catgirl
07-29-2003, 02:21 PM
Everyone keeps telling me that with my disc's being totally herniated that I'm going to end up having surgery. Is this true? Is there any possiblity that I might heal on my own?
It's been 2 months now & am still on pain pills & muscle relaxers, although the epidurals have given me some relief.
Your opinions on this will be truly helpful, as I'm getting somewhat nervous about the whole situation.
Thanks Cat
It's been 2 months now & am still on pain pills & muscle relaxers, although the epidurals have given me some relief.
Your opinions on this will be truly helpful, as I'm getting somewhat nervous about the whole situation.
Thanks Cat
Sponsor
PainInTheNeckJackie
07-29-2003, 04:26 PM
Hi Cat... I'm in the same boat with you... 2 months since diagnosed with 2 herniations, been doing the therapy, taking the pain meds but haven't tried the epidurals yet... but it look inevitable at this point. Keep you chin up and we'll get along.
AmyVirginia
07-29-2003, 06:14 PM
What type of pain meds are you on and do you take them everyday? How long have you been taking them?
catgirl
07-29-2003, 06:26 PM
Hi again Jackie~~~Yes, I figured we'd get along great due to almost identical case histories.
Amy, I'm taking Vicoprofene & Skelexan. I take them every day, although I do try to fudge on the timing to check my pain level. I have been taking them since waking up the night of 5/25/03 with the Disc Herninations. Are you thinking it might be time to change to a different pain med?
Amy, I'm taking Vicoprofene & Skelexan. I take them every day, although I do try to fudge on the timing to check my pain level. I have been taking them since waking up the night of 5/25/03 with the Disc Herninations. Are you thinking it might be time to change to a different pain med?
SoniGailGordon
08-01-2003, 02:14 AM
Hello everyone,
I was in such pain with my neck and down my left arm and now my hand goes to sleep. Had an MRI and it said that I had DDD, and the doctor told me I had herniated Disc's and a buldging disc which was also causing a pinched nerve; he never told me how many herniated disc he just said herniated disc's so I am just figuring more then one. I am scheduled for an appointment on August 8th and 8:00 a.m. with a Neurosurgeon, but for the mean time he has put me on Lortab 7.5 and also carisoprodol(pain pills and muscle relaxers), I can't stand the pain so I feel I have to take my Lortab 7.5 and also my muscle relaxer, I have no tollerance to pain(I am such a baby).
I don't feel the Lortab 7.5 is doing any good but I am also afraid if I don't take it I will hurt worse then I do now; sometimes I wish someone would just shoot me and get me out of my mysery(just kidding).
I also found out I have severe degenerative arthritis in my neck. I have been hurting like this since June 10th or 15th and then on June 30th I slipped on some mud in our driveway and then I couldn't even move my neck so that is when I had the x-ray's first and then 1 week later I had the MRI. Well I just wanted to post my reply because I just need to talk to someone who has the same pains as I do.
Thank you for taking time to read my posting.
Soni Gordon
I was in such pain with my neck and down my left arm and now my hand goes to sleep. Had an MRI and it said that I had DDD, and the doctor told me I had herniated Disc's and a buldging disc which was also causing a pinched nerve; he never told me how many herniated disc he just said herniated disc's so I am just figuring more then one. I am scheduled for an appointment on August 8th and 8:00 a.m. with a Neurosurgeon, but for the mean time he has put me on Lortab 7.5 and also carisoprodol(pain pills and muscle relaxers), I can't stand the pain so I feel I have to take my Lortab 7.5 and also my muscle relaxer, I have no tollerance to pain(I am such a baby).
I don't feel the Lortab 7.5 is doing any good but I am also afraid if I don't take it I will hurt worse then I do now; sometimes I wish someone would just shoot me and get me out of my mysery(just kidding).
I also found out I have severe degenerative arthritis in my neck. I have been hurting like this since June 10th or 15th and then on June 30th I slipped on some mud in our driveway and then I couldn't even move my neck so that is when I had the x-ray's first and then 1 week later I had the MRI. Well I just wanted to post my reply because I just need to talk to someone who has the same pains as I do.
Thank you for taking time to read my posting.
Soni Gordon
catgirl
08-01-2003, 10:09 AM
Soni,
I feel just like you!!!! Seriously, when you said you wished someone would take you out back & shoot you~~~I don't know HOW many times I have thought that! LOL :D
As far as your pain......sounds right on with mine with the exception that my left hand & especially my index finger has been affected from the very beginning.
