backslide05

Hi Megss,
as you know I also have spondy and have been following your trials. Sorry to hear about the pars and 2 herniations. I also have both. My spondy is grade 1-2 at L4-L5 and the pars at L4, so one level above yours. My ortho said mine is less common at that level. My pain has been going on since 2005 so I feel your pain. However, it didn't stay at the high level yours seems to be at. It flares and then subsides thankfully or I'd never want to be here right now!

I'm glad you're not seeing a chiro, they can't help you and can make your back even more unstable. I believe that and going to Yoga are what did mine in to this degree. I've also had a lot of wear and tear over the years.

What has NOT helped me is PT, chiro (NO), or those back brace wrap things.
What has helped me slightly is walking, (no running, swimming, or biking), stretching (easy), and Ice, and sometimes Aleve. I can't do heavy pain killers cuz I have to work and am supporting a husband on disability, so one of us has to work and keep going!

Having a small child is going to be hard on you and you must be careful about lifting him. Your doctor will probably want to try conservative measures first and hold out surgery. Surgery is a huge step, and something to really think long and hard about.
I hope that you are able to come to the right decision for yourself and have people around you who will support you in whatever you decide. *******removed******
I really do wish you a pain free future. Keep in mind that disk herniations can heal themselves! This may take a long time, but it can happen. The pars, and spondy -no, but they don't always cause pain, just my 2 cents. take care,
~Backslide