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I am originally from Savage, but my mom lives in Eagan and I am staying in St. Paul for classes at the University of St. Thomas.

I definitely do want to get the second opinion as it seems like my doctor is ready to perform the fusion without question. My next appointment is on the 23rd. Ideally I want to have the second opinion before my next appointment with Dr. Butterman.

Although I would like to have some relief from the pain, which I'd say is a constant ache around a 6/7, and depending on the days activities it will go up. I've never had any type of pain medication due to being in school 3/4 of the year. I've taken Vioxx, but a week into taking it, it got taken off the market (due to stokes I believe). Is there anything not perscription that anyone has found helpful? I know of Ibuprofen, which I used to take a few years ago but have gone off it. I have just accepted the fact I'm going to be in pain constantly and just live with it.