Any spine docs here?

[blykins]

I finally saw my family doc this past Thursday.   I practically did everything but beg for a steroid pack, but he wouldn't relent.  Told me to double up for a little bit on my Aleve/Tylenol and I must say, when it does kick in, it's a nice relief.  Yesterday, my family and I went to dinner and I squirmed around trying to get comfortable in the car the whole way.  I had taken my medicine before we left and it seemed like halfway through the meal the pain stopped and it stayed away the rest of the evening. 

Mornings are horrible.  I sleep like a baby but as soon as my feet hit the floor, I can't stand it.  It eventually eases up. 

I start PT tomorrow.  I have been noticing progress in exercises that I've been doing at home so far, so I'm hopeful with that. 

I also bought an inversion table due to the advice of some of my FE buddies that have called and recommended it.   I was able to put it together yesterday and got some "seat time" yesterday.

I can't imagine how it will go if I don't get some kind of resolution to this.   I had to have a church buddy come over Friday to help drop an FE crank in a block and set a cast iron head on so I could check P/V clearance.  It's a hassle.  If that's the way it will be from here on out, then I will resolve myself to an engineering job or selling parts.   I have a lengthy docket right now, but I could see myself not taking any more engine orders.

[plovett]

I think there will be an acceptable resolution.  I am not a doc, but I think worst case scenario is they remove the disc and fuse those two vertebrae together?   You lose some flexibility, but it works.  My ex-father in law did that and he still works on his farm.  He is in his late 60's.

paulie

[blykins]

Even a surgery would set me back considerably.

The surgical solution for this is a laminectomy or a micro discectomy, which is essentially a laparoscopic surgery to just trim the herniation so it doesn’t hit the nerve root.  It’s a quick surgery and you’re back home the next day but from what I read you can’t do any strenuous lifting for up to 6 months.  Not really an option for an engine builder.

[plovett]

Oh shoot.

[Stangman]

Brent I had a Discectomy and I could lay a crank in and I’m 2.5 months and if I was careful and tool my time and payed attention to how I lift things probably could have layed one in a couple of weeks ago. And I think your like 5-10 years younger than me which could help with quicker healing. And mine wasn’t arthroscopic I have a 2.5 inch scar there was some cleaning up that he did also.

[BattlestarGalactic]

The new Teeters are nicer.  Mine being a few years old has the old style pull handle down at your feet to release your feet.  Bad idea.   Impossible to bent down to reach it.  New design has long lever.  I've thought of doing some engineering on mine, but I can just reach to get myself unlocked.  Barely.

[Thumperbird]

Can't say whether all the advice here will get you there or not but I would say find a new doctor.
You are the customer, steroids are known to have a fairly high short term success rate and give your body a chance to start healing without all the pain.  Gotta love generic "protocol" applied doctoring to cover themselves legally.  His real answer if challenged hard would probably be that there is risk of making it worse if you start lifting too soon due to reduced pain from steroid, not a bad answer but that's your decision to make not his.  Good luck.

[TJ]

Sometimes there's something in the daily routine that gets the back out of whack or slows down healing of an injury.  Doctors couldn't seem to help my dad's lower back...even with steroids.  He finally figured out he needed to put his feet up in his easy chair when watching ball games.   For me, I need something under my waist while sleeping face down. Guess what I'm saying is to check the simple, stupid things that are done daily.

Proper breathing and mental relaxation exercises work amazing wonders for injuries like this.  Admittedly, it's not easy to explain or understand and it takes a while (years in my case) of practice.   

[BattlestarGalactic]

Truth to that.   Driving, I tend to be "tense" because of bad roads and the jerking it does to my back.  I tense up and then my back muscles get achy to boot.  I have to tell myself to "relax" and just sit comfortably in the seat.  One bad bump and I'm back to tense.

Riding the lawn tractor is a real trick on my bumpy lawn.

[TJ]

Truth to that.   Driving, I tend to be "tense" because of bad roads and the jerking it does to my back.  I tense up and then my back muscles get achy to boot.  I have to tell myself to "relax" and just sit comfortably in the seat.  One bad bump and I'm back to tense.

Riding the lawn tractor is a real trick on my bumpy lawn.

Yep, that's what I'm trying to get at.  Not trying to over simplify Brent's dilemma though I've found pain often feeds the tension and tension feeds the pain.  Really tough to relax when the back is kinked to heck...takes lots of practice and a little coaching.

[HarleyJack17]

I am late to the game due to being out of town, but I have dealt with the similar situation on my C5/C6 in my neck.  PT helps a lot IF you get a good therapist, do the exercises consistently.  Adding strength and muscle will help a great deal but sadly you have to be beyond healed before that can be approached safely.  PT should give you some guidance on "how" to sleep....assuming you can.  The pain is bad enough sleep usually doesn't happen...but certain ways will not cause as much pain...the problem is tossing and turning in your sleep.  Also, it sounds silly but they now sell these "shocking pads" in the pharmacy section.  Get one.  They help.  Not sure as to the entire prognosis but many times the muscles spasm into a semi-permanent position and keep the vertebrate pulled out of whack.  The shock therapy can help reset the muscle and break its memory and help things go back in place.

Sorry to hear this.  Unless someone has experienced it, they don't understand how bad certain nerve pain can be.  Don't throw in the towel or put the cart before the horse just yet.  The pain and exhaustion from lack of rest due to said pain can wear on you fast....give it time, try to do what PT tells you, keep it up, and try the options.  You may be surprised at the outcome.  Best wishes Brent.

[Bolted to Floor]

You can do a search on youtube for "Bio Beats for pain management or relief". I won't even try to explain it other than to say it worked for me and the price was right. Plug in your head phones and try to get comfortable.  My wife has turned me into a believer. Have you thought about acupuncture??

[ntheogen]

Yoga
Pilates
Physical therapy

And all the above with a knowledgeable and experienced instructor. That's the only reason I'm walking today. Blew my back out twice before I was 25 so bad I couldn't walk for a week plus. Disc issues, the works. Then rolled a 71 bronco and was ejected, fractured my three lower vertebrae and broke my pelvis in three places. I would never think of surgery until I had exhausted every other resource available. Every one I know who has had surgery doesn't have a surgery, they have multiple and are typically worse off than when they started.

Jack

[weretravus]

Brent,

I sent you a private message.  If you have any questions feel free to call.  I'm sure you're overwhelmed as your options are frightening as all hell.  There are success stories out there and we are residing in the best time in history for medical intervention.  Best of luck and again, feel free to call.  I have a few books I can forward you, or their titles, that you might appreciate if you like to understand what your options are - let me know.


Travis