OT: Bout me...

[BigAl07]

Well as some of you may have noticed I've been more "away" than here lately... well I've been REALLY busy and life's been crazy lately... well there's been a little more to it than just that.... about 10 years ago I have my first back surgery (was a GREAT success). Then almost 8years later to the day I had #2 in almost same area (even GREATER success). Well a few months back I started having some sporadic pain in my lower back and down into my left leg. As with much of my previous pains given some rest and meds I assumed it was no "big deal". So I started "Self Diagnosing" and of course "Self Medicating" but it just wasn't getting better... (fast forward to about a month ago)... the pain became unbearable especially sitting down so most of my computer use (except at work) has been cut out due to pain. At work I only sit for a few minutes at a time then I have to get up and walk around to be able to tolerate the pain. So any time I have been sitting has been "Work Intensive" to say the least.

Well it finally got the best of me and I went and met with my surgeon today. They have full Spinal Scans in the works (x-rays and MRI) at the earliest appointment. I'm literally "On-Call" right now for an opening. In addition to this I'm scheduled for a "Spinal Nerve Block" ASAP. Also on call could happen as early as this evening.

The GOOD news is that given the current symptoms (or lack there of certain ones like loss/reduced reflexes) they feel we are treating this "issue" early enough to use non-invasive measures (meds and some other non-scalpel things like the nerve block). It's the L-5 area which leads down the lower back, through the "Buttocks" and on the outer portion of the leg into the calf and foot. He said that with early treatment and careful actions on my part (Golf is out for a while) this particular situation has an 80% success rate without surgery. That was some GREAT news.

So I'll be off and on for a while but I'm not "out of the Reef " by any means. It's just tough to sit and read/type with the pain racking your brain and sweating like crazy over the sensations. I'm around just not easy to get to the keyboard as often as I would like.

Thanks for reading and keep Julie (she's an AMAZING woman) and I in your thoughts and prayers. It's gonna get better.....

[Gina]

Sorry to hear that your having all this pain!
I hope they are able to get you in tonight for the nerve block!
We will all be thinking of you and I hope this gets resolved real quick and without having to endure any surgery.
Best wishes and keep us informed as to your progress when it's possible!

[ASH]

Wow Al that sucks I'm really sorry to hear that.....You gotta get well soon the beach is waiting for you!!!!

[BoomerD]

Al, talk to your doc about SI joint dysfunction. It often mimics the same symptoms you're describing and can be debilitating. In addition to the herniated disks I have, they also suspect the SI joint has been damaged over the years.

[msbdiving]

Sorry to hear you have been in so much pain. Best wishes to a pain free recovery. I hope it works out.

[nikkipigtails]

I'm so sorry Al. I hope all the doctor's prescriptions work out and you'll be good as new in no time.

[fishnu]

Hey Al, you'll be back in no time.

[BarbMazz]

Al, you know I can feel your pain! L5 is one of the places I have problems, so I think I know exactly how that pain down your leg feels.

If the "nerve block" you're talking about is an epidural that contains steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, then you may be in for some good relief. My doc also Rx'ed some pain meds to be used when absolutely needed, and a muscle relaxer, Skelaxin.

My doc does them outpatient, and it literally takes about 3 minutes. You do feel some weird "pressure" while they're injecting the stuff into your spinal column. My doc requires that I then lay flat for 8hrs at home afterward so the medication stays in the area it's meant for, and so I don't get a headache. He does them in series of 3. I did have to have an "emergency" 4th epidural after my trip to Spain earlier this year.

My doctor will repeat these epidurals at 6mo intervals, if they're needed. My doc is a "Physiatrist", which is a pain management specialist. It is his belief that surgery is NOT warranted for a vast majority of these types of spinal issues. In extreme cases of loss of bladder or bowel function it may be necessary, but for back pain and neuropathy into the buttocks/legs most often can be managed with some physical therapy and medications. Physical therapy I've had are heat compressions, traction, and electro-massage.

These epidurals worked extremely well for me. I was worried after my trip when the pain was SO bad, but the 4th one knocked it back down to almost 0.

Let me know if you have any questions. I hope you don't have to have a third surgery! I'm with ya, dood!

[BoomerD]

Yes indeed...epidurals and prescriptions...

Better living through chemistry!

[kathywithbirds]

Oh no! I hope these proceedures help. I know how pain can debilitate. You know you can come here and b*^$#$ if you need to.


If you have trouble bending over, see if those deer will help pull up your underwear. They know what it is, they should be able to help out.

Lil' Al sends his best and hopes you feel better.

[Varga]

Sorry to hear the old age is catching up to you Allen

Hope you feel better soon.

[rlcline76]

You said "buttocks". lol
Back injuries are the worst...take it easy Al and catch up with us when you can.

[Woodstock]

Sorry to hear that Allen I'll be praying for you that you have a quick recovery!

Hummm... get a laptop and stand while you type I do that a lot at home since our kitchen bar is at the perfect height.

[BigAl07]

Thanks Gang I really appreciate the kind words and thoughts.

*lol* Doni you have no idea how many times I've posted lately just like that... I use a laptop exclussively at home.

Good news is my back feels fine with I'm standing or walking so I get to spend LOTS of time "Window Shopping" at LFS.

See yall soon *S*

[Craig Manoukian]

Hope everything is fine Al!