Hey Mike,
I also suffer from herniated discs. My main problem, like you, is my L5-S1 disc, but I also have herniations of the L4 and L3 discs, as well as C-5 and C-6 in my neck. I sustained these injuries at work in December of 1988 after I was assaulted and have been dealing with the pain, discomfort and sometimes sheer agony ever since. Matter of fact on February 16th of this year my L5-S1 disc flared up badly and I've been out of work ever since,,, and dealing with Workers Compensation doesn't make it any easier. I know exactly what you are going through. Hang in there, keep in contact with your W/C attorneys, and let them fight it out for you at the hearings.
I've been to see neurosurgeons in years past and they would never agree to perform surgery on me. I've been seeing a wonderful chiropractor for many years now who has helped me tremendously and has managed to keep me working. I will say though that I went through a couple of different chiropractors before I found one that really helped me. Try a different chiro, it can make all the difference in the world.
My neurologist had me examined by a pain management specialist last week and they were looking into 2 options. The first was spinal injections, I believe you already know about them,,,, the other was acupuncture. They've decided to put the injections on hold and give the acupuncture a try first. Very little, if any, discomfort from the treatments and I've been told it can be very effective. I know one guy at work with the same back problem who tried acupuncture and he said it helped him tremendously. So,,,, I'm gonna give it a try. I'll let you know how it works. Ask your doctor about it and see what he says.
The biggest thing for me,,, besides the pain,,,, has always been fighting very hard not to let depression set in during flareups. Don't give up. Work hard to keep a positive attitude and keep telling yourself, and believe it, that you are going to get through this and get better !! As for doctors,,,, Sometimes you have to be a little forceful (in polite way) with doctors. Most people, myself included, can be intimidated by doctors and sometimes we just accept everything they say as gospel. Remember, that doctor is performing a service for you, one that you're paying very well for,,,, so if you have questions then ask them. If you don't fully understand what they are explaining then make them explain it again.
Also, there is also a new technique out, although I don't know the medical name for it, where they insert a small metallic probe into your herniated disc. They then run some sort of electrical charge through the probe and the result is that the charged current actually "cooks" and hardens the gelatin like substance inside your disc. The effect, if it works, is to relieve the pressure that the fluid had been applying to the nerves causing the pain. I'm sure your doctor will know more about it.
Well, I didn't mean to write a novel here so I apologize,,,, but being in the same boat as you right now I really feel for ya and wanted to make sure I covered everything. Stay positive, keep as active as you can, and hang in there. If you need someone to talk to I'm always available, just send me a pm.
Jeff
