[edugirl]

Hello,

I am a 39 year old who has a ACDF in my upper spine two years ago. Now I have three ruptured discs with a fragment on my sciatic nerve in my lumbar spine. 4 weeks ago, I was doing the leg press at the gym and felt a pop and couldn't get back up, was caring out on a stretcher. I tried injections, Celebrex, neurontin (gave me crazy side effects), Norco, Valium, the works. I've slowly been getting worse, can't pick up my toes or move my left leg very well without dragging it. I'm in intense pain, haven't been able to return to work as a principal, and I kind of feel like people think I'm exaggerating this. I am super Type A, so laying down is not "my thing". I can't walk for more than 2-3 minutes at a time. Anyways, I see the surgeon again on Wednesday, don't want surgery, but I really want to be able to walk again. Each day seems soooooooo long. I'm glad to see so many people with so much collective knowledge. Nice to meet all of you!

[Anaberration]

Originally Posted by edugirl

Hello,

I am a 39 year old who has a ACDF in my upper spine two years ago. Now I have three ruptured discs with a fragment on my sciatic nerve in my lumbar spine. 4 weeks ago, I was doing the leg press at the gym and felt a pop and couldn't get back up, was caring out on a stretcher. I tried injections, Celebrex, neurontin (gave me crazy side effects), Norco, Valium, the works. I've slowly been getting worse, can't pick up my toes or move my left leg very well without dragging it. I'm in intense pain, haven't been able to return to work as a principal, and I kind of feel like people think I'm exaggerating this. I am super Type A, so laying down is not "my thing". I can't walk for more than 2-3 minutes at a time. Anyways, I see the surgeon again on Wednesday, don't want surgery, but I really want to be able to walk again. Each day seems soooooooo long. I'm glad to see so many people with so much collective knowledge. Nice to meet all of you!

Hiya, I am new here also and I wish you the best ! I can empathize with you in some respects, I won't lay down and cry either (won't do any good anyway, so why do it) and just because "my 2 disabilities are not visible, such as a lost limb" that doesn't mean it doesn't affect me. Be of good cheer, L8rs !

[Kitt]

Welcome edugirl.

[Kitt]

Just want to welcome you Anaberration.

[Darlene]

edugirl & Anaberration,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[Dr. Smith]

I've ruptured a few in my time, so I think I have an idea, but of course everyone is different, as are types/severity of herniations.

Mine have fortunately healed on their own—even those that have had multiple herniations (years apart). At least one (in my neck) has auto-fused. The only thing that's helped is time, moving around only as absolutely necessary and to keep things flexible/loose as possible. The last one (among others) also affected my sciatic nerve, and took several weeks to heal enough to function reasonably.

I hope your doctors are compassionate enough to give you something for the pain so you can get enough sleep; sleep is necessary to the healing process.

Here's a direct link to the Spinal Disorders & Back Pain forum.

Best wishes,

Doc