Frank's Story

What were the steps leading up to your diagnosis?

A CT scan showed two bulging discs are touching my spinal cord. I am in horrible pain which gets worse throughout the day. These are in the thoracic region. I have had l-4 and l-5 fusion in 2015, and I find my pain medications are not working. My ambulation is very bad and I've frequently been falling.

The CT scan I stumbled upon that shows these discs hitting the spinal cord was disregarded by the ER doctors. Should I go back to the emergency room for re-evaluation before I hurt myself further?

Who has been there for you? How?

Family - my nephew helps me get around when really bad. He helps getting my in shower and prepares meals for me.

What lifestyle changes have you needed to make?

I need assistance doing household chores. I have had to stop doing any and all activities.

What's your advice to someone else living with Back Pain?

I guess I would say find an honest, caring doctor.

Is there anything else we should know?

I've had cervical and lumbar surgery. I'm 6'2, 310 lbs. ex-muscle builder and I can't get back in the gym due to my condition and prior surgeries. I also have severe peripheral neuropathy in my legs and feet. I can't get the weight off that is vital to any recovery