Am I going to be broken forever?

So I dont have any experience with Cox and their Doctors. But I'll share my story.

Mid 2005 I start experiencing back pain. It progressively gets worse and worse. I cant climb stairs, walk great distances or sleep on my back. I worked 3rd shift, so one night I walk up to get ready for work .. the second my feet hit the floor and I stand up I experienced great pain shooting from my back down both my legs. It felt like I was getting "shocked". Over the night few days my feet go numb. I made an appt with my Doctor (he is with Mercy, back then it was St. Johns). He did an exam and some tests in his office and then referred me to have a MRI the next day. His office then made a referral to an neurosurgeon, Dr Lee, who is with Mercy. I had 2 herniated discs that were pushing against the nerve that runs thru my spine which was causing the loss of sensation or reflexes in both of my legs. Surgeon office quickly makes an appointment for the surgery. The hospital stay was 3 days and I started PT a month later.

But still for years off and on I had back pain, 4/10 lets say but it was tolerable on most days.

Again Mid 2010, I start experiencing daily back pain that is progressively getting worse. I knew in the back of my head the discs had herniated again. Labor Day morning I'm getting ready for work I bend over to put my shoes on and boom I feel a huge poop motion in my back and then the "shocking" feeling down my left leg. The pain is easy 10/10. I go to the E.R. on the North Side. They gave me Morphine and sent me home with a prescription for more pain medication. I have to wait to get in to see my Doctor but I finally do see him and he sends me off for a MRI. The exact 2 discs from before have herniated again just in a different direction this time. I go back to Dr. Lee and he suggests a fusion this time. Which is basically using rods an screws to hold the vertebrae in place to stop the discs from moving. Hospital stay was much longer this time, 3 weeks, because of surgical complications. This time instead of traditional PT, I go to water PT to strengthen my core and help with my balance issues.

Pain is back to tolerable unless I over due it physically. With that said, what is tolerable to me would probably have someone who hasnt experienced back pain restricted to bed. But bodies can become conditioned to some pain :( I also from time to time experience extreme nerve pain still in my left foot and ankle, like hundred needles poking my skin or a wool SOS pad scrubbing my skin. That sensation will have me in tears and theres nothing that helps it, not even strong pain medication.

Back in 2013 I tried the injections but they didnt help with the pain. Whats really unfortunate is because the abuse of narcotics Doctors are very hesitate at prescribing them. I used to see a Dr at the pain clinic on the North side, which has since closed. I'd go every couple of month and for pain medication as needed. I didnt take them daily because I didnt want to get addicted or build up a tolerance. I'm hoping to qualify for the marijuana medical card in the future, but we'll see.

Anyways, my experience isnt like most people with back pain. My issues were considered emergencies since the main nerve was impacted. I've heard other people go thru months or years of physical therapy and injections before surgery is required.

Couple of things to think about is getting long term disability insurance if your work offers them. You can also purchase it privately. When and if surgery is ever suggested investigate the surgeon. Dont just accept who ever they send you to. Also are you require to stay in the Coxs system? Theres a back clinic on S. National (north of Battlefield) you may want to look into. Are you sleeping on my firm bed? You need as much support as possible. Also look into getting a brace for your back.

Dont think about the "forevers" when it comes to back pain. Focus on your thoughts on starting PT and building your core strength up.

/r/springfieldMO Thread