New Member looking for advice/support for a possible ALIF

[Ashley]

Hello,

I am pretty excited to have found this site. I have felt so alone in my decision to possibly have an ALIF. My family is not supportive. They think that I should just exercise and continue non-invasive treatments. Unfortunately, these haven't worked and I am at the end of my rope. I don't take pain meds and I think the constant pain is really wearing on me. At my last appointment with my neurosurgeon (who is great), we discussed all of my options and came up with the last two that I haven't tried: pain meds or surgery. I am not a big fan of pain meds, so we set up an appointment for a discogram. Surgery is not set in stone. We are going to review the results of the discogram and go from there, but I just wish people would understand where I am coming from. I don't like the idea of getting shots and taking medication for the rest of my life. I am only 32!

Sorry if I have vented. It is my first time here. Had to get it all out

Ashley

[ajj1001]

hi ashley, I had my first surgery at a similar age and wish u could of done anything else (waiting for my 3rd op)

I know meds aren't good but sometimes taking them means you can do rehab and get stronger and then stop them.

how long have you tried conservative treatments?
anyway welcome and hope the disco isn't too bad, are you having sedation?

alison x

[Ashley]

Hi Alison,

Sorry for the delayed response. I had to finish the end of my school semester. So, I had my discogram yesterday. No sedation, but it wasn't too bad. I think I read too much about it and was really worried. The radiologist was great and did not push me beyond my limit. To answer some of your other questions, I have tried conservative treatments for my back pain for about 5 years, but I didn't know that it was a herniated disc until 1 year ago. Since then, I have tried PT, chiropractor, and epidural steroid injection. I am trying to gain the strength to exercise, but I am scared to make my back worse. Even though I got the discogram, I am not 100% sold on getting the surgery. I happen to work in an ICU as a monitor technician, which is why I am very reluctant to take pain meds. I have seen how much they can change a person's life. Of course, that isn't to say I wouldn't take them temporarily if I got the surgery.

Thanks for your input.

Ashley

[ajj1001]

Glad it went well. Swimming has been a real life saver for me, no impact and I have learnt how to do without flexing my spine (floats, belts and stroke techniques). Did the disc show as the source of your pain?

[Cindylou]

Welcome Ashley, yes that is what I was wondering.....what did the discogram show in terms of pain generators? Cindylou

[Ashley]

Although I don't have the official results yet, the radiologist told me that my L4/L5 disc was fine, but he could see that my L5/S1 disc was quite degenerated and is the source of my pain. I meet with my neurosurgeon next week to talk about the results and how to proceed. Fortunately, I have a wonderful doctor who is very supportive. He basically told me that this condition is not going to kill me and I could live the rest of my life without getting the surgery. Personally, I am concerned for my quality of life. That is where I am at, for the moment.

[Cindylou]

It's so great you have such a supportive Dr. That is huge, isn't it? And thanks for your answers. Looks like you'll be more in the know after your appt. next week. Good luck! Keep us informed. We care, Cindylou