I'm still taking my pain pills & muscle relaxers & like you before I had my epidurals I felt like they were not doing anything. But now between the epidurals & the drugs I am getting some relief.
I did make a discovery yesterday (which I will post as a different topic, shortly) which I have been taking the MSM orally for about2 months now & it is helping, but yesterday I was in more pain than normally so I applied "Super Blue Stuff". Man, what a relief!!!.
You might look into getting some of that as well. It's basically topical MSM & it works great.
Good Luck on your NS appointment on the 8th & keep in touch~~~~~~sounds like we both have a lot in common regarding our necks, lol. Cat :)
I feel just like you!!!! Seriously, when you said you wished someone would take you out back & shoot you~~~I don't know HOW many times I have thought that! LOL :D
As far as your pain......sounds right on with mine with the exception that my left hand & especially my index finger has been affected from the very beginning.
I'm still taking my pain pills & muscle relaxers & like you before I had my epidurals I felt like they were not doing anything. But now between the epidurals & the drugs I am getting some relief.
I did make a discovery yesterday (which I will post as a different topic, shortly) which I have been taking the MSM orally for about2 months now & it is helping, but yesterday I was in more pain than normally so I applied "Super Blue Stuff". Man, what a relief!!!.
You might look into getting some of that as well. It's basically topical MSM & it works great.
Good Luck on your NS appointment on the 8th & keep in touch~~~~~~sounds like we both have a lot in common regarding our necks, lol. Cat :)
BWL
08-02-2003, 01:25 PM
Soni and Cat,
Don't be too hard on yourselves. Nerve pain is incredibly intense. Do what you need to do to get by.(I was on 70 mg + per day of percocet ). There is hope for some herniated discs. Just stick to your docs orders. The epidurals aren't that bad and may do the trick. My disc ruptured and I had no choice, but you may. :)
Isn't it incredible how one small finger could hurt so very much!!? I often thought my finger would just explode.
Hang tough, feel well...It gets better
Bruce :Wave:
------------------
ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7 (1/29/03)
Don't be too hard on yourselves. Nerve pain is incredibly intense. Do what you need to do to get by.(I was on 70 mg + per day of percocet ). There is hope for some herniated discs. Just stick to your docs orders. The epidurals aren't that bad and may do the trick. My disc ruptured and I had no choice, but you may. :)
Isn't it incredible how one small finger could hurt so very much!!? I often thought my finger would just explode.
Hang tough, feel well...It gets better
Bruce :Wave:
------------------
ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7 (1/29/03)
catgirl
08-03-2003, 01:21 AM
Hi Bruce :wave:
Thank you for your kind words & understanding. Your right it is incredible pain & the worst part of it is that your just plumb worn out from it. That's a hard pill to swallow for someone who is extremly active & always on the go.
Do have question for you. You mentioned you had ruptured disc & no choice. My 2 disc herniations are completely ruptured. Does that mean I'm going to have to have surgery in order to get well?
Hope you are feeling better. Cat :)
Thank you for your kind words & understanding. Your right it is incredible pain & the worst part of it is that your just plumb worn out from it. That's a hard pill to swallow for someone who is extremly active & always on the go.
Do have question for you. You mentioned you had ruptured disc & no choice. My 2 disc herniations are completely ruptured. Does that mean I'm going to have to have surgery in order to get well?
Hope you are feeling better. Cat :)
BWL
08-03-2003, 08:55 AM
Hi Cat,
My choice was really taken away by the nerve damage I had suffered which was worsening on a daily basis. As debilitating as my pain was, the loss of strength in my arm was the problem. I had surgery 6 weeks after the known onset of symptoms.
Everyone is different, so will have to wait and see how you respond to other therapies.
I'm feeling well, thank you. Still hoping for some more strength to return to my arm. I guess I'll have to wait and see too. :)
Be well,
Bruce :wave:
------------------
ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7 (1/29/03)
[This message has been edited by BWL (edited 08-03-2003).]
My choice was really taken away by the nerve damage I had suffered which was worsening on a daily basis. As debilitating as my pain was, the loss of strength in my arm was the problem. I had surgery 6 weeks after the known onset of symptoms.
Everyone is different, so will have to wait and see how you respond to other therapies.
