The Good;

 

My prostate cancer is in remission. The PSA numbers are going lower every time they check it.

 

The Bad;

 

My lower bad pain has been getting worse. I need to see a spine specialist now.

My doctor prepped me about fusion.

 

The Ugly;

 

If the operate soon to do the fusion I'll miss some of the bass season I guess.

I'm not sure how long before I get get back to having a life.

 

All this stuff that's going on is testing my strength and will for sure. But I can't stand hardley at all now so I really can't do much. I'm hoping maybe a back brace but with my luck I'm sure it's an operation.

 

Bill

The Good;

 

My prostate cancer is in remission. The PSA numbers are going lower every time they check it.

 

The Bad;

 

My lower bad pain has been getting worse. I need to see a spine specialist now.

My doctor prepped me about fusion.

 

The Ugly;

 

If the operate soon to do the fusion I'll miss some of the bass season I guess.

I'm not sure how long before I get get back to having a life.

 

All this stuff that's going on is testing my strength and will for sure. But I can't stand hardley at all now so I really can't do much. I'm hoping maybe a back brace but with my luck I'm sure it's an operation.

 

Bill

Health > fishing

The fish aren't going anywhere. A bad back, especially in your case, more than likely won't get any better. Get the surgery done and get better. You'll regret it later if you pass on it just to catch a few more fish. Especially if it's already hard to stand. Sounds like fishing would be one hell of a task the way you feel at the moment.

Do not get the surgery.

You get a bunch of second opinions from other doctors/surgeons before you leap in being cut open in the back.

I liked the good news! Good for you.

 

As a person with back problems all my life, I would opt for the fusion. Just being able to do everyday activities fairly normal would be my goal.

Glad to hear the good news.  The other, not so much.  Do get a second opinion.  Then you, or you and your family can make a reasonable, informed decision.

 

There are no guarantees in medicine.  You have to play the odds as you and your family see fit.  The more input the better. 

 

Whatever course of action you take, know that your friends at Bass Resource are pulling for you.

Best of luck to you homie. They cut on my dad and made it worse. He also had nerve damage too though. So that may have played a part. I dunno.

Get a second opinion, and if it were me, get the best specialist you can find. Research the procedure. Talk with others who have had the same operation. Research the doctor. Don't just jump into it head first.

Also. I may be working up there this summer. Or I can take a few weeks off work and take you fishing. I ain't got a problem wheeling you out to the water. It would get me some exercise. Plus may even help your recovery time. Being in nature can heal everything. (Least as far as the mind goes.)

Will keep you in my thoughts.  hang in there pal. 

Hang there big bill the fish will be there! Do what you have to! Best of luck brotha

Best of luck to you. Agree regarding the second & third opinions. I have had some dealings with folks who have had spinal fusion....VERY important that you are diligent with your therapy. Good luck.

I'm hoping maybe a back brace is the answer. I want to go bass fishing as soon as the bass are awake from there winters sleep.

In prayers....be carefull.

Have missed the fishing this year too...but oh so special when you get to go again.

Thoughts and prayers are with you

Bill FWIW, over the years I've had 5 spine surgeries. I've got allot of titanium in my spine, that said, back surgery is scary stuff. Your first fusion generally goes well provided on two variables, 1. You don't wait to long to have it. Waiting typically results in nerve damage and damage to adjoining levels. 2. Do your rehab. My first surgery went great, but I waited.to long, weakened adjoining levels that later failed. That and I returned to working construction. By all means get another opinion, but if the discs have ruptured they will not repair themselves. Good luck

My dad was in a similar situation about 5 years ago.  His lower back pain drove him to the Dr.  I think he had an MRI to access the damage.  They found the cancer.  Here is the kicker.  Had he not had back problems, there is a chance he'd never have known.  They wanted to do his surgery first.  He told them to get bent, the cancer was coming first.  After 40 some days of radiation, he is cancer free and now refuses the back surgery.  He can hardly walk or stand without pain.  He just refuses at 75 to have the procedure.   

 

Whatever you decide, I hope you get well soon!

Hope it works out for you.

Absolutely! Please DO get a second opinion! My wife's office (medical malpractice attorney) is full of cases from people who didn't get one.