future prognosis realistic expectations

[willy856]

Hello all
I feel like I am falling apart at 45 years old. I was always in great shape and never had any health problems. I always thought that by eating well and staying in shape, I wouldn't have any health problems. The past six months have been overwhelming. I went to the neurologist after my foot went nurab and found out I have sciatica and two disks in my neck pressing on my spinal cord. The feelings in my foot and now leg come and go usually in a few minutes. The feelings in my neck pop up now and again. The neck gets sore with occasional headache.
I am really having a hard time having a positive outlook, most of what I read are horror stories. The vast majority seem to get worse after surgery and everyone is in extreme pain. I look into my future realizing I work in construction and have at least ten more years before I can retire.
When I first went to the neurologist I thought I had MS, because I have a family meraber with it. Now I find myself wishing it were that simple. He has had it for thirty years and only has minor problems.
I can't possibly take some of the pain medications and do my job, I would end up dead. I find it hard to believe that neurology is still in the stone age. I expect the neurologist to put leeches on my spine.

 

[SpineAZ]

With multiple spine problems continuing to work in construction will be difficult. Unfortunately, for some of us, that's how we end up on disability. Luckily my company provided us LTD benefits and then I am applying for SS as well as required by my LTD carrier.

There are many people who undergo various procedures (injections, surgery, etc) and are able to get back to normal activities. But this is much harder when your job requires such physical activity.

Sciatica is often from the lurabar level of the spine. So do you have diagnosed lurabar and cervical spine problems? Is there any way to transition to a more supervisory position or plan for a job change?

 

[minstrel2]

I would suggest that you have a neurosurgeon evaluate your MRI. If you really do have spinal cord compression, you don't want to let that go. I wasn't diagnosed properly for a year, and now I have permanent nerve damage. I had a surgery called an ACDF at level C7-T1. That stopped the process that was slowly paralyzing me. The cervical spine can affect both arms and legs. If you have significant weakness in your arms or legs, please let someone else evaluate your situation.