Pleasure and PAIN

[roaddog359]

Well, I know I have not been a member on here long and a lot of you dont know nothing about me but I just wanted to share some personal info with you guys.

First off, I am a 25+ year LEO and I am currently on vacation that is the pleasure part of this story. I could not disappoint the kids and cancel.

Unfortunately, here is the pain part. Right before leaving for vacation I was diagnosed by my Neurosurgeon with 2 severely bulging disks in my neck at C5-6 and C6-7. The pain is so intense that it is compressing my spinal cord and affecting my left arm and shoulder blade, fingers and thumb are numb. And it feels like some one is taking a hack saw and sawing my forearm in half and then someone is stabbing me in the left shoulder blade with a knife. My whole left arm is going numb.

We do not leave for home till 7-29-16 and my birthday is also this week!

I am scheduled for surgery first thing monday morning 8-1-16 when we get home. I have to admit that I am scared! So please keep me in your thoughts! Thanks

[GerardoG]

Will keep you in our thoughts. I hope you have a fast recovery.

[Star Ferry]

Here's hoping your surgery goes well

Sent from my SM-G9200 using Tapatalk

[bigcarbs]

I deal with some lower back problems causing tingling, pain, numbness in right lower leg. Found a great physical therapist that got me a good program together that has helped tons. Although I've been slacking lately and the symptoms come and go a little

[TheVTCGuy]

Here is to your speedy recovery and complete relief!

[roaddog359]

Originally Posted by bigcarbs

I deal with some lower back problems causing tingling, pain, numbness in right lower leg. Found a great physical therapist that got me a good program together that has helped tons. Although I've been slacking lately and the symptoms come and go a little

Tried the PT and Chiropractor., But I think I am now past the point of no return.

[TickTopia]

The things you do for your kids. I wish you a speedy recovery & hope all goes well

[bigcarbs]

Originally Posted by roaddog359

Tried the PT and Chiropractor., But I think I am now past the point of no return.

Yeah I think it's crazy how different everyone is when it comes to this stuff. I started researching other people with my diagnosis and the range of symptoms was so wide. I went to the standard PT with no luck, pain management doc, I just knew deep down that surgery wasn't the only option. After I found the current therapist I went from my leg tingling on a daily basis to when I keep up with my exercises, and stretches it will tingle maybe once every two months.

I've seen other people's MRIs that look way worse than mine with hardly any symptoms and ones that look better than mine with worse symptoms.

What surgery are you getting?

[Kingair]

You'll be soon better than ever before !

[seand442]

Sorry to hear brother. I can't imagine wearing a duty belt and getting in/out of a car has helped your cause. I'll send some positive vibes your way. In the meantime, try to enjoy some vacation time.

[goin camping]

You'll be fine after a quick recovery. Bank on it.

[rr-nyc]

Praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. In the mean time, try to enjoy the vacation

[HL65]

My C6-7 was severely herniated with bone spurs. I lost most feeling in hands and could not move my neck more than an inch in either direction. In 2010 I had surgery and now have full mobility and that insane pain I lived with for years is gone. So my thoughts are with you and the surgery works wonders! Hang tough and you will be fine in time...Cheers,

PS Enjoy vacation and Happy Birthday!

[cop414]

Here's to a speedy recovery brother. I know the decades of that duty belt does affect your body. My hips still ached from time to time for a year after I retired. Good luck, prayers sent.

[GoingPlaces]

Good luck. As someone with back issues and pain (not to your degree) I understand.

[brandrea]

Here's to a full recovery and a pain free existence
Think happy thoughts, and try to enjoy your vacation with your kids

[GradyPhilpott]

Good luck with the surgery and here's to a long life without chronic pain.

[roaddog359]

Originally Posted by HL65

My C6-7 was severely herniated with bone spurs. I lost most feeling in hands and could not move my neck more than an inch in either direction. In 2010 I had surgery and now have full mobility and that insane pain I lived with for years is gone. So my thoughts are with you and the surgery works wonders! Hang tough and you will be fine in time...Cheers,

PS Enjoy vacation and Happy Birthday!

INSANE PAIN! is right, I am glad someone understands the pain I am going through. The pain is so intense at times, people look at me and cant understand why I am in pain? They dont see an injury. I have developed bone spurs also.

[1William]

Good luck and get well soon.

[roaddog359]

Originally Posted by bigcarbs

Yeah I think it's crazy how different everyone is when it comes to this stuff. I started researching other people with my diagnosis and the range of symptoms was so wide. I went to the standard PT with no luck, pain management doc, I just knew deep down that surgery wasn't the only option. After I found the current therapist I went from my leg tingling on a daily basis to when I keep up with my exercises, and stretches it will tingle maybe once every two months.

I've seen other people's MRIs that look way worse than mine with hardly any symptoms and ones that look better than mine with worse symptoms.

What surgery are you getting?

They have to remove 2 discs, place bone grafts in the disk space, and use a plate and screws to fuse it all together. ACDF: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

[roaddog359]

Originally Posted by HL65

My C6-7 was severely herniated with bone spurs. I lost most feeling in hands and could not move my neck more than an inch in either direction. In 2010 I had surgery and now have full mobility and that insane pain I lived with for years is gone. So my thoughts are with you and the surgery works wonders! Hang tough and you will be fine in time...Cheers,

PS Enjoy vacation and Happy Birthday!

I am hoping that the pain and numbness goes away fast after surgery. The surgeon says it may take some time to get relief.I can deal with the numbness, but this pain is too much.

[RW16610]

Hoping for a speedy recovery as well!

[bigcarbs]

Originally Posted by roaddog359

They have to remove 2 discs, place bone grafts in the disk space, and use a plate and screws to fuse it all together. ACDF: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

That doesn't sound fun. Good luck, enjoy the vacation

[roaddog359]

The worse part is we are vacationing at a water park resort. And I cant enjoys any of the rides with the family this year. And that sucks! But the kids have been very understanding.

[Headshrinker]

The relief from chronic pain is your goal. The operation should be painless, and the post recovery can be managed with meds. I pray all goes well for you and you are able to work again pain-free. It is a scary thought to be operated on, but the staff at the hospital is usually very aware and do everything to make you as comfortable as possible. It is never as bad as your mind allows you to think it is... Gods speed!

[wantonebad]

The anxiety you are feeling now is only natural, and completely understandable!! However the relief you will feel post surgery will more than makeup for it. There will be post-op soreness, and 4-6 weeks after that you'll be living a completely normal life. Look forward to it sir, being pain-free is a gift from the heavens and modern medicine of course!!

[wantonebad]

Was this injury work related or genetics/life catching up to you?

[roaddog359]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Was this injury work related or genetics/life catching up to you?

I was rear ended while on duty. I was stopped at a red light. That's what started it. And it kept getting worse, to the point I can no longer deal with the pain and numbness.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by roaddog359

I was rear ended while on duty. I was stopped at a red light. That's what started it. And it kept getting worse, to the point I can no longer deal with the pain and numbness.

Sorry to hear that, hopefully you'll be given sufficient time to recoup before you have to go back since it's work related!

[Scot_3]

Prayers for a speedy and complete recovery, hope you are able to hold on to some good memories with your vacation with your children.