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Well I feel kinda funny talking about myself but,
I am the type of person who will ignore my pain and try to suck it up because I don't want people to think I'm weak.
I've been have sever back pain since January of 2009. I have been getting numbness in both legs and that of so fun pins and needles feeling to go along with the pain. I finally broke down and went to the Dr. last month. She sent me for a x-ray and to a specialist. The specialist put me on a 7 day steroid pack and sent me for a MRI on 4/2/09. The steroid didn't help. I went to the Dr. yesterday for my results and they were not so good.
T12-L1 is some very minimal disc bulge
L1-L2 is some very minimal disc bulge
L2-L3 is some very minimal disc bulge
L3-L4 is some very minimal disc bulge
L4-L5 is a central disc extrusion superimposed on diffuse disc bulge
(the extrusion measures approximately 1cm in transverse dimension & 3mm in AP dimension. results in a moderate spinal stenosis with the central canal measuring approximately 7mm in AP dimension. mild facet hypertrophic changes are present at this level. this results in moderateright & mild left neural foraminal narrowing)
L5-S1 is a central disc protrusion superimposed on diffuse disc bulge
(this does not result in a significant spinal stenosis. facet & ligamentous hypertrophic changes are present which result in mild to moderate bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.)
Degenerative changes involving the lumbar spine. these are primarily noted at L4-5 & L5-S1. small central disc extrusion is identified at L4-5. this combined with some mild facet & ligamentuos hypertrophic changes results in moderate central canal narrowing.
With these results my back is even to inflamed to do physical therapy. I am now on 2 new meds to try to kill some of the pain.
On 4/27/09 I go in for a Epidural Injection Procedure. This will be the first in a series of three. Hopefully the first 2 work because they do not like to do the third one.
If this doesn't help The Dr. will have to figure out what to do next for she & I have agreed that surgery is the very last option. I don't like the idea of a needle poking me near my spine let alone someone cutting me there.
I'm just tired of hurting all the time between my ankle & my back. None of the meds have really even dulled the pain so far.
So all I'm asking for is some happy thoughts during this time.
4/27/09
I got my shots this morning. they did 2 one on each side of the spine by the S1 disc. I slept the rest of the day away. I left the office in more pain then I went in with. the dr said it could feel better tomorrow or up to a week from now.
I go in May 11 for the next set , then I go back to my dr and decide what to do next if the shots don't help.
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5/11/09
Got my 2 shots for round 2 yesterday. I got a sever pain in my right leg all the way down to my toes during my injection and am still having a lot of pain in the back of my leg. my back is still hurting but they tell me it will still take about a week for this shot to show if it works. When I go to the Dr. on the 26th hopefully I will have either some relief or she can tell me the next step. No Surgery. I have a very strict rule on those. Unless it is life threating I do not have them after Feb. most of my surgeries require 6 months off minimum to heal so that cuts it to close to faire season plus I don't like the idea of a cast during the hot seasons.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5/14/09
Well I still haven't returned to work due to the pain in my right leg. Finally called the Dr. like mom said to to yesterday. Her nurse took the info down and called me back in about a hour. They said the pain is a reaction to the steriod shot and that it inflamed the nerve. So now I have a new med to try to calm down the nerve. hopefully this helps.
6/26/09
Went to dr today and she is sending me to physical therapy for 4 weeks. Then I go back to see her in june to decide what to do next.
7/7/09
I finished with P.T. and seen the Dr. She has done all she can do and is sending me to a surgeon. Even my mom's chiropractor said most people show some improvement with P.T. and back treatments from him. He sugested the shots but we told him we already had 2 sets of them and wasn't going for a third after the trouble of the second one did. I haven't been to work in 2 weeks going on three due to the fact that even with all the meds I am still in constint pain and can not even stand up right like every one else does.
7/8/09
Well the Dr's office called today and gave me the dates on the 2 new test he wants done.
On 7/10/09 I get the the EMG test. Basically they put little needles on the right side of my body to find out the severity of nerve damage.
On 07/21/09 I get the CT & myelogram test. They stick a needle with a dye contrast in my spinal canel to check for damage inside the spine , the tese last for 4 to 6 hours.
