Sitting in the spine surgeon's waiting room

[Adsos Letter]

[Downwinder]

1. Did that and saw similarities to Ben Carson.

Didn't go back.

[Fla Dem]

2. Ohh. That doesn't sound good. But hope you're siting up straight. Good luck. nt

[Adsos Letter]

3. Thank you

I took 1,000mg Motrin before I left the house. Pain is bearable, at this point.

Don't know what the drive home during commute will be like.

[Laffy Kat]

4. I swear by Tramadol, FYI. nt

[greymouse]

5. what's going on

do you feel comfortable telling us? Good luck.

If this is amenable to a steroid injection, I heartily recommend them. Unfortunately they don't last and can only be done three times a year, but I leap around like a gazelle for a month or so after my hip and knee are injected.

[Adsos Letter]

6. Herniated cervical disc

I've had two injections, which helped, but we're going to have to do better than that.

Surgeon said 80% of these type injuries will resolve themselves over time. Prescribed gabbapentin, some traction, and check again in a couple months.

[greymouse]

8. let us know how this is working

Ortho stuff sucks. I was fine until 1 1/2 years ago, then one hip and two knees. It's strange to remember that I could do stuff without even thinking about it. There seems to be a real lack of advice about what helps this stuff that one can do at home.

[Adsos Letter]

11. I have a lot of confidence in this doctor.

He works at a world class spine center in the Bay Area. Very good record of outcomes. I am very fortunate to have good healthcare coverage.

He was pretty straight-up with me. Discussed the positives/negatives of discectomy and fusion surgery, if needed. Discussed success rates (very positive on that one).

He was clear that surgery would fix the impingement that causes the nerve pain, but that fusion with a cervical cage would leave some discomfort and stiffness in my neck.

I was a painter for 35 years before I retired. I would really like to do the exterior of our place this Fall, but it will certainly be the last exterior I do.

[Solly Mack]

7. How are you feeling today?

[Adsos Letter]

9. Still a fair amount of nerve pain.

But I can sit here and work at the computer, so it isn't nearly as bad as it was at its worst. Probably won't be out trying to do any photography today because driving can really kick things off. Too bad, too, because it is an absolutely gorgeous Northern California spring day here.

How are you?

[Solly Mack]

10. Pain sucks. Even manageable pain. Ever wonder what sicko came up with that phrase?

Take care and I hope things go well for you.

I'm well. Thanks!