I was finally able to speak with my surgeon last week. It was very productive and I got some bad news and some good news. I’m not having surgery in the near future. That’s part of the good news, but the bad news first. I wanted to take care of the herniated disk and try some non-surgical methods to attack my slipped vertebrae. Unfortunately, the surgeon showed me that I have bones spurs that are also pinching the L5 nerve and he’s afraid removing those will destabilize my back requiring the fusion. Wonderful.
The good news is those bone spurs are helping to hold my back stable and preventing further slippage. I don’t have to worry about the problem getting worse. The surgeon also agrees that physical therapy is likely a good approach and might even further stabilize or even reverse the slippage. That’s good to hear. So, this week I’m beginning water therapy. Not totally sure what that is, but is obviously involves water and therapy. I’m also continuing my exercise regimen, losing weight and taking further steps to either avoid the pain or help improve it.
Until last week, I was coming at this from the standpoint that surgery was the answer. A simple removal of part of my herniated disk is relatively straight forward and I’d done all I could do otherwise to fix it. But now, that surgery has become much more complicated and I don’t want it. That has changed my attitude. Now I am determined to do everything I can to avoid or at least postpone surgery for as along as I can. That means changing the way I sleep, sit, eat, you name it.
I suppose now this blog will change with me. Instead of documenting my surgery and recovery, it will document my efforts to avoid those. I’ve got a lot of ideas and theories. I honestly already feel better and part of that is surely my attitude. I walked two miles today. No stopping to squat down and relieve the pain and when I got home, it hurt but it was manageable. I’m hoping with the help of the therapist, I can find other ways to improve. I’ll talk about some of my ideas next time. Hopefully all this will help someone decided for themselves and maybe help them avoid a serious surgery.
Oct 24, 2012 @ 23:47:36
I wish you the best for your new attitude towards health. A back problem can be such an overall discomfort as to inhibit most normal activities, done in mountain streams or out. My knees were troubling me until I dropped some weight, then the pain went away…and it wasn’t all that much weight.
Again, good luck. I look forward to following your progress.
Michael
Durango, Colorado
Jakarta, Indonesia
Oct 28, 2012 @ 21:29:32
Hey, thanks for the kind words. Surprisingly enough, my pain is already reduced. I don’t know if it’s attitude or just working on posture and such. I went grocery shopping, a four hour odyssey through four different stores, the other day. The monthly trip to town to stock up on teenager chow has been an endurance event for me of late, but this time it was manageable. I’ve lost about 7 pounds so far and hoping to lose another 43. I’m also making some accommodations, such as getting a marsh seat for fishing. I’ll probably post about that and other things after seeing the physical therapist.
Nov 05, 2012 @ 14:09:39
I have the same problem. I was told that I would need high risk surgery. Physical therapy and exercise are great.
Nov 11, 2012 @ 18:41:37
Already seeing improvements. Just got back from Disneyland. Last year after two days I was ready to die. This year I had some moments, but for the most part I was able to manage the pain. Got a new mountain bike to help lose weight and get in shape. I’ll put off surgery for as long as I can, if not forever.
Nov 11, 2012 @ 14:23:02
Too bad you couldnt have done the diskectomy. I had mine in 2005 and its been great since. No sciatic pain at all. I do however watch every thing I do. From sitting, laying, carrying, etc. You will improve with exercise and dieting. Walking is great for you along with core strengthening exercises. Also, stretching your guads, hamstrings, and hip flexars. Keeping them stretched does wonders for your lower back. I was L5 S4.
Nov 11, 2012 @ 18:45:03
I’m hoping I can improve the slipped joint and get it to a point the surgeon feels good about doing the diskectomy and cleaning up some bones spurs and my vertebrae not slipping further. If i can do that, I’ll get the diskectomy, a much simpler surgery. If not, I’ll just keep working on it.