OT - Prayer request - update

[Ysabel Kid]

Well fellas, seems like we've had a run of prayer requests lately, and I'm sorry to add another to the list, but I would like to ask for a knee-mail from anyone so inclined. As many of you know, I have a bad back. I've had it for years - ever since a car accident a bit over 25 years ago. I toss it out a couple times a year, almost like clockwork. Here about 6 weeks or so ago though I had a new twist on an old pain. My right foot started feeling numb - kind of like it fell asleep (pins and needles), and I started getting shooting pain down the back of my right thigh and calf. The pain has remained constant for the last 4 weeks, and ranges from a dull throb to incredibly intense. I went into my GP, got some medication, and was referred to an orthopedic specialist. Had x-rays and the connection between my L5 and S1 vertebrae is compressed. They figured it was pinching my sciatic nerve - I had all the symptons. Well, it has been getting worse, to the point I can only stand for a couple minutes and walk 100 feet or so before the pain is so intense it floors me. I went in for an MRI last Thursday, and got the results back this morning. The orthopedic specialist stated that the disc was "severely ruptured" and was surprised I was walking at all.

Thursday I go in for a spinal injection - a nerve block. Then a follow up two weeks later with the neurosurgeon to determine the next step - probably surgery, given the condition of the disc. At this point right now I am ready to try anything to relieve the pain.

I am trying to remain positive. This was good news in a way, because now they know for sure what is happening and have a plan to correct it. It could have been worse - the MRI could have been inconclusive. I have a good job that is flexible, a great manager and team that is very supportive, and good insurance. A lot of people have it a heck of a lot worse, so I am thankful for the blessings I enjoy despite the pain I'm in.

I know I've gone to the prayer well here more times that anyone should. I do appreciate your thoughts and prayers though, and I know they work.

Thank you guys!

[Doc Hudson]

God Blesss you and the very best of Luck to you.

Prayers outward bound.

[J Miller]

YK,

I understand about back problems. I've got some pretty bad ones too.
However not as bad as yours.

You have my prayers and good wishes. Hang in there.

Joe

[Noah Zark]

On the list . . .

Nerve block worked great on my 84-yr-old mother, lasts about 3-4 months between injections. Same symptoms as yours, but the disc isn't so messed up as there's a little growth of bone that's doing the pinching. Since there's no numbness the ortho is reluctant to do surgery at this time.

Noah

[Jaguarundi]

Godbless.

[gamekeeper]

Jay, I have a buddy that went through that in his thirties, he's in his sixties now and still hunting, fishing and playing golf.

Prayers sent.

[Hagler]

Done.

Shawn

[Tycer]

Done. Heal well friend.

[Borregos]

Done

[iceman]

Done!!

[Hobie]

Unlike health care for some, prayer isn't and won't be rationed. Prayers said for you and all concerned.

Being unable to do even simple things you've been doing is a pain in and of itself. I think your attitude will go a long way towards keeping you sane.

[Ysabel Kid]

I think your attitude will go a long way towards keeping you sane.

That's assuming I was sane to begin with!

Thank you all!!!

[2ndovc]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Jay!!


jason

[TedH]

Hate to hear that. Best wishes and prayers on the way.

[C. Cash]

Prayers going out brother Jay!

[fordwannabe]

I just talked to a Jewish carpenter about your back. Good luck

[.45colt]

I have had several bouts with my lower back being out. it is a living hell. I am lucky to have found a good chiropractor and have been good for several years. Prayers Sent.

[Barcelona Rick]

YK...prayers abound....

jumbeaux

[Modoc ED]

Thinking of you YK. Prayers up.

I'm gonna be blunt here. DON'T let this go too long. We have a guy in my VFW Post that had a very similar situation. He let it go and let it go and is now in a wheel chair most of the time and on crutches the rest of the time as he let it go so long that corrective surgery was totally ineffective.

When I was 17-years old, I was in a car accident and broke my back. I was in traction for 3-months and in a body cast for 6-months following the traction. I've never had even one hint of a back problem since then. Why? Because I did EXACTLY what the doctors said and did my rehab religously. So, I can tell you from experience that when the pain is really intense, there is hope at the end of the tunnel.

[gimdandy]

of course
and you're right .....they do work ................THANK THE GOOD LORD

[claybob86]

Prayers sent, YK! Good luck.

[rjohns94]

Jay,
Honored to do so my friend. I can attest that surgery was a BLESSING for the pain relief it offered me. I can also say, that it won't be the end of the pain days but it is many orders of magnitude less than what you are feeling right now. Rest up and take care.

mike

[Ysabel Kid]

Thanks everyone. I am going in today for the ESI (epidural spinal injection). Hopefully that gives me some relief and then we can plan the next step, again probably surgery.