I'm feeling well, thank you. Still hoping for some more strength to return to my arm. I guess I'll have to wait and see too. :)
Be well,
Bruce :wave:
------------------
ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7 (1/29/03)
[This message has been edited by BWL (edited 08-03-2003).]
catgirl
08-03-2003, 12:23 PM
Thanks Bruce :D
You've put my mind at ease. I really do not want to have surgery & if I must I would like to at least wait until the FDA approves the ADR procedure here in the states. Why are we always the last to get the good stuff?, LOL.
Be well & hope the strenght returns to your arm soon. Cat :)
You've put my mind at ease. I really do not want to have surgery & if I must I would like to at least wait until the FDA approves the ADR procedure here in the states. Why are we always the last to get the good stuff?, LOL.
Be well & hope the strenght returns to your arm soon. Cat :)
20carfan
08-06-2003, 05:48 AM
Hi Catgirl
Try not to worry about it too much (crazy advise I know) but if you're going to have the surgery you want your body in the best mental shape you can be in. I had one done with plate and all and other than lagging muscle spasms the intense pain is all gone.
Good luck and god bless!
Try not to worry about it too much (crazy advise I know) but if you're going to have the surgery you want your body in the best mental shape you can be in. I had one done with plate and all and other than lagging muscle spasms the intense pain is all gone.
Good luck and god bless!
tetons
08-07-2003, 12:27 AM
I was reluctant to even have my first MRI because I was convinced it was just my shoulder. But then the arm and foot weakness started and the radiating pain started getting worse.I knew I had to have an MRI which showed all of my problems and I was scheduled for sx 6 weeks later due to physician going on vacation for two weeks. I did not have the numbness and weakness until about 1 1/2 after the shoulder pain started. It is a tough decision. Good luck with yours.
catgirl
08-07-2003, 01:49 AM
Hi 20carfan & Tetons :wave:
I hope you both are doing better now that you have had your surgeries. Thank you for your words of advice.
I'm trying not to worry. Tough for me as I tend to be a worry wart & I worry about everything.
But I'm trying to relax & follow doc's orders & after today I'm making a concious decision to make some definate changes in my life. I will be delegating a lot of my home responsiblities out from under me & start resting more.
Especially since I booked our airfare tonight for our vacation that I just realized is only a month away. I need to be as well as possible so that I can enjoy the purpose of our vacation. Rest, relaxation, soaking up the sunrays on a gorgeous beach & most of all scuba diving one of the best locations in the Carribean. I will be very disappointed if I am unable to scubadive on our trip, but as DH said last night, if I'm not well enough it's not worth a trip to the emergency room & he's right. I will just have to be happy with a little snorkling here & there & of course the gorgeous view.
Best wishes for both of you & I hope you are both recovering nicely. Cat
I hope you both are doing better now that you have had your surgeries. Thank you for your words of advice.
I'm trying not to worry. Tough for me as I tend to be a worry wart & I worry about everything.
But I'm trying to relax & follow doc's orders & after today I'm making a concious decision to make some definate changes in my life. I will be delegating a lot of my home responsiblities out from under me & start resting more.
Especially since I booked our airfare tonight for our vacation that I just realized is only a month away. I need to be as well as possible so that I can enjoy the purpose of our vacation. Rest, relaxation, soaking up the sunrays on a gorgeous beach & most of all scuba diving one of the best locations in the Carribean. I will be very disappointed if I am unable to scubadive on our trip, but as DH said last night, if I'm not well enough it's not worth a trip to the emergency room & he's right. I will just have to be happy with a little snorkling here & there & of course the gorgeous view.
Best wishes for both of you & I hope you are both recovering nicely. Cat
mdla
08-08-2003, 12:27 AM
Cat
What levels are your disks having problems at? I think there is some type of laser thing they can do for the lubar spine but it hasn't been approved for the cervical. The cervical is more tricky and it does take a long time to heal, but its a much different, less acute pain. I think if you have a really good surgeon that you trust its OK, I really trusted mine and while my neck and sholders still hurt my nerves to my hand don't act up that much anymore and I can hold a pencil (i couldn't before).
I hope you don't have to have surgery though, I think anytime you cut is bad. Lets hope your pain goes away and they can do traction or something less invasive.
Best
Mdla
What levels are your disks having problems at? I think there is some type of laser thing they can do for the lubar spine but it hasn't been approved for the cervical. The cervical is more tricky and it does take a long time to heal, but its a much different, less acute pain. I think if you have a really good surgeon that you trust its OK, I really trusted mine and while my neck and sholders still hurt my nerves to my hand don't act up that much anymore and I can hold a pencil (i couldn't before).
