Back update

[Yakn1]

Well ladies... For those of you that have seen me attempt to move around in the last couple of months... it's official, I have back problems

Actually I had a MRI last week and today I met my new pain management doc. I LOVE this guy! He asked what was going on, when I hurt, what hurt etc., etc., after talking for a bit he said, "well, that all makes sense." What, you mean I'm not crazy He then shows me the films (I love trying to read films) and shows me why I'm such a mess. Seems that I have several bad discs in the lumbar area (no surprise) and severe stenosis at L 2-3. The stenosis is not a surprise but it has gotten much worse and Dr. Z says it has probably been happening for 35 yrs.
So... We are going to try injections first , if that doesn't work on to surgery. I am fine with any of this as I would like to be able to walk normally again if possible.
Have to say that I haven't had such a great doctor in a long time. He takes his time to listen and explain, all while having a good sense of humor!

So here's hoping that doctor has miracle drugs in his bag!

[sharon]

Yikes! Between you and Carra, you guys need a keeper! Hope the injections work, the thought of surgery is scary. Besides, I need you well enough to BBQ if I make it down to your area this summer! Keep us posted on how you're doing....see, I can be nice even if you did make a mean remark about the status of my head!

[JudyJB]

My mother had horrible back problems, and I am afraid I am beginning to have some myself, so I sympathize with you.

Before you have surgery, check into radio frequency ablation. This is a process where they kill the nerves under continuous x-rays. It got my mother out of bed and on her feet when she had been bedridden from back pain. They could not operate on her because of her age, so they tried this and it worked. It was done at U of Michigan pain clinic, so maybe your pain doctor has heard of it as well.

[BirdbyBird]

Since I haven't seem you walk funny..maybe another time. but I hope not. Hope that the injections do the trick. Back surgery is always such a bear...but I agree if it can keep you moving then it is what you do.

[mitch5252]

It always helps to have confidence in your doctor. Glad you're working on a program to get you back to being pain free!

[Carolinagal]

Hope you can find a way to get rid of the pain. Whatever works for you but second opinions always are good too .

Have not seen you for awhile and really hate to hear of this development. Gotta take care of our backs!!

Wishing you pain free soon,

CArol

[VickieP]

Well dang Vicki, I didn't realize you've been having the back pain since you were just a couple of years old! maybe you & Cara can get a wheelchair built for two if you have surgery. but hopefully the great doc can get you fixed up so you'll be good to go camping & fishing any time you want.

[bluepinecones]

I do hope it get resolved as quickly as possible. Having a doctor you like and trust is a real bonus, especially these days.

[mtngal]

Vickie thanks for letting us know your next step.
So hoping the injection takes care of issue! When
is it?

[Sandersmr]

Good luck and I hope they can get the issues cleared up for you.

[Nasoosie]

What a relief to find a great doc that you love, and one with a sense of humor, too!

Here's hoping you can get back to walking normally and feeling good again as soon as possible. Keep us posted.

[Liz]

Hoping for good results, and finding a doc you like and trust is very good.

[Travelinana]

Sorry to hear about the back problems. I'm no stranger myself and have had 2 surgeries. Take good care of yourself after the surgery if this is what you ultimately have..like no lifting for many months as I'm sure you will be told. I found swimming to help me greatly in recuping. Stay in touch with us on your progress.

[cpatinjones]

I pray that the injections work for you and you won't have to undergo surgery. A bonus indeed to find a doc that takes the time to listen!

Thanks for the update and please continue to keep us updated.

[Yakn1]

Thank you to all for the concerns!

Vickie, you are absolutely right, this started when I was a little bitty baby
I have an appt. for injections on the 24th, not sure if it is one set of injections or a series of three. I'm sure I'll find out soon enough!
Also have an appt. on Mon. to find out how bad my shoulder is, tore it up in Sept. loading my BIG kayak. I may end up with enough steroids in my system in the next couple of weeks to give the energizer bunny a run for his money

P.S. thanks to Lenora and BJ, this "non-techie" has Skype. Thank you!