But the alternative is not much better.
For the past 6 months or so, I've been experiencing lower back pain, low grade, chronic, and intermittent. I thought it was muscle spasms (typical for me), so I went to physical therapy for 8 weeks, and nothing really improved. With that result, it was probably a nerve problem, so I went to the family doctor. I also told her about my numbness in my finger tips, a result of a bad muscle spasm a few years ago, and that the numbness never went away. We decided x-rays and MRI's on both regions were the next step. The reports came in, and here's what the family doctor said:
"You shouldn't be able to walk with this diagnosis". Huh? Both areas are damaged with arthritis and closure of the spinal cavity. Uh-oh... Off to the orthopedist.
I had my meeting with him today, and he said "You shouldn't be ambulatory with what I am seeing". Huh? He said the condition typically included more severe symptoms that I was reporting. Surgery was not recommended as yet: wait until it cannot be handled any other way. Sub-dermal injections are a possibility, with a small chance of damage, but relief may last only days to months. Shit. We then discussed my conditions (including muscle spasms which are definitely related to the stenosis of the spine), and the fact that I've been managing the condition for several years unknowingly with exercises and PT. He told me that the condition will most likely degrade with time, and there are certain symptoms to be aware of that indicate a worsening, including some that I'm already experiencing. We agreed that I should continue what I'm doing (taking it easy, specific exercises), add Celebrex, and avoid any twisting motions, vertical stresses, or anything that can jar the spine (e.g. running...good! I hate running!).
Looks like my days of restoring cars are over, but I can continue the harness work without issues.
So...like AZPete, I'm damaged goods, and pretty much will have to give up large car repair efforts. There must be something in the Panama City water....
Damned Curse of Midlife comes back to its owner. :rant
For the past 6 months or so, I've been experiencing lower back pain, low grade, chronic, and intermittent. I thought it was muscle spasms (typical for me), so I went to physical therapy for 8 weeks, and nothing really improved. With that result, it was probably a nerve problem, so I went to the family doctor. I also told her about my numbness in my finger tips, a result of a bad muscle spasm a few years ago, and that the numbness never went away. We decided x-rays and MRI's on both regions were the next step. The reports came in, and here's what the family doctor said:
"You shouldn't be able to walk with this diagnosis". Huh? Both areas are damaged with arthritis and closure of the spinal cavity. Uh-oh... Off to the orthopedist.
I had my meeting with him today, and he said "You shouldn't be ambulatory with what I am seeing". Huh? He said the condition typically included more severe symptoms that I was reporting. Surgery was not recommended as yet: wait until it cannot be handled any other way. Sub-dermal injections are a possibility, with a small chance of damage, but relief may last only days to months. Shit. We then discussed my conditions (including muscle spasms which are definitely related to the stenosis of the spine), and the fact that I've been managing the condition for several years unknowingly with exercises and PT. He told me that the condition will most likely degrade with time, and there are certain symptoms to be aware of that indicate a worsening, including some that I'm already experiencing. We agreed that I should continue what I'm doing (taking it easy, specific exercises), add Celebrex, and avoid any twisting motions, vertical stresses, or anything that can jar the spine (e.g. running...good! I hate running!).
Looks like my days of restoring cars are over, but I can continue the harness work without issues.
So...like AZPete, I'm damaged goods, and pretty much will have to give up large car repair efforts. There must be something in the Panama City water....
Damned Curse of Midlife comes back to its owner. :rant