I'll give you guys more news as I get it.
Dr Gil (http://www.calldrgil.com/services/Lumbar_Spinal_Decompression_Therapy.htm) is a Nashville Chiropratic doctor. he is a frequent radio talk show guest . He talks about Spinal Decompression. He's antidrug and surgery. Might be worth read to get more options.
Sending thoughts of strength & healing your way...I hope some resolution and comfort finds you soon :)
I feel your pain! I have had 2 surgeries S1-L5 and L5-L4, I now have permanent numbness in my right leg and pain in my left. I was just told in April of this year that I need another back surgery but so far I'm refusing to have it done due to it is a fussion of S1-L2.
You will be in my prayers and thoughts and if you need someone to talk to just give a PM.
Windchime don't ever think of yourself as weak for needing to tell us of your pain. For we are your family (fairmily) and here for you whenever you need someone to talk to. For that is what families are for my dear.
I am so sorry to hear of your constant pain. You will be in my thoughts and prayers throughout this entire process.
Hugs and love and God Bless you lass.
Healing thoughts and prayers headed your way.
Sending hugs........lightly........and good thoughts your way!
irish
Five years ago I had C3-C4 disc bulging which caused paralysis to my shoulder but no pain. Steroids no help. Had fusion surgery with excellent results.
Our prayers are with you.
I had mt CT & Myelogram done on Tuesday. I wasn't in much pain until about 2 or 3 hours after I got home from the hospital. That was when I was convinced my head was gonna explode from the pain, I was warned about possibly getting headaches but I had no clue the meant that much pain. I'm doing a lot better today with the pain from the procedures but I still have the normal everyday back pain.
You are still in my thoughts and prayers WindChime.
Hugs and love to you as always lass.
I go to the Dr @ 11am today. Hopefully she has some of my results since all of it was sent to the Neurosurgeon. I'm still waiting for the Neurosurgeon to call me back to see what is the next step and to see what his conclusion to all of the test are. I'm hoping for no more test.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers during your doctors visit today. Please let us know how everything went after it's all over.
Hugs and love to you as always.
The Dr. didn't raelly have any answers because for some reason the hospital didn't sent her a copy of the test. I go to the Nuerosurgon on August 6 to see what the results are.
Went to the Neurosurgeon today for my test results. I have to have surgery on my L4-5. They are doing a Right Microhemilumbar Laminectomy and Diskectomy. I don't have a surgery date yet, but the said once I have surgery it will take 6-8 weeks for recovery. This surgery is mostly to help with the numbness & tingeling sensation I'm haveing. The back pain they are going to work on after with P.T. while I'm healing.
Prayers and good thoughts are being sent your way for your upcoming surgery.
Hugs and love to you as always m'lady.
Well I got a call from the Dr's Finacing Department :(.
They told me how much I was estimated at owing them for the Dr and the surgery. :'( (around $1,600)
Then they referred me to a care credit place to get help to pay the bill since I haven't worked since 6/20/09 & haven't received a disability check from my company since 7/27/09. I have no money coming in and have to keep dipping in my savings so I can even make my car payments. Well the place said they couldn't help because they due a 12 month payment plan with no intrest that would cost me about $140 or a 48 month payment $50 plus 13.8% intrest. I'm not eligible for most medical help plans because I earned to much money this year already. I already owe around $1,600 not including the last 2 test I had to have run on me last month to help figure out what is wrong with my spine. The sad thing is I think I gave most of the money I earned this year back to the medical community one way or another, with fees for forms to be filled out, meds to try to help with pain control plus other items I have to get without the help of insurance. I know everyone is having a rough time with the economy but I really don't think I can physically handle very much more. Even if or when I go back to work they are still gonna cut my hours like they did before I went on medical leave. 18 - 25 hours a week is hard to pay the bills on. I also know I should be thankful I have a job willing to hold my place and all but I think I have had my fair share of crappy days. Between surgery last year to take my gallbladder out and my ankle problems that I have learn to just suck it up , but I don't want to any more.
I hate feeling useless & crippled. I just want to wake up one day and find out this is just a very bad dream I was having.
