My season is over

[Gabbyg88]

I started having pain in my low back arojnd Memorial day and gradually got worse. I went to the doctor and she ordered an MRI. My worst fear came true, 2 herniated discs L5 & L4. I am hoping to get a epidural in the next week or so. I am also going try IDD therapy which is a decompression of the spine. I am trying to avoid surgery as long as possible. If everything goes well I may be able to get back on the wakeboard around labor day.

[Salyers]

Very sorry to hear this. Hope you have a speedy recovery. If you end up needing surgery, do a lot of research and ask a lot of medical professionals their opinion. Also get a second opinion. All Back/Spine Surgions are not created equal and its too important to get wrong.

[sgoyal]

Very sorry to hear this. Hope you have a speedy recovery. If you end up needing surgery, do a lot of research and ask a lot of medical professionals their opinion. Also get a second opinion. All Back/Spine Surgions are not created equal and its too important to get wrong.

I totally agree with Salyers. I know few guys who had to get surgery to fix their disc issues. Research research research before you agree to go under knife. My cousin had a back surgery yesterday and I still got to check with him, how did it go.

Good Luck man.

Samsung S4...

[cornrickey]

sounds like you need to take on a little wake surfing rehab and take the summer off from wakeboarding

[Gabbyg88]

Thank you for the well wishes. I have already been doing a lot of research about surgery if needed. I am short of lucky in the fact that the surgeon I would have is the best in the region. I am still trying to avoid surgery at all cost. I will try everything before I oppt for surgery. I have already been looking at adding about 1500 lbs to the boat to wakesurf, if I have to give up my wakeboard. Just really disappointed because I was only able to wakeboard behind the OBV twice this year.

[zabooda]

Same issue that I have identically. Three years ago I spent three days in bed and two ambulance rides. I get a tweek every now and then but I have been doing core strengthing and restrict my movements and very little pain. It took the three years to get to that point. I travel with ibuprofen (800mg) and valium just in case. Get a good PT and one that does sciatic messages as that is where my pain travels as I don't get it directly at the lumbar anymore.

Get ownership of a good TENS unit through your insurance. It didn't help me with the back as it masks the pain with muscle throbbing but it does help with other parts of the body.

My water ski season may never start as I've had orthoscopic surgury on the knee and it is taking longer to heal than I want. Being 56, I have to do many work arounds and my game is off but I still play.

If you walk in to see your back doctor, more than likely they would not recommend an operation. I wish you the best Gabby and PM me if you need any more info.

[Mikey]

Been there done that all minus the surgery. Lots of rehab, core strenghtening ,massage and chiropractic care and as mentioned a TENS machine and lots of Advil got me back to Almost normal. I waterski harder than i did when i was 20 yrs old etc, Just take time and care of your body and absolutely STRETCH before anything big.

I tryed the injections as well , Did nothing for me. Time ,patience and therapy are what worked for me. Surgery should be your last option, i know two others that went that route and both regret it now.
Good luck and keep us in the loop,surely we can offer some sound advice.