Thanks so very much for your kind words, and especially for your interventions.
I had a nice little chat with my Dr. just before doing the procedure, and reminded him that the radiologist's report included a specific reference to the L4 facet joint with regard to direct injections. It's a good thing I remembered. He didn't. He was comfortable enough with his own competence - to allow me a "say" in my treatment.
We decided to get a little "aggressive" with this round, and while VERY painful - it appears to have delivered some real results!
For the first time in a month, I slept for a longer duration than my pain medication lasted. While on the surface, that may not seem like much - it means that I'm getting about 50% more sleep per "session," and am able to stand much closer to upright.
So there you have it. I have two more series available to me if needed, but I finally feel that there may be some light at the end of the tunnel. I'm quitting smoking finally... because all the doctors say that it makes your back hurt... and I'm all about getting my back to STOP hurting.
This has sure been an eye-opening experience into the worst pain I've every endured. It's been worse than orthopaedic recovery (which is REALLY nasty).
SO - as of this morning we're CELEBRATING!!!! :beer:
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original message below:
Well guys - thanks so much for all your kind words of support from my last thread on the subject. I DID in fact manage to dump my machine today that was building up results while I was incapacitated btw.
So far... so good. I'm still all doubled-over like an old man, but it's really vastly better than it was. (which is a commentary on just how BAD it was before)
Had 2 series of direct steriod injections into my spine, and I go in tomorrow for the third.
I'll do just about ANYTHING to avoid surgery. So - here's to hoping that this last one will make it at least tolerable so that I can return to some semblance of "normal" life.
I don't ordinarily broach the subject - but I need all the help I can get. If any of you are folks that engage in prayer... I'd ask that you'd please include my situation? I would be most grateful.
Thank you.
I had a nice little chat with my Dr. just before doing the procedure, and reminded him that the radiologist's report included a specific reference to the L4 facet joint with regard to direct injections. It's a good thing I remembered. He didn't. He was comfortable enough with his own competence - to allow me a "say" in my treatment.
We decided to get a little "aggressive" with this round, and while VERY painful - it appears to have delivered some real results!
For the first time in a month, I slept for a longer duration than my pain medication lasted. While on the surface, that may not seem like much - it means that I'm getting about 50% more sleep per "session," and am able to stand much closer to upright.
So there you have it. I have two more series available to me if needed, but I finally feel that there may be some light at the end of the tunnel. I'm quitting smoking finally... because all the doctors say that it makes your back hurt... and I'm all about getting my back to STOP hurting.
This has sure been an eye-opening experience into the worst pain I've every endured. It's been worse than orthopaedic recovery (which is REALLY nasty).
SO - as of this morning we're CELEBRATING!!!! :beer:
----------------------------------------------------
original message below:
Well guys - thanks so much for all your kind words of support from my last thread on the subject. I DID in fact manage to dump my machine today that was building up results while I was incapacitated btw.
So far... so good. I'm still all doubled-over like an old man, but it's really vastly better than it was. (which is a commentary on just how BAD it was before)
Had 2 series of direct steriod injections into my spine, and I go in tomorrow for the third.
I'll do just about ANYTHING to avoid surgery. So - here's to hoping that this last one will make it at least tolerable so that I can return to some semblance of "normal" life.
I don't ordinarily broach the subject - but I need all the help I can get. If any of you are folks that engage in prayer... I'd ask that you'd please include my situation? I would be most grateful.
Thank you.