I’ve had back trouble off and on for many years. It finally become out of control within the last year. I know how stupid this sounds, but I thought I was dealing with arthritis. Yes, I saw three idiot “medical students,” “physician’s assistants,” and finally saw a doctor who immediately wanted to do a fusion. I declined and went somewhere else. My brother had the surgery while still in his thirties. It failed, he became a Demerol addict — and died of an over dose three years ago.
As it turns out, I have two herniated discs between L3-L4, L4-L5. I guess just being chubby and older was enough for this injury.
I went to another facility and had three injections. The first two were a complete failure. I had the third almost two weeks ago. I was improving…until I did a few chores that required me to do a bit of bending. Now my leg muscles are so sore I can hardly move AND the back pain returned in spades.
I’m upset, discouraged and am about ready to get a scooter and get it over with. 🙁
Well, since i posted this comment, I opted to have a laminectomy done. it isn’t as draconian as a fusion would have been. It’s still a rather nasty thing to have to do. However, even though I”m still on pain meds for post op pain, the pain in my left leg and hip are COMPLETELY GONE! There is some neuropathy in the right leg that will take many months to heal, but it seems it was the right decision.
Sometimes, short cuts likeinjections just don’t work. Good luck, everyody.