Hi everyone! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
I had my IDET on Monday, so today is day 5 after the procedure. I am still flared and can't sit down for more than a few seconds. I mostly stand and lie down.

The procedure was less painful than the discogram. I had 1 mg Versed and 100 mcg Fentanyl. I remember everything quite clearly. The whole thing took only 20 minutes! I spent a lot more time in pre-op and recovery. The doc asked me whether my pain was more on the left or right (left) and said he'd go in on the opposite side (right). He inserted the needle, then the catheter, then said, "is that your pain?" I said, "YES!" and then he heated up the catheter as I lay there. Then it was all done!

I felt very sleepy in recovery, sleepier than after the discogram where I had the same amount of medication. My opinion is that it was because my body knew it had to rest to heal. I've been very sleepy this week, but whenever I wake up I feel good, as though my body had gotten important work done.

I was off the Vicodin after the first day, just on 2 or 3 Aleve each day. But I'm REALLY taking it easy. Mostly lying down, no work or nothing! Reading and watching videos... pretty lazy http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I think I spent too much time sitting in front of the computer on Thursday... my back flared up a little, so Friday I took it really easy.

I'm in a back brace all the time for the first week, then after that I can take it off at night.

One interesting thing... I got my period on Wednesday, two days after the IDET and five days early! I'm usually a very regular 28-day cycle. I wonder if the IDET had anything to do with that?

Oh, and another thing I have a question for you all: does anybody else have problems with constipation from the pain meds? I had Fentanyl on the day of the surgery and Vicodin the day after. But I was unable to have a bowel movement until Thursday! (3 days without, and boy did it hurt when it came out! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif )

Well, this week I am pretty much trapped in the house. No walking, no riding in a car even for a short while... kind of boring. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif But I am determined to see this thing through and follow all the instructions so it has the best chance of succeeding!

I'd like to thank you all for your support and good wishes. I can read your posts while standing, only need to sit to type, so I've been reading more of the board than responding.

Your support and encouragement has meant so much to me! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love1.gif Thank you from the bottom of my http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

I'll try to keep posting progress reports as much as I can. Keep in touch please, okay? I need some human contact here alone at home.... http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

All the best,
Telzey

[This message has been edited by Telzey (edited 12-07-2002).]

Telzey,

I'm so pleased to hear everything went so well! (And that you seem to be doing so wonderfully now). I know that's a very limited "wonderful" considering everything, but I'm STILL using the Vicadin occasionally and I'm about to week 6 - so the fact that you're waking up feeling good and you're not having to take the Vicadin just sounds like things are working out terrific. I'm thrilled!

Tell me - did you feel the heating process during the IDET? I did!! Tizzy did too. Just wondering if you did. And did you hurt at all immediately after the procedure? That was the absolute worst of my pain. I also am still dealing with sciatica (although it IS getting better and better).

Please DO take it easy though. As much as you can - just lie there and be a Cleopatra (sp?). Be certain you don't do ANYTHING to risk re-injury of that fragile area.

As for the constipation - that does not at all surprise me. Firstly, you've had narcotics - and they make folks very proned to constipation. Secondly, you're not mobile - you're not up and moving around. Movement (and exercise especially) help make the bowels move along. Thirdly - how much water are you drinking? (and how much caffeine?). If you continue to have a problem with constipation, increase your water, decrease any caffeine, and as a final resort add dulculax or glycerin suppositories.

I have no clue though about your period starting a week early. Normally stress makes me late although research does say stress can bring on early menstruation as well. Unless you've gotten steroids lately, I doubt it had anything to do with any of your meds. Probably just the stress of everything.

Regardless, so glad to know you're doing okay. Keep up the lying around and watching movies and TV. :-) Keep us all informed, too. I'm very anxious to learn how your body responds to the IDET compared to the rest of us.

