Terribly OT, but about the last of the "spineless" series

[Dalephi]

Awesome Dan. Still praying for you.

 

[DanC]

Btw ,I forget which treatment did you have?

Hey Assim.

I had four epidurals (direct spinal injections) of steroids.
I can assure you... it is decidedly NOT pleasant to do.

 

[Assimilator1]

Ouch!:Q ,I guess its better than being cut open though!

Btw whats the steroids helping to repair?........ (damn my memory sucks! ,I'm sure you already told us that)

 

[DanC]

In this case, the disk actually ruptured, spilling nucleus material. This material
then pressed against the nerve root that exits between the facet joint, thus providing
an dandy case of sciatic pain.

The steroid injections bathe the irritated nerve root, and associated areas directly
with a soothing steroid & procaine mix, that literally instantly gives relief. Mine was so bad it took four to get it to where I could cope. I could still opt for a fifth, but it doesn't appear necessary at this point.

For those who might be interested, there's a pretty cool explanation of this and other
spinal problems and procedures with animations here:
http://drdillin.com/education/animation.htm

 

[Assimilator1]

I see ,cool!

I take it it does repair as well as 'pain relieve' ?
Which treatment did you have?

 

[GeoffS]

Excellent news!

I'd keep the cane handy though... they seem to serve double duty around here

 

[DanC]

I take it it does repair as well as 'pain relieve' ?

No... not exactly. Actually 95% of all herniations and ruptures will by themselves
get better within about 6 months or so. The trick is NOT blowing your brains out
with a 12-guage because the pain is so unbearable. What I've been doing is known
as "conservative" treatment. Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, pain medications,
etc. I take over 40 pills a day. It gets old in a hurry.

The 'blown' disk material is still there... it's just not pressing against the nerve root
anymore. Eventually, it will calcify, and remain solidly in place - never again to bother
the nerve root.

GeoffS -
I definitely still keep the cane handy in my Tahoe. You never know when you might need to whack somebody with it! :Q

 

[Wellcky]

Glad to hear you're getting better.

 

[Assimilator1]

Thanks Dan interesting ,glad to hear it will fix itself
Btw that's a hellava lot of pills you take!:shocked:

 

[DanC]

Btw that's a hellava lot of pills you take!

Yep... sure is. The REALLY cool thing is... now I'm addicted to percocet. :|
I'll have to remember to thank my Dr. for assisting me in developing a
brand-new addiction to add to my tobacco problem.

I'll be happy to be off both some day. :roll:

 

[RaySun2Be]

Originally posted by: DanC

Btw that's a hellava lot of pills you take!

Yep... sure is. The REALLY cool thing is... now I'm addicted to percocet. :|
I'll have to remember to thank my Dr. for assisting me in developing a
brand-new addiction to add to my tobacco problem.

I'll be happy to be off both some day. :roll:

And don't forget the other terrible addiction you had, DC

Although it appears as if you have successfully beaten that one.

 

[DanC]

What do you mean... "HAD," Dennis? I'm STILL crunchin!

I've way fewer machines than I used to have... but I'm givin' 'er all she's got, Cap'n! :Q

 

[Assimilator1]

 

[Wolfsraider]

DanC,
I hope things get better for you, as far as the addiction to percocet, I think most back patients get hooked on one drug or another. The doctors love to give the meds out like candy. As your back gets stronger you'll depend on them less and less.

You have shown a lot of strength, This is never "easy", but you are making great strides it sounds like, for that I commend you.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as well, each step can be a struggle but you can return to most of the activities you are acustomed too.

Just remember:
Get your strength back before testing the waters too much.
Exercise and stretching are very important.
Sometimes we all need a little help, don't be afraid to ask for it.

I salute you, I don't know that many that have walked where you have and made the return trip

God bless you and yours

Mike