Susanna

Hi Bob,

I too am in lots of pain. You can look at my list below to see. I believe my area is similar to yours L4/5 orL5/S1.

Anyway, I have worked in "my" P.T. office as a sub at the front desk. I guess that's what happens when you are a patient there so long! lol

I have been a witness of what happens with WorkComp patients, also my sister has been a work Comp patient. Different states may handle things differently, IDK. I live in AK and my sister is in IL. Here in AK, the workComp patient will get to go to whatever doctor they want and what ever therapist they want. But when WorkComp says you are as best you are going to be, you are done. Chances are, they won't pay for a ADR. In IL you have to go to the DR they send you to. They will only do the surgery that that Dr. says is needed, even if you go to get a second opion on your own dime and that Dr. says you need a better surgery. No go, you only get what the WorkComp dr. says. And, you go back to work when the workComp doct says your better, even if P.T. says your not. That is true in AK and in IL.

Personally, I would see if you can find a trial that is going on. I know that there are people that have had more than one level done. I would talk to ALL OF THEM! Find out what their pain level is, how long its been, etc. Find out if you can get in on a trial. Thats what I'm doing. If I can at least get this one level done, maybe I can get rid of most of my pain. They believe that the other disk hasn't ruptured and is only looking funny as of yet. So hopefully if I don't get a fusion, I won't have problems with it.

I will keep you in my prayers!

Susanna