back pain/successful fusion

[Guest guest]

Blondee,

I had a herinated disc a few years back. Went to a neurologist first

who confirmed it had nothing to do with CMT. He recommended a

orthopedist, with a speciality in backs. I went to the new doctor,

and we tried all the conservative approaches. Nothing worked. I also

had some experimental injections of Embrel, which lasted only 15 hours.

Long story short, I had a spinal fusion. Surgery went so well,

recovery too, I was back to my old self in 6 months. It is a big step

and I encourage you to find an orthopedist/surgeon with a speciality

in backs. My back is doing so well that the doctor dismissed me last

May after a 2 year followup - I no longer need to see him. But I make

da** sure I exercise and also do special work to keep my back strong.

Gretchen