Spinal what?

These days, a line in the Sound of Music keeps playing in my head. It goes: “But somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good”. And I wonder…

The MRI report goes: “Moderate assymetrical disc bulge causing severe spinal canal and right neural foraminal stenosis, L4-5.”

My problem started some two months ago when I started to feel a different sensation that starts from my right buttocks radiating to my right leg. Little by little I started to feel a tingling sensation and numbness in the same spot until it became painful and unbearable when I stand and walk. All the pain and sensation go away only when I lie down. It was at this point when I consulted a Neurologist who recommended an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) procedure.

The Neurologist admitted me for hospital confinement where I was supposed to undergo physical therapy with 24-hour traction for 5 days under the care of a rehab physician. The whole procedure, however, was cut short when an Othopedic Surgeon that the Neurologist had consulted told me emphatically that the only way I would get better was through surgery ONLY.

Disturbed by this new development, I asked to be discharged from the hospital and went to Thelma’s Neuro-Surgeon in another hospital for another opinion. He is well-respected in his field and specializes also in Spine surgery. And after a thorough study of my symptoms and careful reading of the MRI results on film, his verdict was: no surgery is needed and I can do with a conservative treatment of medication, regular exercises as prescribed, and 3 hours traction daily. What is more, all these can be done at home!

Today, I am almost at the end of my first week faithfully following this kind of treatment. I still feel numbness and tingling sensation of pins and needles in my right limb, but the unbearable pain is gone!

What else can I say? I am a man blessed! I have been spared a most risky operation involving my spine, not even counting the huge expense it could have cost me and my family. My life goes on as a testimony to God’s and His mother’s loving care. Truly He is faithful to those who trust in Him!

And the music in my head continues to play… “but somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good” to deserve all of these blessings.