slipping of the L5 vertibra and hernation of the disc between L4 & L5. The nerve root coming out of L5 is getting pinched something awful. So...yay?

Copycat. That was my back issue. Though -- don't assume that the similarity means you'll need surgery -- I had *2* herniated discs absolutely obliterating (and that was the word used in the MRI report -- "obliterated") my nerve root.

Since yours is only 1 disc, the epidural steroids + PT should help A LOT.

Did you know about this before, or are you just finding out?

Just finding out. She said this probably happened in my childhood or teenage years.

Copycat. That was my back issue. Though -- don't assume that the similarity means you'll need surgery -- I had *2* herniated discs absolutely obliterating (and that was the word used in the MRI report -- "obliterated") my nerve root.

I had no "obliterates" on my report. So I'm hopeful that it'll just be a couple of epidural shots and some fun PT and I'll be back in the saddle again in no time.

Oh, Cash. Eeeesh. At least now you know why the awful pain. I hope the steroids take some of it away immediately.

I had no "obliterates" on my report.

Lucky!

Reasons today has been good:

• Both kids actually slept until NINE O'FREAKIN CLOCK in the morning! That's 11 hours for both of them, which made them happy kids this morning.
  
• Owen didn't cry when I dropped them off at the sitter. He just calmly got off my lap and went straight for the toys.
  
• I had time for a cappuccino on my way to the doctor.
  
• Encouraging news from the doc about my back
  
• Paid the mortgage (and found out we have a grace period of TWO WHOLE WEEKS with no late fee).
  
• I have more than four hours to myself for the rest of the day.

Oh, Cashmere, I'm glad you've got some very nice goodness in there.

Cashmere, how nice to have a day start so well. I'm encouraging it mightily to keep treating alla my favorite people well, I don't want to have to put the day ON THE LIST.

Things have developed re: my previous issue, as well... we'll see if I can actually talk to anyone to find out what the what is.

Yay for Cashmere's Good Day! My the PT & shots work as well.

Someone has decided my office number is a fax number. They are so very wrong, but it annoyed me enough that I unplugged the phone. Real people can leave messages, and my DH can call me on the cell.

Good reasons for good day, Cashmere! Hope the PT and treatment make you feel much much better. I've never had that kind of back pain, but just reading your description of the problem makes e wat to screw my eyes shut and curl up in a little ball. Eep.

I just had a call from a recruiter for a position in Monterey. Over two hours away. And my lease here runs through December. But if I got the job and made it through December, I could live in Monterey, and wouldn't that be cool?