Howdy Fellow IDETers.....

There are a few things nobody tells you that you should know. The first is...doing NOTHING your first 2-4 weeks (no walking up stairs, sitting, standing longer than 5 or 10 min. etc.).

You need to have arrangements for kids to be driven to school, dinners to be made, house cleaned, etc. for at least 1 month post-IDET, and to be extra-sure (I did this one)..for 2 months post-IDET.

If you live in a 2-story home, move your bedroom downstairs for up to 3 months post-IDET.

Walking UPstairs is HECK on your IDET, walking up hills is not good-walking on level ground IS good.

Getting UP from sitting position-not good (but HAS to be done a few times a day anyway-hehe).

As you get to 6-8 weeks post-IDET....you shouldn't 'expect' much of anything yet. Your surgery is just NOW beginning to heal...a VERY slow and gentle increase in activities (if there is increase in pain, you don't do it). ALWAYS follow your doctors/ therapists orders....and question them if you don't agree or like what they say. It's your body, tell them what YOU think you would like to do or try--get their feedback.

Try deep breathing / relaxation exercises. This can help you to de-stress and be more "in-tune" with your body and what it is going through. Knowledge can free you from your pain, because then...you will know what to do to make it all better. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

ICE....it is your best friend. I NEVER leave home without it. If you are going out for more than 2 hours, take an igloo with soft (gel) icepacks and one (hard ice) pack to keep the rest cool. After 3 or 4 hours, the (hard ice) pack is now soft...and can be used on top of clothing....works great!

NO BENDING OR LIFTING: Buy yourself a pair of reachers or grabbers (just do a search on 'reachers and grabbers' and a bunch of sites that sell them will come up). This was the #1 savior for me. Especially with 2 little ones and having to pick up after them constantly. I never would have made it without those reachers/grabbers.

NO VACUUMING: If you must clean on a daily basis (I had to at least get the surface dirt off every day), get yourself a Sweeper. Doing a search on Senior Aids will help you find places that sell sweepers. They are battery-less and electricity-free....so you just run the sweeper over the carpet and it picks up all the surface dirt. I even did it RIGHT FROM MY BED! Really great gadget.

NO COOKING OR DOING DISHES: Alright...now this is a dream (or is it a nightmare?)hehe When cooking you are continually twisting to get the milk, then turning to get the pepper, then.....get it? Not good for IDETers, big NO-NO (twists and turns). So either you have pizza every night...or have your spouse make a gigantic pot of spaghetti and freeze for future meals... or you have a great spouse to simply take over the cooking for you... or having a great set of friends and family who will bring you your meals... OK, OK...I think you got it! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif As for the dishes, unless you have very long arms (my hubby does)--the awkward bend at the kitchen sink is horrendous to IDETers. If you must though...try doing dishes in stages. So if you have a washer you could rinse and set on counter, then from counter to top rack, then to bottom rack....etc. EVERYTHING YOU DO NEEDS TO BE PLANNED (at first)....it gets to be "2nd nature" after a bit.

We all just need to be aware that your disk is burned, treat it like a burn victim. There are special rules for burn victims. Those are the rules you should be aware of and try to follow. Above all....listening to your bodies is important, it really DOES know what is best for you. We just have to learn to listen and follow-through, if you question something...ASK (doing that WON'T hurt you...but NOT asking CAN hurt you). Question your doctors and/or therapists (even if it is out of plain curiosity)...I learn the most during those times. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

I truly believe there isn't any ONE cure for us spineys, it is a combination of 'cures' and actually is more of a mind-body-spirit connection. We have fixed the body part....now we need to work on the mind-spirit connection. They all work hand-in-hand (if you feel well, you body feels well--and visa versa). But that is my just my humble opinion, and everyone has their own ideas and thoughts. I just hope some of my ideas will help out those of you who have gone through the IDET (or any back surgery for that matter).

Today, I am going through a flare-up and am back to square one (for just today)...tomorrow will be better. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif So now, I have to go ice and rest my back. Have faith all....it will help bring you through all of this.



