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Author
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Topic: Back Aspiration
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Andy L
HI, I'M THE NEW MODERATOR OF THE CENTRAL MISSOURI FORUM, PULL MY FINGER!
Member # 642
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posted September 22, 2010 03:34 PM
So I wouldnt hijack the other thread,and some seemed interested, I thought I would pass along just how bad yesterday sucked.
I spent an hour and a half, laying on my stomach with a huge needle in my spine, going in and out of a CT machine, so I couldnt move at all. He would move the needle, slide me in, take a pic, look, move the needle and so on. Ended up, he got 3 cc of fluid. He said there was 5x that much matter in there causing problems, but that was all that was thin enough he could get it out. Only way is another surgery. And, he said I had a ton of calcium buildup, already, that would turn into more bone spurs, the main reason I had the surgery in May. And, to top it off, the fluid he did get off created space and vaccum and will fill back up quickly.
So, it was a big painful waste of time and money. Lots of money. This is going to be an ongoing process the rest of my life. He basically said at first I have a very complex back, translated into it sucks.
I dont know what the fuck to do. I cant afford another surgery now. Between the economy and the surgeries I had last year and this year, its drained me. Im at wits end and depressed as hell. I just dont know what to do. Anyone that has had back pain knows what Im saying.
Sorry to whine on a open board, but thought some of my friends might be interested.
Anyone got Kevorkians number and what he charges for a house call? Might be the best option.
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Andy
Posts: 2645 | From: Central Missouri | Registered: Apr 2005
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nd coyote killer
HUNTMASTER PRO STAFF
Member # 40
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posted September 22, 2010 04:06 PM
I know someone very well that has had two back surgeries and deals with a lot of pain. He uses whiskey and oxycodon or morphine if it gets bad enough. Sorry to hear about that man i've seen him trying to call coyotes and howling from the pain louder than me blowing on the handcall.
One day at a time!!
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"Sure are cocky for a starving pilgrim" - Bear Claw
Posts: 385 | From: On a hill | Registered: Jan 2003
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Paul Melching
Radical Operator Forum "You won't get past the front gate"
Member # 885
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posted September 22, 2010 04:28 PM
I have a friend that has a morphine pump in his body it drips morphine directly onto the nerve so that addiction is not an issue , has to go in for a battery change every so often. the doctor that installed the pump said the only cure was a time machine and go back and never have the first surgery. I was told by an orthopedist that I should run from any doctor that wants to cut into my back. I have pain daily but its livable. some days are worse than others. I dont drink and I avoid drugs like the plauge. Not much relief in that lifstyle.But I do get up in the morning knowing thats about as good or bad as I am gonna feel all day. Hope it moderates and you can get better Andy.
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Those who value security over liberty soon will have neither !
Posts: 4188 | From: The forest ! north of the dez. | Registered: Jul 2006
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Andy L
HI, I'M THE NEW MODERATOR OF THE CENTRAL MISSOURI FORUM, PULL MY FINGER!
Member # 642
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posted September 22, 2010 04:28 PM
I feel for your friend ND. Some people are quick to judge on people that take pain killers. I spent three years on Oxycontin when I had my first back surgery, double fusion. Scar tissue was growing and wouldnt stop. It was a hell of a process to get that under control. Then I was good to go for about 3 years. Now, Im back in the same shape.
However, I refuse to take Oxycontin. Its a wonderful pain killer, but getting off that stuff is a trip thru hell. I have a few demerol for the absolute worst of times. But normally just a few hydrocodones and a muscle relaxor along with a heat pad or ice pack will get it under control for a while.
People can say what they want, but back pain is a horrible, horrible thing. If you are in enough pain, you will welcome pain killers and damn the dipshits that put you down for it. They are just showing their ignorance.
Give your friend all the help you can. Just the fact that he is trying to get out there and hunt is a big thing for him. That says alot about your character.
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Andy
Posts: 2645 | From: Central Missouri | Registered: Apr 2005
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Cdog911
"There are some ideas so absurd only an intellectual could believe them."--George Orwell.