I am so sorry that you are continuing to have to deal with all this WindChime. Keep your head up and know that we are all pulling for you through this.
Hugs and love to you as always dear.
Dr's office called to give me my surgery date.
Sept.2 :(
That is so gonna mess up doing ORF this season. I've gotta call the person I'm working for to see if I can at least make them some jewelry to help with their stock.
I'm still going to try to come out and play for a little bit some time if the parents let me since I can't drive right now.
What is the procedure you are having done to your back if you don't mind me asking?
I'm having a L4-5 Microhemilumbar Laminectomy & Diskectomy. I have no idea what all that means. All I know is that I will be knocked out for them to do it.
Surgery is at 9 am wednesday sept. 2. I'll try to have dad post some thing so every one knows how it went. :'(
Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers during this time. :D
Sending good thoughts and prayers your way, may your surgery go well.
I brought WindChime home from her surgery about 3:30 this afternoon. Doctors feel all went well.
She is resting and mostly sleeping now. We are hoping tomorrow will show signs of improvement.
Thanks for the update Sir Jim & Lady Helen. Please let WindChime know she's in our thoughts and prayers.
I'm glad to hear that WindChime's surgery was such a success the other day. Thanks for the update Sir Jim & Lady Helen and please let her know that she is still in my thoughts and prayers as well.
Hey everyone!
I'm alive, Extremely sore but alive. I want to thank every one for there hugs and well wishes. My back is still sore but not as bad as before, my legs are another story. They both still hurt and have the pin and needles feeling in both thights. The right hip mores then before but hopefully that will go away soon. I'm really bored sitting at home, the only real time I leave is to go to the Doctor which isn't even untill the 21st. I still hope to make it out to ORF for the R/F invasion but as it looks so far it will probally only be for 1 of the days. I get tired doing some of the littlest things like walking.
Again Thanks for all of the well wishes.
I'm glad to hear that everything well with your surgery WindChime. The main thing to remember now is to take care of yourself and not overdo it.
Hugs and love to you as always my dear.
Went to the Dr on Sept. 21 for my post-op check up.
They are sending me for aquatic therapy to see if that will help me since as of now I am still not showing signs of improvement. I found out my surgery scar is 2 & 1/2 " long. They said the Dr had to take a large piece out to fix the pressure on my nerves. They also said that I have Sciatica. Then she said it would take anywhere between 3 and 6 months to start feeling better.
Lots of healing thoughts and positive energy for you darlin. I know how painful sciatica can be I am feeling for you.
WindChime I am so sorry to hear about the Sciatica my dear. Continue to hang in there and know that you are still in my thoughts and prayers as always lass.
Hugs and lots to love to you still lass.
went to the Dr on December 1 and because I am still having a lot of pain and sever issues with my legs I have to get a MRI on Friday then I don't get any news until January when I can get back into the office for the results and to find out what they plan on doing next. which means I still can not go back to work since I can't stand or walk for more then 10 minutes.
My dear WindChime you still remain in my thoughts and prayers as usual.
God Bless you and Happy Holidays to you as well lass.
Prayers for your endurance through the healing process. 3 - 6 months sounds like a really long time, but if you can be pain free in 6 months, that is much better than in pain forever!
I hope you can take it easy for that long.
Well I basically got dumped by my Dr. today. He told me that I have a lot of degenerative disc disease and that I would need to get a double fusion then turned around and said that in his opinion my best choice is to go back to the Dr. that sent me to him and go with the plan of pain management instead. What a crock of crap. The whole reason for me to see this guy was because the first Dr. was out of options to help with the pain. Now I'm looking for a new Sipnal Dr. for a second opinion. They also claim that since my disc is no longer herniated that I could go back to work even though I can not even stand longer then 10 minutes before my legs start to go numb. My employer said I couldn't come back unless I can stand for a minimum of 4 hours. I am so frustrated now I don't know what to do.
My dear that is truly the last thing that you need to be dealing with right now. I am so sorry to hear of all this. You are however still in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs and love and God Bless you as always.
