I am 29 years old & have been in the
marines for just over 4 years now. I was
due to get out in april of '05 but because
of my back problems I am on medical hold.
I've had these problems for just over 1.5
years, i've gone through all the
injections, nerve blocs, physical therapy
& lastly a discogram. The discogram
was positive for l4-l5 l5-s1. I spoke to
a neurosurgeon today who recommended I do
the surgery. He said the military only
does spinal fusions as the disc
replacement isn't approved yet by the
military. My biggest questions are about
my quality of life after the fusion.
Since it is a 2 level fusion, what my
ability level would be. Are sports
completely out of the question, will I be
able to exercise normally...Etc.
Any comments/information would be greatly
appreciated.
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Paul Holmes
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Ponce De Leon,Florida
Posted: 07-22-05 16:54pm
Hi nateusmc,it sounds as if we are in the
same boat.I'm starting the injections next
week because of a bulged disc that has my
lower back in extreme pain,also my left
leg is very weak and my ankle and heel is
very sore.My Dr. Said next would be the
fussion if the shots didn't help.He told
me the spinal fussion was not a good
alternative because it limits your
mobility and it also sets you up for
further injurys because it puts more
pressure on your other discs.Thats pretty
much all my Dr. Has told me about it.I
would love to here about how the
injections worked for you.Good luck.