On a funny note, the sheet they gave me told me to wear "comfortable clothing". When I asked, they said something that is comfortable and easy to get on and off. They suggested sweat pants.

I don't own a pair of sweat pants. I used to when I lived up north, but down here they are rarely needed. Nadda on sweat suits, etc.

So, I dug out an old jogging suit I remembered seeing in the closet. Put it on and couldn't figure out why it was so short. Then Mrs. YK saw me and screamed "what are you wearing?!? You can't go out in public like that!!!"

Patiently I explained what they had said, and that I refused to go out in public in pajamas. She then - patiently - explained that the reason they didn't fit and were so short - was because they were hers!

No, I don't have pictures.

Looks like a trip to Wally-world here this morning...

[TedH]

So, I dug out an old jogging suit I remembered seeing in the closet. Put it on and couldn't figure out why it was so short. Then Mrs. YK saw me and screamed "what are you wearing?!? You can't go out in public like that!!!"

Patiently I explained what they had said, and that I refused to go out in public in pajamas. She then - patiently - explained that the reason they didn't fit and were so short - was because they were hers!

No, I don't have pictures.

Looks like a trip to Wally-world here this morning...

I'd prolly pay to see a picture of that!

Good luck, hope the injection gives you some relief.

[CEMENTHEAD]

Prayers offered. Thanks, Tom

[Ysabel Kid]

Back home. The procedure didn't take very long, and quite frankly, I don't even remember it. The gave me anesthesia - not a general, but a side effect is amnesia. I thought "right - not me". Well, last thing I remember is getting on the table and then I was in a wheel chair by my wife! They said I would be out of it the rest of the day and they are right. I'm going to go to bed here in a minute. Next day or so may actually be a bit worse, and then relief starting and improving (hopefully) daily. Thanks again for all your prayers fellas!

[kimwcook]

Good deal. Hope you get relief soon.

[CowboyTutt]

Thanks for keeping us posted, YK. You are held in high regard here. The day or two after a procedure is the worst! Drop us a line when your through it. God Bless,

-Tutt

[Ysabel Kid]

Second day after the injection (Thursday afternoon). Turns out it was not an ESI or a "nerve block", but rather something similiar. They followed the nerve root to where it is being pinched by the disc matter and injected a steriod into the area (but not the nerve). The hope is the direct application of a steroid into the area will reduce the swelling, reliefing pressure on the nerve. It hurts worse for the first couple-few days because mass was added to an already constricted area - in the form of the injection material (the steroid). Yesterday was worse, and the injection site was sore, but I already started feeling some relief in that my right foot wasn't feeling as "numb" (asleep - pins and needles kind of feeling) as it has constantly for over a month now. Today is even better. I still may need surgery, as this does nothing about the ruptured disc itself. The neurosurgeon will discuss this with me in a couple weeks. Meanwhile though, I am feeling better than I have in a month or more. Thanks for all your prayers fellas!

[gamekeeper]

We're all pullin' for you Jay. Get well real soon.

[piller]

Keep us updated on how you are doing. Ask around about which surgeon is the best in your area. Get the best to work on something as full of nerve tissue as a back.

[Noah Zark]

Second day after the injection (Thursday afternoon) . . . I already started feeling some relief in that my right foot wasn't feeling as "numb" (asleep - pins and needles kind of feeling) as it has constantly for over a month now. Today is even better. I still may need surgery, as this does nothing about the ruptured disc itself. The neurosurgeon will discuss this with me in a couple weeks. Meanwhile though, I am feeling better than I have in a month or more.

Mom had the same experience with her targeted steroid injections at L4. It lasts about four months for her if she doesn't overdo it.

Noah

[Ysabel Kid]

Second day after the injection (Thursday afternoon) . . . I already started feeling some relief in that my right foot wasn't feeling as "numb" (asleep - pins and needles kind of feeling) as it has constantly for over a month now. Today is even better. I still may need surgery, as this does nothing about the ruptured disc itself. The neurosurgeon will discuss this with me in a couple weeks. Meanwhile though, I am feeling better than I have in a month or more.

Mom had the same experience with her targeted steroid injections at L4. It lasts about four months for her if she doesn't overdo it.

Noah

NZ - that is going to be the key - not pushing it. After being stuck, for the most part, in the house not doing anything on the weekends for a month I am going stir crazy. But I know if I push it I'm just going to undo any progress I'm making.

Patience has never been one of my virtues...