WindChime, sorry to hear this news, you are still in my thoughts and prayers. Just to let you know, it is basically what I was told also, the only thing I can tell you is try another spinal doctor and ask about pain management as there are some options out there. I fully understand it is a pain in the butt literally, and if you are like me you feel let down, don't let it get to you as you are as strong as anyone I know. This is the basics of what the doctor told me, I have 5 options, 1. fusion surgery from L2-S1, basically from my natural waist to my tail bone 2. nerve stimulator inserted next to the spine, 3. pain medication pump inserted near the spine, 4. Oral medication, 5. live with the pain. I have chosen to do the oral meds and try and get my Social Security Disability as I will never be able to return to my job and my spine is getting worse as time goes on.
Thanks for all your well wishes everyone. I am in the process of getting a appointment with my mom's old back Dr.
Lady Serena, I am already working with a lawyer for my Social Security Disability. I did my appeal in November and haven't heard anything back yet. The first time I applied it only took them about a month and a half to tell me yes you are disabled But you can still use your arms and legs. I guess they skipped over the whole part about my 5 ankle surgeries and that I am already on restriction at work for that. I have been off work for 7 months now and am slowly turning into a hermit. I am already on 4 different meds to try to help with the pain and have not seen any changes as of yet with the pain. The only thing that really bugs me about my Dr who dumped me is that in the few minutes he was in the office with me he must have mentioned how bad the disc disease was for someone my age as I am only 34 but he didn't want to help any more. My mom and I both got the impression from him that he did my surgery and he is the top neurologist for that hospital so I should be cured.
I'm fighting with Social Security myself (second denial). I'm sorry you are having such a bad time of things, my Doc is suppose to be the best in the state of MN and I got the same attitude from him. I had 2 previous surgeries from the "God" of back surgery as they called him, and my new doctor the one who is giving me the attitude seems not to care about my function in life. I wish I could help you make things better, so I wish you the best and if you need an ear give me a PM.
Windchime, Lady Serena... I hope I can meet you ladies in person some day. We could buy each other a drink and share our tales of doctors. Hugs to you both .
Windchime you are in my prayers and thoughts. I know where you are coming from. Don't give up ! Keep the faith and know that you have friends here supporting you. :)
Yeah ;D
After a month of playing phone tag with my short/long term disability company from work and no payments since Dec.15 I finally got the word that they are gonna approve my long term so I can start paying my bills. Of course I would be even happier if I would hear some thing from Social Security but I'll take a win were I can find one.
After going to the pain management Dr. she put me on a new pill and took me off of one of the old ones. I go to the new spine Dr. Feb 9Th so hopefully I will get a better answer then basically "your fat and need to lose weight, If you would have gastric bypass surgery you wouldn't hurt so much because you wouldn't be so fat. I did the surgery and you should be cured of all that is wrong" Mind you he never said it to my face but I got a copy of my file from him and at every visit he would put in my report a comment about my weight like "obese or morbidly obese". The only time this jerk even mentioned my weight was my first visit with him. The man even had the nerve to put in my last report that it was hard to read my MRI with contrast because of my morbidly obese body. WTF!
I feel your pain on the comments of the doctors calling us fat, yes Im over weight and yes I have tried to loose the weight. What else do you want me to do? Is what I feel like........ I will be praying for you, and hope things will turn around soon for you. Lady Amy of York and WindCime, I would like to meet you ladies sometime also and have a drink or two and share some of our stories. Serena
Positive energy for healing and perseverance continue your way. *hugs!*
I went to a new spine Dr. today and was basically told that I need to have more surgery because of how bad my spine is in the L-3 to S-1 . He said I have a lot of trauma in the lower spine. The down size is before I can have the surgery I have to lose weight and since I have been struggling with that for over 10 years he said it would be best to have it done surgically. I am not thrilled with this but I will do what I am told to get rid of the pain since I am now going back to the way I was and I still can't do half of what I should be able to. So now I go back to the pain management Dr. and we control the pain the best we can and she is going to help me look at the options I have for clinics to go to.
