It is worse than I thought

**sportsnut3007** · 12-16-2009, 07:40 PM

Hello all, I did think my spine issues were just a herniated disc at l5-s1 which sucks, but not too big of a deal. Well today went to the dr, I learned I have Degenerative disc disease at l4-l5, and l5-s1. The disc height is still good, but just black mostly

. So if anybody has articles on how to live with this it would be appreciated. Honestly, I know im looking at fusion, adr, nucleus replacement, and hoping and praying they get those injections they can inject into the disc that rehydrate it approved soon!!! Im just hoping all that stuff I may need they master technological wise and that I dont need it for awhile. Right now Im just going to do pt and stuff i guess. Is that the best route to wait to see if the disc height starts to get a good bit lower then worry about nucleus replacement? Also, the Dr said its just bad genetics when I asked if it could be a result of my frequent urination issue, he said no just bad genes but idk, what do yall all think? Well God speed to all, peace out.

**ajj1001** · 12-17-2009, 03:47 AM

Originally Posted by sportsnut3007

the Dr said its just bad genetics when I asked if it could be a result of my frequent urination issue, he said no just bad genes but idk, what do yall all think? Well God speed to all, peace out.

I have looked and looked to find a reason for my DDD (traced my biological family in case there was something hidden there but there wasn't). In the end I have just had to accept it was one of those things

.

Hope your PT helps keep you going.

**Dave** · 12-17-2009, 05:54 AM

It always sounds worse when you first hear it. When I received my MRI results I was freaking out, but after a little bit of research and help from the folks here, my panic subsided. I have a messed up neck and lower back and am in the process of getting them repaired. Remember, surgery is the very last step to take. Exhaust "all" conservative therapies first. One day at a time and do your best to remain calm and in as little pain as possible. I just had injections at several levels and they appear to be working much better than the last ones. Today I have maybe 25% of the normal pain. That is awesome.

Hang in there, take it easy and continue with the PT. A strong core will result in quicker healing when you do have surgery.

**Justin** · 12-17-2009, 09:56 AM

SN,

You have some great advice above. I would also keep my core a priority and avoid high-impact, "spine-unfriendly" activities. If I were in your shoes, I would keep my eye on Dr. Kevin Pauza and his work with Fibrin Sealant.

Be well.

**sportsnut3007** · 12-17-2009, 02:32 PM

Hey justin thanks for the heads up. It looks like promising stuff. Hopefully it can help regenerate my discs in 5-10 years i guess. I also know that depuy has the protein in clinical trials where they are seeing really good results with that. Its too bad i did a stupid thing and injured my back. If I would have been "normal" and waited till i was in mid 40's at least to have degeneration, I would probbably be fixed up pretty well with all the new things they are working on. You think that fibrin stuff will be fda approved within 6 years or so?