Thoracic Options - What to do?

[Shebo]

I guess it's good that we all have a positive attitude and expect to bounce right back. It can also be disappointing. I have had to learn patience and take each day as it is.

I understand about the sewing. I can't stand or sit long enough to make any outfits and my mending basket is sky high. It sounds like we are in the same boat, Stitch, I was working also but just getting to work became too much for me. So, we came to a mutual agreement and I was replaced. Thank goodness for great husbands. As you said, my husband is also very understanding and has taken on everything. I do what I can, when I can. We have only been married 1 year. This isn't exactly what we had planned for our first year!

[Stitch]

Hey KBear,
I'll beat you. I asked how long I'd be off work, was told 6 weeks, and I thought that would be the end of it! I didn't consider myself a "back patient" so I knew nothing of what I was getting into. It was as if I had been injured that morning and I was getting the emergency surgery I should have gotten 17 years ago. I have read a couple of posts on other sites about taking so long to recover, but I guess I just didn't want to be in that group. I didn't know the restrictions would last for a whole year. They should be lifted at my April appt. So far the fusion is healing well. Unfortunately, the fusion and muscles are separate issues. Still, for what I've been through, I guess I'm doing pretty well.

[Hooch]

Hi Stitch, it's unbelievable that it took 15 years for someone to check your thoracic spine with those neurolgical symptoms.

That's a big fusion, I'm sure there's still improvement left yet, espescially since you haven't even been cleared for PT yet. I hope it improves.

Best.

[Shebo]

I agree, that is unbelievable. But, I do understand the frustration. My IM doctor told me that there was no possible way that my pain was coming from my back. This is after she ran every possible test on my gut. She sent me to a GI guy and he even said it looks like it was my back but she disagreed with him. I can't imagine dealing with that kind of frustration for 15 years.

[I'm scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday because I've already started having low back issues.]
I hope its just musclular pain and you don't have any more issues. My low back is bothering me constantly from lack of movement. I do some stretches that I got from PT and it helps. Keep us updated. Take care.