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[greekblondechic]

Well, if any of you have been around a long time you might remember me seriously hurting my back in Oct 2004. Anyway I finally saw an orthopedic doc and got my back xrayed recently and I have..

Spina bifida occulta, Spondylolysis, Spondylolisthesis, a possible collar on my Scottie dog (lol..weird ortho speak but it means it could be a fracture...ok doc is it or isnt it?) And very mild scoliosis.

I am so bummed. The spina bifida occulta is a birth defect, it's not the same as spina bifida, its the mildest form of it.

But the spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis may or may not be my fault. The doctor never really told me what *I* damaged, but either way it's not good.

I'm going to physical therapy but its not going to heal..just strengthen by back to help keep it from getting worse. But for God's sake I am 23. Whats it going to be like when I am old?? Hopefully the vertebrae wont slip anymore.

I don't really expect help on here, just wanted to vent a little...but I guess any helpful suggestions are welcome.

Oh and then he tells me, walking is the best exercise for your back...thats great doc if I didn't have the sprained ankle that won't heal and plantar fasciitis. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Going to start PT for those two soon.. I can't fricking stand or walk..my heels hurt!!!!!!!!!

Somebody, put me out of my misery please!

 

[scbz01602]

I'm sorry to hear that, as an injury of that sort is incredibly hampering. I have hurt my back numerous times, and I am also fearful of how I will turn out later on in life.

All we can do is treat it correctly, and give it the best shot for success as we can possibly do. Again I'm sorry, and I hope all goes well.

 

[Trouble]

Holy moly!

What are you doing for the plantar fascitis? Its an issue of dropped foot position at night that leads to pervasive and chronic inflammation of the instep/and heel. There are positioning braces that friends have mine have worn, as well as orthotics (of limited use) and exercises that I guess your PT will bring up for you to do as well.

Sprained ankle. How did you do that, if you have PF and a back injury?

Get a second opinion by another radiologist / orthopedic surgeon. These xrays are notoriously difficult to read for fine fractures.

You must be very uncomfortable. I'm sorry to hear of the injuries and your back problem; the pain must be depressing.

Do vent..I would, in your shoes.

 

[greekblondechic]

Thanks sbcz.

Trouble, what does "dropped foot position" mean? right now all I am doing for the PF is some stretches I found online, the only thing my doc told me was to go to a specialty sneaker store and get the sneakers they recommend. I have read about the night splints that keep it stretched overnight, or whatever they were called..they look kind of uncomfortable, and I did read someone hurt their achilles tendon in those, did your friends have any problems with them? Was it a brace to wear during the day? Did they have to continue wearing them or was it for a short period of time?

The PF was not really a problem at the time, about a month after I hurt my back.. I was moping to a friend that I was going to gain weight while I was unable to work out.. so she made me go play tennis with her, and I sprained it very badly. I hold it against her til this day, but I dont tell her that..

I have been thinking about getting a second opinion.. I felt the doctor didnt really care. As for the radiologist, his report only listed ONE of the things the doctor later found. I will not be going back to that facility again.

My back is starting to feel better, and it's not the pain itself that is depressing as much as the fact that I am unable to do things, work out, etc. My PT says the bike is fairly safe for all my problems, but I am not ready to work out on my own yet.. Anyways, thanks so much for your concern. It means a lot.. some people dont see how frustrating it can be, but I should be ok eventually.