Back Surgery?

[lobito]

I've had terrible back pains all week long, turned my head the wrong way laying down, and heard a pop. The problem starts at the base of my neck and has progressed down to half way down my back. These things usually last a day or two, and that's it.

My Doctor told me yesterday, that worse case, (as if I didn't know) was surgery. I don't want back surgery, because I don't have insurance, being self employed. Thus I can't afford the bills. On teh other hand, I can't afford to be without a working back either.

Anyone have any horror stories they can feed me so I can contemplate? I'll check back later or tomorrow morning, as I'm headed to dinner, then back to bed.

Thanks,
Lo - (who's hurting like a mother fucker right now)

 

[Wiggles]

No horror stories here, my step-dad had back surgery a while ago for a few slipped discs. But everything with the surgery came out ok. His back still hurts a lot though.


Hope you feel better soon!
Take care of yourself!

 

[Fly_On_Wall]

lobito you know my story. so I won't repeat it.

I say if you need it do it

 

[LMT]

Second Oppinoins

I strongly recommend getting several opinions before undergoing surgery. Check with a/n: General Practitioner, Doctor Orthopedic, Osteopath, Physical Therapist, and a Doctor Chiropractic and find out what prognosis they foresee. I would even suggest looking into alternative therapies: Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, etc. if you are open to them and your condition would not be contraindicated. Everyone in the medical field has their specialties and preferred methods of treatment that occasionally blind them to other treatment modalities.

Generally:
GP's tend to think of drug related therapies;
DO's often use surgical solutions or the prescribe orthotics;
PT's primarily use exercises and stretching to help prevent further injuries;
DC's focus on manual manipulation of the joints;
Acupuncturists seek to influence the energetic state of the body through specific points in the meridian system;
and Massage Therapists work on the muscular system and the connective tissues.

I'm not familiar enough with Osteopaths to give any stereotype of their preferred treatment methods, although according to Tabors Medical Cyclopedia they use physical, medicinal, and surgical methods of treatment.

Good luck finding finding a Doctor / Therapist that meets your needs.

 

[lobito]

Thanks, one thing I'm slowly finding out, (Hey I'm dense, waht can I say?) is that the pain isn't on the spine, but rather nearer the right shoulder blade. I'm beginning to wonder if it might be partially because of a fall I took 2 weeks ago, off of a trampoline. But then again, I'm on some heavy duty painkillers right now, and I'm wondering lots of things...

Lo

 

[vylette]

i have terrible pain in my neck and when xrayed showed a narrowing of my vertebrae, and surgergy would be the worse case scenerio, but my doc didnt want that, he said it would be the last resort...i have had the pain for awhile now, but manage it thru bouts of physical therapy and antiinflammatory and pain meds...my doc feels that surgergy should really be a VERY last resort, as in the pain is not tolerable or managed thru meds...personally i have chosen the meds...

the pain has started moving down thru my back, more than likely it seems to be an arthritis type of thing...at any rate for me being only 35 i just dont see surgery as a good thing

i would hold off on any surgery or get another opinion

good luck hope it works out

 

[bluntforcemama]

Try talking with Chef.

 

[Laurel]

Here's an interesting must-read article from The New Yorker on back treatments.

http://www.newyorker.com/printable/?fact/020408fa_FACT

 

[lobito]

Try talking with Chef.

Last time I talked with Chef, it was a sexual free for all. I can't go into details. But I hate bringing up my backside to him.

Thanks Laurel, I'll have a look.

 

[lickerish]

It could be bone chips/spurs. My dad had them removed from the back of his neck... hella-lotsa pain before (barely touch him and he'd cry- the man does not cry).. now he's ok.

Definitely get a second opinion.

 

[sch00lteacher]

You need to get insurance. Man just spending a night in the hospital is over five grand now days. That includes nothing. Every little bandaide, cotton ball, etc., is billed.

Self-employed people can get Blue-Cross Blue-Shield Advantage here in North Carolina. Is there anything where you are? Check into it. My little heart attack a year ago yesterday cost well over 20 grand. I paid about a hundred bucks out of pocket.

You have to have insurance. No other way to put it.