My Dr has confirmed that I do have Disc Degeneration in the L3, L4, and S1-L5. However with the L3 and L4 I did not have positive pain response which he expected me to. The S1-L5 is where my pain is coming from but he was not expecting that! He said the degeneration in the other discs were worse than that level but that is the nature of this "disease", sometimes you will have degenerated discs and not have any symptoms at all while you may have one that doesn't appear to be as bad that causes tremendous amounts of pain. Which is my case.
After going over the treatments I have already done over the last 2 1/2 years he said I am not likely to get any relief from anymore of those types of treatment. Another option is surgery, basically there are two types of surgeries for this and they are spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement. The last choice would be to leave it alone and live with the pain, which obviously I do not want to do...I've had enough, I'm ready to get on with my life doing fun things, riding horses again!
So I am scheduled for surgery August 25th, for the artificial replacement which is a better scenario of course pending insurance approval...I will be in the hospital for 5 days pending everything goes accordingly and my Hubby asked lots of important questions as my mind drew a blank while we were sitting there. It is possible that the insurance company may try to force fusion basically because it's cheaper. But we will go through an appeals process if they deny. My Dr isn't sure what they will do as I already meet their strict guidelines for the surgery with my history. So for now I am praying for the right outcome and I know God will take care of it all.. I'd love to hear any feedback if any of you guys have had or know anything about these procedures!
I Just LOVE this new Boot Planter that DD and I found!!!
My DIL had fusion — do NOT do that. She is still in pain and her quality of life has not improved at all.
ReplyDeleteNice to know something but wowsa those are some big decisions... I have no experience or haven't heard of yeahs or neighs... Take care!
ReplyDeleteYou are on the right track! Prayer works! Ask for guidance and I will be praying for you also!
ReplyDeleteHope it all works out...
ReplyDeletePraying, praying, and praying some more for right decisions to me made, and PEACE beyond measure. I hear you might come see me! You should do that! ;)
ReplyDeleteJB had the fusion...actually 2 of them. So far so good. God will give you the answer you need. :)
ReplyDeletePrayers for you.
ReplyDeleteMy son is at the same point you are he needs surgery but waiting to see what the insurance does. I think that we make the payments to them we should be given the chance to do what is right and not just cheap.
Ok.. that boot planter is just to darned cute!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you have answers and a solution. I know the pain you feel =( this ain't no fun girl!
Wow, all kinds of replacements going on! My husband with his shoulder and you with your back! Hope the insurance stuff all works out and you get fantastic results with the procedure.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you finally know what is going on and now know what needs to be done!! I only know of one person that has had back surgery, and I can't remember what it was for exactly.
ReplyDeleteI hope it all works out and you can start living pain free and start riding horses again!!
That is the cutest boot planter! What a great find!
Oh girl, I will be praying for you. Back surgery is no joke. My horse trainer had back surgery when I was in jr. high and it was a big mess. I believe she had to have another one to get it all straightened out. She's fine now though! I have a bad back (pain pretty much every day) so I will be keeping you in my thoughts until you have safely recovered! Good luck with the insurance company; thankfully you have a good and understanding doctor!
ReplyDeleteThat boot planter is adorable!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've got a game plan and now know what is going on with your back.
I had a discectomy over 15 years ago to replace the discs in my neck caused by traumatic injury at my previous job working for the airlines on the ramp.
I had a ruptured C6 and a partial rupture of C7. I had complete numbness and horrible pain in my right arm after my injury and could not sit up or stand without pain.
The surgery went well. I had the surgeon use a piece of bone taken from my left hip to replace the ruptured discs and after the surgery the only pain I had was in my hip. It was so painful to walk for over a week!
I think if I had known that I might have chosen to use doner bone instead, even though there's a slight chance my body could reject it.
I don't have any issues with my neck at all anymore unless I try to do heavy repetitive lifting.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
~Lisa
Hoping and praying things work out good for you....Love the boot planter. Come visit. :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you have an option for some relief - I wish I had an option like that.....sigh....
ReplyDeleteCrossing my fingers on the surgery for you!!
I don't know anything other than what's been said here. The disc fusion I've heard isn't all that effective. Don't know anyone who's done the replacement. Maybe your insurance company will step right up and not be another pain.
ReplyDeleteThe boot planter is pretty darn cool! I could do with one of those.