I hope you don't have to have surgery though, I think anytime you cut is bad. Lets hope your pain goes away and they can do traction or something less invasive.
Best
Mdla
catgirl
08-08-2003, 12:47 AM
Hey thanks Mdla
I busted the 2 disc's at C5/6 & C6/7. Have done the PT & traction. In fact I just got done doing my strengthning exercises & tomorrow I'm picking up a home cervical traction unit that my doc prescribed.
I'm hoping with me laying off a lot of activities, continuing my stretches (every chance I get allllllll day long, lol), being more dilegent about my strengthning exercises & continuing with anything else I can think of that it might just be possible to achieve my goal of scuba diving on my vacation.
Can you tell I'm a fanatic, lol. Of course being a newbie at it & spending all this money for this trip doesn't help with my want~~~~~~~~~~~~oh, well *big sigh* I'll take whatever comes along even if it just means laying on the beach (at least I'm not at work.....hehehehehe).
So what are your injuries?
I busted the 2 disc's at C5/6 & C6/7. Have done the PT & traction. In fact I just got done doing my strengthning exercises & tomorrow I'm picking up a home cervical traction unit that my doc prescribed.
I'm hoping with me laying off a lot of activities, continuing my stretches (every chance I get allllllll day long, lol), being more dilegent about my strengthning exercises & continuing with anything else I can think of that it might just be possible to achieve my goal of scuba diving on my vacation.
Can you tell I'm a fanatic, lol. Of course being a newbie at it & spending all this money for this trip doesn't help with my want~~~~~~~~~~~~oh, well *big sigh* I'll take whatever comes along even if it just means laying on the beach (at least I'm not at work.....hehehehehe).
So what are your injuries?
mdla
08-08-2003, 01:46 AM
Hi Cat,
The exercises and streaches do help. I really like the one where you hold your hand under the side of a seat and streach your head in the opposite direction. I had a c5-6 fusion last year. My disk was pretty bad and (I didn't know of this board at the time) but I did hours of internet reseach beforehand because I was scared, but also scared to go on in pain. I was becoming a grouch.
What does a home traction thing do? I really hope you can do all you want on your trip, life is too short to miss out on fun!
The exercises and streaches do help. I really like the one where you hold your hand under the side of a seat and streach your head in the opposite direction. I had a c5-6 fusion last year. My disk was pretty bad and (I didn't know of this board at the time) but I did hours of internet reseach beforehand because I was scared, but also scared to go on in pain. I was becoming a grouch.
What does a home traction thing do? I really hope you can do all you want on your trip, life is too short to miss out on fun!
catgirl
08-08-2003, 01:00 PM
mdla,
I know what you mean about being scared. That's why I didn't run right away to an NS. I want to give my body a chance to try to correct itself on it's own.
A traction unit pulls your head away from your shoulders hoping to pull the veterbrae's apart so that the disc or fluid, if it's busted, goes back to where it's supposed to be rather than pressing on the nerves.
So have you recovered from your surgery? Did you have an ACDF? Any repurcussions? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm still quite nervous if I have to go this route. Cat
I know what you mean about being scared. That's why I didn't run right away to an NS. I want to give my body a chance to try to correct itself on it's own.
A traction unit pulls your head away from your shoulders hoping to pull the veterbrae's apart so that the disc or fluid, if it's busted, goes back to where it's supposed to be rather than pressing on the nerves.
So have you recovered from your surgery? Did you have an ACDF? Any repurcussions? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm still quite nervous if I have to go this route. Cat
more
08-08-2003, 01:34 PM
Catgirl - if your home traction unit is like the one I had - hangs over the door and has a bag which holds water - take a word of advise from me - take it on vacation with you!!!
It definitely helped to have it with me when I went to Florida on vacation - used it in the morning and again at night (before and after excursions).
ANOTHER WORD OF ADVISE - IF IT IS THE ONE WITH THE BAG - get a replacement bag to take with you. My bag sprang a leak on vacation and I could not locate a place that only had the bags so had to purchase a whole new unit (a little more costly).
It definitely helped to have it with me when I went to Florida on vacation - used it in the morning and again at night (before and after excursions).
ANOTHER WORD OF ADVISE - IF IT IS THE ONE WITH THE BAG - get a replacement bag to take with you. My bag sprang a leak on vacation and I could not locate a place that only had the bags so had to purchase a whole new unit (a little more costly).
