Hi all
Useless,
It is very spooky to me to see those pictures you have. That is just exactly like what I have seen when I go to the Dr's. I too have the DDD issues, and bad. Not just thru my lower back, but the rest of my pinal cord. Dr said something about only two disc being unaffected. I have had two fusion surgeries in six months. He mentioned that the first one caused the second. I have many issues such like Nevil mentions, and yourself. Sciatic troubles, numbness, and bad arthritic issues in the L-spine couple with (can't think of the tech term) narrowing of the spinal canal. I have alot going wrong fast. I try rehab type activities. The very next day, and couple days. I am pretty well laid up doing nothing. I also have two other herniations in my L-spine. DR mentioned the first herniation was worst he'd seen, and in the short time from first surgery. Second one made itself worse. I do honestly hope you can get back to some of your former life. I used to ride/drag race high powered cycles. Imagine clreaing an 1/8th of a mile in less than 1.5sec? It is a thrill. Something I very well may never do again. Dammit I will jump out of a plane oneday...willingly...lol
NEVIL,
Nevil I have much the same issue with medications. Will they work today, or not? I won't buy the shit weed here, and until my garden comes thru. I am out, and relying on pharma for relief. My wife is getting sick I think of my opiate humor at 2am when she needs to sleep for work. Hahaha. As for the operations. I really didn't feel I had much choice. I was also like useless on the verge of not walking. I kept telling them after the first surgery. I had fell out on the floor. Mri proved that more was wrong. The worst being the level above the most recent surgery is in bad shape. If you odn't need the surgery for issues like this. I would not do it. That is my opinion. As for the injection you mention. I believe it is called an epidural. Same thing really they give a woman during childbirth. The first had the same effect. The pain was horrid. Ten days later they did another. It made it worse. So afterwards they did a test. Called a discogram/discography...Damn refuse that test. Never take it. They can tell by MRI what is wrong, and that is a painful procedure. Used to illicit pain response by basically sticking needles into your back with no pain meds. The needles inject a saline solution into the discs. Hurts terrible...
So really my thoughts are this. Unless you are really in so much pain that nothing else gives relief. You are having a dysfuntional issue like mine with my legs cutting out. I would NOT do the surgery. Now please don't be offended friend I have the utmost respect for you, and your contributions. I know your older than me. I am late 30's, and your in your 50's. So you could also ask. What are the benefits? It is harder at an older age to recover, and it is a major surgery. In the case of Useless. I really hope he get's back to what he loves. I miss watching the guys race on tv. Nevil if you do go for surgery. You will need help at home for a couple weeks. Up to a month.
So in ending without knowing your exact situation, and everyday issues. I would say NO. Unless it is an absolute neccessity. I would be more worried about your neck friend. Last week I had my issue there crop up again. Instant headache, and almsot another hospital visit. I feel for you friend. I hope whatever decision you make. It will benefit you...Ns
P.S. Nevil while I am thinking of this. I asked the DR. What are the chances of another surgery. He said in most cases like mine there is a 50/50 chance. So I asked his opinion with my disc DDD issues. He said a domino effect, and more surgery is highly likely. Well more than 50/50 chance. So now with the surgery I've created a beast. A re-curring nightmare if you will my friend. This is a big reason I rec to you to wait until it is the absolute necessary to do so.
Nevil, and Useless...I wish you the best. If you ever want to talk, or ask questions. Hit me up here, and/or pm if you wish. I've got a couple good websites for spinal info
http://www.spine-health.com
Thanks to Badlowerback51 for the next link
http://www.spineuniverse.com
Goodday...Ns