My dad has been having problems with his back. After getting an MRI done, he's discovered that ALL discs between L3 and L4 in his back are completely gone, and the vertabre are grinding against each other, causing a lot of pain and some nerve damage. Over the course of the past few years, it has caused his right leg to be 1.5" shorter than his left leg. It's also caused him to have mild scolliosis.

He's had 3 cortizone shots in the past 6 months, and they have not stopped the pain.

I find out today when I called home to see what's up that if he doesn't have surgery ASAP, he's going to be paralized. He'll be out of work for 6 weeks, and he cannot be doing ANY surgery for 3 months. A doctor who can't operate... I don't know how much everyone knows about back surgery, but it is never considered to be without risks. If something were to happen, he could be paralized for good. We don't know right now if that is going to jepordize his job or not, but it can't be good, seeing as he has only been at this hospital for about 1 1/2 years now.

I don't know how I feel right now. My dad has always been a runner, he's always been the strongest person I know, and he's never even flinched in the slightest at any pain. He's survived his aorta being 95% blocked, and been beaten by 3 "gangsta's" (which broke his collarbone, 5 ribs and collapsed a lung). If by chance, he does become paralized, he will die in a matter of a few years. I know he will, because he's always been the outside/hands on type. If he lays around and does nothing, it'll kill him.

-Flea

 

Flea: You should not know how you feel at this time and i do hope for the best for your dad. Back problems are never a good thing but they (doctors) may be able to help him and relieve his pain and yours as well. Please give your dad a handshake from me and hang in there, be positive and be there and it will all work out man. We are all here keep us updated and vent often.

 

Going through times like that can be hard. You alway's wonder if the desicion you are going to make is the correct one or when should you make that disecion. Eventually I'll have to have surgery, I know it will be hard going through everything.

If you dont like the Dr. you can alway's go to another one that is just as capable and will do the surgery when needed. Fortunatly here in Oklahoma we have a place that is very good. They have done both of my Grandma's Knees and hips and she gets along great now.


Here

 

Let me offer some good news..........

I had back surgery to remove two discs in L3 and L4 ......this was in 1977...... After healing, I resumed pretty much a normal life and have done about all I wish to do including enduro/dirt biking and building houses, etc......... although I have to watch the weight I pick up.........

I now work with a guy who had back surgery 5 years ago and had 2 discs removed from the same area, but had to have a plate and screws and a "fusion"........ Recovered well and now works for me doing about as much as anybody... there again, having to watch what he picks up...........

Let's hope that your dad has not waited so long that permanent nerve damage has occurred........ but there are repair methods done a lot to realign and repair the skeletal portions of the back. It is the spinal cord that is important here........

Staying as he is will probably be the worse he could do, and although there are certainly risks to the surgery, they are minimal and the upside is that he CAN be better and possibly lead a normal life thereafter..........

My best to your Dad........

 

Aw that's sad I'll pray for you and your dad!

 

Thanks to everyone who is keeping him in your prayers.

The surgery date is set for Dec. 1st. We'll see what happens...

-Flea

 

and best of luck to you man