Like most folks on this site you and I have not yet had a chance to meet face to face.... But I have been watching your posts and have such sympathy for your situation. (my sister had similar problems resulting in surgery) So yesterday I am working in my sewing room and came to my stash of keepsake favors and there was yours. Your Dad had given one to me when we visited Ohio from Alabama. I took the charming oak leaf with the little silver bell and I pinned it in the headliner of my car. You will go with me everywhere.... I hope it helps some to know that so many people are wishing you well and praying for you. Till we meet.... My best to you and yours.
WindChime my dear as I have said before you continue to remain in my thoughts and prayers as always. Continue to stay strong and remember that we are still contining to pull for you as we all have been doing before.
Hugs and love to you and as always God Bless you as well my dear.
I went to the weight loss doctor and he said I would be a good candidate but I have to go to 2 different classes before the will give me the go ahead with the surgery. I don't think this will be a problem the hard part is that my insurance will not cover any of it because the deem it as a elective procedure.
Social Security just sent me a letter to let me denied my claim again. They say that my condition may prevent me from doing my past job, if any, but it does not prevent me from doing other work which is less demanding. Well if I can not sit for more then 30 minutes without having to shift to a different position, walk for more then a 10 minutes before the pain gets really sever or drive a car for fear of a muscle spasm that causes my leg to go numb. I have a constaint tingling feeling in both of my legs from my waist to my toes that turn into a stabbing feeling that then leads to the numbness that last any where from 30 minutes to a hour or longer. I just can't see anyone wanting to hire me with so many restrictions. Plus if my day job said I couldn't come back unless I could stand for a minimum of 4 hours before they will agree to let me come back.
You continue as always to be in my thoughts and prayers my dear. May God Bless you and be with you as always lass.
WindChime I hope all is going better for you. I also live with chronic pain - except mine is in my arms. The medical community from docs to insurances have no clue what we go through just to survive day to day. I wonder how some doctors can still be practicing when they have no people skills! Stay strong in knowing their are many people who are praying for you. You can add me to the list of those praying for you. You have shown amazing strength and I know all will work out for you. ((gentle hugs))
As I am Giggles sister I know what a frustration it is for you to deal with all of this. "Invisible" paincan be more excrusiating than the visible pain. Mentally it must be worse because so many tend to not believe it if they can't see it. And even if they believe you it is easy to forget because they haven't the visual reminders. It is so important to have a great support network- be it in person, online, or both! I am so sorry that you are having pain and I wish you a miraculous recovery. You are most definately in my thoughts and in my prayers. Stay strong and remember that you are not alone (though it may often feel that way!)
Got the call on Thursday that I am a canidate for surgery and I will probally have it on May 10. I am happy they said I can have it because then hopefully next year sometime I will be able to have my spinal fusion and start to feel better with hopefully a lot less pain and weight. Then I might be able to return to work if my Dr. deems me able bodied enough.
As always prayers and good thoughts continue to come your way WindChime. Please continue to keep us updated on how you are doing my dear.
Hugs and love to you as always dear lady.
I will be having my surgery on May 10th at Good Samaritan Hospital at 10 am and will have to stay at least 2 days to make sure every thing is going well. I'll have my dad post something when he he gets home after so you all know how I am doing. I have already lost 13 pounds with the liqiud diet they have me on to get ready for the surgery.
Congrats on the weight loss and good luck with surgery. I know everything will go well for you.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you on your upcoming surgery m'lady.
Cher's surgery at Cincinnati Good Samaritan Hospital went well. She got to her room around 2:00 and is resting. She will be in the hospital at least until Wednesday and possibly Thursday.
Thanks for the update Sir Jim & Lady Helen. Please let her know that she is still in our thoughts and prayers at this time my friend.
Healing thoughts & prayers for a full recovery.
I got discharged Wednesday May 12Th at around 6pm. I am in a little pain but no where near what I thought it would be like. Sad to say that I was in more pain when they took out my gallbladder 2 years ago compared to about 90% of my stomach this time. I am not having any problems with eating what I am allowed to, But I think if I could get away with it I would take a bite of pizza but I know the down side to eating that kind of food and it is not worth the pain and suffering.
The good thing is I have found several cookbooks that show the fat and sugar contents of the recipes so I will be able to eat the food I want and not suffer in taste or pain wise. I just wish the funny walking I have to do right now wouldn't hurt my back so much. I just keep reminding myself that all the aches and pain will be worth it so I will be able to get my spine fixed, maybe not 100% but enough to stop hurting so severely.
