I went to see the Neurosurgeon today. He looked at my MRI's and told me I have neither a bulging disc nor a herniated disc, but a collapsed disc. Since it is not causing any nerve damage or leg pain, he does not think that he should remove the disc. If I did have surgery, it would be a fusion. However, he does not recommend this option. He told me that most of the pain I have is mechanical, which I took to mean that it only hurts when I move. He says the best way to get rid of the pain is to lose weight and exercise. I am working on the losing weight part (in fact, I have lost 34 pounds to date), but I need to get going on the exercise.
I told him I was concerned about getting moving, since it hurts to do this. But he assures me that, although it will hurt, exercise is the best thing for me. He suggests 30 minutes of exercise (at 140-150 heart rate) 5-6 days per week. He told me I should join a gym, since they have everything there plus heart rate monitoring stuff. He also said not to get discouraged since it takes about two months before I will see any real results. He told me he has won many $500 bets with people about whether or not this will work. I didn't bet him, and he didn't ask me to.
He did schedule me for another injection though. It's a different kind than the others I've had. He told me that those epidural shots I've had were not the right kind for me. This one should block the pain for up to a year, so he says. The doctor I've an appointment with is not on my insurance, so I have to find out how much this will cost me and then decide if I need to change doctors.
I was very relieved to find out that he is not leaning toward the surgery for me. I was also glad to know that I have some options that are totally within my control, since I am extremely tired of relying on doctors to help me. Especially since they don't know what they are talking about most of the time.
Anyway, other than all that, we seem to be doing fine. I am still concerned about Taylor's hair pulling habit, but I don't think it is all that it seems to be. I know that there are some pretty scary things out there, but I really think this is just a bad habit. We'll see. If she doesn't stop, rest assured that we will get her some help.
We love you all. Take care and keep in touch!
Good Morning,
ReplyDeleteI was relieved to hear the news on the back Tonya, I was a little worried about surgery also, everyone I know it doesn't seem to help but of course, everyone is different. I'm thankful you have other options tho.
I wouldn't worry to much about Taylor, I think to it is a bad habit, just like bitting our nails. She is a happy little girl and well adjusted in school and her home life. She gets alot of attention from you and Scott so I think it is just something that will leave as fast as it came. Just have to keep reminding her about it I guess, I'm no authority but she is such a sweet little girl that I don't think it is a serious thing.
You guys take care, be safe!
My Love and Prayers to you four always! Mom J,
XXXX For My Girls! Grmama J.