Your x-rays are really scary.

I had an appointment with a back specialist yesterday. It was the 2nd time that I have seen him. My husband (who I had just started dating back when I first saw this doctor) & I were not very big fans of the doctor as he was very blunt. I remember that first visit he just kept saying "and what is really scary about your back is...." He's not a bad doctor by far, he just tells it how it is, and we just weren't ready for the harshness of it. I mean, I KNOW my back is very scary. It didn't bother me as much as it did my husband. With that being the first appointment he had attended with me, I don't think he realized how severe my condition was/is. Anyways, yesterday I went back to that same doctor. I still want to get some more opinions as I absolutely adored my pediatric ortho doctor and I'd love to find someone that I trusted as much as I did him. BUT, for now, we went back as it's been 2 years and I figure it's about time to check back in and make sure my slippage isn't worsening.

Well, what do you think the first thing he says is (after hand shaking and intro's of course)? Yup. You guessed it. "man, your x-rays are really scary, your spine is falling right off your pelvis"

Oh well, we expected it this time, and I know that as a fact, so we just went right a long with it.

Here's the deal though. My spondylolisthesis appears to have worsened a bit. From 1999ish-2005 it measured anywhere between 20 degrees and as high as 28 degrees at one point, but for the most part, the average was 20 degrees slip. My pediatric ortho had said I was stabilized at 20 degrees which would be so amazing if it wouldn't move and I didn't experience any annoying symptoms. In 2009 when I first saw this doctor (FOUR years after my last visit with my pediatric ortho) I measured a 20 degree slip again. YAY! It appeared no real change which was a true blessing. Yesterday I measured at 24 degrees. BOO. It looks as if it's progressing again. And I do feel more symptoms. I am stiff most of the time. Lower back, neck, the works. I think I may have aided in the progression on a water ride at atlantis on my honeymoon. I shouldn't have done any rides, but I rode one where all I did was sit on an inner tube, and you are supposed to hold your butt up, and I thought I was, but not high enough I guess, because at one point we hit a bump and OUCH!! I felt a quick jolt and then it was fine. BUT, with my severe lower back issues, that was enough to do damage and I have been worse since, so I believe that may have done something. I'll never know though.

As for yesterday's visit, the end result? We talked about surgery (which I don't want to have done) in the future  because if I DO continue to progress and this starts effecting my nerves or my hamstrings lock up, surgery won't be an option anymore, it'll become a necessity. SO, I asked a lot of questions:

Q: What exactly do they do during surgery?
A: Okay, this answer was too long for me to verbally repeat. I remember something about a fusion, a rod, and adding stability to my spine. I should have wrote it down. Just like I should have taken pictures of my x-rays. Oops.

Q: How long does the surgery usually last?

A: 2.5 hours

Q: How long would I be in the hospital?

A: usually 3 nights, and 3 weeks of recovery

Q: Would I be in a body cast? 

A: No. As long as you can ensure that you will not be bending, they won't send you home with anything. Sometimes people are sent home with braces to remind them NOT to do any bending motions.

He also said that in his 16 years he's only seen two people who had their spine slip completely off their pelvis. Of course, I asked what that meant because me, being the freak-o, hypochondriac that I am, can only assume I'd just be walking one day, and then BAM I slip completely and it's paralysis or I die. Thankfully he reassured me that wouldn't be how it'd go.

Though we aren't planning anytime soon, I also asked, what this would mean if I ever became pregnant. He told me it shouldn't effect it too much beyond more back pain and the fact that I'd most likely have to have a c-section. I worry about if I'd ever be able to bear children, and this gave me a bit of relief. 

I am aiming to start some physical therapy that his assistant said should help a ton. The exercises will help strengthen my muscles that need it, as well as hopefully prevent more progression. AND, they said after I do a few sessions they might be able to order some of the traction stuff for me to have at home. In 2009 they gave me a referral for physical therapy 3x a week for 12 weeks I want to say. My insurance didn't help much and it was going to cost me $150 a week, $600 a month and I just couldn't do it. This time, she hooked me up with a place that works with people who have high co pays so I am really excited about it. I will call today to find out more info.

I really wish I'd taken a picture of the x-ray's he'd written on yesterday, so I could better explain what it means. If you are familiar with Spondy, which I know many aren't, you will know. Here's a few pics I've found online:

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But, you know what?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome in power

Our God

I always say prayers are appreciated and I really do appreciate them. The fact of the matter is OUR GOD IS HEALER! And if it's his will, one day I will wake up with no more spondylolisthesis on this side of Heaven. <3

I am not sure how much time I will have to blog this weekend, so if I'm not back on here, I hope each and every one of you have a safe and blessed weekend. Please don't forget to take time and remember on September 11th. It's hard to believe it has been 10 years. Be sure to lift all of those involved up in prayer. Prayer works my friends.