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...but not in the gang kind of way. He has dealt with spinal problems (involving surgeons) for 20 years+ . I've joined to see who else is out there dealing with the pain, etc that disability brings to a family.
My dad is 53 years old, has had maybe 10-12 (I have honestly lost count, could be more) spinal surgeries which include fusions on both top and bottom and in between on the spine, I believe he has a plate in his neck area, he had one of those internal spinal stimulator thingies put in about 5 yrs back, which was a disaster from the get-go, everytime I think of that experience I get a visual of the neurosurgeon (who apparently did not know how the external control deal worked) zapped my just-outta-recovery dad almost out of bed. Crazy!! So, he's had the leads in since but didn't get relief from them. I guess the tingling/zappy zaps just weren't enough to block the pain.
I'm not sure how long he has had an internal pain medicine pump, I want to say 6 years?, and his doc has tweaked and adjusted the meds over the years, and he now goes in every 5 wks or so for a refill. He is also on medications for depression and anxiety, which I think often go hand in hand with dealing with pain and no longer being able to work. (he has been on some sort of long term disability for just about ten (?) years now).
I (knocking on wood-almost 30 yrs old) have not had any major back injuries or the need to go under the knife for my back. For spasms and tension knots I get from desk work I go to a chiropractor regularly, and my brother (27 yoa-he did have one surgery, worked laying down flooring) is controlling his pain and recently dx fibromyalgia with acupuncture and massage.
My dad gets around fairly well, he uses (should use two at all times, but slacks and just grabs one sometimes) forearm crutches, I am thankful he is still mobile.
I hope to get some insight and support here!!
Erin