Hi Everyone,

I have been reading the postings on this sight for about a week and figured I should introduce myself. This stuff has helped tremendously because the info is from people who've been through it, not just doctors. I am only 21. Had back pain for a few years, something like a "backache". Fall of last year began feeling the sharp pains in the low back and down my left leg. I had an MRI in Jan. When I called the neurosurgeon to get the results, he said there was some minimal bulging. Didn't bother mentioning that was just on the L4-5 and I had a significant protrusion on L5-S1 and dessication of both discs. I went to PT. It helped slightly for those 5 weeks. But the pain changed and got worse. I am now seeing a chiropractor 3x a week. This seems controversial to some but I think it will be beneficial. Went to an ortho surgeon and he wants me to have cortisone shots. I guess I was dumb in thinking these were just some simple shots but I've read some posts on this and have to admit I'm a little frightened.

I have been an active college student, and had danced for 13 years of my life until a few years ago. Being unable to move like I want to sucks. Some of you have problems much larger than mine so I don't know how you do it. I have been in tears many many times. I'm feeling a little better since going to the chiro. I still have a long way to go. I guess I'll go ahead with the injections.

So that's my story. I just feel like being part of this whole forum will help me cuz y'all can identify. A lot of people don't realize how much of a disease chronic back pain is. I will all of you pain free futures. I will be around here a lot so just wanted to say hello.

Deb

Deb,I want to welcome you to the boards and let you know that your pain is no less then anyone elses when pain interups your life and starts taking it over matters!!!I don't have the knowledge most have here but I can give you the moral support, please hang in there and I am sure others will be along soon that can help.You have come to the right place and gather all the knowledge you can as it will become your best friend,and you will have all the support you need from all the good people that are out here.WE CARE !!!
Linda

Deb, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Sorry you're having problems at such a young age.
Thanks for willing us all pain-free futures! (We hope you have some pull in this area!!) We would certainly will you the same!

It's difficult to figure these docs out, isn't it? Why wouldn't he mention the herniated disc? Several of us on the L5-S1 Heminlaminectomy-Discectomy thread (come visit us there!) opted for microdiscectomies - some after many months of trying less invasive procedures. Agreed, it's best to try less invasive before opting for surgery - but luckily, the microdiscectomy success rate in handling the back & leg pain is very high. Best scenario of course - is that the injury never happened. Since we can't un-do that- at least there's a surgery that removes the nerve impingement & with time, things return pretty much to normal as long as you always keep proper body mechanics in mind. (Lift with your legs/abdomen/etc). Very important not to let your leg pain go too long w/o effective intervention. Some posters on this board waited more than 6 mos w/conservative therapy & their pain progressed to leg &/or foot numbness. Once that happens- the chance for permanent nerve damage is high & surgery shld take place yesterday. Personally, I'm 3 1/2 mos post op microdiscectomy/hemilaminectomy on L5/S1 discs. Sciatic pain is gone, just incision site awareness- not really discomfort- & I've heard that time will take care of that. Have you heard of intra-disc injections? (Not cortisone injec's) Bcorcia posted on that subject on a separate thread-she was sched'd for a nucleoplasty but got so much relief from the injec she canc'd. There's also the endoscopic-microdiscectomy - some Docs believe it's too easy to reherniate with that surgery & they opt for the micro-d instead. Point is, lots of options to research AND you're not alone. Please feel free to vent & share your feelings on this board. There are a lot of very nice people here who really care here.

I have a daughter your age - she was always active in dance, jazz, ballet, cheerleading. Did you say how you injured your back?

Again, Deb, Welcome to the board Look forward to "chatting" with you again soon!

Take care!
Laura http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi Aggirl. Just wanted to join in and give you a big welcome also. The people on here are great and can answer most questions which is invaluable. Of course its terrible that pain brings us together but you will make many caring friends on here. So I hope to read some more of your posts in the future!! Take care.

Wow it's so cool how fast people respond to each other on here. And thanks Laura for all of the info. I'm sure I will have more questions on all of those procedures. I feel like I need to learn all I can so I can make better decisions in the future. By the way, my grammar isn't as weird as it sounds. By "will you all pain free futures" I meant wish. If only I had a magic wand to fix everyone, I would. But everyone out there is in my prayers.

Also Laura, I never had a particular moment where I injured my back. It sort of came up on me slowly. I know much of it is hereditary though. My grandma had big disc problems a long time ago, and her doctor told her it would hit her grandchildren. Well so far it has hit two out of three. He knew what he was talking about I guess. My mom also had to have surgery when she was about 30. So my problems aren't a suprise. Nonetheless, it is rough when you're 21 and the doc says well you already have two ruined discs, so you have to prevent further damage. He wants me to lose weight. I already knew I needed to though. I wish having a few extra pounds was the problem, and losing it would fix things. It won't but it will be beneficial anyway. So if anyone has any suggestions on how to get in shape when you have big back problems, please share.

Well that's it for now. Thanks for the warm welcome. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Deb

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

Welcome to our family http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif you will love this place, the people here are great http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif

I hope that you continue to see improvement from your Chiro visits, and I wish you well with the shots if you go that route http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif They work for alot of people, they usually need to be repeated, so I think it's a good idea to give them a try.

Have a super weekend http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

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

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Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
I regret the day that I agreed to have this surgery.
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.