Another Prayer Request

[Ross]

Well, since there seems to be some powerful prayer going on here, I thought I'd make a request for myself. A few months ago, I was trying to do some easy exercise, walking a few blocks and every now and then breaking into an easy jog for about a half a block, then back to walking. Nothing strenuous, nothing to push myself too hard until I got back into shape. Did that for a couple of weeks and was feeling good, had even lost a couple of pounds.
Well, one evening I had done the walk/jog cycle a couple of times, and when I tried to break into a jog, I felt a stabbing pain in my left hip. Just about knocked me to the ground. I limped home, wondering what I had done to my hip. Maybe a stress fracture? I just didn't know.
The pain in my hip didn't go away, and about a month later it began to creep down into my thigh. I have been involved in enough lawsuits over herniated discs to recognize what this sounded like. I knew I needed to finally see a doctor, and since the pain had started in my hip, I figured I would go ahead and see a hip specialist first. He did X-rays and said that my hips were fine, and that we needed some MRI's to check my spine.
Sure enough, the MRI's showed a herniation way down low, L4-5 level, so I got a referral to a spine specialist. Went to see him last week. Now I had already made up my mind that I would turn and run if he mentioned back surgery, unless that was the only way to stay out of a wheelchair. So what is the first thing he says? "This is a really bad herniation. It's not just pressing on one, but two major nerves. That's why you are in such constant pain. As a matter of fact, there may already be permanent nerve damage. We need to get that pressure off of those nerves right away, or you may never walk right again."
Talk about having the wind taken out of your sails! He did, however, say that he would first try some steroid injections in my back, in an attempt to relieve the pressure without surgery. If I need surgery, which he does anticipate, he can try arthroscopic surgey first, but he doesn't think this will be successful due to the size and location of the herniation. He says that we may very well be looking at full blown back surgery before the end of the year.
To make a long story longer, I would just like to have as many prayers for my healing as any of you care to offer. I am going in for the steroid injections this Thursday, and after a week or ten days we will know if they are doing any good.
I know that my Lord and Saviour is a healer, and I thank you all for any prayers you might want to send my way.

[Alan]

Dang Ross! Sorry to hear your news, but I will keep you in my prayers each day. Hope you feel better soon. If you EVER need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I'm not that far away.

[Tallboy]

my thoughts and prayers are with you. [and i'm no prayer rookie, either. many years of catholic schoolin'.]:up:

[Patrick]

Sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you friend!! :2thumbs:

[merc406]

Our thoughts are with you. If you haven't, get more than one opinion and make a choice. Good luck and hope you'll feel better soon, back problem's suck.

[John F. Russo]

May the force be with you through prayer.

But in the meantime get the best diagnosis and plan of action. I would get another opinion from a highly rated doctor.

There are reference articles and a book called the "Best Doctors in the USA". (Call the reference librarian at the local library) This is what you need. You want the doctor that doctors go to.

You don't want to start on your own learning curve. You want to capitalize on the other people's learning curves and have the best doctor.

Feel free to call me at my cell 781-389-6879.

I'm not a doctor but I have been invoved at the age of 63 many decisions about selecting doctors.

My son has had a number of back operations because of spine deformities.

Good Luck

[CRUZTAKER]

Hang in there Ross. Yes, this is a serious matter, and we will keep you in our prayers.

[MARAUDERCHICK]

Gotcha' on my prayer list Ross!! Leave it all in God's hands and He will take care of the healing.....

[RF Overlord]

Ross, I know EXACTLY how you're feeling :( , and I'll have a good thought for you...

[Hack Goby]

You will get through this Ross.You have the power of Prayer from the whole Marauder nation.When Linda had her heart problems not long ago you and the rest were there for her and myself.God bless you Ross you are in our Prayers.

[martyo]

Count me in on the list of those sending positive thinking your way.

[John F. Russo]

It is a great to have a website that truly has "freedom of religion", not "freedom from religion".

And it's even better to have a good ol' southern boy like Logan who is a man or great faith.

I'm sure the "all knowing" will sense this statement is being made about him and respond, not with a symbol of a "lock".

[jaywish]

Me too Ross

[Dr Caleb]

You asked, and it shall be done, Bud.

Prayers all around.

[the_pack_rat]

Count me in on the list of those sending positive thinking your way.

What he said.

Eric

[Bigdogjim]

Best of luck my friend.

May God Bless.

