This morning I had the results of the MRI and X-rays at my visit to the
neurologist. The news was not so wonderful. Five years ago we heard that I
had 2 protruding disks, at the lower part of the spine that had grown
together. Surgery was not possible. The treatment would be 'conservative' as
they call it over here. With physio and pain relievers, rest and excercise.

When I went to the first visit to the neurologist, 6 weeks ago, he mentioned
surgery, but that it would be a remote possibility as it would be very
risky. Well, the surgery is not possible at all, he said today. I no longer
have 2 disks to worry about, but all of them are 'ill'. My kind
neurologist -he really is a kind man- told me I have discopathy (sp?) at
*all* the disks of my spine. Nothing can be done about it.
He will no send me to a revalidation specialist, who might be able to help
me with a different set of excercises to maybe help me ease a bit of the
pain. For the rest I still have to continue my physiotherapy and keep taking
my pain relief medication and the muscle relaxants.  I have to be even more
careful not to put too much strain on my back, but still have to move as
much and as wisely as I possibly can. I initially was slightly relieved
about the fact that I do not have to undergo surgery -which is of course not
a pleasant thing to have to go through. But I am a bit saddened by the fact
that there is no cure at all for my back problems, that they have grown
considerably worse over the last 5 years and that I have to live with it for
the rest of my life.

On the other hand, I *have* learned to live with my back and I am used to
the discomfort and have found a modus vivendi. So I will just have to go on
doing what I have been doing for the past years and make the best of each
day -with Wynsen's help, we both do this with lots of love and care for each
other.

My first appointment with the revalidation specialist at the hospital is on
September 8.  But we're going to our little cottage in the forest first, our 'Casa Sagrada', for
a small vacation. I'm really looking forward to that!

Thanks for listening,
Hugs,
Karin

aww.. sorry to hear that.. i'll pray for you //hope u feel better

Thanks for your kind words, Khrystyne Jhoy! And for the lovely image. It means a lot to me!:)