As I've posted many times, I'm a person that has lived with chronic pain (majority of which is nerve damage related) for a couple of decades.

I had my first comparatively minor surgery in 2008, second 2015.

These did little to nothing to relieve pain, but saved the use of my hands/arms. Still have a numb left arm, crazy pains, etc, but they still work.

In the last year or so there's been increasing lower back pain.

In the last 3 months I really started noticing weakness in my right leg. This was accompanied by shooting/stabbing pains that would vary in intensity. Folks I'm guilty of the "walk it off, it'll likely pass on its own" mindset.

I visit my GP every 90 days and I had told him of these increases in and new variations in my pain on my first visit this year. He knows my walk it off personality, but told me to back off on things like yard work and perform exercises/stretches to see if it would indeed get better on it's own.

Recently I went back for my 90 day inspection. I told him the intense pains had eased a bit, but the weakness was spreading. Stairs are a real challenge! He said it's time for an MRI and I quickly agreed.

That was earlier this month. Around the 22nd he got the MRI report and , he called me to tell me that it's bad. He said my lower back was far worse than he could have ever imagined with me still getting around as well as I am. I could hear the urgency in his voice. (Never had a Doctor call me, always been a nurse.)

He said I can't tell you that you must see a specialist, but I strongly urge you to asap. He got me in to see the Doctor that did my 2015 surgery on the 25th.

I wasn't expecting good news, but I wasn't prepared for what I got.

While looking at Xrays taken onsite he was saying things like, that's not good, there's a real problem, ect. Then after looking at the MRI it went downhill.

My wife was with me, glad she was. I can't tell you what all was said because I think my ability to concentrate had shut down.

I need a major procedure. One that is very involved and too much for him and his partner to do in one session. I will need to spend the night and have the procedure finished the next day. I said something about getting my insurance to approve it and he replied, "Don't worry about that. No one will look at this and deny this procedure."

I have no idea what the procedure(s) name is, just that it's not a simple one that will have me back at work the next week.

I told him that I needed time to think and he agreed. I knew at the time that I need and will likely have it done, but I couldn't make myself say, "Let's get the ball rolling."

I'm having a difficult time, thinking about losing my independence. I know it's only temporary, but I'm an independent person that does not want nor will ever be comfortable not doing things myself. I know that if I don't have the procedure that I could lose my independence and more! Timing! Summer coming on and my huge yard that is far from being an easy ride to do. (Dangerous hills and terraces) If it was winter I'd come up with something else to worry about someone else being capable of doing safely.

I won't be bed ridden, just no lifting or bouncing around on the tractor or mower for a minimum of 6 months. I realize that with time the day will come that I will likely have to relinquish what I do now on a permanent basis. Like so many other things in life, you just don't think about it. That day is years away until it ain't.

Ya'll are part of my family and I felt the need to tell someone what my mind and body are battling over. I am grateful. I realize this is small potatoes compared with other diagnosis like cancer. Still it's a big deal for me. Definitely working on my head!

For those of you that take the time and have the ability to endure one of my long rambling post, I thank you.

For those that don't, well I definitely understand that too.

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GOA
USA Shooting Supporter

Only thing I can say, good luck with this procedure and may the future be brighter!

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

The best advice I can offer is find the best qualified person within a driving distance you can tolerate and get a second opinion. I've had a lot of experience with the medical field and will seldom trust the word of just one person.

Outside of that, good luck!

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Appreciate you sharing your story. You've a tuff decision to make & live with. Had some surgeries but now 75 have been blessed in many ways. Guess why your subject soaked in. Worked same company 30yrs then only me lawn care 28yrs. Truly retired now & realize toll time has taken to stamina, legs, back & other internal/outside parts. Told some surgery will help pain & mobility. This aging body has served well but wearing out. Losing independence is unacceptable...watched Mother's health fade over four years tho mind sharp. Don't want daughter to go thru that heartbreak. Thanks again. Best to you sir.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

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And so it goes...

I can sympathies, I have had 5 back surgery's. All in the Lumber region. I know the numbness, shooting pains, weakness, etc. The last surgery I had was 2011, when the Dr added a rod and screws to link all the previous fusion's together, L2-L5 is now all one fused area. I still shoot trap and skeet and bullseye. (Not as good as I used to), but I'm competing. I walk almost daily, and do exercises daily. I get around well but don't do heavy work. Just determine to keep active, BUT, don't overdo it.

