The thought has crossed my mind. The occupational med doctor is trying to see if there is another spinal surgeon available to take a look. I’m also planning to call the workers comp people as well on Monday. This has really gone on long enough.
NightOwl Cat wrote:
You might need to lawyer up at this point. Cauda equina syndrome is no joke. Before my surgery, it was a constant question they asked me as well. My fusion was L4-L5 and L5-S1, and it affected my left leg and right foot. Glad I had the surgery, and I lift up to 70 pounds now at work with proper lifting techniques, but the repetitive bending and lifting isn't all that great for me either... Starting a new bid next week.
kwoodard wrote
SiMuMe wrote
So sorry to read this Kevin. When I saw "prodigal" George's gorgeous pictures I immediately thought we haven't heard from you in a while. Really sorry to read this. Hope you receive the medical attention you need and that it is successful. I appreciate that. I have a terribly bad herniated disc at the L5-S1 juncture. The bulge is pushed out and pressing on the nerve that goes to my right leg. Most of the time, that leg is completely numb and my foot feels like a dead bowling ball hanging off my leg. Driving is hard, walking is hard, sitting is hard. Every now and then, even going to the bathroom is hard, now that the numbness is spreading into the seat area. The big danger is if it hits the nerve area that could make me lose control of my bowels... If that were to happen, surgery has to happen ASAP (we are talking within a couple hours) otherwise I can have permanent damage. There are signs that the disc is very close to that spot now. The physical therapist is afraid to do much of anything as the threat of permanent damage is so close. My occupational med doctor is weary of prescribing anything heavy like narcotics as I might not feel right away that permanent damage has happened. The issue is that not only the disc is bulging out so far (about a first digit of your thumbs length), but the cartilage that would hold the disc in place is tearing off the bone as well. All this from picking up a small box incorrectly. Box was a lot heavier than it looked, as soon as I picked it up, my upper body shifted and there was a loud pop and immediate searing pain down my spine. I have not been able to stand up straight since.