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.

[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.

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!