Scared about pending back surgery.

[Libralabsoldier]

I have been having some very intense back pain for the last few weeks. I had thought I had just pulled a muscle while still in Iraq, because it would flair up from time to time. The last few weeks, I can not stand or sit without pain.

I went to the ER, and was given drugs and sent away. Yesterday I went to another doctor, and was told that most likely it is a herniated disc, and pending an MRI, I may be looking at back surgery.

He gave me Valium, Percocet, and an oral steroid. If these do not work (and so far, they just dull my senses to the pain) I will be getting surgery.

This surgery will end my military career. It will make me 100% disabled according to the VA, so I will be getting a paycheck every month for the rest of my life.

I am having a very hard time dealing with this mentally. I am no gym rat, but I lead a fairly active life. I love the outdoors, and love having an active physical relationship with my wife. The thought that a lot of that is about to drastically change is making it hard to sleep at night. Also, I am having to admit to myself that being a soldier is a large part of my mental concept of who I am.

I am not even sure why I am writing this here. Everything else in my life is going great. I am one class away from my Bachelor's degree, and will soon be starting my Master's. My relationship with my wife is stronger than ever.....

This is just scaring me.

 

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[Minstrel]

My Friend,
My Nephew was in the Navy, working the flight deck, similar thing happened to him. He had the surgery, everything went fine (there was some recoup time involved) and he is up and almost running.
He waited for quite awhile before accepting the fact that he needed to get it done. He said after he had healed that he wished he had not waited at all.
Take heart my friend, if you need the surgery then get it done.
Then follow the recoup instructions to the letter, don't skimp and don't slow down.
Take your monthly check and enjoy it--YOU EARNED IT.
Minstrel

 

[Don in SJ]

The past 7 years of my life have been controlled a bit by back pain. Surgery is always the LAST option, if there is anything that can be done other than surgery, you go for that treatment.

I have herniated discs,slight spinal cord compression spots, cervical stenosis and facet joint problems throughout my spine. I have been told operations would only have less than a 40% probability of helping me and that by going to a Pain Management Doctor was the route for me to go, as stated by my Neurosurgeon.....

For my neck pain, I had some facet joint nerves fried, (RF Radio Frequency Ablation) That was done 5 years ago and it has helped a lot. Then dumb ole me fell off a ladder onto my back and messed up my Thoracic & Lumbar area, but for that treatment I got Epidural Steroid injections for the Thoracic. They sort of worked, but I have to be careful. Finally two years ago, again as a result of the ladder fall, I had the nerves in my Lumbar facet joints fried, just like in my neck and that was a success. The pain I had from the Lumbar problems was very severe, sleepless nights, could not walk and I was totally drugged out on maximum pain pills.(Which in my opinion have you walking into doorways and not helping as much as you hope. ) But, through it all, NO OPERATIONS!

Hopefully the MRI will show most probable causes and hopefully you will not need an operation and if a procedure can relieve the pain, you might be able to continue your career.

My bike riding days were put on severe limits with the spinal issues, but it has not stopped me from metal detecting and just about anything else, so again, many people do not need to get surgery, there are other procedures out there to be tried first, including PT, which I am not a big fan of since most of mine were a waste of time.

Don

 

[Montana Jim]

I agree with the "you earned it" without reservation...

As much as you might feel it sucks your only focus should be on your health... it's all you'll take with you the rest of your life.

 

[mrs.oroblanco]

Don't let anyone MAKE you get an operation. Do your homework about this possible surgery, and how much mobility you will have afterwards, versus what you have now.

Knowing exactly what you are getting into - and the how's and whys - will help you make an informed decision on your own care, and, will help your nerves if you decide to go ahead.

Take your 100% disability - and the medical classification that comes with it - back problems rarely go away forever (sorry to say). They can be better for awhile, but it is likely you will need treatment further down the line.

A friend (a jumper in the service) had an accident with a jump and broke his back in several places. He got surgery & 100% disability. He really wanted to go back to work - so he did, eventually. And a year after going back to work, he was in line for 2 more surgeries. Not saying this to scare you - he gets around fine, but the surgeries only seem to last a certain amount of time.

