Won't be making the lunch ride next week. :(

[John Schmidt]

Got the results of the MRI, per the dr. it shows generally good condition with a couple bulging disks which I'm told nearly everyone has to some degree. However, in viewing the films I asked about one vertebrae in particular that didn't look the same as the rest. The dr. smiled and said "good eye....lucky you, now guess what that nerve branches off to." It's impinging on the Sciatic, the root of my pain. I meet tomorrow, Friday, for a consultaion with a pain management dr. prior to a series of epidural injections. Here's hoping it helps as much as in the past. If not, I have the name of a great spine surgeon that I'll be visiting. He likes to do minimally invasive procedures and specializes in such things.

As for my current state, out of necessity yesterday and today I'm on a walker but keep a cane handy in areas of the house where a walker is difficult to use; i.e., bathroom, laundry room, TV area. Our bathrooms & laundry are good sized but it's just easier to use the cane in/out of the shower, around the throne, or around the washer/dryer. Now to top it all off, Rita tripped going down the steps leading up to our TV room from the living room. Result, her right hip is giving her pain. Makes me feel bad since she was helping me by fixing a lunch and bringing it to me so I didn't have to get up. They say(whoever "they" are) that trials and tribulations build character. I've had about all the character building I want, this has been going on just shy of a year and it's only getting worse. But....it's a beautiful day outside and my lady love at my side. What more can you ask for?  

[Grumpy]

Sorry to hear you are still having problems. Hope fully the treatments will bring some relief. I have been through severe back problems, and I know how debilitating it can be. And Bless Rita, even with her problems she is a trooper. How would we do with out them, mine went through hell with me this year, and never a complaint. 

[larue]

Hope you ll show some progress soon John.

[Tundra]

Sorry to hear this John, we hope you find some relief soon.

[IamGCW]

I wish you well in recovering.  At least the weather is better/cooler so you can get outside and enjoy time with the wife.

Gil

[Flrider]

John

Knowing the root of the problem is a positive and a step on the right direction,
Hope the epidural injections help out so there is no need for back surgery but if you have to, minimal invasion surgery would be the way to go.
You and Rita take care and heal soon 

[Bronxboy]

Went thru the same thing as u years ago. Surgery was the only thing that got me back to normal again. Good Luck, I know what the pain of just trying to put on your socks was like. Hope all works out for you...Get Well Soon.

[TJ]

Thinking of you & Rita and wishing you both great health soon ... 

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

Imagine All Of This At Forty-Eight Years Old !  It Sounds Like You And The Dr. Have The Main Source Of Your Spinal Problems Pin-Pointed. Hope You And Rita Get To Feeliung Better Soon.

[flsix]

John, I'm glad the Doc has a good idea where the point of origin is in regards to your ongoing pain. I pray the solution is right around the corner and you will be able to do some riding this fall and winter.

[John Schmidt]

Met with the pain management dr. today, he's the one that will be doing the injections. He did concur with the spine spec./orthopedist, said he had seen similar cases numerous times. It will take a few days for my secondary insurance to give the OK, then I'll make the appt. It will be set up for three injections 2 wks. apart, here's hoping it works out as good as in the past.

[DD]

{{Hugs}}    kisses    {{Hugs}}    kisses  hope you start feeling better soon. 

[John Schmidt]

Thanks Deb, this is getting old...not being able to do anything.