Hello! My name is Genia (gee-na), I am 43 years old. I have been married to my husband for 4 years and I have 5 motivated children ranging in age from 29 years to 17 years. I have been blessed with 5 grandchildren (all are 4 yrs or younger), and 2 grandchildren on the way.
I always led an active life. So, anytime weather permitted, my family and I preferred to be outdoors. During inclement weather, I taught my children different crafts such as bead working, knitting, and even painting.
In 2019, I started allowing myself to dream about all the things I wanted to do and see when my kids were all grown.
Instead, I tripped on the porch and fell off the side. No, it didn’t feel good but I would heal… a week later the bruises had healed and the scratches were almost healed but for some reason my lower back continued to hurt, and seemed to be getting worse. Then 6 weeks later I tripped on the same porch and fell off the side again, only this time I was having a hard time getting up. My husband became adamant that I go see a doctor. When I finally went to the doctor I had no choice but to use a walker to get around.
After a few tests, the doctor told me I have degenerative discs in L3, 4, and 5. I was told to switch between hot and cold and therapy. But I hurt even worse. I was struggling to walk to my bedroom at night or the bathroom. I couldn’t stand long enough to cook a meal, so my husband began cooking the meals. All I could do anymore was lay on the couch, tears running down my face from the pain and frustration. My husband was afraid to even touch me because he didn’t want to hurt me. This continued for several years till a friend suggested I switch doctors.
Upon switching doctors, it seemed like I was receiving another diagnosis every week. They now included:
There are small indentations of the endplates throughout the lumbar spine at every level potentially reflecting sequelae of Scheuermann’s disease.
1. Multilevel degenerative disc disease and facet arthropathy most severe at L4-L5 and L5-S1 causing mild to moderate neuroforaminal and lateral recess narrowing. No spinal canal stenosis.
2. Localized areas of marrow edema in the L5 and S1 vertebral bodies probably reflect sequelae of Modic endplate changes and Schmorl’s node formation.
By this time, my walker is falling apart, the brakes don’t work right, I’ve changed the seat 3 times and the frame is just wobbly. So I requested that my doctor prescribe me a new walker.
I waited several days to go get my new walker only to find out that the walker that’s prescribed is different than what I have and my insurance won’t pay for it. It’s also bigger than the one I have that often is difficult to travel with (because it’s bulky). After doing some research, I concluded that a scooter carrier is the best solution when traveling.
I already have appointments with specialists but they are almost 200 miles from my home. So in order to have a modicum of comfort during these trips, I have to purchase items that relieve the stress on my back.
I appreciate any and all help!