Member # 7
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posted September 22, 2010 04:41 PM
Sorry to hear this news, Andy. Just the episode or two I had with that disc bulging was enough for me to wanna shit nekid babies, so I can somewhat empathize with you. My brother had back surgery for spurs and when asked if it was the right thing to do, his reply was that he still has a lot of pain, just different pain. Doesn't know if it was a good trade. I've yet to find anyone who is convinced that their surgery fixed anything, let alone everything. As you're learning, all the crap we did as dick hard head strong teenagers - back when we were bullet proof - comes around to haunt us when all that pain and inflammation begins to calcify and form solid knots. My boss's wife actually tore the outer sheath of one sciatic nerve and she is in excutiating pain 24X7. They eventually installed a small unit like a TENS unit, beneath her skin with electrode wires running embedded right into the nerve itself. It emits a very low current which constantly fires the nerve in such a way that the nerve remains constantly overused and, thus, exhausted so badly that it doesn't work normally and she has less pain. She carries a credit card-sized remote with which she can raise or lower the current as needed. Even with that technology and price ($50k), the best she gets out of it is that it "takes the edge off".
I know it doesn't make you feel any better, but stories like yours and some of the rest of the guys around here are the reason that I treat my back and neck with kid gloves. If I experience even the slightest twinge of pain, I shut down what I'm doing and go into treatment mode, whether it's my naproxen, tramadol, TENS, hot tub, Ronnie's pain balm, stretching, whatever. Two weeks ago, I had both neck and back giving me fits and I only had about half the control of my left side as usual. Hand didn't want to grab and leg was like dragging a club. Thought I'd had a stroke.
Good luck, and we need to get you hooked up with varmit hunter (Ronnie). He might have some ideas for you with all he's been through. If there's anything any of us can do, just let us know.
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I am only one. But still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something; and, because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
Posts: 5440 | From: The gun-lovin', gun-friendly wild, wild west | Registered: Jan 2003
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Lonny
PANTS ON THE GROUND
Member # 19
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posted September 22, 2010 05:00 PM
Sorry to hear the news Andy. I was hoping you had turned the corner after your last surgery.
I'm no psychologist, but the pain along with money worries and constantly feeling like shit, might be a reason to search out somebody to talk with who helps people suffering from chronic pain. I know, more money drained away for something that may be a joke, but we are taking about your life here.
Hang in there buddy your family needs you! Hell this country needs you.
Posts: 1209 | From: Lewiston, Idaho USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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George Ackley
Knows what it's all about
Member # 898
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posted September 22, 2010 05:02 PM
Mr. Andy I feel yea pal,, I am not going to make along post, but not so long ago I was having my knees drained just about every 3 days, but know i have 2 total replacements , so I only get my wrist and one elbow drained each week ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif) what about the length of that asperation needle ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
every 21 days I get a 5 hour infusion . ,
I take (in high doses) methotrexate once a week and then you have the everyday ritual of Prednisone and a hand full of others.
if I told yea how many cc they take out of my joints you most likely wouldn't believe me.
but this all lead up to back pain,,, never had it till i put on my last 75lb , my adult life i was at 280 to 300lbs but these meds are killing me i am at 380lb's now the when i get back pain it get so bad I cant get out of bed or stand up some mornings. other times it just takes a wrong move and its like a lightning bolt hits me in the lower spine and puts me on the ground..... I know all about that needle you just had also , so yes I feel for yea pal .
Andy i wouldn't take the oxeys, they scare me pal but i did have truble stopping the purks. cold sweets and my mined wouldn't slow down couldn't sleep up all night with my brain going a mile i minuet now for pain when i need it on bad days i take Naproxen its not so bad
let me know if there is anything i can ever do pal..
Posts: 465 | From: PHILA . PA | Registered: Jul 2006
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Dave Allen
Hi, I'm SUPER DAVE, IN CHARGE OF Q STUFF (and Goat Leader) "I'm really not trying to be a dick".
Member # 3102
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posted September 22, 2010 05:02 PM
Sorry Andy thats gotta' suck for ya..