Happy Holidays


KM

hi telzey Im so glad youre doing better!! im sure i would get better if i could just lie down a few hours a day. but seeing as i have 3 children,youngest is 2, its very hard for me to do so. also with the daycare its very nearly impossible. im thinking bout taking some time off. constipation?? yes i get it too. Im on norco vicoden 4 times daily and it does a job on my bowels too. i feel for you!! and as far as your period goes, who knows?? im still waiting on mine as well. im already a week late. ive always ben pretty regular myself. I think stress has a lot to do with it, and for me i think its the weight loss thing. i dunno. i guess i should be happy who likes having their period anyway??? and at least i know im not pregnant i had my tubes tied !! lol so just be happy you got it at all. hope ya feel better real soon!! talk to you more when you feel good enuf to sit and chat. hopefully that'll be soon


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Michelle

[This message has been edited by bikerchic420 (edited 12-07-2002).]

Hi Kali,
Thanks for the reply! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif Yes, I did feel the heating process during the IDET, though not as heat but as pain. I heard the doc say, "turn it up to 90, slowly" and then it started to hurt a lot, so I asked for more fentanyl. He said something about "cooking" and I thought OK to myself http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif It did really hurt but the fentanyl took the edge off.

In the recovery room I was really sore. And sleepy! I agree, that was the worst of my pain. It felt better by the next day.

I've been pretty fortunate, not only do I have a high pain tolerance, but whenever I've started to get pain down my left leg I just do a series of back bends (the McKenzie technique) and it goes away.

I felt a slight twinge down my left leg on Tuesday and I very gently (no more than 5 degrees) arched my low back and it relieved the pain. The doc said that was OK, it was probably relieving the pressure on the disk.

My yoga teacher told me that after the first week it would be important for me to stretch my hamstrings and sciatic nerve to prevent sciatica. She gave me a very gentle stretch where the back is completely supported: I lie on my back and lift one leg, wrap a strap around the foot and gently allow the back of my leg to stretch. About 3-5 minutes per side, so I lie there a long time. But right now I can't even get down to the floor and up, so I'm not doing anything yet.

So, at week 6, how does your pain compare to pre-IDET? Any better yet? What does your doc say?

If I'm still like I feel today in 6 weeks, I will be VERY unhappy. I really can't function (can't even sit down to dinner with my family) and I don't know how long my family will put up with my lazing about! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

Wishing you all the best,
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Telzey

Michelle,
You know, I had the same thought... who needs surgery? I'd just like an excuse to get a few weeks off from all my work and family stuff (I have two kids 7 and almost 3). My physical therapist told me that it's an example of our crazy health system ... it's a lot easier to get time off if you've had surgery. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

It was true for me. I don't think my boss would have allowed me to work from home and take time off just to "let my back get better." It's rotten, isn't it?

And I agree, with small kids it really seems impossible to get better. My little one is always asking me to pick him up, and he weighs 31 pounds now. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif Plus, I can't sit on the floor, play games with them (too much bending forward), or get bear hugs anymore http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

I can't believe you actually operate a day care!! Wow, you must really be supermom! Even before the IDET, I could barely change my son's diaper, and absolutely could not put him in the car seat. How do you get down on the ground with the kids at the daycare???? When I go to my son's daycare I have to bring my own folding seat because I can't use the tiny chairs! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I answered you on another thread about the weight loss thing. I really hope you can get a little time off! Can't your husband (or a family member) take the kids for a week or so? Mine has been so great, taking the kids to school/daycare in the morning, picking them up in the evening and changing diapers, etc. I couldn't have made it without him...

I really feel for you and hope things get better soon!!

Best wishes,
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Telzey

Hi Telzey, just wanted to say that I was so glad to hear that the IDET has worked so far! I may be looking at one in my future too so I'm curious as to how this all turns out for you! Take care!!

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your friend, out2lunch

ya know its funny telzey. a lot of people ask me how i can run a daycare (even when im healthy lol) i dont know i just do! i guess when youre a mom. you just do what you have to. at least i can stay home. i have found help tho because i used to drive my son and another boy to kindergarten every day and pick them up too. but i cannot do it now. some days i have 3 babies to put in the car and i have a suburban so its not that easy. but one of the other moms has been helping me with the driving and the teachers are really understanding when i cannot bring them to school. i guess i just trudge along because what else can i do???its just a mom thing i guess lol. and if i didnt have something to do with myself during the day I would lose my mind. i have never been the type of person to be still and inactive . so i guess theres your answer.lol and my mom and mom-in-law have been really helpful, they have been taking the kids on weekends to give me a little rest http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif talk to ya soon hope ya feel better http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

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Michelle

[This message has been edited by bikerchic420 (edited 12-07-2002).]

