Countdown

My man's back surgery is July 11.  We are scared, of course.  But, we tried everything and went thru all the steps demanded by insurance, job, etc.  He started with his PCP, who did xrays and found some problems.  Prescribed some Naprosyn for an anti-inflammatory.  I truly believe doctors say it is inflammation when they have no idea what it really is.  That didn't help, so onward to MRI.  Ahhhh, he DOES have real problems that are not necessarily "inflammation".  Referred to an orthopedist.  Change in anti-inflammatory, including something akin to prednisone, without any good results.  He has had physical therapy, chiropractic, shots in his spine, exercises galore which he has done religiously, and just about anything else you can think of, except rest.  Yes, he continues to work at a physically demanding job in severe pain.  Now what?  He's moved on to pain killers and fears addiction.  Not!  Just pain control, that's all.  It only continues to worsen, and pain meds only take the edge off most of the time.  We were dead set against surgery, but what is left?

So, keep us in your thoughts.  If any of you have had back surgery with good results, I would like to hear about it.  I need encouragement.  Right now, it is soooo hard.