Wish you good luck with your procedure's.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Sir. If it betters your life. Do it. God Bless.

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S&W Accumulator

Independence is what this Country was founded on. Go get Yours and I wish the best of luck. P.S. Go get a second opinion.

Sorry you are going through this. I grew up with lower back pain but 2 falls from a ladder started a series of events that finally led me to seek medical advise. I was told my problem was congenital but the falls had complicated the issue and it was bad but there was no guarantee surgery would be successful. The surgeon told me to watch for increasing loss of control of certain bodily functions and use of legs then I would know it was time. Within 4 months I started to see the issues he warned about, only it progressed incredibly fast. Within weeks I was in incredible pain, having a hard time sitting, laying down, walking and even deep breaths were torture. IT WAS TIME! With the help of an Anesthesiologists friend who made a phone call and got me an immediate appointment to see the best Neurosurgeon in SW OH for a second opinion, within 5 days he had me in the OR. I had almost put the surgery off too long, as the nerves coming out of the lumbar spine at the affected vertebrae had almost been rubbed and abraded completely through.

Only you will know when you are finally ready to take the chance on the surgery because the quality of your life has degraded. But remember the longer you put it off, there is a chance you are causing more nerve damage and it could affect the type of recovery you will have and how quickly you'll recover.

Cdog, like you my life is one of daily pain management. I can't offer medical advice as I am not qualified nor do I share your malady.

I can, however, pray for a completely successful procedure and a rapid recovery.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

It really stinks that you’re going thru this. But know that thoughts and prayers are headed your way from SW Michigan and I’m sure many other places. Best of luck to you!

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Pass it on.
Mark

Best of luck to you, will keep you in our prayers.
Tom B

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frontsightnsqueaz

I have no personal experience with back surgery but many of my clients have gone through various spinal surgery and they often share their experience with me. This is often in the context of difficult recovery.

I recall one MD neurosurgeon who had more problems than most. I have a friend who’s an anesthesiologist and asked him about the neurosurgeon. He told me that this neurosurgeon produces many more infections than anyone else the anesthesiologist works with. The joke among the operating room staff is that he sweats during surgery and drips his sweat into the wound. I don’t know if that’s his problem, but something’s going wrong. It would be hard for a civilian to get this information.

I steer my clients away from him.

I don’t know whether your guy is a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon. Their approach to your problem may differ considerably.

I’d recommend you get an option from both a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon before you schedule your surgery. My clients with the most severe issues seem to have better outcomes using an orthopedic surgeon. That’s not a scientific survey, just my impression.

All I can say is prayers sent for the best outcome for you no matter what you decide.

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Always Stay Strong!

FWIW

I had a blown out soft tissue between C4 &5 from a severe hit in the left shoulder. The collar bone was broken, but it healed. I never got better. I was toast.

I fiddled around for about six-months refusing to address it. Thought I could exercise through it.

Shot my 45-70 one afternoon at the range. The recoil caused so much pain, my vision blurred and I almost passed-out. Thought I was going to have to call 911.

I finally agreed to let a good orthopedic surgeon do his thing. He fused it, titanium basket (filed with ground cadaver bone) around it, fastened with a plate and screws.

He said he didn't see how I was able to get by as well as I did as it was a dangerous situation. Think broken neck.

Post surgery, I had to wear a neck brace for five-months. No driving. Wear an electric bone stimulator. Take muscle relaxers and patiently do absolutely nothing allowing it to fuse over for that period. Even a sneeze could crack and ruin the thing.

Best decision I ever made! It had felt like I was carrying a 30 # weight on my head. I had just about lost the use of my left arm and hand. Immediately (like when they revived me after surgery) I felt instant relief!

Been good ever since, real good! Over 10 years so far.

Said a prayer for ya!

,

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Death? Smile back...