Thanks for all of your well wishes.
I went to the Dr. for my 2 week post opt and I have lost 18 more pounds for a grand total of 31 pounds in 1 month. My dr is very happy for me and said I am doing very well so soon after surgery. I am finally on a soft blended diet and am thrill that I get to eat food after a month of liquids only.
Congrats WindChime! That is wonderful news!
Huzzah! That is such wonderful news WindChime. I'm so happy to hear that my dear.
I haven't updated in awhile so here is what has happened to me lately. I was put in the hospital on July 21 after not being able to eat for 3 weeks. They let me out July 23 when my potassium level got back to where it should be and they fixed my sever dehydration. As of July 9th when I saw my Dr. last I have lost a total of 72 pounds which is good but the Dr. said I lost the weight way too fast. I lost 6 months of weight in just 2 months due to being so sick.
As of August 19 I no longer have a job. My employer let me go because I have been off for a year do to my back problem and they said if I couldn't come back to work then they would have to let me go.
I'm so sorry to hear about your job loss WindChime. This couldn't have happened at a worse time. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to you my dear.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
AS of 11/08/10 I have lost 95 pounds in just 6 short months. I have made my Dr.s appointment for my spine and hope this will make him willing to do the surgery so I can start to feel better.
Great Job! Good luck at your Dr.'s appt! ;D
As of 12-3-10 I have lost 101 pounds in almost 7 months. I went to the new spine Dr. on 11-23-10 and he is glad for the weight loss but wants me to lose 50 more pounds which made me sad but I completely understand since as he put it you only get one chance to do the surgery right and heal properly or I can have to get it redone due to the extra pounds and possibly not heal right and be messed up even more then I am now.
I thought I would update everyone.
On February 9Th I had to have surgery on my left heel to have my screw removed since it was backing out and causing me a lot of pain when walking. I am healing well and asked the Dr. for my screw so I can make a necklace for myself.
I am now up to 105 pounds lost with about 75 - 85 pounds to lose before my spine Dr. will work on me.
I finally have a court date for my Social Security Disability claim. I go June 7Th. Hopefully everything will work in my favor since neither of my Dr's will let me work or drive since June of 2009.
Prayers and good thoughts continue to come your way Windchime. Please continue to keep us updated on how you are doing my dear.
We are all still pulling for you. You have done great with the weight loss... Already that is amazing. Stay on track and you will be a new woman!
Well I have not updated for awhile and I thought I would share what is going on as of now.
1. I have lost 120 lbs in 18 months and have between 40 - 59 more pounds to go.
2. I have to have another foot surgery on Nov. 16 on the left foot again as I have a cyst that is on the bottom of my heel and is causing tons of pain when I walk now.
3.After going to the Social Security court hearing in June and being told to see one of their Doctors that July the judge finally decided that I have to come back in Feb. 2012 to be seen be the judge for hopefully the last time. I really hope they agree that I am disable like 3 different Doctors have said already.
I find it very odd that with this massive weight loss that I have more pain now then I had all the extra weight to carry around. I can at least stand upright, not all hunched over in pain like I use to but I seem to get a lot more muscle spasm now.
Thanks for every ones support and kind thoughts threw all of this.
Prayers continue to come your way WindChime. Please continue to keep us updated on how you are doing my dear.
I have my Social Security Disability Hearing Feb. 6, 2012 which is tomorrow. :-\
I hope they decide in my favor, I'm really worried they will say sorry your back isn't bad enough go find a job some where.
I just don't understand how I have lost so much weight and am still only able to do things for very short periods of time or not at all, I feel like such a burden on my parents some times because there are some things I can't physically do and they understand but I still feel bad, especially with my 2 year old niece who doesn't understand why her favorite aunt can't do things with her or pick her up anymore since she is now almost 40 pounds and way pass my 5 pound limit.
Keeping you in my thoughts today, Windchime. Hope all goes well with the boatd and that will be one less thing for you tp worry over.
