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 was explained to me by a Chiropractor and GP some years ago in this way; the disc between the L1 thru L5 vertebrae are dissolving and before the vertebrae fuse together, they are in what is called and unstable period. I am currently having problems just like when it was explained to me over 20 years ago and I have been to the Conservative Back Clinic. No one has ordered any x-rays and they really don't know what is happening.
Their solution is for me to do exercises to strengthen my core muscles. Good idea, I am taking Norco and it doesn't really mask the pain and they want me to twist and shout. Not happening.
A year ago I had 40 days of x-rays in that area and don't really want more but have resigned to having it done. My question centers around what if they find real severe damage and I have to have a spinal fusion operation done. I know we are all different but I like to drive about four to six hours in a day, 250 to 350 miles. I'm a little concerned. I love my Flexsteel captains seats and they usually help relieve any pain I have. It's just that this is really big time and I'm 74, overweight and somewhat out of shape due to three joint replacement in the last six years.
I've been looking at a replacement for our rig but this is causing second guessing. It's not so much the money, it's what if I can't drive my dream and have just bought something I really want, what if those thousands of dollars sit and rot like this one did while we were caregivers for my DMIL. What if the pain is still there?
The DW is sympathetic but says at least, "do what feels best, we'll be fine". The DDs say the same thing, the DGKs just want to know how long it will be before we can go camping again.
For the first time in my life, the questions are making ne nervous, the answers are just plain scaring the cr#p out of me. I've been in some tight places in my life and I've never been afraid before. Even when we had a very short life expediency if we were discovered, it was an adventure, this isn't. I've never had to have anyone help in anyway, sorry J. Lenon. Now I have to let guys and gals that are 50 or 60 years younger than I, open doors for me, help me out of a chair.
I just don't know how to accept this one.
Thanks for listening, I'm going to hobble in to the living room and kiss the DW. At least that never changes, she kisses back.
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 was explained to me by a Chiropractor and GP some years ago in this way; the disc between the L1 thru L5 vertebrae are dissolving and before the vertebrae fuse together, they are in what is called and unstable period. I am currently having problems just like when it was explained to me over 20 years ago and I have been to the Conservative Back Clinic. No one has ordered any x-rays and they really don't know what is happening.
Their solution is for me to do exercises to strengthen my core muscles. Good idea, I am taking Norco and it doesn't really mask the pain and they want me to twist and shout. Not happening.
A year ago I had 40 days of x-rays in that area and don't really want more but have resigned to having it done. My question centers around what if they find real severe damage and I have to have a spinal fusion operation done. I know we are all different but I like to drive about four to six hours in a day, 250 to 350 miles. I'm a little concerned. I love my Flexsteel captains seats and they usually help relieve any pain I have. It's just that this is really big time and I'm 74, overweight and somewhat out of shape due to three joint replacement in the last six years.
I've been looking at a replacement for our rig but this is causing second guessing. It's not so much the money, it's what if I can't drive my dream and have just bought something I really want, what if those thousands of dollars sit and rot like this one did while we were caregivers for my DMIL. What if the pain is still there?
The DW is sympathetic but says at least, "do what feels best, we'll be fine". The DDs say the same thing, the DGKs just want to know how long it will be before we can go camping again.
For the first time in my life, the questions are making ne nervous, the answers are just plain scaring the cr#p out of me. I've been in some tight places in my life and I've never been afraid before. Even when we had a very short life expediency if we were discovered, it was an adventure, this isn't. I've never had to have anyone help in anyway, sorry J. Lenon. Now I have to let guys and gals that are 50 or 60 years younger than I, open doors for me, help me out of a chair.
I just don't know how to accept this one.
Thanks for listening, I'm going to hobble in to the living room and kiss the DW. At least that never changes, she kisses back.