Hey Telzey-HONEY,

I'm so sorry - I should be in BED right now, but I wanted to just write a quickie. I'll respond more later. I'm not glad you felt that pain - but I'm glad that it seems the "norm" to someone else as well!

PLEASE check with your doc or a licensed physical therapist about that stretch!! I was instructed not to do anything such as lift my legs up (even while in bed) due to the stress it would put on my back. Instead, I just stood with my back very straight, in front of a wall and did a small lunge enough to stretch my calves and hamstrings. I've used the long Physical Therapy rubber bands for a few years now (like you were instructed by your Yoga teacher, and they're great - for a non-operated-upon back!). My written instructions very specifically stated to not do any exercises like that until week 6. Not saying other programs might be less strict, but just check with someone other than your exercise instructor. She may not be an expert on what folks with IDET's should and shouldn't do!! I don't want you to re-injure yourself when your back is so fragile!!

Take care - let me know what you find out about the exercises - Thinking about ya.

KM

PS - OH! And BTW - my sciatica (IDET induced) is finally get better!! :-) I'm SOOO thrilled. Pain in my hip is still worse than before, but with the sciatica going away I have hope again. haha. Don't worry - you'll feel better in 2-3 weeks (better than immediately after the IDET). But it may take a little longer to feel better than BEFORE the IDET!

We'll talk soon...

[This message has been edited by Kali M (edited 12-08-2002).]

[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 01-16-2003).]

Hi Telzey!

Glad to hear you are feeling great so far. Best of luck. All of us who have had IDET are hoping for success!

That is great you stopped taking the Vicoden. Wednesday will be 5 weeks for me and I still occasionally need to take 1/2 or 1 pill. I resisted at first, but realized it is better for my sanity if I take it. So don't feel like a failure if you need to go back!

As Kali mentioned, be careful about the stretches. I was also told to do nothing until my three week check up. Once I saw the doctor at three weeks, he gave me specific exercises to do. I can now walk outside or on a treadmill for 20 minutes, but that is it for now. Next week (6 weeks post-op) I will be out of the brace completely and back to PT 2 times a week.

Like Kali, I still have yet to feel better from the IDET. I do feel better than I did two weeks ago, however. I am trying my best to be patient but it is so hard!! The doctor said 3-12 weeks and I am not halfway there but feel as if I should be better by now. Everyone keeps asking how I am feeling and it is kind of a downer to keep saying "the same." But I still have several weeks to go so I am working hard at keeping busy to keep my mind off of it.

Just wanted to say what a help this message board has been--I have yet to meet anyone in person who has had IDET and this is a great place to go for reassurance, questions, and general information. So thanks to all. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Bikerchic, not to burst your bubble, but it is possible to be pregnant after having your tubes tied. My co-worker got pregnant after her tubes were tied. So, if you're REALLY late, then you might want to get a test done sweetie!!!

Hi all, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
Thanks for your replies. I will be responding to everyone, but somewhat slowly as I can't type for too long yet... still can't sit down for more than a few minutes. But I read and enjoy all your posts http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif so thank you!!!!

Today is day 7 post-IDET. I'm feeling pretty good. Still taking my Aleve, still doing nothing but lying down or standing up and walking around the house for a few seconds. I haven't seen much progress in the last few days, and I'm still definitely worse than pre-IDET; my back is still flared up. But it's not horrible and I can stand it, so I'm optimistic.

I hope everyone else who's had the IDET continues to get better....

More later.

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Telzey

out2lunch,
Thanks for your good wishes. Much appreciated! And I wish you the best if you look into the IDET. I'll keep posting my results on here.

