Have herniated and bulging discs- Is there hope of recovery soon?

[JessieJG]

In July 2013, I bent and twisted in a way that injured my back! Since then, I have experienced SEVERE pain, aching, tingling, and complete numbness in my legs and pelvic region, sometimes dragging foot to walk and falling down when I laugh or sneeze as I lose control of my legs. I received my MRI 7 MONTHS after initial incident.I have a herniated disc L4-L5, bulging discs L5-S1 and L3-L4, along with degenerative disc disease...

I am at my 8 month mark with my herniated disc. However, I have not be working for the past 3 months and the pain has lessened, but I know it will get worse if I work again and when I cannot lay down when I feel tense. I started swimming everyday a couple weeks ago and feel this helps a lot. So, I feel that there is improvement, even though I still relapse once and a while.

I finally got accepted to an MRT (Medical Radiologic Technology) program, a program that I have been waiting 3 years to get into. However, I hear it is a very physically demanding program where I would be required to lift patients, etc. School would be starting in 6 months.

I am 23. I am trying to get into PT soon, but I also have a consultation with a neurosurgeon in hopefully a month.

MY QUESTIONS ARE...

Do I have hope of recovering in 6 months, even though I have done any treatment the first 8 months? Would it be a bad idea to continue into this program?

Did anyone else experience this? How long did you continue to have relapses? Any advice?

Thank you to all who took the time to help me :).

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Welcome

I have moved the thread to the Nursing with Disabilities. Although we can not offer medical advice I would suggest talking to your doctor and physiotherapist to see what they have to say as they will know your history the best

[JessieJG]

Thank you! And I know that technically you guys couldn't tell me yes or no about being able to heal in 6 months, but I would like to hear if it is possible. Also, if other people have gone through this and have any advice on it :).

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

Sounds scary! I would not pursue a physically demanding job training program like rad tech or nursing. Stick to something where pt lifting is not required such as medical coding, office admin or perhaps med assistant. You're too young to already have such severe back problems. Good luck to you!

[nurse_jess]

Hey Jessie, I too have C3-C4, L4-L5 & S1 herniated discs. I know it's not fun and super frustrating. I was 19 when a car hit mine. I'm 22 now and let me tell you I've done therapy I've gone years to 2 different chiro's I've done decompression therapy and series of epidural injections on my neck and lower back. Now of course this is condition, your might be completely different your body might respond with therapy. All I can tell you is don't do anything that you don't think you can handle. There will be very crappy frustrating days and good days S long as you have a good support system and stay motivated nothing will ever be impossible. I went through LVN school with my condition commuted everyday 1 hour to school and another back and god jus sitting for that long my body would ache and feel so tense. I now have my license and work part time since I'm goin to school to get my RN. Sorry for the long post but what I'm trying to get at is if this really is your calling your passion then stay strong and it will make you stronger as a nurse and as a person god bless and good luck.