As to being a burden, your family loves you. You know, you're not less lovable now that you need extra help. Learn to accept their love without conditions. :)
Don't fall into the trap of what you can no longer do. True, you are now challenged, but there is always a way to do most everything you did before. Just in a different way.
Keep your spirits up. I know it's hard when you are in pain, You'll get through this patch of rocks in the road.
Well I got the times wrong for my court hearing today and I missed it but my lawyer said neither her or the judge had any new questions for me anyway, they were mostly there to discuss the findings from the social security doctor. I think it went my way since she is now arguing about when my back pay should start from since I have been medically not allowed to work since 2009 and the judge wanted to start my back pay from when I saw their doctor last July. The judge said that we would hear something in the next couple of months.
Hey WindChime sorry i'm so late in responding as things have just been extremely crazy for me as of late but after reading your last two posts I have to agree with Anna Iram on the first one in particular though. Don't ever feel that you are a burden to yourself or your family cause they all understand that you can't do all the things you used to do and want to do as well, however it's like Anna already said that even though you now have limits on what you can do that you can still do them but just in other ways though. As far your little two year old niece goes the best thing I can tell you is to give her time and she will understand eventually why you can't do the things that you used to be able to do with her but that does not mean that she doesn't love you any less cause of the shape that your back is in though. As far as your Social Security Disability Hearing goes I am glad that it seems to have gone your way but am still continuing to keep my fingers crossed and pray that it totally works out in your favor though. Anyway just know that we (your fairemily) are all here for you if or whenever you need us so don't ever hesitate to ask for prayers or good thoughts whenever you need them.
As always thanks for the update and continue to keep them coming. Also you are still in my thoughts and prayers as usual.
Love and Hugs to you as always my dear.
Thanks everyone.
I went to the doctor on Monday Feb.20 for my 3 month check up and told her about my sneezing issue I have been having for awhile now and she was very concerned and sent me for a MRI with a contrast. Sunday night was the worst episode by far. I sneezed, heard my back pop, felt something shift in my back then lost the feeling in both legs for a hour. When the feeling did come back I had a stabbing feeling that still hasn't gone away 24 hours and a lot of pills later. She is worried that scar tissue from the back surgery is either putting pressure on the spinal cord or one of my other disc is getting worst.
My M.R.I. didn't really show them all that much because of the inflammation in there even with the dye contrast they didn't see a whole lot.
I finally got my letter stating that I won my disability case and they agreed that I should get paid starting from 2009.
Now I wait for the check to show up, at least they will send my lawyer her check so I don't go into shock writing that check.
Sorry I haven't updated you guys with everything that has been going on with me.
I went to my back doctor in April because my back had been hurting 100 times more then normal even with all of my pain meds and muscle relaxers I was still hurting. He took a x-ray and didn't like what he saw so he sent me for a M.R.I., needless to say the new M.R.I. showed that my S1 disc is dead so now the last 2 disc are dead on my spine. His answer is to do my surgery now to fuse it.
I wanted to wait until after the Ohio Renaissance Festival was over and he made a face at me, my mom said that would be in November after I packed the shop up and did the yard up for Halloween. He made the odd gasping noise and said "NO". So we came to a agreement that I could do it after the Kentucky Renaissance Festival. Not the weekend I wanted because he was on vacation.
So on July 22nd I finally got the spinal fusion I have been working on for 3 years. It only took a 140 pond weight loss and the death of another disc to finally get it done. Now I'm going thru the fun process of healing with 2 - 6" incisions on the front and back and a 3" incision on my hip were they took some bone from the front and back of my pelvic / hip area. Sadly the hip area is the one spot that hurts more then the big cuts. I get pain that goes from my lower back to my toes in my left leg. I also have a lovely turtle shell I have to ware for at least 3 months which is up on my birthday.
I just hope this helps because so far I haven't notice any difference in the pain or pins n needle feelings in my legs, I know it will take time because of the swelling needs to go down and my nerves need to relearn they are not being squished any longer.
I also hope this doesn't interfere to much with me running my shop at ORen in a few weeks. I'm lucky I have some friends and family who have volunteered to help me get the shop stocked and all pretty.
I'm glad you were able to get that done