When I was 34, I got hit while on a traffic stop. Tore my back up pretty bad. Work comp kept declining everything. I fought the back and leg pain for almost 10 years until I got to the point my quality of life was so bad, I had to do something. Had surgery and I have been doing great for the last 12 years. Aggravated with myself for not having surgery sooner.
I know surgery is need for many instances but one thing I swear by is acupuncture but you have to have a good acupuncturist. They've got me through some serious motorcycle injuries and back pain over the years that that's my go to doctor. I had a really great one up in Phoenix and she really helped me through some bad hip and back pain to where I've never had it or had to go back and it's been over 12 years now and 100% pain free.
Your story is similar to mine. Nagging lower back pain that would flair up sometimes and then ease up. I was also told that I was too young for back surgery when I was 40 something. Last August that nagging pain intensified and didn't let up. I had been riding my bicycle 60 miles a week but it got to the point that I couldn't get on or off without intense pain. Oddly enough if I could get on, I could ride relatively pain free but getting off was a real challenge. This time the Dr. said that the bulging disks were rubbing on the nerves and that surgery was the only viable option. I am 75 so being too young was no longer an issue.
Almost three weeks post surgery and I am very optimistic for my recovery. It is a process, a marathon not a sprint. I am seeing progress but it is very slow. My surgery got delayed by some scheduling snafu so I went from August to February in pain. At one point I asked if an epidural would help with the pain. They gave me one and it eased the pain for about 3 weeks but then it came back with a vengeance. That may be an option for you to try. I have a friend that gets the shot every 3 or 4 months and he stays ahead of the pain. I can also tell you that the surgery "ain't no picnic" but if successful it will be worth it.
That's the plan. Turning 60 in a couple weeks probably doesn't help me feeling energetic!
The energy thing comes and goes. I'm 75 . I can vouch for you on that 
Gregg, Dad is 71. He is not to far behind you on that. I have a feeling that he would agree with you on the energy coming and going lol
That must of felt good to finally drive your Ranger!WooHooooooo! Drove the Ranger today. First time since February 11 th. When I parked it. It actually cranked a little slow after being laid up for three weeks. ( 2019 original battery) It sent me a message that it was going to take a nap while waiting my return. Just a short trip to the car wash and back, but it's a start.
BTW Thanks to you all for putting up with me telling my medical stories. Especially for all the encouragement, well wishes and your stories.
One of the best things about this forum is that you can do that and not get booted.
Off topic....here, Naawww that never happens.One of the best things about this forum is that you can do that and not get booted.
That car on the streets of Chicago ? for how long? It will probably just be a shell of its former self.That must of felt good to finally drive your Ranger!
Don't worry about the Mustang I'll return it in a few weeks. Annie's really got the hang of driving a stick now. She's been gone for a week (took it back home to Chicago) and wants to practice a little more with it before dropping it off.
Off topic....here, Naawww that never happens.
Sounds like a lot of us have our own medical stories. We're all in good company it feels like!!WooHooooooo! Drove the Ranger today. First time since February 11 th. When I parked it. It actually cranked a little slow after being laid up for three weeks. ( 2019 original battery) It sent me a message that it was going to take a nap while waiting my return. Just a short trip to the car wash and back, but it's a start.
BTW Thanks to you all for putting up with me telling my medical stories. Especially for all the encouragement, well wishes and your stories.
One of the best things about this forum is that you can do that and not get booted.
When it gets to the point where it’s intolerable, I go get a shot. Not sure exactly what it is they give me, one is a steroid and one is a painkiller. It helps for a bit but I’ve also been warned that doing that can actually cause more damage long term. When you don’t feel pain, you’re more likely to do things you otherwise wouldn’t. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. When you ignore or block that signal, you end up causing more damage down the road.Your story is similar to mine. Nagging lower back pain that would flair up sometimes and then ease up. I was also told that I was too young for back surgery when I was 40 something. Last August that nagging pain intensified and didn't let up. I had been riding my bicycle 60 miles a week but it got to the point that I couldn't get on or off without intense pain. Oddly enough if I could get on, I could ride relatively pain free but getting off was a real challenge. This time the Dr. said that the bulging disks were rubbing on the nerves and that surgery was the only viable option. I am 75 so being too young was no longer an issue.
I think my issue is finding a doc that’s willing to do it. I’ve been to a couple docs and a few physical therapists. All of them have said the same thing, I just need to “take it easy” and “I’m too young” for that. I guess I’ll have to wait until I can’t walk and stuck in a wheelchair before they’ll address the problem…
I think you are correct. They want it to be very serious before doing such a major operation. And there can be complications. Fusing vertebrae will put more strain on the adjacent ones so sometime down the road they may act up, and need surgery as well. When I was explaining my symptoms to the orthopedic nurse practitioner, mostly how painful it was and it was really degrading my quality of life. She was sympathetic but not overly concerned. When I related that I was having trouble controlling my left foot and that sometimes it flopped when I walked, her tone changed. She said she considered that a medical emergency. If not addressed in time that could become permanent. My next stop was a CAT scan. The rest is history.
Not to worry there's a pill for that now. And the side effects aren't all that bad.I think you are correct. They want it to be very serious before doing such a major operation. And there can be complications. Fusing vertebrae will put more strain on the adjacent ones so sometime down the road they may act up, and need surgery as well. When I was explaining my symptoms to the orthopedic nurse practitioner, mostly how painful it was and it was really degrading my quality of life. She was sympathetic but not overly concerned. When I related that I was having trouble controlling my left foot and that sometimes it flopped when I walked, her tone changed. She said she considered that a medical emergency. If not addressed in time that could become permanent. My next stop was a CAT scan. The rest is history.
Ok guys, here is something else to think about. The first day of surgery required the spine Dr. and a vascular surgeon to open up from the front, and move things out of the way for the actual spine work. About a week before surgery was scheduled I had a consult with the vascular surgeon. He explained the process and then almost as a side note he said, also because of where this procedure is (lower spine), there is about a one percent chance of having issues with ED after the procedure.
I am happy to report that in this case I am not among the 1%.
So, you're saying that Annie has some shopping to do? And for once, you wouldn't mind tagging along?Might be a little worse than that.
