Back Issues, Any Advice Appreciated

[jimnypert]

Hello All,
My name is Jim. I am TSgt USAF 17 years 4 months TIS. I've had pain since falling in Korea in 2000. Not much at first, just leg pain, trouble sleeping. When new PT program restarted and I had to run on the pavement again, my pain got extreme. Everything from my belt down hurt. I mean everything guys. It took a very long time to figure out what was wrong. I was sent to several specilaists, Chiro, Urologist, Pain Specialist, Physical Therapy,etc... Even had surgery to remove a kidney stone which wasn't there. The next guess was prostate probs. Finally after years of tests MRI's, cat scans, steroid shots and the dreaded discogram, I was told I needed surgery. I put it off as long as I could but the meds just did not work anymore. Had fusion L4/5 and L5/S1 on March 24, 2008. Neurosurgeon told me that there was no disc left when he went in. I had about 6 weeks conv. leave then went back to work on light duty. Finally started physical therapy 1st week of August. Now just one month into therapy I am under the board. Let you all know what happens as it goes along.
Also, any advice would be appreciated.

Many Thanks from AFSOC.

[Navcustom]

How is the fusion? I will be getting the L4/5/S1 as well. Why are they boarding you? I was under the impression that as long as surgery fixes you, you can continue on with your career. Is this true? I wish you the best of luck.

[MN Swede]

Jim, did they give you any idea what you might be looking at for the outcome of the board?
I'm into discectomy #3 (2 this year), L3/4 and L4/5, and I just found out they are going to board me as well, but just found out yesterday, so I'm scrambling to find any information I can. I don't care if they boot me; just want to make sure I can get medical care down the road, as my neurosurgeon said if this doesn't take, he will start fusing them.

Thanks,
Swede

[jimnypert]

I was told that I have to go to the board because I have been on profile for almost three years. I am currently still doing physical therapy and it is painful but I think it is working. I still have pain but not as bad as it was.

[Jason]

jimnypert,

Good to have you here! Sorry I didn't see your earlier posts...what outcome do you want? Be aware, getting to 20 years is a huge advantage from a compensation point of view and locks in your retirement if you are found unfit at some later time.

[jimnypert]

I am not ready to retire. I have been trying to stay. I admit that I am extremely tired. Been fighting and working through pain for a while now.