Michelle,
Yes, you sound AWESOME!!!!! You must have a lot of energy... don't feel bad if some days you're not up to your usual 200%! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Glad you're getting some help from family. That's great. Unfortunately, we don't have any family well enough to help http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif so it's just me and my husband.

Kali,
Thanks for the tip! I will talk with my doctor about these specific exercises. In the meantime, I'm not doing anything....

The problem seems to be that the doctor doesn't distinguish between different types of exercise, some of which might be good for my back... while the physical therapist and the yoga teacher don't know enough about IDET http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif Too bad that there's not one person who knows about both. Too much specialization, it seems... The problem is that some days my doc said no exercise, and then my yoga teacher said I could do a couple of exercises because they wouldn't stress my back... and they really helped the pain. So right now I don't know whom to believe, or where to turn???

However, I think you're right, that it's better to be cautious. So I'm not doing anything.... Would love to hear more if you have more specific advice for me, though.

And, that's GREAT http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif that your sciatica has gone away! Hope you continue to improve every day. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif


Dshull,

Thanks for your input too. Yes, I will be careful! I hope you are feeling better too. Please keep posting about your recovery from IDET too, I'm eager to hear about it.

Best wishes to all http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
Telzey

Telzey,

Just a note to hang in there. You're gonna be worse than pre-IDET for a little while. I hit 6 weeks post-IDET on Wednesday and only today (Monday) have I started feeling like I've actually made a little progress (not yet better than pre-IDET, but at least getting there faster now!).

I finally feel like the sciatica may be making it's way OUT of my leg. (Not quite all the way there yet, but making the effort). I went walking (like VERY SLOW exercise walking) on Saturday. The pain got worse almost immediately after I started walking; and stayed bad that whole day; but then yesterday the sciatica felt better and today it has made even more progress. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif So, now I really am optimistic. Friday and Saturday were really bad emotional days for me, so it's nice to be on the other side of that for a change.

Thinking about ya.

KM

Hi Kali, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
Thanks for your note of support! Glad to hear you're showing some improvement.

Tell me, when did you start walking again? I am going crazy trapped in the house, unable to walk or drive anywhere. But I'm afraid to try to walk at all... after my discogram I thought I'd take the short walk to the bank to run errands... but I couldn't make it home... I had to stop in the middle of the block and call my husband to pick me up http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif I don't want to overdo it again!!

Hope all is well with you.
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Telzey

OMG!!!!! hotsong ssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhh dont even say that P word!!!!! . I cant even think about it!! I already have 3 children. i dont want any more. dont even jinx me by saying it!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif altho I am the most fertile person i know. you practically breathe on me and i get *whispers* the P word. lol i cannot have another child now omg . I am 35 and have enuf already. god i dont think i could go thru THAT again. I had my tubes tied i should be OK? right ?? please tell me its so. I'm already like this as it is http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif cant have another. theres just no way.!!!!god now ya got me worried. im gonna go out today and buy a "P" test just in case. geeez girl thanks a lot lol

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Michelle

Hi Michelle http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
I just replied to you on another thread... but wanted to make you feel better... I think it's fairly well established that these back procedures mess up women's cycles. I am *very* regular, every 28 days, but after my IDET I was 5 days early which is unheard of for me. So probably the ESI is why you're late. But sure, get a pregnancy test if it will give you peace of mind!!!

I know what you mean, I am too old and my body too worn out to have another child. I think it would kill me! So I also live in fear of getting pregnant because I am also very fertile. Every time my husband and I have started trying for a child, wham! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif I got pregnant the first month. It's a little scary especially as he thought he was infertile (lol).

Well, best of luck and I'm sure you are fine! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Telzey

Hi again everyone http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
It's day 9 after my IDET and I am feeling fine. Still on Aleve twice a day; I can really feel the swelling when it wears off http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif But I can walk around the house and sit for a few minutes now instead of a few seconds.

I am feeling a little stir-crazy http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif because I am trapped in my house; I still can't drive or walk out. I'm wearing my back brace 24/7, but am hoping to be able to sleep without it soon.