CDog, I know what your feeling. It was determined that I needed a lumbar fusion. My surgeon told me they’d put 2 rods in back but may have to go back in to put a plate on front. As I got in my truck to leave Dr office my phone rang. It was the Dr. He said I just watched you walk across lot and I want to go ahead and do anterior and posterior at once. Do to my disc slipping forward i would unknowingly bend forward to relieve pain. My surgery was over 6 hrs involving 2 surgeons. The additional Dr was a vascular surgeon needed to enter from the front. He was there to basically move “stuff” out of the way. They placed 2 rods 1 plate and 8 screws in my spine. It was scary but I had no choice. I couldn’t tie my own shoes anymore and lost about 20 lbs due to atrophy. I spent 3 days in hospital. I remember clearly one day sitting in a recliner with a blanket over me. I felt like I was 90 yrs old and wondered if I made a mistake. I broke down. Fast forward 15 months and as my step son says “ I’m 6’2” again”. I’m upright and the constant pain is greatly reduced. I have limitations and always will. I can aggravate it easily. But the previous pain was exhausting. Hopefully you have some help at home. I could not have got through this without my wife.

Very sorry to hear your troubles.

I would be of the mindset to get a second opinion.

Whatever this procedure is, did your Dr. offer a success rate?

If you get the second opinion, and it is the same fix, I would tend to have it done. I mean, what is the alternative?

Best of luck, keep us informed

Pete

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Serious medical stuff makes me a little (no, really, a lot) anxious. The reality is, however, that I am a tribute to determination and darned good medical care. I don't like being cut on, but the doctors have been great. Get one you trust to assist you in assessing the specialists and process, then grab on to the ride and go for it. There may be a certain amount of suck and risk to it, but it sure seems like there is plenty, maybe even more, in not going forward.

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NHI, 10-8.

I have no experience with back surgery, all I can do is wish you best of luck and offer up a prayer!

This is where my cardiac issues overlap with your situation. When I was diagnosed with a significantly blocked coronary artery, I had to consider not being able to do some of my work around the house. Having to hire out to get snow shoveled was pretty much a no brainer (which I wasn't that fond of doing anyway), but the prospect of not being able to mow my own lawn bothered me because I looked that as my source of regular exercise and pride in my property. But as you surmised in your case, the potential downside was worse. I think you know what the consequences of doing nothing probably are.

I started to write a long discertation, but suffice it to say, I will pray for you and your decision, which only you can make.

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Kevin in Oregon

Prayers offered for a best possible outcome for you. I have no personal experience with surgery, but I do know some folks it has helped tremendously.

I was told my congenital vertebra defect is not correctable by surgery about 40 years ago, and it hasn't gotten worse, so I never sought another opinion.

Since yours is correctable, you should probably get it done as long as the surgeon has a good reputation and you trust him to do the best job. It sounds like you may be looking at 6 months of not being able to do what you want v. the rest of your life. That's a pretty straightforward (not to say easy) choice to make.

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Or something like that . . .

Would highly suggest getting a second opinion. I’ve known too many people that have had one of more back surgeries that were unsuccessful.

Check into “Mind Body Connection”. Google it.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

You have my prayers.

I see the short, and very frank, version of the situation as loss of control and independence for the duration of the surgery and your recovery, or a continued slow decline that seems sure to render you a cripple in a year or maybe less. Barring a very different answer from a different doctor, surgery looks like the only way to go. I wish you the best of luck.

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Release the Kraken

Wow!

You all have came through with great advice, prayers, your own experiences, and more.

The second opinion has been on the table from the get go. Been there before. Doctors are just like the rest of us, another set of eyes may have a different perception of the same images and information. Maybe perceive the info the same but have a different approach to treatment. My doctor said there's an 80% success rate with this procedure. He's a good communicator that shoots straight with me.

After lunch I spent my Saturday working in the yard. I can't believe just how weak I've become. I'm working so much harder and achieving less.

I think my need to do things myself is like an animals instinct. I had a dog that when given something like a biscuit or even a toy would immediately start looking for a place to bury it. He couldn't help himself, it was what his programming told him to do.

During and after yesterday's outing I was convinced that I have to do something. A choice will have to be made soon. Even if it wasn't worsening at the rate it is I can't choose to continue walking like the "Oldest Man" Tim Conway portrayed on the Carol Burnett Show. Stumbling both up and down stairways, being drained from the energy it takes to walk to the mailbox and back.

These are the times in life when it truly feels like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. My instinct tells me to keep going, my body telling me "NO! I can't keep going. Get something done now!"