------------------
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.

Hi,
Although i won't be having idet (i'll be having interbody fusion with bak cages) those are some very good tips!! One question....i can't find a grabber anywhere! Can you please tell me where you got yours.
I have no idea where to go, and i don't want to buy one online.
Thanks
Ali http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif

[This message has been edited by ali_moran (edited 02-07-2003).]

Hi ali http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Try looking in the yellow pages for "senior aids" or for a "medical supply" store. Sometimes (just sometimes) a store like Walmart or Walgreens or Longs or Rite Aid or Target....any one of those types of "general drug store" like stores will carry grabbers. Maybe a pharmacy? Maybe your local hospital can find a pair for you. I hope these ideas help.



------------------
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.

Hi success http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
Thanks for all the great tips! I appreciate hearing them because I can use all the help I can get to help heal my IDET. I'm sorry to hear that you had a flare as well, but glad you're keeping your spirits up.

I am feeling pretty depressed today. Picking up my kids from school brought on a flare. I can't buckle my son in his car seat; I have to ask for help. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

Sadly, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bigcry.gif
Telzey

------------------
4 years of back pain
Annular tear L5-S1 diagnosed 3/02 via MRI
IDET 12/2/02
Still worse pain than pre-op, am told to wait 3-6 months for improvement

[This message has been edited by Telzey (edited 02-09-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Telzey (edited 02-09-2003).]

G'day Success.....

Thanks for that wonderful list of suggestions. I am due to have an ADR in twelve weeks time. This is done abdominally and I have many years experience with recovery from various forms of abdo surgery. What you have posted here is so valid for anyone in recovery.....the doctors very rarely are specific in what is appropriate or not following surgery and reading your suggestions I kept nodding my head! Sound, practial and commonsense.....thanks for posting it!

Cheers from Downunder http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

------------------

Hi again Success http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
Am feeling much better today, so I decided to read your tips again to see what I'm doing right and wrong http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

Those are great tips. I'll add a couple more as well.

First, right from the beginning (1 week post-IDET) I asked my doctor if I could do gentle extensions of my lumbar spine (arching my back slightly), because I found they relieved my pain. He said yes, that anything that relieved my pain was good in that it was probably making a little more room for the disk.

Now, I believe that my disk is still inflamed and sore at 10 weeks post-IDET, so I need to do whatever I can to make lots of room in between the vertebrae for that disk.

Sitting is the worst for me, probably because it compresses the disks and increases pressure on them significantly. So I try to avoid sitting as much as possible. I find that if I alternate between lying down and walking around I feel the best.

Lying down all day does not make me feel as good.

Walking is good for the disk because the gentle squeezing of the disk as you move increases fluid exchange and therefore healing, since the disks have no blood circulation of their own. I find that if I am not in an active flare, that I feel better after a nice slow walk around the neighborhood.

I think the doctor's guidelines of doing things that make your back feel good and avoiding things that you hurt afterwards are the best to follow. I try to take the least possible amount of pain meds so I can accurately feel what's going on with my disk and take appropriate action.

Well... at least that was a more cheerful post than yesterday! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Thanks again Successtory for starting this thread... I hope other IDET patients will post their tips and thoughts as well!

Best wishes to all,
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 pain than pre-op, am told to wait 3-6 months for improvement

Hi Success and Telzey http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Success, thank you so much for your IDET tips. They sound great! I am now 7 and 1/2 weeks post IDET. Just came off a Mother of all flare ups! Worse than pre IDET, but like you, I keep the faith http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif barely.. tee hee

I do overdo it in the shower. I twist and turn to get the soap. Everytime I take a shower I flare up, thus, no more showers.... oooooh stinky, LOL Just kidding, I don't flare up as much when I take a bath, so only baths.

Sorry to hear that you are having a flare up one year after having the IDET. Did you go back to work after your IDET?? And, if so, when did you go back to work.

Telzey,

My dear chum... boy, we are having a rough go of it, eh??!! Just when my flare up calmed down, I started my walks up and took a super duper shower, and yes, I am back flared again. Not as bad as the last, but still. Don't like those flares.