He is now back on his VA disability, and he does light work here and there - and enjoys life. He earned it - so did you.


Now, you just need to take care of yourself.

B

 

[Libralabsoldier]

Thanks for all of this. I was shocked that the doctor jumped right to surgery. However, I know this doctor, having worked with him when I was stationed at that hospital. I trust his judgement. The other symptoms that they are worried about are the numbness and tingling in my right foot, along with some issues with my right arm. I am getting ready to leave today for a well earned vacation, and to go pick up my daughter from my ex wifes house. I hate the fact that I am now very dependent on my wife for a lot of things.....I cannot even tie my own shoes without help, and that is bothering me.

 

[hikeinmts]

I have a bad back....and took the doc that told me what my options were, metal detecting with me.
I think that if there were other options, your doc would have told you what they were. My doc told me what others have told you.....only let them cut as a LAST OPTION. The cutting is never a for-sure thing.
You mentioned that you and he had worked together, and you trusted him. Then, go back and talk to him again, and ask him what he thinks of other options, and why he first went right to operation. And, tell him about your being worried. You've got good reason to be......a bad back is a bummer.
The very best for you/to you and your family. Whatever has to happen, you are fortunate that your relationship with your wife is healthy. She will be there to help you out.
Keep us posted. We are concerned.

 

[Siegfried Schlagrule]

Before jumping to surgery try other things. there is a guy on TV selling a device that uses non-surgery spinal decompression. Something like that may work for you and save you from the pain of surgery and the loss of mobility. If that doesn't work and he doesn't offer a free trial or a money back guarantee go ahead with your surgery. I'd personally be willing to risk a couple of hundred dollars to save thousands and thousands of dollars. Choice is yours and good luck no matter what you choose to do. warmest regards, siegfried schlagrule

 

[birdman]

Good luck brother ! I wrecked my 4wheeler yesterday and busted my hip .(What If ) things keep going through my head but I have come to the conculision that I just don't bounce back like I used to. If they discharge you ,you will always be able to hold your head up high that you did your duty .

 

[LX Kid]

Sorry for your pain. This is my story on back pain. I was in Tactical Air Control (275X0) and had some serious back problems that included pinched siatic nerves going down my butt and into my legs. Suffered for long time and couldn't get out of car, couldn't get out of bed by myself. Air Force specialist (couldn't find anything wrong), sent me to Army specialist (couldn't find anything wrong), sent me Navy specialist (couldn't find anything wrong). Only one thing to do exploratory surgery! WRONG! I was raised that Chiropractors were quacks and stay away from them. My friend made me go see one, where he took x-rays, and showed them to me and said, "how could all these specialist miss this?" He showed the x-rays to me and even I could see the crushed lumbar and spine was not in alignment! After being in severe pain for almost two years he got me out of pain the very first day of my visit! He put a 10's unit under a warm moist pack on my back, did spinal alignments and gave me home exercises to make strengthen the back muscles. Granted, I had to see him 3 times a week, then once a week, then once a month for spinal alignments. Guess what? That was 1980 and I've not had any problems since then. Maybe my problem is not the same as yours but something to think about. All I know is that my chiropractor gave my life back to me!

 

[Montana Jim]

Following up... have you had the surgery?

 

[Soverign#48]

Bro,
I have been in the Nursing Biz for over 30 plus years and I have unfortunately hardly ever spoke with a happy back surgery patient! They have had relief for some short time but it comes back.. I would try physical therapy, acupuncture, heat and ice treatments, stretching exercise, message. But don't let them cut the back! There are some alternative procedures were the bulging disc is treated and replaced with synthetic agent so I would research and consider all options before you get the procedure. And I work at the VA so don't expect 100% as it's no guarantee as the Compensation and Pension process is slow and unfair at times. If you are medically boarded out of the service you will get a lump sum payment and then you will have to wait possibly years before you even see a VA check.
Good Luck