[duffysmom]

Originally Posted by jimhay

Word of caution. Let me apologize up front for such a lenghtly post. I agree with majority... start with your primary care physion and she/he will refer you to the right specialist, ie. Ortho, who may first try physical therapy, a pain management physician, a chiropractor (whom I personally would not consider), and then the final and very LAST RESORT the BIG bad word...SURGERY. Let me tell you why. My son was 38 years old, vibrant young man, had his own thriving business and very successful. Through misuse of his back he developed 4 bulging disc. He went through partial physical therapy...he was in too much pain to complete. He finally meet with a highly recommended Dr, and was also named in the "TOP DOC'S" magazine for the Fairfax/ Northern VA area. The ortho surgeon completed the surgery adding a "cage" and "cadaver" bone. Almost immediately, infection set in and the "on call" doc blew it off and refused to call the surgeon (He had left on vacation) until my husband, myself, and his wife threatened to sue or do whatever it took to get something done. It was not a very pretty scene. They finally started a round of antibotics and 5 days later he was able to go home with "in-home" care. Long story short: my son is now 42 and for the last 4 yrs he can only walk about 15 feet, he drags his right leg, he is in cronic pain, he has to cath himself, and cannot perform if you know what i mean, and for majority of his life he is confined to a wheel chair. He has been back to surgeon, who does not know what to
do... as well as Doc's from John Hopkins and Duke University. Oh, one more thing, in the last yr his wife filed for divorce ( for obvious reasons) . So you see why I encourage you to do your research, consider all options and make surgery your last resort.
I know there have been many, many success stories and thank God. My very best to you!!

Jimhay, thank you for sharing your experience with us. My heart goes out to you and your family and especially to your son. It is not the first story I've heard about back surgery causing serious pain so your experience should be taken as a CAUTION before jumping into surgery without exploring every avenue available.