So 3-6 months is when the disc heals the most?? Gulp! I am supposed to go back to work April 9th. Get this though, I pretty much lost my job, and rate of pay. I have been with the company three years and currently am on STD. Soooooooo when I go back it will be an entry level position starting basically from square one! Not only do we lose our livlihood, but we also lose our jobs. Just doesn't seem right!

Well, you two, thanks for all your support and wonderful help! Hope to hear from you both again, and take care http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

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

[This message has been edited by cjsparrow (edited 02-09-2003).]

Hi CJ! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
Hey, it's great hearing from you again. I've missed talking to you! So sorry to hear you're having some bad flare-ups.

Hope you enjoy those baths!!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif I guess by now I am so conditioned not to twist that I have never had a problem in the shower. I move like an old woman, slow, and like my spine is fused from tip to top! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif I worry that if my disk ever gets better again I will develop some other problem due to my spine being so stiff!!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif Oh well. One thing at a time, eh?

I have pretty much determined that it is sitting, or anything that causes me to round (flex) my lower back for even a few minutes, that flares me up, because it puts pressure on the disk, probably because the disk is still inflamed.

I am sure hoping that by that 3-6 month timeframe, that the disk has become smaller!!

Now, when I walk or stand, I really firm up my abs, almost as though I am trying to lengthen my spine and spread my lumbar vertebrae. That does help with the pain, but it gets tiring after a while!

So sorry to hear about your job situation. What do you do? I am on unpaid sick leave right now, so NO income coming in (scary). I hope to go back to work in March, but don't know if I can handle the 1.5 hour-long drive. I'm thinking about finding a carpool or a driver!

I do hope that you are able to work and get back to a more highly paid position with your company. That does seem unfair... I hope things improve for you soon.

Anyway, please stay in touch!
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 pain than pre-op, am told to wait 3-6 months for improvement

Hi CJ & Telzey, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I agree, I think the worst fears of my recovery are losing my job, that is why I need to be better before my 12 weeks is up.

I think they need to re-vamp the 12 week period where back surgery is involved.

This recovery in no way, can be compared to the normal surgeries that people have done, such as gall bladder, or any other type of surgery.

I've had other surgeries, and have always been able to return.

We need better laws to protect our jobs http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif

I'm thinking about you both, at least we can support each other, and that means so much to me http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Have a super evening,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love2.gif

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

Hi CJ (and Telzey and Baxter)...

I just wanted to answer your question about returning to work. I didn't return to work because I had lost my job one day after my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in March 2001. Besides, I was a Database Administrator/Applications Designer when I was "laid off"...required to sit 4-6 hours at a time straight...then another 4-6 hours, then go home. Sitting is how I was injured. Sitting is NOT what I do anymore for any length of time. I have been termed "disabled" when it comes to sitting now. But that wasn't due to the IDET...it was due to the injury.

I am now being retrained in a totally different field. I am learning Acupressure and Reiki and should hopefully be able to hang up my "shingle" within a year or two. Until then....I am on workmen's comp, it's a long process...but am on the road now. Take care all.



------------------
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.

Hi Baxter, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
Yes, it's really scary to me to think of not being able to go back to work soon. I actually can work as long as I can alternate lying down and standing up at my computer. What I can't do is sit. Or drive.

So now I just have to figure out a way around these disabilities...

What are the things keeping you from going back to work? Pain? Inability to sit? Or drive? Or walk? Or lift things?

Could you rig up some sort of chair or cushion that could make room for the bulge in your back and enable you to drive to work and sit at work? I know you cut a hole out of a pillow and are using that now. Could some variant of that be used at work?

Hehe... I'm just in a brainstorming mood tonight. Please forgive me if I am totally off base. Just trying to be helpful... http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/round.gif

Hope you are feeling better today.
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 pain than pre-op, am told to wait 3-6 months for improvement

Hi Telzey, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

You are never off base, you are always such a big help to me http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif

I'm worried about not being able to return, for all of the things you mentioned.
I have trouble in each one of the areas you mentioned.

