13 February 2008
Opinions
Posted by Bob Estes under: Bob Estes .
I made a visit to THE SURGEON (must be said with a deep and scary inflection) to get his opinion of my situation. My current situation is that I have a disc that is bulging and pressing on a nerve bundle. This pressure has caused some issues physically that have seriously impacted my goals for training and running in general. Most notably, I have a problem with the strength in my left foot and leg that seriously impedes the runner’s stride that I had spent so much time developing.
My feelings on surgery are I really don’t relish the idea of incisions being made in my back that could have future consequences. I prefer the idea of my body healing itself and then making my back stronger so as not to repeat the same painful injury in the future. Unfortunately, the situation should have improved by now and even though things are better, my left leg and foot weakness still keeps me from my goals.
My consultation was initially done with an intern who reviewed my entire case history and suggested that I probably should put some more time between the injury and the decision to have surgery. Fine by me! Next, they took a few more Xrays of my back and then it was time to play meet THE SURGEON (again, said with a deep and scary inflection.)
I should pause here to ask the question; Don’t these guys talk to each other?
THE SURGEON told me straight up that he’s very concerned about the loss of motor functions in my left lower extremity and I will probably require surgery to address the situation. Whoa there Dr. scissor hands. I’m going to need some other opinions about this. Let’s ask the intern!
All joking aside, if you look at the nice MRI image of my Lumbar spine that I am hopeful to upload to this blog, you’ll see that I really do have a serious issue. I’m not saying THE SURGEON is wrong in his assertion of my current and future situation. He obviously has a valuable opinion (just ask my insurance company who paid for it.) I just wish ‘4 out of 5 doctors surveyed’ said the same thing. Never mind two docs from the same office!
After I explained that I wanted more time for my body to take care of things, he suggested that I receive an injection in the affected area to help speed the reduction of pressure from the bulging disc. Of course, that was scheduled 20 days out from the consultation with THE SURGEON. That’s another stone in my shoe and that’ll have to be another day.
I wish you all good training. I see and hear of personal milestones being surpassed everyday by my fellow Road Warriors. Congratulations. I myself have had some wonderful cross training. I am in process of loosing more weight and had been averaging 3 days a week at the dowtown Y and 3 mornings a week swimming at the Grandville Y. The wintery weather as been tying at times has kept me from driving across town for much needed elliptical workouts a couple of days recently. Oh well, spring is on it’s way!
3 Comments so far...
Terry Says:
13 February 2008 at 8:21 pm.
Keep up the good work Bob. Way to stay positive about working out. Hang in there.
Terry
gayle Says:
13 February 2008 at 11:33 pm.
Hi from CA!
Just checking in with my favorite Road Warrior in MI. I had no clue that is what your back looked like…Amazing. I would blame all of your challenges on the snow!! Enjoy all you can at your amazing “Y”!! Cross training is a great workout and swimming perfect for the complete workout.
Don’t forget the Ford Ironman finals are on TV this weekend.
Also have you seen “Spirit of the Marathon” movie? Limited viewing and hope it has made your neighborhood. Great motivation for all of you Road Warriors!!!
Go team!!
-Gayle
Deb Says:
15 February 2008 at 9:04 pm.
Bob, you continue to inspire! You are truly a class act. I’m glad the swimming is working for you. Let me know when you are ready for those pilates back strenthening exercises and I will help you. I know what you are going through because one of my daughters had the same thing at age 18! After a year of therapy, shots, etc she could no longer bear the pain and had surgery. She is almost 23 now and has done well so far, but the surgery was no fun. You will most certainly continue to be in my prayers. I always enjoy reading your blogs Bob! Keep us up to date and I hope to see you soon. Take care!