Back surgery okay or what else?

[davesau]

Hi I am a 26 year old firefighter/paremedic and I have been having issues with leg numbness, pain, pelvic pain, and lower back pain and stiffness.  I have been having these issues ongoing for several years, but the intensity and frequency is getting worse.  I recently had some MRIs of my spine showing compression in neck area and moderate herniation in my lower back with S1 nerve impengment and displacement.  My spine goes every where, but straight it would seem.  I was told by a neurologist that she didn't see any real big issue with this, but that my information would be referred to a spinal surgeon.  About a week later I received a call and was told that I need either epidural injection or possibly surgery to fix the problem.  I am 26 and looking at back surgery as probably the best option at this point since I work in the profession I do and falls, lifting, and straining your back in other ways than normal is the normal in the profession.  I have 1 child already and another due in October, but would like to know if surgery is what I should do.  I went on vacation in july and sat in the sand building a castle with my daughter for 5 minutes then got up my legs were numb and I almost felt as though I couldn't move them.  I had to drag my feet to a chair 5 feet away.  This is something that I can't deal with especially in my profession.  This is something that happens quite regularly whether I knee or sit even in a chair.  When I walk my legs can go numb and have pain in the calf area.  I also have issues with my back pain when it goes and wraps around my whole waist to the point where it takes your breath away.  I just don't know if living with this is an option in my profession because if I am crawling in a burning building and my legs go numb that can mean life or death.  I have to think about my family.  Do you think surgery is a good option?  Should I plan on surgery because my wife and I feel that it is the best option at this point.  Let me know your thoughts.  Thanks Dave.

[medchick0523]

I can't imagine being on light-duty is easy for you. You're 26, with any luck you'll have another 20-30 years, if you were 56 you might not feel the same. And... you daughter is going to need her daddy to run after the first boy that breaks her heart. Your appt with the NS is the 19th? Yes, it is a great name! Out of curiosity, what is her middle name? Mine is Jo... which seems fairly typical, of the other three Samantha's I know, two of them are also Jo, and one is Ann.

Have a good night.

[davesau]

Thanks for your input.  Yes it would require some time off work, but right now I am already on light-duty because of this and I am not sure that I could get clearance to come back if there is a risk that my legs will continue to go out without having something done.  Unfortunately that too is something I have to think about.  I love my job and never wanted to do anything else, but if I don't get something done to fix this problem that could mean that it is over.  My wife and I are aware that I will have to take some time off and have prepared ourselves for that.  I will know on the 19th of August what is going to happen and when.  I will keep you informed.  Samantha is a great name that is my wifes name.  Thanks for the thoughts.

[medchick0523]

I think surgery is a great option long term, not only for the profession, but for your family as well. My SO is a paramedic, I was a basic for a while, I know if he was in that situation I would push him towards surgery-- he loves what he does, I can't imagine him doing anything else,.. and he too, has two children... both are very active in Scouts and school functions. Short term surgery might seem nearly impossible, you'd have to take a leave from work, and right now your wife is quite pregnant-- though I think in 5 years you are going to look back on this and feel that you made the right decision.

If you would, I would love to know what you decide and how things turn out.

Take Care!!

Samantha