AngelicMoon
08-08-2003, 01:43 PM
I hate to say this, but traction at PT is what herniated my disc and caused all my problems which quickly led to surgery.
Of course this doesn't happen to everyone. I just felt that I should share this.
:angel:
Of course this doesn't happen to everyone. I just felt that I should share this.
:angel:
catgirl
08-08-2003, 02:01 PM
More,... http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/idea.gif
what a good idea http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif Thank you, I will take it on vacation with me & it is the water bag over the door contraption. Where do I find an extra bag? I got this from my PT. Can you buy these things online?
Once again, thanks for a terrific idea. :angel:
what a good idea http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif Thank you, I will take it on vacation with me & it is the water bag over the door contraption. Where do I find an extra bag? I got this from my PT. Can you buy these things online?
Once again, thanks for a terrific idea. :angel:
more
08-08-2003, 05:38 PM
Catgirl - I thought I replied to you on this but don't know what happen to it - maybe I am just missing it.
So if this is a duplicate I apologize.
I called the company for my kit to get extra bags when I got back from vacation - just to have a spare. I told them it sprang a leak and they were able to send me out a new one (don't remember the cost).
I also just looked on the internet - searching for home traction unit bag but did not see any that had the price of the bags - did see lots of companies and pictures of the units with the bags which would work so you might want to try that and call the companies asking for pricing and if they sell replacement bags.
I don't think I can give you the company name that I used to get my replacement from but if you check any promotional or instructions that came with your unit you may find an internet site to checkout or even a phone number.
Good Luck
So if this is a duplicate I apologize.
I called the company for my kit to get extra bags when I got back from vacation - just to have a spare. I told them it sprang a leak and they were able to send me out a new one (don't remember the cost).
I also just looked on the internet - searching for home traction unit bag but did not see any that had the price of the bags - did see lots of companies and pictures of the units with the bags which would work so you might want to try that and call the companies asking for pricing and if they sell replacement bags.
I don't think I can give you the company name that I used to get my replacement from but if you check any promotional or instructions that came with your unit you may find an internet site to checkout or even a phone number.
Good Luck
catgirl
08-08-2003, 06:44 PM
Hey thanks More :angel: your a sweetheart to do all that for me. I shall do what you suggest & will probably have bag in hand shortley. :D Cat
James36832
08-10-2003, 12:04 AM
In response to your question, I'll just tell you my story of ruptured discs back in February.
This is about the first doctor I went to--he gave me an absurdly low dosage of steroids and on my follow up visit, my condition had significantly worsened. He said the MRI confirmed his suspicion of a disc and told me my only other options at this point were surgery and PT. Oh, and did I mention he had me taking Advil for the pain and inflammation? What a quack.
A few weeks had passed by now, and I finally admitted to myself the seriousness of this condition. It wasn't going to go away; furthermore, I started having real trouble functioning.
One morning, I woke up and looked in the mirror to observe my torso aiming at about a 45 degree angle away from my hips. My next doctor, an emergency room doc, told me I needed surgery ASAP and to set up an appointment with a neurosurgeon that morning. He also gave me some Lortab which did wonders for the amount of pain I was experiencing.
So now I go to a third doctor, a rehab specialist, who immediately prescribed me a ton of drugs. I was put on:
Methylprednisolone (Corticosteroids)
Flexeril (For Spasms)
Skelexin "
Lortab (for Pain)
Neurontin (for seizures/nerves)
Hydrocodone (for Pain)
Methocarbamal (steroids, i think)
After that visit and picking up my smack from the chemist, I was bed-ridden for about 2 weeks with several days of bed-rest. The drug therapy was so important too. Without the drugs, the pain would've been intolerable.
I remember at one point being in so much pain, I had my cell phone in hand and was about to call 911. I didn't though cause I figured I'd lose consciousness before the ambulance got there.
What this drug regimen did was it got me from there to walking around normally in a matter of days, and without surgery I was supposed to have had. Even now, doctors who see my MRIs are amazed I haven't had surgery.
Just remember this is likely still going to be a lifelong thing for you, and you can never be completely sure you won't re-herniate. I will say this though--I've been able to run 3 miles a day since early July. This is not near as much as I'd like to, but at least I'm sort of back to my old life.
Being honest, it's been 4-5 months and my back still feels a little weird. I also still have lack of feeling in my right foot, but it seems to be coming back slowly.
So I hope my story has given you a little hope. Compared to how bad it was, and to the situations others face, I can't complain.
[This message has been edited by James36832 (edited 08-09-2003).]