Sitting is by far the worst !!
When I sit, not only does the muscle stick out worse, it feels like all of the metal is pushing out towards my back.
That is the part I hate the worst.

Walking doesn't seem to bother me too much, as long as I don't over due it.

Driving is a much worse problem, every little bump, causes intense pain.

I have tried to rig different things up, to no avail.

It seems like most of us have sitting as the worst part to deal with.

I wish we could all wake up tomorrow and be healed, this is just not fair http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

If I think of any good ideas, I will be sure to let you know.

I hope you are feeling better today, maybe we can both be able to return to work soon http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Have a super day http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Take Care,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif



------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

Hi Baxter, CJ, success, and everyone http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
I found a couple of GREAT products that I think will really help me be able to sit and drive again http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif and I am so excited that maybe I'll be able to go to work soon! I know I can't name these products or their websites directly, but I'm going to email the moderators to find out if I can describe them generically here.

I think they might be able to help some people who have trouble sitting.

Best,
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 pain than pre-op, am told to wait 3-6 months for improvement

Telzey-
OMG, if only I could sit comfortably and watch TV and the car is the worst. I am so hoping you can get us info on the products that help with sitting!! Did we ever dream how thankful we should be that we could just sit down before we were hurt?
I can hardly wait to hear about it! Gosh, how desparate can I possibly sound?
Thank you!
Deb

------------------

Hi all.
OK, I emailed the moderators and it is OK to post the names of these products, but not their websites. So here it is:

1. The "Tush Cush" -- a cushion you sit on, it's wedge-shaped with a cut-out for your tailbone. Relieves pressure on your lower spine by allowing your tailbone to release down.

I knew this one would help me when I realized the only place in the house I could sit was the toilet! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif It really does help to release your tailbone down.

2. "The Back Seat" -- A device to reduce load on the lumbar spine while sitting. It works by supporting a substantial portion of the upper body weight. As the side boards push down into a chair, the vest lifts the upper body, reducing pressure on the lower back. This relieves back pain and sciatica.

I used the "Back Seat" for the first time last night while eating dinner. I sat for 15 minutes (for the last 2 weeks I haven't been able to sit for more than 20 seconds without excruciating pain) and when I got up from the chair, I felt BETTER than when I sat down. Wow http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif

However, it's not something you can wear while watching TV. You have to strap it on so tightly it makes your ribs sore. However, if it's the only way I can drive a car, it is worth it! I don't mind slightly sore ribs... I'll take that over my back pain any day!!

The woman at the back store where I got it said that it wasn't for everybody, because the rib soreness bothered people who just got a small ache in their back from sitting. I told her it wasn't an "ache" I got, but more like a knife in the back!

I am in the middle of a flare right now, but after it subsides, I intend to try it out while driving... and I'll keep you all posted!

Please keep your fingers crossed that this works for me!!
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 pain than pre-op, am told to wait 3-6 months for improvement

Hi All....

I know a cut-out pillow is essential for my driving and sitting comfort. I know one place calls it a 'tushcush'. It is a pillow that has a portion cut out where your tailbone goes (so there is no pressure on your bum). Telzey also found something I asked my doctor about. He hadn't heard of it, but he was sure interested and kept my paperwork! It is a harness that fits around your torso with 2 heavy-duty slats of (metal?) that go on each side of your body. This effectively holds about 25% of your body-weight... relieving your back. It can be used for traction too. Doing a search on the 'backseat' should bring you to the right place. I haven't tried it, but it's theory is sound and I just might have to give it a try. Good luck to you.



------------------
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.

Hi Telzey, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Thank you so much for sharing this information, and thank you also to the moderators.

I was pretty sure that we can mention product names, as long as we don't post web sites, so I was happy to see that you checked into it http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

The back seat sounds great, except I can't lean anything on my back due to the buldging muscle, but maybe someday I will be able to use these products.