I guess it's normal to have a slooooow recovery, from what I've heard from others on the boards, so I'm trying to keep my impatience under control.

Hope everyone is doing well!
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Telzey

Hi http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
Today is day 11 for me after my IDET. I had kind of a setback yesterday. I had taken off my brace to go to the bathroom and while walking back to pick it up I must have moved wrong and my back went into spasm http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif

Then I kept spasming during the evening and eventually just had to lie down. This morning I was still spasming, but I was super careful today and took extra Aleve and tightened the brace so tight it made me sick to my stomach. I'm definitely worse than pre-IDET, still flared. My doc had said that the flare period would last 7-10 days, but others on this board have said 3-6 weeks.

Any post IDET patients out there care to comment? These kind of setbacks are so depressing. And here I was thinking things were going so well.... http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

Anyway, I'll go to bed early tonight... I always feel better in the morning after a night's rest. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Best wishes to all,
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Telzey

Hi Telzy,

I read your first post, and then just sort of glanced at the rest, so sorry if I'm repeating things already said.

I had lumbar surgery and my periods were very different. Early, heavier flow - it takes about a year for that to get back to normal, and EVERY woman who has ever had a low back procedure reports changes in their periods. You will also find more pain than usual during your periods for quite some time. Again, all expected, and all normal.

Regarding constipation. If you are still having problems, please do yourself and your "down there" area a break, and get some Senokat-S. Increase doses at night until desired results. Important though is that you do not buy just Senokat. It must be Senokat-S. I promise you will find a dosage that makes you regular and comfortable. Every PM doc in the know recommends this stuff.

As far as IDET - seems that taking things very easy for the first 6 to 9 months is the key. Most people who have had failed IDET's attribute it to not taking things easy during the first 9 months.

GOod luck,
joanne

Hi,
this is a bump of this topic for out2lunch http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Hope this description helps you.

I am currently 5 weeks post-IDET (today) and am feeling really good. I am still worse than pre-IDET because I can't sit for very long. Pre-IDET I could sit for an hour; now it's more like 3 minutes. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

My pre-IDET situation was that if I did nothing but sit around all day, lie in bed, take short walks -- then my back pain was fairly low (of course, I do have a very high pain tolerance). However, if I tried to do anything like have a regular life, do moderate physical activity, pick up my baby, sit on the floor with my daughter, bend over (even with good body mechanics), dance, stand too long, walk too long, sit in a backless chair, etc. etc. etc., then my back would flare up and I would be in intense pain.

I was gradually becoming more and more immobile. I used to have a fairly active life, and it had been taken away from me. I tried just about everything before the IDET. Some things helped quite a bit, like yoga, PT, some massage therapy. I think I have them to credit that I wasn't in intense pain even WITHOUT any physical activity. But the tear in my disk just wasn't healing, and it was going on 4 years now. So I reluctantly agreed to do the IDET. My other choice was fusion, and I REALLY wanted to avoid that!!

So... today I am optimistic I'll have a 100% recovery, and I'll go on to have a normal life again http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Best wishes,
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Telzey

------------------
4 years of back pain
Annular tear L5-S1 diagnosed 3/02 via MRI
IDET 12/2/02
Still worse than pre-IDET, but getting better all the time!

Hi Telzey,
Hang in there. I just had my IDET done Jan 2nd, so we are pretty much in the same boat. I had back pain for 3 years and this seemed the most logical next step. I seem to be doing a little better than the other people though. The IDET was less painful my discogram, dye test. I have been pretty sore, but the pain is different than the usual back pain that I had before. I haven't had back spasms or anything either. I feel that I am getting a little better day by day. I have the same restrictions, so I stuck here at home off work until the 13th. I sit all day at work so that doesn't help any. If you are anything like me, you really want this work and are not taking any changes. One good lift the wrong way and we could be right back or worse than before. Good luck and let us know much better you get!

