April 9th, 2014
Constant excruciating pain radiating into my hips, lower legs and feet has been my life for the past eight months. I have used conservative treatments including physiotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic and neuromuscular massage therapy. I have received 4 spinal cortisone injections and 10 spinal decompression treatments (intermittent traction) with no relief from pain. I am on a cocktail of pain medications which include morphine every 3 hours of everyday.
MRIs and a CT scan reveal anteriolisthesis of L5 onto the sacrum causing bilateral impingement of nerves. I have been assessed and triaged at the spinal clinic in Calgary as an urgent case. My referral to see a spinal surgeon will be 16-24 months. Damage to the sciatic nerves is ongoing.
My pain progresses, while mobility is decreasing monthly. This impacts my ability to walk and control my bladder. I must work full-time to support myself. This is becoming more and more difficult. I am hopeful that I will be able-bodied in 24 months, but this is not a realistic possibility for me.
