Got a couple of options from my Neurosurgeon today.

[JanusAscending]

My MRI showed much more serious spinal conditions than I knew I had. In my lower lumbar area, I have ONE disk that isn't herniated. There is definate nerve compression that is causing my hip pain and leg numbness. The leg is getting weaker by the day. On top of all of this, I have scoliosis (a mild S) and spinal stenosis. He suggests that we try the conservative route and use epidural shots of cortizone to reduce the swelling and infammation, along with gentle physical therapy. After a period of time if this doesn't do the trick, he WILL do the back surgery. Only a small incision and minimal amount of down time. He feels that this will probably be the eventual solution. I will be hearing from the Dr. whose specialty that is (within this same group practice) They have a gym and operating suites all in the same building. I was quite impressed. The physical therapist that's been working with me since my hospital stay, speaks very highly of my Dr. and has worked with many of his recovering patients. I feel hopeful, that this will keep me out of a wheelchair, and in my home.

[Shallah Kali]

1. oh JanusAscending

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Ricochet21]

2. Best of luck to you dear.

Ricochet

[I Have A Dream]

3. JA, I'm sorry that things are so bad right now...

but I'm glad that the available options look very promising.

Much love & light to you, my friend! Universe, please keep the angels by JA's side during this time.

:hug:

[JanusAscending]

6. Universe was at work yesterday ,

for without a few guardian Angels surrounding me, I wouldn't have made it home from my appt. The driver that was sent to pick me up....should no longer be allowed to drive. He almost got us, and a few more people killed on the way back home. He entered a VERY busy I 84 highway without even checking on merging traffic, then slowed down and changed lanes to exit onto Rt. 8 (another busy interchange in Waterbury) right in front of a Tractor trailer truck with cars behind it, and on either side of it!!! You could hear the trucker lay on that diesel horn for miles around I'm sure. I just closed my eyes and prayed!!! Then prayed all the wasy home when my driver said "it wasn't my fault, that truck was going too fast"!!! Yeah........ya think??? I had a delayed reaction , and started blaming myself for distracting him by giving him verbal directions on how to get back to my house!!! ?????? It's like I was in shock and such disbelief over what had just happened, it's still sinking in. Thank you Universe and all of my Angels!!

[southerncrone]

4. Glad you're finally getting some answers.

Even if the news isn't the best. It's got to be better than being in the dark & constantly wondering & fearing.
I wish you the best, JA!

[OneGrassRoot]

5. I zeroed in on the "hopeful" part of your post...

and I feel that hope for you, too, JA!!!!

You're so good to keep on keepin' on...such an inspiration!!! I work with pain medicine physicians and I have seen people helped tremendously with the treatment plan and regimen you describe above.

You feeling comfortable with your physical therapist and your physician is a critical element, and I'm so glad you're feeling that comfort and hope with them.

Bless you, Dear One. Thanks for keeping us posted on your journey.

Blessings, blessings, blessings....

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :loveya:

[Kind of Blue]

7. My prayers are with you, JA.

Please accept my apology for suggesting trail walking in your state - I had no idea of this condition. I'm so glad that you have a good doctor and feel good about his facility :hug: :hug: :hug:

[JanusAscending]

8. You are too funny girl!!

I had a little chuckle when you posted that...and knew right away that you were unaware of my back problems!! But thank you for the apology, and the initial suggestions!! I'm so positive about a good outcome, that I will put your suggestion to use when I'm able!! I'm sorry that you felt bad, but we are in such "sync" here on this forum, your intentions were appreciated!!! LUV YA...all of you!!

[Kind of Blue]

11. ...

[JanusAscending]

13. Gee thanks!!

You made me smile!!

[BlueIris]

9. ((((( Janus ))))) Happy you finally got some good med advice. nt

[Kookaburra]

10. I'm glad you have a doctor that you trust working with you

JA, you have been on my mind and in my prayers quite often lately, and I hope you are enjoying good health again very soon.

[teenagebambam]

12. My mother had the surgery for stenosis

as you recall, JA. She was out of the hospital about 12 hours later and has been doing fine with recovery. She has to go back in this week (one of the screws holding her new Titanium plate in came loose) but otherwise doing well. Leg weakness wasn't even pone of her complaints, but her legs are noticeably stronger than before.

And yes, I have gotten plenty of mileage about the fact that her diagnosis is "screw loose".