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

Arthur P, sorry to hear that.You have more going on then I do, guess my life ain't so bad.I have DDD myself.Your symptoms sound similar to mine. At one point I could've rented my left leg out for a dart board and not felt a thing.

I've got two cages in l5/S1 and a heat fusion was done six monthes later on L4/L5. I'm looking at more fusions down the road,be 40 in April.

I don't have to check the weather channel to know when a front is approaching,that's for sure.It has made me realize (back problems) is how precious the good days are and what a good wife is all about.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote<font size=1 face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>It has made me realize (back problems) is how precious the good days are and what a good wife is all about.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2 id=quote>

Amen to that, brother!

Arthur & Charlie, I know where you are coming from, I have the same thing only no where near as advanced as yours, the restrictions and problems are strictly in my neck and through traction and exercise I so far have maintained the feeling in my fingers and also stay fairly pain free(by my standards). How old are you guys, I was diagnosed with this about 5 or 6 years ago, I am 49.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Proud father of a Devil Dog

I'm almost 51.

Hope thundermug's feeling better after watching us inventory our aches and pains.

Well, it looks like I've got some company here! I've been refered to a spine center for pain management. I've ruptured all of my lumbar discs at one time or another, and have arthur as a friend in the cervical and lumber portions of my back. the lumber is from a fracture of one of the vertebra.

This year is the worst I have ever felt.

FOOLPROOF?
Never underestimate the power of a fool!

What if the &quot;Hokey Pokey&quot; really is what it's all about?