I got hurt in October of last year picking up some heavy boxes. A couple of months ago I found out that I have a herniated disk (L5/S1) and after going through physical therapy and spinal decompression, the next step is the surgery. I will be going under the knife in less than 36 hours. I am definitely nervous and anxious. I have already been through one back surgery 20 years ago. That one was also for a herniated disc (L4/L5) and I remember how unpleasant that experience was. I just hope that everything will go smoothly.

Wishing you well and the best of luck. You should stop lifting heavy boxes. I was slated to go under the knife for three rotated vertebrae, one prior break that was never treated, and a compression in my neck(also never treated). $250k made me decide I can live with the pain.

I will be hoping for the best for you. I too Have a herniated disc at L5-S1 and also L-4_L5. Physical therapy did not work for me either. I am currently on #2 of the steriod injections. 1st one worked for about 3 days!!!

Marty,
I wish you good luck and a fast recovery. I have had 3 seperate back surgeries. I had to have my backed fused, do to degerative disk dease. Couln't live with the pain and problems associated with it.
Tom

Good luck with the surgery Martin.

Thank you. I too hope that all goes well and I recover quickly.

Perhaps the down time will motivate me to build something.

Good luck Martin! Wish you a speedy recovery. If any comfort, Back surgery is several quantum leaps ahead of 20 years ago. Recovery should be less trauma also. As others have said, don't lift the heavy stuff. Get a $50k forklift to save your $5m back to do the job.
Scotch helps when you get home too.........