[Bluerauder]

To make a long story longer, I would just like to have as many prayers for my healing as any of you care to offer. I am going in for the steroid injections this Thursday, and after a week or ten days we will know if they are doing any good. I know that my Lord and Saviour is a healer, and I thank you all for any prayers you might want to send my way.
Ross,
Done ..... I hope this is a temporary condition and that no permanent nerve damage was done. Here's thoughts and prayers for a non-invasive solution and a full recovery.

[Smokie]

Ross, I got you covered, the Lord has heard your name today. Javier.

[SilverStreak]

You got it Ross, I know lower back pain is miserable. I can't walk more than a half block before i'm in agony. I'll have to address this soon myself. Good luck and good thoughts your way.
Darrell

[Paul T. Casey]

Okay, you're in. Just my $0.02, but I'd carefully consider all the ramifications of the shots deal.

[Mike Poore]

Good Lutheran prayers work too. You're on our prayer list. God bless you.

[NAVCHAP]

Your chaplain is in the job, please keep us posted on your situation. Blessings and Best Wishes, -kjs-

[Krytin]

Prayers are with you Ross! Please seek a second opinion! I blew mine out in the same spot when I was 19 years old. It dropped me flat on my face more than once the pain was so bad! Physical therapy, bed rest even traction might be serious considerations (not necessarily in that order) before steroids and/or surgical procedures!
Whatever happens - the Lord will have you in his hands!

[Haggis]

Count Chris and I in for praying for a complete recovery. Ross, we hope you get better soon, hang in there God is on your side.

[jgc61sr2002]

Ross - Will be thinking of you and hope for a speedy recovery. God be with you.

[TAF]

Separating the wheat from the chaff not being around much lately...I come across this!

Ross...most certainly you are added to my list. Take care of yourself, my friend.

[teamrope]

Count me & Mrs TR in too.

[Ross]

Folks, I can't tell you how humbled I am to have so many people (many of whom I have never even met) who show such love and concern. I am scheduled to go in to the doctor who does the steroid injections on Thursday, but I have a few questions for him before he does that. I know that all medical procedures can have their drawbacks, but I want to at least try to have as many bases covered as possible before anything is done. There are some new places in Houston offering a traction-like treatment that I am also checking out. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, keep those prayers a-comin'!

[prchrman]

with God ALL things are possible...be healed in Jesus's name...praying...willie

[captJ696]

Try not to worry yourself worrying....as many here have said we all are praying for you AND your family through this. Never stop believing in Him. May the power of prayer and the Lords blessings be w/you........................... ...

Joey

[Merc-O-matic]

Precious Savior, who listens to our every prayer
and never turns away from our moaning, be will all
in their illnesses, and grant Your balm for healing.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

[GordonB]

Ross,
We hope you get well soon. Lord knows we have had our share of ailments this year family-wise. Hears to you buddy. Keep the faith and know that several dozen people are pulling and praying for ya!
GordonB

[earlystroke]

Ross, my prayers are with you my brother. You are on my list!


God bless,
Matt

[MENINBLK]

Hello Ross,

I'm sorry to hear that after all of your achievements,
the devil has thrown you a curve and injured your spine.

I've put in a word to THE MAN, and he's got his best team of angels
watching over you and your family.

You will be in my prayers for the least invasive
and the most quickest recovery.

GOD BLESS... :coolman:

[RAUDER]

As a fellow Houstonian, our hearts and prayers go out to you brother!
Keep us posted.


Sam

[JGaignat]

Ross,
You're in my thoughts and prayers. I know first hand what you're going through. In December of 1997 I slipped on the ice and trashed my back. I had the same hip pain and a constant "charley horse" pain in my calf, and my foot felt like it was alseep. I saw 2 Neurosuergons who both described the herination as "large". They said I was too far gone for physical therapy. I tried one of the injections. It was not anywhere near as awful as many people said it was. I felt better for a couple of days, and then back to constant pain. I was tired of being hopped up on pain killers, muscle relaxers, and anti inflamitory pills, so I opted for surgery. I have NEVER regretted that decision. The hip and leg pain were gone. I had back pain due to the surgery, but that went away over time.

I was beyond TERRIFIED at the thought of back surgery, but I couldn't stand the pain or the thought of being drugged all the time, just to take the edge off the pain.

I would recommend a 2nd or 3rd opinion. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and many more years of comfort. :)

John