Hi Everybody! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I wanted to let all you IDET patients know that there IS HOPE ! I too, felt all the same symptoms you all have felt. Not much better than pre-IDET for the first 2 weeks or so. Not able to do squat for 3 months. Wearing the back brace and on and on. The telling tale with the IDET is at the 5-6 MONTH timeframe. If the IDET worked...you will know, if it didn't...you will know.

My IDET was done Feb 2002. But I just went to PT today for measurements and such (besides the exercise parts) and my PT was extremely pleased...even a little surprised. I had gone to PT only ONE TIME during December ... but was very avid about my home therapy. All my measurements were closing in on 'normal' ... so very, very close. I was very happy. They are ONLY NOW starting lower extremity (hard) exercises. Oh my gosh!!! The new ones I got today were doing lifts on the stairs with my heel over the edge with ONE LEG ! So here I am standing on one leg, my heel down to s-t-r-e-t-c-h the calves, the lifting up to be on your toes (hold 5 seconds) then back down Yikes! Talk about a weeble--whew did I wobble! hehe IDET location has a teeny-tiny burn feel to it, so major icing and laying down for an hour afterwards did the trick.

Walking is good post-IDET but ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE PASSED THE 6 WEEK MARK. You must also be in a very controlled atmosphere. I walked in circles around my court. That way, if I tripped, slipped or just got tired, I could get home and in bed within 1 or 2 minutes. No worries now...but when you first start out, I would highly recommend you take into consideration that you need to be close to home when first starting out (or at PT). Walk around your own house a few times is good too! Until you are comfortable and have more strength, I wouldn't venture too far away from home.

On a side note....ALL YOU IDET PATIENTS. I don't want to depress you or set your expectations too high. But you should know. You may (or may not) have pain for the rest of your life...the IDET is NOT a 100% cure-all. I am personally very happy with my IDET and it's results. I am no longer in daily pain...it takes a stupid move (or too many moves) to create pain again. Going 'up' and sitting are 2 problems I will just have to live with. Soooo....I won't buy a house with a 2nd story http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif and I won't sit at the puter for longer than what I can stand (which is 20 minutes without TENS and 40 minutes WITH TENS). All you post-IDET people....GET A TENS UNIT as your 6-month post-op reward. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Don't use it before 6 months...could throw your back in a tizzy. You need to make sure your back is stable before using the TENS. Anyway, the TENS (literally) DOUBLES my stamina for sitting and "going up". I can sit for 40 minutes (instead of only 20) which means I can drive longer and not be in pain when I get to destination, it means I can now FINALLY sit down with my family to have supper, it means I can even watch a show with the family and join them on the couch! Wow....haven't been able to do that for 2 years!

Even with all of those great things...I still get flare-ups. JUST KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS AND STICK BY THEM--never push them! I hope this makes you guys feel better, because I know how upsetting it is to think "it didn't work" or "it isn't going to work" ... etc. I thought the same way the first 3 months. PATIENCE-PATIENCE (patience my arse....I'm gonna kill somethin') hehe Have faith and listen to your professionals as well as other IDET patients. Do only what feels right--listen to your body...it WILL tell you when and when not to do something (exercise, walk, drive, etc.). It just seems that all of us Type A personalities want to continue saying "just one more" or "just a little longer"...etc. THAT is your worst enemy. When your body is tired and you know it. Just STOP and go rest for 10 min. You will be glad you did.

OK...gotta STOP myself now. Back is getting a little sore. Will catch ya'll later.


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successtory
Oct 2000: Repetitive Stress Injury-Inverted Hernia
Feb 2001: MRI. Shows only slight bulge at L4-L5
Dec 2001: Discogram/CT scan shows Inverted Hernia at L5-S1. L4-L5 & L5-S1 ruptured in all 4 quadrants. Unable to walk.
Feb 2002: IDET, Nucleoplasty, Intra-Discal Injections
Sept 2002: Rated in the top 10% for successful patients. Retraining for new career.

Thanks so much to all of you for all the info on the IDETs! I'm still not sure I want it but I may not have a choice! Although I wonder if it's worth it when you say it's not 100% cure all. Yet logic says what in this world is lol! Take care!!

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your friend, out2lunch