Yippee (add sarcasm here)! Back surgery on Wednesday

[Akyla]

I'm only 33, but I've had back problems for a while. Probably doesn't help that I am 6'6" as many of you know. And my old man has had 6 back surgeries, including his last one about 3 weeks ago.

I starting having nerve pain down the legs about 3-4 months ago. I was hoping physical therapy would help, but it actually made it worse. 5 weeks worth. But my insurance won't even cover an MRI without PT first.

So I figured it was time to get an MRI and I wanted it read by a really good neurosurgeon. I sell medical malpractice insurance (so I know a lot of docs and what to look for) and my old man has had two of his surgeries by a doc (Dr. Wirt) in Fort Collins. This doc has done well over 10,000 back surgeries.

I called on Tuesday of this week to see when I could get an appointment. Got lucky as they had a cancellation for the next day. So I talked to the doc for 10 minutes and he says, "Yep, seems like a disc issue, but we need an MRI to see what condition your back is in." He got my MRI scheduled for only an hour later. Called me yesterday and says, yep, you've got a pretty significantly ruptured disc (L5/S1). At this point, surgery is really the only option. Already got surgery scheduled for this upcoming Wednesday.

From what I understand, the procedure takes only about 20 minutes and the doc says I will hurt more on the ride up to Ft Collins than I will on the way home. I should have almost instant relief (which would be awesome)! He said I could get back in the gym in a week.

Getting tired of hurting like hell every time I pick up my 5-month old son. Wife is getting tired of having to pick up the slack too. And living on pain killers is no way to go. And this $hit keeps getting worse too!

I'm crossing my fingers it goes as well as it sounds like it will! Wish me luck.

[Bailey Guns]

Good luck, my friend. I hope this goes well and you find relief.

[Mazin]

Good Luck man and God Bless & quick healing!

[Fentonite]

Good luck! Follow any post-op restrictions exactly - don't push it, even if you feel good. Good thoughts for ya. [Beer]

[Akyla]

Thanks for the kind words fellas. Much appreciated.

I was really trying to avoid surgery, but the pain just has been getting worse and worse. It sucks. I have been stuck in my chair or laid up for months basically. Its getting really old and I have too much shit to do. Different level of pain than I am used to as well. And I hate taking pills. Refused the narcotic ones. I particularly dislike those. Been taking Tramadol for a couple of weeks and that's at least kept the pain to a manageable level.

But at least I now know I wasn't just being a pussy about it. Guess there really was something wrong. After talking with this really good neurosurgeon, I don't feel scared or nervous for the surgery and in fact am looking forward to it. Hoping to get back to feeling like myself again.

[blacklabel]

Man, if you can relieve the pain and heal up that quickly, it sounds like the best option. Good luck!

[tmjohnson]

Sounds great that you can get relief that quick! Best wishes for a speedy pain free recovery.

[Irving]

My cousin just had surgery at 26.

[UncleDave]

Good luck! Follow any post-op restrictions exactly - don't push it, even if you feel good. Good thoughts for ya. [Beer]

Listen to this! I have had two back surgeries on the same level you are going to have. Remember no twisting under any circumstances.

[sniper7]

wow that is amazing a 1 week recovery and almost instant relief! good luck and hope everything goes great!

[Akyla]

My cousin just had surgery at 26.

I think my dad was about that age when he had his first one. 6 total disc surgeries. Nerve stimulator implant surgery too. And his bottom three vertebrae have auto-fused. But he actually able to walk around and do a few things since his last surgery. And he just turned 60.

[UncleDave]

I had my first at 19. I hope I don't end up like your old man at his age.

[Adawg38]

Good luck on your surgery. I had neck surgery at 31, everything worked out in the end for me and I hope you also.

[Akyla]

I had my first at 19. I hope I don't end up like your old man at his age.

Honestly, a lot of it in my family is due to bad genetics in the back and discs. Plus, I grew up on a ranch (lots of work, shit has to get done regardless if you hurt or not). And going to physical therapy did teach me that my body mechanics are/were terrible. I hunch...I think because I tower over most people. I use my back muscles for stabilization instead of the ones in the abdominal area. Lots of stuff like that. If you keep yourself in shape (which I haven't), it sure will help keep the likehood of surgery to a lower level.

[UncleDave]

Honestly, a lot of it in my family is due to bad genetics in the back and discs. Plus, I grew up on a ranch (lots of work, shit has to get done regardless if you hurt or not). And going to physical therapy did teach me that my body mechanics are/were terrible. I hunch...I think because I tower over most people. I use my back muscles for stabilization instead of the ones in the abdominal area. Lots of stuff like that. If you keep yourself in shape (which I haven't), it sure will help keep the likehood of surgery to a lower level.

Proper body mechanics/posture helps, but the must have is strong core training to support your spine. I cannot over emphasize that. I grew up working on farms and ranches too, so I understand. Learn to live within your limits, listen to your body.

[Big Wall]

I'm 6'8" so I'm probably headed for back surgery sooner or later. My thoughts are with you.

[rondog]

Did someone delete my post here? I know I typed one up.....

Anyway, my wife had the same surgery, and she's been fine since '97. My two surgeries were different, and required a lot more cutting. What you're having done should be able to be done laproscopically, which will be much easier on you. But don't push yourself!!!

Anyway, this is what a blown-out L5/S1 disc looks like (red arrow). This should be fixable with minimum invasion.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/health%20stuff/L5-S1herniationMRI.jpg

[Akyla]

Did someone delete my post here? I know I typed one up.....


You did. I replied too. I don't know what happened.

[fairrpe86]

Good luck. Had my first back surgery at 22, and am still dealing with the said pain you have. Mine is due to permanent nerve damage. I just declined the spinal cord stimulator surgery, I have heardit does great things but don't want to deal with all the maintenance issues and what not involved with it at this age.

[Akyla]

Good luck. Had my first back surgery at 22, and am still dealing with the said pain you have. Mine is due to permanent nerve damage. I just declined the spinal cord stimulator surgery, I have heardit does great things but don't want to deal with all the maintenance issues and what not involved with it at this age.

My dad has the nerve stimulator implant. He thought it helped somewhat to begin with, but now thinks is BS and plans to have it removed. Plus, when you have one, you can't go through the metal detectors at the airport I believe and you certainly cannot have an MRI done. Having one certainly complicates determining what condition your back is in when or if it starts to hurt again. Plus they can only get the implant cords so far up on the spine. As I understand, it only helps with pain from about the waist down, nothing higher in the back.

[jerrymrc]

Did someone delete my post here? I know I typed one up..... There was another thread on backs that got lost in the crash. I know I replied but it was a couple of months ago. [Coffee]

[Troublco]

Hope everything goes smoothly for you!

[10mm-man]

Wish you luck and a speedy recovery! I have had back issues for over 15 years, I use to get bad pain down my legs and thought I would have to someday do the same..........

[dorsum]

Good luck. Sounds like better days ahead for you after the surgery.