New Member Intro: Rgutshall

[rgutshall]

Hi! I am just joining a forum after almost 9 years of spinal issues. Go figure. I always get to the party a little later than most people. I have had two major surgeries, more than 20 total injections of one kind or another, a disco-gram (if your doc asks you to have one... run... seriously... RUN, worst thing I have EVER experienced in my life), been to physical therapy at least six times in five years, and am now on some pretty strong medications that I hate, but can't function without. I am 100% disabled and cannot work. So I have a lot of time to sit and think. All day, every day. I am currently awaiting a decision for an appeal with my insurance company for a two level spinal fusion. Apparently, spinal fusions are experimental and not medically necessary these days. I have lost motor function of my left leg completely and am relegated to a corner of the couch for most of the day, unless I HAVE to get up for some reason. I am happy to be with others that understand what I am dealing with and what I have dealt with in the past. I hope to find some insight and support here.

So, that's me. Let me know if there's anything you want to know!

~Rhianna

[Justin]

Hi Rhianna,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

It sounds like you have been through quite a bit. When you say you have lost motor function of your left leg completely, do you mean that you utilize adaptive equipment (rolling walker, wheel chair, etc.)?

Are you planning on having the artificial discs explanted or fused over in place?

Once again, welcome and feel free to make yourself at home...ask questions, reach out to other SPS Members, etc.

[rgutshall]

Hi Rhianna,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

It sounds like you have been through quite a bit. When you say you have lost motor function of your left leg completely, do you mean that you utilize adaptive equipment (rolling walker, wheel chair, etc.)?

Are you planning on having the artificial discs explanted or fused over in place?

Once again, welcome and feel free to make yourself at home...ask questions, reach out to other SPS Members, etc.

I am currently using a walker at home... I have a very small apartment, so getting around is easier than it is when I leave home. When I'm not here, I have to use a wheelchair. If I try to walk more than twenty or thirty feet, the pain intensifies to a point that I cannot endure. My doctor will be removing the artificial discs and fusing over in place. They originally did the ADR because I am young and having the mobility made more sense. However, since I have never been anything but a medical special case across the board, I am one of the few younger people that it did not work for. Having the mobility causes me to have extreme nerve discomfort/pinching and the muscles are constantly aggravated. I am constantly swollen in my lower back region. I lost feeling completely in my left foot and leg about six months ago and am now at about 50% in my right foot. My surgeon, Dr. James Billys, out of Brandon, Fl, decided that fusion, where mobility is less, is better for me. He is still deciding whether to remove my DIAM since it is not helping me in any way. I was part of a only 3% failure rate for my DIAM interspinous spacer surgery.