My Mother has had three back surgeries in recent years, I "cringed" about the 1st one, based upon stories I've heard from others saying dont do it, but what the Hell do ya do ? If you're in pain ?
Anyway like Pauls friend, she also has a "morphine" pump, to manage the pain. Probably not what you want too hear, and hopefully wont apply in you're situation.
I wish ya the best dude..
[ September 22, 2010, 05:07 PM: Message edited by: Dave Allen ]
Posts: 1986 | From: Jordan Valley Oregon | Registered: Aug 2008
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Possumal
HONORARY CALLS FORUM MODERATOR edit: AND TOKEN LIBERAL
Member # 823
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posted September 22, 2010 05:02 PM
Andy, as you said, that sucks. I know we will all keep you in our thoughts and prayers hoping you have a speedy recovery. Don't give up no matter what.
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Al Prather
Foxpro Field Staff
Posts: 781 | From: Nicholasville, Ky. | Registered: Mar 2006
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Rich
2,000th post PAKMAN
Member # 112
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posted September 22, 2010 05:51 PM
Andy,
I'm sorry to hear of your back problems. Nothing can knock a man down like back pain. It will make a grown man feel like a baby. I hope the doctors find some relief for you.
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If you call the coyotes in close, you won't NEED a high dollar range finder.
Posts: 2854 | From: Iowa | Registered: Feb 2003
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Lone Howl
Free Trial Platinum Member & part-time language police
Member # 29
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posted September 22, 2010 06:09 PM
Man that sucks, sorry to hear it. Back pain is terrible for sure.
Mark
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When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.
Posts: 2083 | From: Texas | Registered: Jan 2003
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Bopeye
PLATINUM MEMBER
Member # 907
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posted September 22, 2010 07:19 PM
Andy, I don't know you but I can sure sympathize with you. I really hope you can get some relief somehow. Oxy's are a scary sucker, but I do know a man will do whatever just to be able to walk or sit down. I have a cousin in Kansas on the "TENS" thing that was mentioned. It doesn't help a whole lot, but he said he could cut down on the pain killers.
I had a Thoracic Laminectomy in May '08 where they removed part of my T-10 and I know some of what you are feeling. Percocet 15's were just a way of life along with monthly shots directly into the spine. I finally quit those on June 26th, but I gotta tell you, there are times I would welcome just about anything to kill the pain.
I'm pulling for ya man and wish.......well you know.
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Predator Masters, where all the good coyote hunters have already left.
www.easterncoyotes.com
Posts: 58 | From: East Tennessee | Registered: Jul 2006
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Bopeye
PLATINUM MEMBER
Member # 907
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posted September 22, 2010 07:22 PM
By the way, for anyone thinking about stopping codone cold turkey......be ready to ride the lightening for a few days. I laid on my couch for four days solid. Vomited, shakes, sweats, hallucinations.....but I did make it out. Not sure if I feel better, but at least my mind doesn't feel fogged up all the time.
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Predator Masters, where all the good coyote hunters have already left.
www.easterncoyotes.com
Posts: 58 | From: East Tennessee | Registered: Jul 2006
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Randy Roede
"It's Roede, like in Yotie
Member # 1273
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posted September 22, 2010 07:43 PM
Andy, dam, nothin worse than a bad back! Dam hard to do anything without it botherin.
Ya know this may be related to this FP deal!!!
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The only person dumber than the village idiot is the person who argues with him!
Posts: 669 | From: Pierre SD | Registered: Mar 2007
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted September 22, 2010 07:59 PM
Hang in there Andy. You ain't using a little back pain as an excuse to miss the ronde, is ya? Bad joke, sorry. I do know something about pain. Having it, that is. Mine moves around, hip, lumbar, legs, etc.
I have spinal stenosis and WAS taking Hyracodone. Eh, sorta okay.
But, now I take morphine sulphate and it's great. I hardly have any symptoms anymore. Just numbness in my toes, right now. I'm supposed to take 2 30mg a day but I only take one in the morning and if I have trouble, I take a half a Percocet or half a hydrocadone. I can't take the whole pill, makes me noxious so I don't even space it out. Basically, I try to get by on half a dose of whatever it is.
