Thanks Jeff,
I appreciate the words of support. The discomfort has never been constant or consistent, except for perhaps a tiny loss of function that I could live with and manage. As long as I could pick up the guitar or mandolin and play (I was never good - I only play for myself), build electronics projects, etc., I was fine. This time it is different though.
When I went to the neurosurgeon 5 years, he felt I was a good candidate for surgery but I brushed that off and didn't delve any deeper as I wanted nothing to do with it and my symptoms were manageable. Now I'll get a new MRI and have 5 year then and now images for comparison.
I've always stayed active but did quit running 19 years ago as I didn't want to increase any damage, plus the discomfort would increase if I ran. Heck, I used to do slow marathons and ultras, but now I limit my activity to walking, stretching, hiking, backpacking (shooting to finish section hiking the colorado trail), and work around the house.
Hopefully, this is a positive turning point and not one of loss for the remainder of my life.
Thanks again,
John
__________________
C4-5 broad based disc bulge with prominent posterior osteophytes, narrowing of spinal canal and bilateral severe neural foramenal narrowing
C5-6 broad based disc bulge with prominent posterior osteophytes, and moderately severe bilateral neural foramenal narrowing
C6-7 mild broad based disc bulge, rather large left lateral posterior ostephyte and sever left neural foramenal narrowing
|