So I had an MRI Monday, saw the spine specialist Monday afternoon, the Chiropractor on Wednesday, and a PT on Friday.
Results show all three of my lumbar discs are herniated. Two of them are desicated. This means they have completely blown out, with all of the "jelly" in the middle pushed out, and the disc collapsed. Scheduled for a cortisone injection into one of the spine joints.
The chiropractor's response to my report was "Jesus, you have a lot of sh
going on". He suggested spinal decompression (I call it the rack) if surgery is indicated.
The PT said that physical therapy will be of limited help due to the severity of my issues, but gave me some stretches to try to balance the discs.
Only one of the discs is causing me issues due to pressing on the nerve root coming out of that joint. Causes pain in the back, and I am having pain in my right thigh as well as weakness in that leg. The Dr. did a reflex test, and there was a lessened response in that leg.
The PT was very honest with me, and said that the BEST case scenario is that my discs heal, but have scarring. She said I will always have stiffness, and will have to be careful not to overdo it, or I could have pain flares. I will never be able to shovel snow again. Gotta find someone I can hire to do that.
My wife has been very supportive, but everything I can't do will fall on her, and this makes me feel like sht.
I have modified the model table with a "lap desk" I was given that raises the desk and is tilted a bit, so I don't have to bend much when I work. Can't spend more than about a half an hour at a time, but I am grabbing every minute I can.
Sorry about the long whining,
D