Convalescence (Day 10)

Rough couple of days.

I had my MRI on Friday.  The procedure itself was a piece of cake.  I won’t know anything definite until I meet with the doctor on Wednesday.  I’m convinced this is just another way for health care to try and bilk even more money out of us.  I responded well in physical therapy later that afternoon and was able to do almost 5 minutes on the treadmill before I had to stop.

Yesterday I was quite sore but managed to take a short, slow walk down to the end of the street and back.  When I got back I needed to lie down with ice for a while.  I think it’s important to try and get a little bit of physical activity, even if it’s painful, to try and avoid atrophy.  My muscles aren’t used to doing anything.

This morning I woke before 6 with pain in my back and legs.  Wouldn’t you know it, the day that my wife and kids sleep in past 8 o’clock I’m up early and can’t sleep.  Came downstairs around 7 and surfed the net for a bit.  After breakfast I did a set of exercises as I had strong pain in my right leg (normally it’s in my left) and iced the back down which helped some.

Since I’m having pain in both legs instead of the customary one, my PT theorizes I have one of the following:

1. 2 or more herniated discs with each one pushing on a different side
2. A herniated disc that is bulging out of both the left and right sides
3. A herniated disc that is bulging out so much it hits both sides

We of course won’t know anything for sure until Wednesday.  There are signs that I am responding well to the physical therapy which is making me lean more towards not having surgery.  I am still leaning towards taking disability so that I can take the time needed to heal properly.