Wish I could take Naproxin, but they won't let me because of my kidneys which are a little underperforming.
But, as an alternative to the surgery, even microscopic, I will do the drug.
Good hunting. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32363 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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fgf4
unknown comic
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posted September 22, 2010 08:00 PM
Everyone has pretty much covered what I know from personal experience except maybe the mental aspects.
Having constant pain will bring the strongest person to the ground. It is a feeling of complete uselessness and anxiety. I know this all very well... I fought getting help for my pain and the depression it caused and when I finally did get help about all I accomplished was giving up my gun rights for 5 years. My back and shoulders are still a mess. The one thing it did give me was the resolve to move on and deal with the pain as best I could.
What I can tell you Andy, and anyone else out there, is keep your family close and even when you feel like crap and can't see straight know that you have to continue on for your kids and family and even your friends. I've never met many of you and I haven't met Andy other than here and on the phone but I consider you all friends in some small way. I also know that most(well,at least some)would pull for me if I ever needed help. Believe me when I say I wouldn't be ashamed to ask.
It's also OK for a grown man to shed a tear now and then... holding it all in is a bad thing!
Andy, if you ever get cloudy and need to talk just pick up the phone!
Nikonut
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TOM64
Knows what it's all about
Member # 561
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posted September 22, 2010 08:05 PM
Sorry to hear about that Andy, I'll add you to my prayer list.
Posts: 2283 | From: okieland | Registered: Feb 2005
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Andy L
HI, I'M THE NEW MODERATOR OF THE CENTRAL MISSOURI FORUM, PULL MY FINGER!
Member # 642
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posted September 22, 2010 09:08 PM
Thanks for all the responses guys, I didnt expect that and sincerely appreciate it. I just had to get it out somehow.
I got an appointment with my surgeon tomorrow to see what I can do. He is a smart guy. Graduated from Yale, went to Harvard Med and does nothing but spines. Maybe he will have an idea.
You know, I wasnt going into this thinking I would be good as new again. Thats not the way back surgery works. You try to get out of as much pain as possible and get back as close to nuetral as possible. Being good as new is a pipe dream. I was pretty excited after the surgery in May. I felt great and thought I would be good for a few years. I had never heard of this fluid thing, like I said, last time it was scar tissue growing.
It will work out one way or another. I have a high tolerance for pain and have lived in it for so long I can take a lot. But this is just too much. I just hope they can get some of it down to where I can tolerate it.
Thanks again guys. Very nice of you. Your a great bunch of guys. ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
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Andy
Posts: 2645 | From: Central Missouri | Registered: Apr 2005
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highwayman
Knows what it's all about
Member # 3656
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posted September 22, 2010 09:14 PM
andy
3 months ago i would have had no idea what you are talkin' about
then then some lady ran me and my jeep wrangler into the concrete barrier of I-10
released from a back board and the hospital
i couldn't move my head (at the neck) without wantin' to scream
i was offered every narcotic in the book by several physicians
i refused em all
went to the torture chamber they called physical therapy
i told the therapist
i was gonna shoot a shotgun on opening day of dove season and he had 2 months to get it fixed
i religiously followed all the exercises
and i made it
problem
i lost 1 1/2 of muscle tone from my left leg in about a month
a few weeks back i made a short drive (about 4 hours) and about 2 hours into the trip my upper left hip was "killing me"
come to find out...my hip was out of place and pinchin off the nerves
my left leg when checked was a full inch longer than my right
now constant pain shoots down the leg
no drugs yet...
i hope between God, me and the therapist
it'll work itself out
they adjusted my hip
but again this mornin it was back 1/2 inch out
good news is...the mri of my back showed no significant problems
nevermind...i am sure i have no idea what you are goin through
sorry about your pain pard
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it's my way or the...
Posts: 10 | From: far west texas | Registered: Sep 2010
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3 Toes
El Guapo
Member # 1327
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posted September 23, 2010 04:48 AM
Sorry to hear it Andy!
The only benefit is that you guys are making me feel very thankful for a strong back and good health. I still feel like a teenager.
