| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| BillieKay |
Posted - Aug 04 2005 : 9:22:11 PM
 Good evening gals. I just found out that the severe pain and the reason I have very little mobility in my left leg is because of a badly herniated disk. I have NO idea how this happened.I have an appointment with a spine doc on Monday. Has anyone experienced this? How was it treated and do any of you have any thoughts on what I could do? I cannot take anti-inflamatories.I am sooo bummed out. I walk like a penguin and can't work.I am supposed to be going to a family reunion in Kimberly,Idaho next week. It's a 10 hour drive(I was gonna ride with my mama)I do so want to go. Any advice would be appreciated.
Bright Blessings,
BillieKay |
| 1 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| BuckBellHill |
Posted - Aug 05 2005 : 06:45:34 AM
Billie Kay: Oh, I have SO had this problem! My cervical C4-5 disk herniated and shattered while I was living in South Africa (another story). I don't think people believe or understand how painful it is. Until you have surgery of some type, car travel and stuff, I think is okay, but you just have to consider all your activities and not allow for any blows or quick movements. I understand there is a new procedure now that is much less invasive that I would investigate...I had the disk in my neck removed as it was pressing on the spinal cord. I had bone from my hip taken out to make a new disk (in South Africa they can't use donor bone) and then a plate and screws used to fuse the graft together. It has healed and the plate is no longer necessary, but it's staying. The pain relief was absolutely immediate...there is some nerve damage to my arms because I waited too long to address the problem, but I am managing that pain and problem. I know each person's problem is different, so I'm sure your doc will have recommendations for you, but I did want you to know that the surgery can be successful. I am not limited in any activity, though I admit I don't do anything that would allow me to fall from a height. I never felt anti-inflammatories worked anyway...Aleve worked as well as anything for the pain until I got it fixed. I hope the doctor appointment gives you hope...but, I'm sure you've heard this a lot, a second opinion is so important! It takes more time, but given the type of surgery, it makes sense to be sure you have the right diagnosis, the right options and the right doctor. I opted for a neurosurgeon, not an orthopedic surgeon as I wanted a specialist in the spine in the event they got in there and something had been damaged. I'll be thinking of you and hoping you get pain relief soon. But, I would go to that reunion....
Fern of Buck Bell Hill |
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