Please keep us posted after your test drive, I will be praying that it is not to uncomfortable for you, and that you can return to work soon http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Thanks Again http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif

Take Care,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love2.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif



------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

Hi Baxter, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
I'll have to keep searching for something that can help you. When does the doctor say you can have deep tissue massage?

I keep thinking that the problem with that muscle is that it somehow got put back in the wrong place after surgery, and that someone who does deep tissue massage or Rolfing or something like that might be able to help you... but only after you've healed enough and the doctor says it's okay.

Just an idea...

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 pain than pre-op, am told to wait 3-6 months for improvement

Hi Telzey, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

The doctor didn't mention massage therapy this time, only PT.

If I do the PT, he said I can't do it until after the 12th week, maybe when I go on 2/19th, he will let me start sooner http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I can't even press lightly on the area myself, due to the swelling, it is "very" sore to the touch. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/nono.gif
If I hold my hand on the middle area of my back, about hip level, I normally can lie my hand flat against my back, now my hand is cupped around the area where the muscle buldges.
When I sit, it sticks out worse.
That is the only way I can describe it.

I agree, maybe he messed something up, he claims this happens sometimes, and my body is just not letting the muscle relax.
His PA also says this can happen at times.
I think the nerve damage is also related to the muscle compressing on other things.

I also think that if I had worn a brace, this may not have happened.

I would be feeling so much better if I didn't have that damn muscle problem.
I wouldn't be so limited as to what I can do.

I don't think there is any type of product to help me, only time will tell.

I really appreciate how helpful that you have been to me, it really helps to have somebody understand. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

I was just thinking, if the doc says this is a problem that occurs after surgery, then why in the two years that I've been posting, have I never heard about anybody else having a buldging muscle ? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif

It really makes me wonder if I'm getting the run around, I hate to think that, as my doctor is very highly recommended.

I hope your next trial run with the back seat gives you some better results.

Hopefully we can all begin to get back to normal soon.

I pray really hard for that each and every night http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

I hope you have a terrific evening.

Be Well,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

Hi Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
Arggghhhh! I wish I could think of something to help you with that bulging muscle. Forgive me if these have already been mentioned.

If the muscle is not relaxing, how about some muscle relaxants like Robaxin?

Or have you ever tried any of those ointments that you rub on the skin that make you feel cold and tingly first and then warm?

Finally, how about good old alternating heat and cold for 20 minutes each?

What does the doctor say about any of these? Or does he just say to leave the muscle alone? I suppose you should follow his advice... but I agree, something does sound funny there.

I hope you are feeling better today. I have not been posting as much because I am getting carpal tunnel pain in my right wrist http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif

Take care!
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 pain than pre-op, am told to wait 3-6 months for improvement

Hi Telzey,

Thanks for the tips, I have tried all of them, to no avail. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

The Flexeril he prescribed me weeks ago, helped me a little the first week I was on it, since then, I'm stuck at the same level.

They just keep telling me that this happens, and that my body is just being stubborn and that it will take time for all of the swelling and the muscle to go down.

I'm sure that they won't take responsibility for this, so I hope they are telling me the truth.

I replied to you on the other IDET thread, as far as the carpal tunnel issue.

I really hope you don't get worsening symptoms http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif
Please take it easy.

I had the carpal tunnel surgery, the strange thing is that I never had any symptoms.
They discovered it while doing the nerve conductive studies on my upper back.

They told me my left hand (I'm left handed) was 70% shot, and that my right hand was 60% shot.
They told me that if I had the surgery, it would help release some of the nerve endings, thus would help my pain in my upper back.
I guess some of those nerves are connected. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif

Well, needless to say, you guessed it, it didn't help my back one bit.
My hand is now weak and I can't grip things like I used to.

They even had the nerve to ask me to do my right hand, you can just imagine what I told them http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif

See if you can find some Silly Putty, and just keep gripping it in your hand, that is what I had to do prior to surgery.
I used something like Silly Putty, but I have heard that Silly Putty works just as well, and it's cheaper too.

I will be praying that you feel better really soon http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Please have a great Valentine's Day http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

I'll catch you later.

Be Well,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love2.gif

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Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.