It's frustrating...

[Catrin]

As some of you will remember, I had a significant whiplash injury in 2011 on the mountain bike, which brought to light other problems with my neck. My doctor thinks I now have a herniated disk (C5 or C6, or both), though an MRI will settle it either way. 4 years ago one (or both, can't remember which), was bulging, so it probably won't come to a surprise. It WOULD explain my (literal) inability to gain upper body strength no matter how hard I work with highly qualified individuals and some other things. There are also a few other concerns that I won't mention as those are less likely, time will tell.

Just venting a bit, I keep working hard to overcome this and that injury and the polyarthritis that appears to be in pretty much every joint I possess and...it is frustrating. Considering my activities we DO need to determine if I've managed to herniate a disk in my neck, I will do that in January so that will count against next year's deductible.

One thing is for sure. No more surgeries! Only if my life were in danger or risking paralysis. I think people often have success with conservative treatments for a herniated disk, if that is what it is.

Ugh. Where can I apply for a full-body transplant

[Crankin]

I can only empathize, Catrin. You have been through a lot. I think you are right to seek conservative treatment, though. Lots of studies show that most back/neck surgery is not needed and/or that exercise and other less invasive measure work as well in a lot of cases. Of course, I am not a doctor, but it does seem frustrating when you are someone who wants to be active, and all these others who have just sat on the couch have back/neck pain and drive the increasing rate of surgery and pain killers.
My hair stylist had horrible disc issues for years. In addition to her job (and she had 2 carpal tunnel surgeries), she's a competitive racquet ball player, in great shape. She had been trying all kinds of alternatives, nerve blocks, pain meds, PT, massage, until it got to the point she couldn't work. She researched new treatments for her condition, and found out there was a surgery in Germany that is very successful, but not FDA approved. She went to Munich on her own, had the surgery, with some kind of package plan/medical tourism deal and her insurance paid for it. She was there for about a month, recovering, then did PT here. She came back to work in September and is now perfect, working with a trainer and playing racquetball. Sometimes, you just need to take the ball in your own hands. I know you are very proactive, so don't give up.

[ny biker]

I'd say that frustrating is an understatement! I hope that everything works out okay with the discs. (And the knee...)

[Catrin]

Thanks Crankin and NY Biker - adding to the frustration is the possibility that there is (another) underlying autoimmune condition driving the polyarthritis and also impacting my knee recovery. That's less certain though, and I don't have energy left to worry about that until there is more information.