Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. Good luck with the bloodwork...I hope it's nothing new. Hang in there. Over here, things are pretty well. But, my husband found out today he has a herniated disc in his back. He's all of 34...but arthritis/joint kind of problems run in his family. I guess he'll have some microscopic surgery coming up. I hate it. I've had a couple of surgeries myself...but haven't had to watch him go through one. Makes me nervous.
You poor thing...it is always so difficult for wives to watch their husband become ill. Has he tried physical therapy, gentle exercise in a pool? Have you had a Neurological work up? There should be NO surgery until his reflexes are affected, there are indication of sensory loss, his bowels or his bladder are affected, or his gait! Do NOT rush into the surgery. Tell him to sleep on his side, and place a pillow between his knees, and get into a fetal position to take off the pressure on that nerve, and, open up the vertebral spaces. Ice onto the affected area (I bet it is lumber? L3-L-4, or L4-L5 given his age) for twenty minutes on, then twenty minutes off will give wonderful pain relief. If you have a recliner, let him rest or even sleep on the same. It takes off the pressure on the nerve root. Here is the best "natural tip" that I can accord you both. Hit the grocery store, buy some ginger, and, make ginger tea right before bedtime. You can also hit the natural food stores, they have it there as well in tea form. Add some honey, and, wham...say good night! LOL Having had three spinal surgeries myself, I can offer you both my empathy and my prayers.
Funny, most folks are not even aware that their discs will indeed narrow and pop out as one ages. You stated that "it runs in his family." Yeppers, genetics plays a huge role with skeletal and muscle development, especially with joints. Should he elect the surgery, don't get sucked in to the thought of a quick fix and a super fast recovery. Let him take the six weeks to recoup.
You know how to reach me if I can be of any help to you or your husband. If for nothing more, you have a sympathic ear, and, a friend who cares.
:hug::hug::rose::flowers:
Rags and Jeb