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Violence may not be the best option....
But it is still an option.
Posts: 1034 | From: out yonder | Registered: Apr 2007
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DAA
Utah/Promoted WESTERN REGIONAL Hunt Director
Member # 11
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posted September 23, 2010 05:47 AM
Pain sucks.
- DAA
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"Oh yeah, they're gonna talk to you, and talk to you, and talk to you about individual freedom, but they see a free individual, it's gonna scare 'em." -- George Hanson, Easy Rider, 1969.
Rocky Mountain Varmint Hunter
Posts: 2676 | From: Salt Lake City, UT | Registered: Jan 2003
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Andy L
HI, I'M THE NEW MODERATOR OF THE CENTRAL MISSOURI FORUM, PULL MY FINGER!
Member # 642
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posted September 23, 2010 06:23 AM
3 Toes, your a lucky man in many, many ways.
My family doctor pretty much layed it out for me a while back. I had a colt I was breaking fall on me and broke my right ankle in three places. A few years later, I was stepping off of a boat and broke the damn thing again. I blew my knee out trying to be a teenager playing basketball and had to have it fixed. I had the double fusion and scar tissue problem in 03. I had that little accident last year and broke my left elbow, tore both rotators and herniated two discs in my neck. He said there is no way your ever going to be out of pain son. And,Im sure thats the truth. But I can live with most of it. Its the severe back problems that pop up that bring me to my knees.
Again, I cant thank yall enough for your kind words and thoughts. Big George, you are a fine man. I feel for you and your problems too.
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Andy
Posts: 2645 | From: Central Missouri | Registered: Apr 2005
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knockemdown
Our staff photo editing Guru, par excellence
Member # 3588
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posted September 23, 2010 07:11 AM
Shoot, man. I've only ever had the slightest episode with back pain, so can't really know what you are going through. One thing I can say is that I hope you are able to bear through it with some semblance of relief realized in the very near future...
Posts: 2202 | From: behind fascist lines | Registered: Mar 2010
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Bofire
READ MY LIPS!
Member # 221
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posted September 23, 2010 10:20 AM
With all the others I am sorry for your pain and will pray for help. You might remember I have had two fusions in my neck, the second last year fusing 7 vertabrae from c3 to t1.
Now they want to do my low back #2,3,and 4, I am scared to death. The last one was alot of pain and constant vomiting as I cannot tolerate most pain drugs.
I am doing a very rigerous physical thearpy now trying to stop the surgery, I have until November to get some better or make the decision to go under the knife again.
Good Luck Andy I sincerely hope you can find some comfort.
Carl
Posts: 322 | From: Wild West | Registered: Jul 2003
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Andy L
HI, I'M THE NEW MODERATOR OF THE CENTRAL MISSOURI FORUM, PULL MY FINGER!
Member # 642
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posted September 23, 2010 12:33 PM
Quick update. I went to my surgeon while ago to see the results of the torture session the other day. No news. He was pretty downtrodden over it. Side note, my wife used to work for this Dr and we are pretty good friends, I trust him whole hearted.
Anyway, he said there is a lot of that jelly stuff in there that is going to put pressure on the nerves and continue to cause pain. Not much he can do other than surgery. And, most likely, if he does surgery to get it out, it will fill up again. He suggested riding it out. He said it will absorb into my body, but will take a few months. He said to call if I needed anything, he would give me whatever I thought I needed. I told him I refuse any Oxys, but I may get some Hydros and relaxors when I need them. I thought that was nice of him.
He said the two things that happen from time to time with this type surgery is problems with scar tissue and problems with fluid. I just happened to be the lucky one that got both. Scar tissue the first time and fluid this time. He said he could give me more steroids, but I have probably had a 5 gallon bucket in the last few months and its not working.
Just ride it out I guess. Thought yall might wanna know. Again, I am overwhelmed with the support from you guys. I have met a few of you, the rest are cyber friends. It blows my mind how much it helps to have cyber friends to talk to.
Thank you.
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Andy
Posts: 2645 | From: Central Missouri | Registered: Apr 2005
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