Eric,

Hi, my name is Matt and I am a 31 year old firefighter. I injured my back Aug 2006 at work, with L4-L5 herniation. The doctor did not want to do surgery. I did 8 weeks of work conditioning/work hardening.

I went back to work Dec 2006, I still had pain and was not right. Long story short, July 2007 on vacation with my family I reinjured and this time fragmented L4-L5. Work comp denied my claim because even though it was the same injured segment, it was worse. That mess is for the lawyers to take care of.

My symptoms after the fragment where EXTREME pain in my right leg and no strength in my right leg. My right leg was completely numb and dead. Although my low back felt GREAT!!

Aug 31, 2007 I had a diskectomy and lamianectomy performed. I have been in phsysical therapy for 2 weeks and now my leg is improving slowly. My low back is good, but the muscles fatigue easy at this point.

If your doctor is recommending surgery make sure you find a good neuro-surgeon and get a second opinion.

Overall I am please with the results of my surgery, I am feeling better than I have felt in over a year.

I feel your pain about not being able to play and do things with your kids. that is tough. I have a 5 and 3.5 year old. They do not really understand that daddy is broke and cannot role around and do all the crazy things we did before.

Take care and good luck

Matt Lohse

My new second stream of income: www.PonderBig.com

Thanks, the neuro surgeon's office just called me yesturday , i have an appointement on Dec 4 th , . Yeah i will get second opinions , ive heard too many Horror stories , starting with my Dad ! I was doing Physiotherapy/Massage therapy , the Dr pulled me out after 1 mth his exact wrods wwere " whoolly caca there making you worst " what are they making you do . i said there making me walk on a thread mill the ones thatt make your legs go round and round, giving vigorours massages , they were giving me massive pain , he pulled me out instantly. with the kids , jesus there too young to understand . my daughter is only 1 yr old and she is Daddy's little girl beleive me LOL ,