Why the Debbie Downer Face?Well, honestly I haven't been hiding, just processing. I will fill you in, but try to be brief.
Where to begin?? Perhaps a brief summary will do the trick.
For the last (almost) 10 years I have dealt with some pretty extensive back problems. The truth is, I am in pain everyday, but it is part of me and doesn't warrant discussion. In December my back went out. When I say went out, I mean I couldn't walk. I went to the doc, got an script for prednisone (steroid), vicoden, and a shot in the butt of cortisone (steroid). This worked wonderfully at first. In fact I felt better than I had in a long time and enjoyed an amazing Christmas holiday and New Year's Eve. However, that was a gift from God and a couple of weeks ago the pain came back. My leg started hurting terribly and I began to experience numbness and tingling. YIKES! I will not try to explain this pain to you because unless you have personally experienced it, you cannot fully grasp the immense pain that it brings. Last week an MRI revealed a pinched nerve and a worsening of my degenerative disc disease all. My problems are in L4,L5 and S1. I have 2 bulging discs and one herniated and the disc disease is all over that area. So on Wed next week I will meet with a surgeon (again). I have not seen a neurosurgeon since 2002 so I am interested in what he has to say.
So I don't get comments about how this is the LAST resort, I will state what I have done for treatment over the last 9 + years since the onset of my back problems...
*Cortisone Epidural Injections - 2 times, each is a series of 3 injections - under x-ray - with a GIANT needle of cortisone into the epidural space.
*Physical Therapy - 4 different series of PT appt's over the 9+yrs.
*Chiropractics - 4 different docs with different approaches, multiple sessons (all resulting in worsening my symptoms).
*Many massages
*Steroids
*More steroids
*Pain management drugs
*Anti-inflammatory meds
*Muscle Relaxers
*Anti-spasmodic meds
*Yoga
*Pilates
*Weight training
I didn't want to jump into surgery, but honestly I have tried so many things, I am weary. I want to have a healthy back and if that means that I need to have surgical intervention, I am ready. Mentally, emotionally, physically and financially. I will let you know what the surgeon says. I am also prepared for him to say there may be something else he recommends. I covet your prayers and support as we venture into a new phase of this journey. Thanks!!
5 comments:
I would have never assumed this was something you should be ding other things for instead of 'last resort surgery'.
God gave doctors special knowledge and gave us people to be surgeons and gave us brains to know when we need to let the surgeons do their thing. we need to stay as healthy as we can so we can take care of our families.
I'll be praying for you and your family
Praying! Sometimes the question (as sympathetic and caring as it may be), "have you tried..." can be incredibly discouraging! Knowing that we serve a Sovereign God allows us to rest in the knowledge that if there's something we need to know, we are not going to "miss" it. I will pray that God will give you peace and clarity in whatever decisions you make. God bless! (I love how real you are--that pic says it all!)
Becky! Know you are loved and that God wants the best for you. From my experience when you are walking through the pain (of whatever sort) you can't figure how anything good could come of being so debilitated by it. But God... When you are weak, He is strong. Praying that He will comfort your heart and heal your body and give you wisdom through this journey. Love from NE.
Hey sister. I don't know why people don't learn to ask before offering advice! Sorry that things have been frustrating. Their hearts are in the right place. I am praying that God will surround with people who have ears that are eager to listen and mouths that are slow to speak!
Becky, I had no idea. You're such a ray of sunshine - really, I mean that - so funny and bright.
Got you on my prayer list and girl, I can only imagine what it's like for you.
If surgery is the answer, then go for it. ;-)
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