happens once this heals up..........It hasn't even been 48 hours since the surgery yet.........

I'm glad that the epidurals worked for you, though! I'm telling you, I wouldn't wish back pain on my worst enemy!!!!

[Broken-Wrench]

I hate to dash your hopes but i had the surgery and it is a little better but it hurts everyday.. You have to watch your range of motion or you'll damage the discs above and below the damage as those are now working harder to compensate for the fused area. it hurts everyday for me

[Beachy]

I didn't have mine fused...........All they did on mine was to clip away the ruptured portions which were pressing on the nerve...........

[Beachy]

Well, it's been a week since the surgery......the healing seems to be going along just fine. Actually removed the bandages & the steri-strips today for good. It's the first time I've seen the actual incision. It's a heck of a lot bigger and a LOT uglier than I thought it was going to be!!!! Was going to post a picture of it, but I don't want to gross anyone out! I really am not in any pain -- I've even stopped taking the Percocet. It's just a bit uncomfortable. Overall, I've had sunburns that have given me more discomfort than this does.

Ventured out of the house today for something other than my "walking therapy" -- Actually got to go to the next town over to buy some groceries! How exciting, huh? At this point, I'll take it! I'm bored to tears laying around here doing nothing! I don't even have a TV! My eyes are ready to pop out of my head from all the reading I've been doing. I still can't drive for another week or so, so poor old Pa got roped into driving me around in my trusty ol' Jeep.......And words to the wise: Jeeps are lousy vehicles to ride in when you've just had back surgery! It did, however, beat the F-150 4x4 alternative!

So for those of you who are interested, there's the update!!!! If you're not interested, I'm sorry you just read all that!

I thank you all sincerely for your words of encouragement. Bill, you're right. The worst part is the forced inactivity and the having to listen to the doctor! We ALL know I'm not the world's greatest listener!

[tom d. friedman]

heal fast & take it easy. best, tom

[bdk]

Looks like you are off of your back at least in the new Avatar. That pop gun shouldn't jar anything loose...

P.S. I thought you had blonde hair???? That surgery must have gone to your head.

[Beachy]

Funny, BDK, funny!!! My hair color changes more frequently than some folks change their U-trau!

Isn't that little pop-gun just the cutest??? I adore that thing! I can't wait to get back to the range!

[bdk]

U-trau...? Had to look that one up! I guess I'm not the hep cat I once thought I was...

Glad you've been able to keep your sense of humor through your surgery deal.

[GIJOE290]

Gald you're feeling better and getting around some!

[Dale]

Hmmmm thanks for sharing this i really like ur post it was quite helpful quite interesting i got so many new things in this post u really have the knowledge thanks.........