[dshobbies]

Hi NH17,

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry your circumstances find you in constant pain but we've been there, done that... at least some of us. Others are still suffering and like you, don't know which direction to turn.

Usually, the standard advise is get yourself educated and find a good doctor with perhaps a second or third opinion. Though this is sound advise, with nerve damage, your situation might be a little more urgent. You have to decrease the pressure on your spinal cord before this damage becomes permanant. Also, the longer the pressure is allowed to remain, the longer the healing process as nerves VERY slowly regenerate, if at all.

I'm probably scaring you and that's not my intent, but you may not have the luxury of a wait and see. If you've already tried non-invasive therapies, you also may not be able to avoid surgery. An ADR and fusion is not a bad way to go if S1/L5 is the fusion site with an ADR at L4/5. Is there a reason you cannot get 2 ADRs?

Is this a worker's comp case? Are they willing to pay for your ADR? If insurance is covering this, they may not though I understand some are beginning to come around. What are the ages of your children? Do you have help with them? Will someone be able to help you after the surgery?

So, you need to educate yourself quickly. You should consult with Mark. Not only is he quite knowledgable but he may know a doctor in your area. You have a lot on your plate and probably feel like a chicken with no head. You'll feel better after talking to Mark, please trust me on that. He's very calming. Having walked in your shoes, I know you're frantic. Calm yourself, breathe and may 2010 be a pain free for you. Surgery is a scary proposition for everyone but it is what it is.

I wish you all the luck, Dale