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Hello everyone, my name is Henry. I'm 34, married, one daughter, one son due in June. I'm having the discography being scheduled now, hopefully will be in the next two weeks. I'm really hoping I have a reaction, I'm wearing thin on patience. My first MRI was in 08, and it has been a beast trying to get relief of any sort. I'm now on 50mg nucynta 5xD. Just want resolution! Need to get back to work! I'm a firefighter, and the straw that broke the camels back was a portable jaws unit. I've been out IOD since feb. 26. I'm losing....my......mind! Well hopefully all goes well and I hope all are well.

Hi Henry, sorry you are here. But you are among friends. Many firefighters, policemen (and women), EMTs have passed through here. Use the search utility to find them, or sift through all the post-op topics.

Before the jaws lifting, did you have any accidents or traumas?

I was a sniper in the Marine Corps so its no mystery why my back is junk. Carrying a lot of weight for a lot of miles! It's just been exasperated by the FD.

I see. Curious question: how much weight did you typlically have to carry in the field? Fifty to seventy-five pounds? How far?

Whatever the case, it didn't help.

When you can, take a few minutes to create a signature (see first topic in this forum). It will help us help you. And I hope we can help you find a path to a pain-free life!

(Thx for the signature, I see it now. Very efficient, sir!)

It varied, but generally around 100+and went many miles. The distance depended on the op. from a short walk to 20-30 miles in a week. But, the pack got lighter the longer you're out!

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Sniper, congrats on your soon-to-be addition and welcome to the site.

I wrecked my back being an RN in critical care, but have been out a lot longer than you. Almost five years, technically. Hurt myself doing lifting also. Just a lot of lifting.

After being on this board and others, I have found there are many firemen/women, police people, nurses, and EMTs with hurt backs/spines. I don't think backs are meant to lift heavy weights for a long time.

I hope your discogram gives you some answers. Some docs do not believe in discos but IMHO, I am a believer. Honestly, the pain can be bad but when you confirm what your pain generator is, that is priceless.

Take care and good luck,

Kimmers:beer:

Thanks Kimmers. I'm not too nervous about the disco. I can put up any pain that is only for a measured amount of time, it's the indefinite that scares me! Thanks for the kind words though! I saw my pain management doc today and I'm now waiting on insurance for approval. Hopefully ill have it done on Friday. Fingers crossed. Thanks again and good luck to you. Did you have the replacement surgery?