well not sure what to say that a tuff call ill keep you in my thougths big hugs minnie sorry

I am so sorry you are in so much pain and are suffering from stress and anxiety as well. they can sometimes come together when you realize that your life is not how you imagined it would be. Only you know if you can handle working or if you can make that decision factoring in how you are financially. from someone who has been off work for over 3 years, i wish I could have continued working, i still miss it and if something comes up (broken glasses, graduation gifts, unexpected travel), I don't have the option of working OT to make up for it. It is great that you have a doctor who believes you. i had to change my family doctor because she would prescribe narcotics, but not believe that i could not work while taking narcotics. Good luck to you, and make the appointment, and ask to be put on the cancellation list, you may get in sooner!

A good pjysician is always ready to listen! Read between the lines so to speak if you know what I mean.... my persnl opinion is ti find another DR>

Maybe you can ask the doc her opinion. I'm sure if solicited, she'll share it with you. I wish you the best. I hope your pain is controlled soon...maybe a change in med protocol is needed? Please be honest with yourself about whether you can really go back to work. I would hate to see you compromise your health ....Please keep us posted, and again, I wish you the best. Gentle hugs xxx

Lisa...I have some of the same issues you describe...although, it does not sound like you have spinal cord impingement which is good. I would definately recommend a different doc---this one sounds yucky pants.

As for your job...I just left my job on the 10th of June. I was working while medicated and very sleepy all the time. Here is what I learned aka Advice from Duckie:

The question is not "Can you do your job?" >> Of course you can do your job. I could do my job in my sleep and I was damned good at my job.

The question is not "Don't you want to work?" >> Of course your do, that is part of what being normal is and financially it is too scary to even think about. I loved my job LOVED IT. I worked hard to get there and I was making very good money. Anyone who questions my desire to work will not be happy in a confrontation with me.

The question IS "Are you physically able to do your job without putting your physical, emotional and psychological health in serious harm?" >> Only you can decide this answer. Everyone here on DS (God bless my friends); My counselor; My children and people I knew at work were all telling me to quit because of the misery and pain I was in. I tried and tried and tried to make it work. I hobbled in everyday on my walker, jacked up on medication. I was sneaking off for naps and crying in the bathroom. I wanted to make it work....it did not. The more I tried, the worse I felt because I was not the person I needed to be nor the person I could be.

I had to figure it out, get to that really low point and make a choice. I am in a tough situation financially...but, I will figure it out. It is much easier to get that figured out then live in the worst and longest and most miserable 8 hours of my whole life on a daily basis.

HUGS to you my friend.

I understand what a tough spot your in,work/comp.Drs. think I can go back to light duty,which is probably true the problem comes in driving on heavy narcotics for me.my personal Dr. says no driving for now,or as long as I'm taking the meds. I'm on.So in a way the choice has been made for me no driving equals no work,or shopping on my own.

Alot has happend in the last couple of days for me. I talked to HR at work, saw my doctor and talked to my insurance provider. Work basically told me not to come back. I can't work in the office and I'm on narcotics so between those two she felt it best not to come back at this time. There was more to it but that's what it boiled down to. My doctor visit was actually good, she was very understanding and kind. I told her what work said and she just shook her head and asked me 'how does that feel for you... the possibility that you maybe can't go back to work at all?"... I broke down and almost cried. I was choked up and all I could say is 'that's hard' and she was very compassionate about it. She wrote me off work till the end of August. At the same time she looked at my MRI and said it looks like, given time, I could still expect a significant recovery so I might be able to work again in time. At least that gave me hope even if it never happens.

After seeing the doctor it just happened that my insurance agent called to check up on me and see if I would be going back to work Monday. I told her the events of the day and the conversations I had with work and dr. She was great and just informed me of the paperwork I would need to file to continue my claim and even to extend to long term disability since August is long past my short term deadline. It was all good, I'm handling it ok and just trying to remember all the things I need to do to make this go smoothly.

And after all that yesterday I finally got a call from the pain clinic. I have an appointment for July 13th (I've been waiting since November). They have me booked for an assessment that will take 3-4 hours. I have no idea what could take so long but they are ordering some bloodwork first and sending me some information. There is some 17 page booklet I have to complete before the appt if possible. I also am on their cancellation list so I could get in sooner. I really hope they can help me since it seems there is nothing the surgeon can do. It came at just the perfect time and has helped me to maintain hope for improvement in my condition.

Oh, on a side note, I tried going in the pool today. Dr.'s and physio have been recommending it since last year. Well, after about 20 minutes I was in enough pain I had to get out and I've been in horrible pain ever since. I'm not sure why as its supposed to be good but I am not running to go back to the pool any time real soon, it was not a good experience. Anyone else find the pool makes you hurt more?

Thanks to everyone for all the feedback, its nice to know there are people here who understand.

After all is said and dine as long as you're not pushing up daisys I guess everythings o.k.! randy

I've heard really good things about water therapy,having said that most mentioned the temp of the water makes a big differnce,I think Hippytoo tried it,and I think Duckie has tried it to.I do know the alot of elderly people swear by,hotsprings,and hot tubs whirlpools.Gentle Healing Hugs.