Thinking ahead re: back problems---UPDATE---
See update on second page. I have a great HMO but, a very cautious one that does a lot of very conservative procedures before sending a patient to a specialist . I have a problem with my back, it ...
Forum Discussion
So sorry to hear of your issues. I blew out a disc and have been on worker's comp for over a year. During this time, my teenage boys have learned a lot and stepped up to the plate to help out and repair things, like car maintenance, house stuff, etc. It is hard for me to just verbalize what we need to do, and it's something I enjoy, so it's hard to just watch. So sometimes I get wrenched up doing things I shouldn't. I too scare people around me with my random groans and grunts.
I had the fusion surgery, it helped but caused other issues. I do however feel better being 9 months post-op. I still can not walk far normally. I do better in stores pushing a cart, without it I don't last long. Some days I need to use the electric carts. As for driving, I have to frequently adjust my position, even as a passenger, but I do better as a driver. I think because of the steering wheel adding support and enabling me to pull myself better to re position.
I would think with the GKs getting older, they can help out a bit with setting up and learn about it at the same time. I let my boys go off on their own for hikes and kayaking. Lots of times, the DW will join them. I keep my phone handy for questions and pics of things they think I'd like to see. Meanwhile I stay back and prepare meals and take life slow and easy. I push myself when I can on "good" days and rest up on the bad ones.
We are all different, I'm 45, overweight and very much out of shape now that I had been laid up for over a year. I am slowly getting back to living again. Pain management is usually good, has been for me. There are options out there for people like you and I, besides narcotic meds. Perhaps a spinal cord stimulator. It's minimally invasive and 100% reversible. Also they do a trial period before committing to the full procedure. Perhaps some meds combined with therapies that are relatively safe, Gabapentin is one that has minimal side effects, there are others. I've been off the Percocet for quite some time since I started it after surgery. Prior to that I was on Norco, but it was pretty ineffective.
I am unable to take anti-inflammatory (Nsaids) placing a large limit on effective meds for me. My pain management, monitors my blood for functions and effects of meds (IE Liver function, etc) and adjusts things as needed. Hopefully you will have good results with your Doctor.
Best of luck and wishes for you and yours!
I had the fusion surgery, it helped but caused other issues. I do however feel better being 9 months post-op. I still can not walk far normally. I do better in stores pushing a cart, without it I don't last long. Some days I need to use the electric carts. As for driving, I have to frequently adjust my position, even as a passenger, but I do better as a driver. I think because of the steering wheel adding support and enabling me to pull myself better to re position.
I would think with the GKs getting older, they can help out a bit with setting up and learn about it at the same time. I let my boys go off on their own for hikes and kayaking. Lots of times, the DW will join them. I keep my phone handy for questions and pics of things they think I'd like to see. Meanwhile I stay back and prepare meals and take life slow and easy. I push myself when I can on "good" days and rest up on the bad ones.
We are all different, I'm 45, overweight and very much out of shape now that I had been laid up for over a year. I am slowly getting back to living again. Pain management is usually good, has been for me. There are options out there for people like you and I, besides narcotic meds. Perhaps a spinal cord stimulator. It's minimally invasive and 100% reversible. Also they do a trial period before committing to the full procedure. Perhaps some meds combined with therapies that are relatively safe, Gabapentin is one that has minimal side effects, there are others. I've been off the Percocet for quite some time since I started it after surgery. Prior to that I was on Norco, but it was pretty ineffective.
I am unable to take anti-inflammatory (Nsaids) placing a large limit on effective meds for me. My pain management, monitors my blood for functions and effects of meds (IE Liver function, etc) and adjusts things as needed. Hopefully you will have good results with your Doctor.
Best of luck and wishes for you and yours!
