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Derek’s Back

April 1st, 2008 · 5 Comments

No, he didn’t go anywhere yet. I’m talking about his spine.

He went to see a neurosurgeon last week, and was told that he is not a candidate for surgery. He’s too young, and his back is not bad enough.

So it’s back to the “pain specialist” to see what our next option is.

Tags: Family Updates

5 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Richard // Apr 1, 2008 at 10:52 pm

    Sorry to hear there are no immediate prospects of relief. I feel for him.

  • 2 Dianna // Apr 2, 2008 at 7:49 am

    Good luck in finding some relief for Derek. Richard was initially denied the surgery. When he said his level of pain was typically only a 3-5 (he has a very high threshold for pain) that wasn’t high enough on the scale to warrant it. We had to quickly explain our lifestyle would be completely impacted if he didn’t and why. Fortunately Dr. Guyer saw our point and changed his mind.

  • 3 Betty // Apr 2, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    Ann had steroid – epidural shots for the pain in her back . It didn’t help. About a week ago she had ablation to burn the nerves in her back and spine that were causing the pain. It seems to be a little better now although I understand takes a while to heal.

  • 4 Donna // Apr 2, 2008 at 8:11 pm

    Bummer. Maybe it’s time to see another doctor.

  • 5 Daryl // Apr 3, 2008 at 12:09 pm

    On the other hand, it’s not necessarily bad that the surgeon doesn’t think he’s ready for surgery. That means we can try other less invasive options before we start cutting.

    He also said that they don’t know the life of the implants. Maybe 20 years? That means that at age 39 Derek would have to look at replacing it again, or worse.

    We’ll do whatever else we can first.