Well first of all, I do have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome from the assault, nobody knows how long it lasts, it varies in people. All I can do is keep going to my Domestic Violence Counseling, which I am.

As far as the Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, my fusion w/plate and screws looks fine, I have "cervicalgia" which is pain in the c-spine (neck) from trauma.

Also, in 1989 I have L-5 disc removed because it herniated and shattered in my spine. Well over the years L-4 has smashed down and is trying to fuse with a disk that isn't there. Which is causing my lower back pain and butt pain down the leg. Along with that I have spondylosis, which is degenitive disk disease. There is a slight curve now in my spinal cord.

So, I will be going to Physcial Therapy to see if it helps for 2 to 3 x a week, for 4 wks.

Then I was put on a much stronger pain med.

Hugs, Nikko

So, that's that. Ahhhhhhhhhhh tough to get old.

Ah do I know that procedure. You go into a doc appt. thinking that you know they found something but you don't know how bad. Then they give you the news and its all encompasing! For a while, it seemed like everytime I went to an appointment, they found something else. It made my head spin. I am sure if I go to another specialist, they will find something else.
I am glad that you finally have answers to what is going on with you. That knowledge hurts and helps at the same time. But at least knowing instead of guessing is better!
Good luck with your new med, PT and your counseling.

((((((Nikko)))))),

That's a big plate-load of falling apart My son says I should "sue the manufacturer"

I know about the low-back pain. One of my vertebra fused to my pelvis -- throws everything out of whack. Supposed to be a birth defect -- s'funny how you can have a defective birth starting at 50-something

Now you know what your problems are -- easier to fight when you know what you're fighting.

Just know that you've got TONS of love and support on this journey that you're on. I think the good night's sleep is a sign that 'things' are gonna start going your way for a change

BIG HUGS (and love).

Barb

Thanks, I can deal with the physical pain of my c-spine since and prior to my 2003 surgery and lumbar 1989 which I never had anymore pain from after the surgery,c-spine pain it is really nothing new, it just flares up. Well, my lumbar disc problem was a surprise though. I had thought I just pulled something, but that was not the case after he took the x-rays. eeekkkkkkkkkk

The PTSD is just that, and will take time, I am so tired of everything, if is isn't one thing, it's another.

I am going on a cyber tropical island vacation, want to come? LOL

Nikko.......I could sure use a real one, as I am sure many of you could too.


Hugsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

you are so right...if it isn't one thing it is another and then another caused by something because of another thing...but I think it is great to grow old...it seems like body ailments don't compete with mental anguish...
my friend is amazingly in good spirits...he can hardly move...a blood clot might have caused something...he can't use his legs and he has no upper body strength. I have been trying to figure out how to help him if he comes out of rehab like that. THEY ALSO SEEMED TO MISDIAGNOSIS HIM.
i am so glad you are going to have that therapy...it sounds nurturing too and brother do you need nurturing after everything you have been going through...I am so thankful you have all your companions even though they are a lot of work but I bet they give you just so much love. I am praying your mother is appreciative and thoughtful now...is that praying for miracles? I hope not...
take care
Bobby

Nikko, if you have the right therapist they can do wonders for you. I must of had almost a dozen of physical therapists. I have what you have too and stenosis. I'm not sure I have the C-spine though. Do you need an MRI for that or will a plain x-ray show it? I've never had an MRI for my neck spine.

befuddled2

Dear Mymorgy, Sorry that they perhaps misdiagnosed your friend.
You will be able to help him but being his friend.

Dear Nikko, I hope that the pain meds help. It is good to see you making plans and taking care of yourself.

Mari

Yes, I had 2 mri's of my c-spine because of the 2 level fusion, when I was having the brain scans for the post concussion and bruised brain. Then X-rays of the lumbar area at my appt.

Hopefully the PT will help, if not I assume another MRI of the lumbar area as the Orthopedic Spine Surgeon suggested. One thing at a time, the conservative measures first.

I feel badly for your friend, but you just being there will help him through the rough spots.

Hugs, Nikko

I just have this gut feeling that the PT will help you...maybe not bigtime but it will help.
thanks about my friend Ron. This afternoon I told him he was so brave and inspiring and humbling.(He might be bipolar too) In his self effacing way, he said anyone would be the same way. I said oh no. Later I hoped I didn't put pressure on him that he couldn't be able to cry on my shoulder. I don't visit him in person. He is done in the village. Lately I can hardly get myself to move out of the bed or off the couch.
Bobby

Dear morgy,
This sounds like depression creeping upon you.
I am sorry.
((((HUGS))))
bizi