Well, this sucks.

Damn, Supe. So sorry to hear about this. Best of luck, my friend. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we'll have you in our thoughts!!!!
 
Hope all goes well and a speedy recovery.



My tendinitis in my wrist is popping back up, so I can't golf... Other than, I am doing ok. Thanks for asking.
 
I've kinda left you guys out in the cold about all this stuff; I haven't mentioned anything about it til now, but it's something I've been fighting for many, many years. Gone to a bunch of docs, had a bunch of tests done, and have held off as long as I can. They're telling me that if I don't get it done right now, I could lose all function and feeling of my left shoulder, arm, and hand. The passage way that the nerve goes through is almost completely filled in with bone. The one doc thinks that the numbness in my first two fingers on my left hand is probably permanent.



Back surgery isn't the voodoo art that it used to be, although it still seems to kinda have that reputation. My Dad has had this exact same surgery, and he's 100% completely recovered. He got all his dexterity, strength, and feeling back in both his arms and hands. At this point, I'm pretty much out of option except to go for the surgery and hope I get the same results my Dad did. I'm going to go to the same surgeon he had.
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Like Steve said, sounds like you've done your homework. I certainly didn't mean to imply otherwise, but I don't know you from Adam and some folks will spend more time figuring out the best 52" LCD display to buy than they will in questioning their doctor or getting second opinions.



I truly hope everything works out for the best.
 
If it's any consolation I had a laminectomy 13 years ago and am all the better for it. Went from years of severe back pain and towards the end a little nerve damage; returned to work two weeks earlier than recommended because I felt so good aided by an excellent work hardening program.



You're in my prayers.
 
Wow... the people on this board amaze me. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support! I just showed this thread to my wife. She was amazed at the outpouring of support. She might just fill in for me for a few days after surgery here on the board. :)



Thanks, guys, I *really* appreciate all the support!





Accumulator said:
SuperBee364- Yikes, sorry to hear about this :eek:



FWIW, Accumulatorette had spinal fusion done back in the mid-80s and it worked out super for her. Your situation sounds more complicated than hers, but they do some impressive work these days and it sounds like you have a good guy for the job.



When are you planning to schedule the work?
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As soon as the surgeon can fit me in to his schedule. The back specialist sent the diagnosis, findings, history, and MRI's to his office. I went to his office yesterday and filled out all five thousand forms. Now I have to wait for him to review everything, call me for an office visit to explain exactly what he's going to do and the risks, then schedule the surgery.



TortoiseAWD said:
Best wishes, Supe. I'd dealt with chronic lower back problems for about 10 years before my S4/S5 disc ruptured in '95 and forced me to surgery. Knock wood, I've been almost completely pain-free for 14 years.



Here's to hoping your results are even better than mine.



Take care, and don't watch any Three Stooges without painkillers. :)



Tort
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OK, Tort, that's a bit scary... I told my wife that the next time she goes to Costco, I want her to see if they have all the Stooges episodes on DVD to watch at the hospital. I love the Stooges!



Banacheq said:
Like Steve said, sounds like you've done your homework. I certainly didn't mean to imply otherwise, but I don't know you from Adam and some folks will spend more time figuring out the best 52" LCD display to buy than they will in questioning their doctor or getting second opinions.



I truly hope everything works out for the best.
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Ain't that the truth??



This has had such a major impact on me for so many years, I've researched and learned more about the human spine than I ever wanted to. :)



citizen arcane said:
If it's any consolation I had a laminectomy 13 years ago and am all the better for it. Went from years of severe back pain and towards the end a little nerve damage; returned to work two weeks earlier than recommended because I felt so good aided by an excellent work hardening program.



You're in my prayers.
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Thanks, man, I love hearing success stories!



Thanks again, everyone! Darn fine group of guys we have here on Autopia.
 
Hope everything turns out ok for you. This is what I fear most, having an injury where I can't detail for an extended period of time.
 
Wishing you all the best. I know what back pain does to one's emotions; real depression, irritability, hopelessness, etc... I see it daily and have watched the patient decompensate over time. You must not allow yourself to get down in the dumps too much. You have to be strong because the fight is only beginning. Depression can lead to further pain.



I work for an orthopedic surgeon who has been in practice for 30 years. "Nobody" really does spine surgery any more (of course not knowing your pathology). With advances in pain management, back surgery really isn't always in the cards unless the trauma is severe like a nasty car accident. Have you exhausted all other avenues of pain management? Like surgery advances, so too has pain management progressed. You obviously start at the least aggressive and work your way up (sort of like polishing paint!) But, there have been serious advances over the years. Glad to hear your old man, Tort and Accumelator's wife are doing great! That's results to hang your hat on.



As far as chiropractors, I can't tell you the number of people we treat who were made WORSE by them. The horror stories of what they did to people's backs, necks, etc... thinking this is how you treat the affected region. They are the scourge of real medical practitioners. If you ever go to one and hear the "diagnosis" subluxated vertebrae; run for your life! Spinal manipulation is dangerous and neck manipulation is insanity (especially if you are on blood thinners). It may relieve simple mechanical discomfort but you're rolling the dice. I read the medical journals in the office and basically going for physical therapy equates to the same level of pain relief from a chiropractor. Also, acupuncture is beneficial and is covered by many insurances.



Back pain is a slow recovery process. I only have 3 bulging discs (nothing compared to you) and I know the discomfort and anger I feel when I am just not up to even washing the car.



Stay strong. You're lucky to have the support system you need.
 
I hope and pray everything goes smoothly! Make sure the Superbee is tucked away someplace where nobody can wash it...well, except Greg maybe. :)
 
GOD I feel for you. Ive been having lower back pain for around a year now. I get off work, turn the heated seat on in my truck, go home and use the heating pad till bedtime. Im trying to decide what to do about it at this point. Its obviously work related, I deliver beer for a living. I took 10 weeks off for shoulder surgery at the beginning of this year and it got much better, but after a week back to work it was right back to where it was. Good luck with whatever you decide to do
 
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