latest

[Orin]

Well guys, January 14 was the day I went with trepidation to see the surgeon about my back. It turns out that the surgeon was an acquaintance of mine. I had met him in the parking lot in front of the Chapters store. He was driving a Mini and that provoked a conversation about the driveability of a car like that in Edmonton winters. I also noticed in his car a poster for one of the famous coal pit bands from the north of England. Apparently he has invested a lot of money to bring them over for a concert and, of course, hopes to recoup his cash. That was the surgeon.

He examined the CT scan and told me that he would arrange a quick MRI. When I explained that I had already had an MRI within the last month, he searched for the report. He explained that the MRI showed that my spinal problem is located in a very unusual place. Not only has L5 L6 disk protruded towards the central nerve, the sciatic, that is, but that the protrusion ascends along the nerve and hence all the pain and aggravation I have been experiencing. I asked what exercises or procedures would alleviate the problem and he explained that nothing like that would help but perhaps hinder and worsen the situation.

There were two options offered. The first–surgery. The second–cortisone injection into the area. The latter, expected to last from one day to several months and the former, a ninety percent chance of success. At the moment I have chosen the cortisone in an attempt to put off the decision about surgery. Who knows, miracles are not impossible. I somehow expect that surgery will eventually happen. When that decision is made, I shall seek advice as to the surgical procedure. It seems that the cortisone can only be used a couple of times.

On a more pleasant note, it seems that there is a good chance that another company, euphemistically known as CHP2 will complete the second six volumes. A new investor has decided that the series must be completed. The problem that has to be solved is: Who owns the rights to the first six volumes. CHP2 is concerned that if it doesn’t have at least first option on the rights, in the event CHP should go under, the rights would fall into the hands of someone else. We expect the final results this weekend and expect to get going on February 1, the day I get my cortisone injection. How this affects Max, I don’t know; he’s under contract to CHP, and the two are not to mix, except in my case I am still the Style Editor for the reprints of the first six volumes.

So, there you have it. That’s pretty well me up to date. I’m looking forward to being without pain.

To you guys, the best always, Orin.

[CableMonkey]

A new invertor has decided that the series must be completed.

I Almost feel bad about reading your whole post and responding only with a slam against your spelling...Almost.

[Maximal]

Good luck with the back Orin, Looks like I'm gonna have to make a call about CHP2, It is not conflict from my point of view.

Which band is he bringing over here and when???

[Morty]

If you do the surgery, what are the odds of success? Is it one of those 50/50 chance surgeries and that's where your concern is?

[Maximal]

Any surgery involving the back is iffy, one wrong slip and goodbye movement.

[CableMonkey]

If you do the surgery, what are the odds of success? Is it one of those 50/50 chance surgeries and that's where your concern is?

Crap Morty...Don't You Read?

There were two options offered. The first–surgery. The second–cortisone injection into the area. The latter, expected to last from one day to several months and the former, a ninety percent chance of success.

[Maximal]

If you do the surgery, what are the odds of success? Is it one of those 50/50 chance surgeries and that's where your concern is?

Crap Morty...Don't You Read?

There were two options offered. The first–surgery. The second–cortisone injection into the area. The latter, expected to last from one day to several months and the former, a ninety percent chance of success.

99% of the time he doesn't read everything

[Orin]

You're right Morty did miss that information, but I'm still thankful for the concern. I'll discuss odds further when I decide that surgery is the only option left. Thanks for the correction to my ramble CM, I changed it as you will notice.

[mars123]

I had that exact same problem with L5/L6. Swelled up and hit the sciatic nerve - couldn't walk for the pain.

No surgery possible for me (too many other health issues) so I opted for the cortisone. That was about 2 years ago and the relief was tremendous and continuous. Not perfect but I'm up and about and that is better than the alternative.

Good luck to you and I hope you have at least as much success if not more with the cortisone shots.

[Orin]

Thanks, it happens on Tuesday so I'll post the immediate results when I get home and hope that there will be long term improvement.