I'm not here seeking pity, not in the least. I am here only to tell my story and learn what I can from those of you that are more experienced than I am. There's a lot of experience available here and I'd be a fool not to make use of it.

I Thank You All!

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GOA
USA Shooting Supporter

Prayers and good thoughts for a quick recovery..
I kinda know what you speak of, my wife has had chronic nerve pain for years with no relief.
It makes a lousy quality of life issue.

Those are the words I was looking for......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

Best of luck amigo. We're with you in thoughts and prayers.

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Forum consigliere

I understand some of what you're facing. Back in the last century I had a compression fracture of the T5 vertebrae. I also had some medical issues in '22 and left the hospital with the stamina and strength of a wet noodle. It's taken time, but I'm almost back to where I was in 20/21.

If you do the surgery, take the mandatory time out and then get on the rehab ASAP. Also look into what exercises you'll be able to do to strengthen your core muscles. That'll take some of the load off your spine.

I am in my early 70s and last fall I was told the disc in the lumbar region or pretty much wore out. Doctor recommended exercises and to keep active as long as I could live with it.
So now days my wife mother hens me to take it easy. I am still active but am slowly giving up the heavy work around here.
Jobs that involve bending over cause me the most discomfort.

The OP was hard for me to read in it's entirety. The outlook for my future is much the same as yours. My symptoms are not as pronounced (yet) but very similar none the less.

Miss Pam is not physically capable of house work of any kind. I am the proverbial chief cook and bottle washer. That means that along with all the time, effort, and responsibility for 5 acres of property I also have all the cleaning, cooking, maintenance issues inside as well.

I am most certainly not complaining. This woman saved me in so many ways... I will be there for her until my last breath. We find deep pleasure in just being together.

As of now I have the time to giver all that she needs as well as the ability to do it. Her comfort and happiness are all important to me. Everything I do for her I do with love.

My concern and uncertainty for the future troubles me but I mean to go as long as I can and have faith that things will somehow work out okay.

Cdog, I completely Empathize with you and you have my prayers for the best possible outcome. Try to stay positive and have faith. Those two things are helping me get from day to day.

And remember that you have the support of your friends in here. We're here for you if needed. God bless

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Real men love cats!

Well sir, count me in the column suggesting a second opinion might be advised. Now if you really trust your surgeon and don’t want to delay then I wish you the very best and will lift you in prayer asking that God may rest His hand upon those operating and caring for you.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

Prayers offered up for a successful conclusion.

I, like the others, wish you the best of luck,,

but, I must share my leg pain story (I am now 73 years old)

3 years before COVID I developed pain in my right leg,,
I had pain in my left leg for decades.
My GP sent me to a "specialist", he diagnosed me with avascular necrosis in my right leg.

avascular necrosis means no blood was flowing to my hip bone,,
the bone would degrade, the ball would snap off,, I would be S - O - L !!
The specialist wanted to do hip replacement RIGHT THEN.

Well, I decided to wait, and also, I started the KETO diet.
About 6 months later, I decided the time was right for replacement.
I made an appointment to go back to the specialist,, to my surprise, he had moved to South Dakota.

His practice partner saw me, looked at my x-rays, etc,, and said no hip replacement was needed.

So, here I am, 6 years after the initial diagnosis,, the original hip still there.

What I learned between 2017 and 2020 (for me) was that carbs inflame my spinal issues.
(The spinal inflammation causes the leg pain. )
If I eat more carbs, I have more pain.

If I consume almost zero carbs, my leg pain almost goes away.

So, that has been my life for the last 4-5 years,
No pizza
No donuts,
ETC,,,

If you have time, you might want to try no carbs,,
I have to warn you, stopping carbs is harder than quitting smoking.

Cdog, I can relate to your situation, especially for your need to maintain your independence ... at least you have a choice! Just a week over 16 years ago, I was in a motor vehicle accident which left me disabled. I'm walking, but that was not in the doctors' prognosis! The hardest thing for me to do was learning to ask for help. There are still some things that I am capable of doing on my own, but that list is growing shorter.

Go and get your second opinion ... then make your move to have the procedure done. Since my accident, I've had 38 surgeries, all but 5 related to the accident. You will figuratively kick yourself if you don't have the procedure done. It is definitely better to reduce the pain at the loss of some independence as opposed to losing your independence completely by not taking action!

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Judge control not gun control!