This is about the first doctor I went to--he gave me an absurdly low dosage of steroids and on my follow up visit, my condition had significantly worsened. He said the MRI confirmed his suspicion of a disc and told me my only other options at this point were surgery and PT. Oh, and did I mention he had me taking Advil for the pain and inflammation? What a quack.
A few weeks had passed by now, and I finally admitted to myself the seriousness of this condition. It wasn't going to go away; furthermore, I started having real trouble functioning.
One morning, I woke up and looked in the mirror to observe my torso aiming at about a 45 degree angle away from my hips. My next doctor, an emergency room doc, told me I needed surgery ASAP and to set up an appointment with a neurosurgeon that morning. He also gave me some Lortab which did wonders for the amount of pain I was experiencing.
So now I go to a third doctor, a rehab specialist, who immediately prescribed me a ton of drugs. I was put on:
Methylprednisolone (Corticosteroids)
Flexeril (For Spasms)
Skelexin "
Lortab (for Pain)
Neurontin (for seizures/nerves)
Hydrocodone (for Pain)
Methocarbamal (steroids, i think)
After that visit and picking up my smack from the chemist, I was bed-ridden for about 2 weeks with several days of bed-rest. The drug therapy was so important too. Without the drugs, the pain would've been intolerable.
I remember at one point being in so much pain, I had my cell phone in hand and was about to call 911. I didn't though cause I figured I'd lose consciousness before the ambulance got there.
What this drug regimen did was it got me from there to walking around normally in a matter of days, and without surgery I was supposed to have had. Even now, doctors who see my MRIs are amazed I haven't had surgery.
Just remember this is likely still going to be a lifelong thing for you, and you can never be completely sure you won't re-herniate. I will say this though--I've been able to run 3 miles a day since early July. This is not near as much as I'd like to, but at least I'm sort of back to my old life.
Being honest, it's been 4-5 months and my back still feels a little weird. I also still have lack of feeling in my right foot, but it seems to be coming back slowly.
So I hope my story has given you a little hope. Compared to how bad it was, and to the situations others face, I can't complain.
[This message has been edited by James36832 (edited 08-09-2003).]
catgirl
08-10-2003, 01:08 AM
Hey thanks James. I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me your story. Your story does give me hope as I am hoping that I can avoid surgery.
I am feeling somewhat better. At least the pain level is not what it was when this initially happened & of course I have my good days & bad. Although, I have learned that if I keep with the streches, the strenghtening exercises, the posture & the most painful one~~~~keeping my shoulders from becoming earrings that I can keep the pain at a lower level.
I have told my doc that I would prefer to live on pain pills & muscle relaxers rather than surgery & am hoping that the epidural will never wear off.
I can cope with the numb index finger & am hoping that with another month of semi-rest that I can return to some sembelance of an active life. It's ok if I can't do it all. I've already lost some activity level with a wreck 5 years ago, but if I can at least scuba dive I can live without doing pilates & doing housework, lol. I did hire a housekeeper to the dissatisfaction of DH, but what the heck, if it helps be heal so be it, besides I'm tired of giving up my weekends in order to clean house. Now I can go do what I want to do on the weekends when I feel like it & w/o feeling guilty cause I need to scrub the floors.
So James, thank you once again for giving me hope & I hope that you continue to improve. I most definately do not want to see you backslide. Your my inspiration. :) Cat
I am feeling somewhat better. At least the pain level is not what it was when this initially happened & of course I have my good days & bad. Although, I have learned that if I keep with the streches, the strenghtening exercises, the posture & the most painful one~~~~keeping my shoulders from becoming earrings that I can keep the pain at a lower level.
I have told my doc that I would prefer to live on pain pills & muscle relaxers rather than surgery & am hoping that the epidural will never wear off.
I can cope with the numb index finger & am hoping that with another month of semi-rest that I can return to some sembelance of an active life. It's ok if I can't do it all. I've already lost some activity level with a wreck 5 years ago, but if I can at least scuba dive I can live without doing pilates & doing housework, lol. I did hire a housekeeper to the dissatisfaction of DH, but what the heck, if it helps be heal so be it, besides I'm tired of giving up my weekends in order to clean house. Now I can go do what I want to do on the weekends when I feel like it & w/o feeling guilty cause I need to scrub the floors.
So James, thank you once again for giving me hope & I hope that you continue to improve. I most definately do not want to see you backslide. Your my inspiration. :) Cat