In search of old age PRs

Shoveled a little snow today with no back pain.  That's a first, but my left foot is toast.  Also, my inner thigh on my left leg is giving me some flare-up--strange because the nerve should run on the outside of the leg.  

Big accomplishment today of only taking prednisone--no muscle relaxers or Vicodin.  

Did a lot more Internet searching today on Doctors.  I have some good leads on people that have worked on other athelete spines (thanks everyone that made recommendations).  I'm seeing Terry Sawchuck (great last name) on Wednesday for injection/rehab.  If it comes to surgery, I'll probably look at Dr. Armen Khachatryan or Dr. Kade Huntsman.  I'll probably also give Dr. Toronto a call.  

Once again, thanks Dr. Jason Blackham (Ogden runner) on some good advice. 

Doctor research today.  I received some more great recommendations from friends and called Dr. Kade Huntsman, Dr. Armen Khachatryan and Dr. Charles Rich.  Dr. Rich is a neurosurgeon and comes highly recommended from Dr. Russ Toronto, while the other two are well known orthopedic surgeons.  I'm not sure which is the best way to go, but the lack of control in my left foot has me leaning toward the neurosurgeon.  

Today, I was definitely stronger and was able to shovel snow (light loads).  I can tell the fluid is draining off the nerve.  I just need it to go completely away!

Epidural steroid injection today with Dr. Terry Cutshaw from the TOSH clinic:

I waited an extra hour and was offered an appointment move time, but I was not going anywhere (appointment at 11:15, did not get seen until 12:15)!  

He reviewed my MRI and stated that I was a good candidate for surgery due to the severity of the compressing.  He tested my left foot strength which was non-existent.  He told me the shot usually showed about a 20% success rate with people in my condition for pain and weakness (the % is much higher if your disc herniation is not as severe).  I opted for the shot.  

It was a small surgical procedure that took about 25 minutes.  There was mild burning when the needles and dye were injected, but the steroid was fine.  He did grumble a couple of times since he was having trouble on something called vascular uptake (made me very nervous).  Within 1 hour of the injection my leg pain has improved along with a small recovery of strength--but not nearly enough.  I made a follow-up visit with him for next Thursday, but I have an orthopedic surgeon and a neurosurgeon visit scheduled earlier in the week...looks like it’s time to research surgery techniques! 

One day after steroid injection.  

It took some time, but dull pain down my leg has improved.  I still have light pins/needles across my left foot.  Left/foot weakness is still present.  I was able to sleep through the night and can sit at my desk for a longer period of time; however, to resume my active lifestyle I need the strength back in my foot.  Dr. Sawchuck thought the injection only had about a 10-20% chance of working due the size of the disc rupture; however, I wanted to try it first.

A little more about the injection.  I was very nervous, but it was relatively painless.  I did have a vascular uptake problem, but after needle re-positioning by Dr. Sawchuck, he was able to remedy the problem.   

Watched some You Tube videos of the procedure and patients that are back running at full speed within 3-6 months.

Two big left calf cramps last night and difficult to sleep.  Seems like the injection may have made things worse.  My left leg muscles and butt are twitching a lot due to the nerve pressure.  I may have to take a muscle relaxer today if things don't calm down.  I'm anxious to move forward with the surgery since the longer you wait the more likely you will have nerve damage. 

Worse day ever.  I wonder if this is how Dean Karnazes felt after running his 50 marathons in 50 days.  Nasty left calf cramping couple with sciatic nerve issues makes for a bad day.  I debated about driving to the hospital, looking for any doctor with a scalpel and demanding they start surgery!