chatterboxsd

Hi, Lindie. I had a herniated disc from an injury that progressed to a point that I couldn't stand it any more. I have bulges at the cervical level that I manage with exercise, acupuncture, meds, and such. I tried everything for my thoracic area: yoga, chiropractic, acupuncture, PT, water PT, injections, RFA, meds, and all that multiple times and nothing helped. So, I had an XLIF surgery. And the fusion failed. So, I had a revision about a year later. Fortunately, it was successful, but the hardware was so invasive that I had back spasms that wouldn't ever stop. So, I had the hardware from the 2nd surgery taken out. I still have severe pain. We suspect it is still from the original hardware because my rib rubs against a plate from the first surgery. I cannot work, cook, do housework, walk more than 5 blocks, and so on. I'm 35 years old. Before, I ran half marathons, worked 60 hours a week, and entertained all the time.

I understand the constant pain. I encourage you to find a very knowledgeable doctor and try every non-invasive strategy you can think of before considering surgery.

I did not think I could end up like I am today because I was such a healthy, positive person who took responsibility for my health. I don't say this to scare you, but just to give you a real life story. I think there are treatments that can make you more comfortable and functional. If I were to go back, I would keep trying to find one, rather than go to surgery. I found a surgeon who made it seem like the surgery was not going to be a big deal. And now here I am...

I send you the very best. Please update what's going on with you. I don't check in every day, but I will make a point to check in more often because I know there are so few thoracic folks!
- Margaret