Pain, Pain Go Away

Today on the Supertastic Show, we are going to be learning about medical stuff. (Lu, after seeing that video you posted on your blog, I thought you'd enjoy the inarticulateness of that sentence.)

As some of you may know, I have back pain. A lot. What is the cause of this back pain you may ask? Well, let me tell you.

I've recently been unable to move (walk, sit, lay [the last two being my favorite pastimes.]) without causing myself much pain and sorrow. So I went and had myself an MRI. This is not the first one I've had. I also had one when I was around 15-16 for similar reasons. What I learned then apparently has not changed much. So, the findings of this MRI were quite similar to my past MRI.

When I was checked for Scoliosis way back in the day, the doctor said I was positive for it. But alas! He was wrong. Upon getting a second opinion, with the help of the super x-ray abilities of the MRI, we learned I actually had what was called Schuermann's Disease. This disease is the deformation of your vertebrae, causing your spine to curve outward.

Here is a handy picture in which I have digitally circled the deformed vertebrae. As you can see, some of the vertebrae are more pie-shaped than square.

So Dusty, is this what causes you so much pain? Why no, it is not, I just thought you might like to know. All I know is that someday this disease may give me a "mighty hump" as Mr. Burns would say.

So what is causing my pain? Well, I have learned (from both MRIs) that I have two herniated discs in my lower back. (Animation pictured below)

Ouch right?? Double ouch! As stated above, I have two herniated discs. One is located on the bottom level of my Lumbar Curve, and the other is the top level of my Sacral Curve. Again, with the wonderful use of modern technology, I have circled in red the area of which I speak.

So, what are my options? Well, one is to just live with it. The herniations are not so bad that they are in danger of causing any neurological problems. So I could just go around walking like my grandpa all the time. But that is no fun. Nor is it attractive, and heaven knows, life is about being attractive.

Another option is a Spinal Injection. They take super long needles and punch it into your spine and fill you will nice Cortisone. No, not like the cream. It's actually an anti-inflammatory medicine that is made from steroids naturally produced by your own body!! Who knew that WE were the cure all along?? This picture below shows one reason why I do NOT want to have this procedure. See that huge needle being punched into that spine?? Yeah, I know.

So the only option left is to take a Medrol Dose Pack. They're oral steroids that I'd have to take for a week or so. This is an option I do not want to choose because of the side affects. One of the major side affects is MOOD SWINGS!! I don't want that. No, not at all. My mother has taken Medrol before and boy, her mood swings were crazy!! Also, this is not a cure, just a temporary solution. The injections would actually last a few months longer. But remember that long needle? Anyway the last side affect that worries me is the whole gaining weight thing. Remember how steroids do that? I don't want to end up looking like this guy.

For now my friends, as I ponder this lose-lose situation, I'll stick with my 500mg Lortab!

Mmmmmm........Lortab........

Well, for now, Peace!