Charlie, the official diagnosis is spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. From the base of my skull to my tailbone, I've got arthritis. So far, they've located 6 herniated discs and 3 ruptured discs. I've got bone spurs that are displacing nerve roots on several levels, with all the associated numbness, loss of motor function and sciatica that goes with it.

Ten years ago they told me that I needed a 5 level lumbar fusion, but due to my size, age, and likelihood of needing even more fusions as the years went by, not a single surgeon would touch it.

I can drop a can of beans on either foot and not feel a thing. Walking is an adventure when you can't feel the ground, and I have to really watch the speedometer when I'm driving because I can't tell how much pressure I'm putting on the pedal. I use the cruise control a lot.

Kinda a bummer, but at least I can park right up front at Wally World. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>


Edited by - Arthur P on 02/05/2003 11:46:01