Hi all ...

I've had back pain on and off for the last several years, tried going the chiro route and in February, started having lower shin numbness. Told my chiro, she went ahead and adjusted me and as soon as I got in the car to go home, the pain was unbearable. And the leg pain continued for the next 2 weeks - I couldn't sit, stand, sleep ... I laid on my side for 14 days and woke up sobbing in the middle of the night.

Finally got into an orthopedist, and had an MRI ... I've attached the pic. (Cheesy red arrow added by me!)

There's a massive fragment blocking about 70% of my spinal canal, I have foot drop and my doctor can't believe I'm not in more pain and having other issues. (Turning 40 has been wonderful!)

I'm scheduled for L4-L5 decompression and possible fusion - he'll decide once he goes in if he'll do the fusion.

This is all happening so quickly ... and I'm hoping someone who's gone through something similar can add their thoughts & experiences.

My surgeon said no cooking/cleaning for 2 - 3 months. This large amount of time is shocking to me ... it seems, so ... well, long.

How long will it be before I can drive again?

Am I really going to be down for the count for 2 - 3 months?

Is there a big difference in recovery time between just having the decompression and having that and a fusion?

Attached Images

spine.jpg (75.9 KB, 957 views)