#spondylolisthesis

[thechekhov]

To tell the truth, all this was drawn today because I was busy yesterday.

But it still counts, right?

Yes I do go to bed before 10pm most nights.

[voidcore-trauma]

I was burning while you came blaming me for the smell of ashes // Kamryn Tammer

[vertebraedisarray]

i fucking love cpunk

i love being disabled and not inspirational or pitiful

i love being disabled and advocating for myself

i love being disabled and i love taking up space

i love being disabled and i love smoking

i love being disabled and allowed to be my own person outside of my crutches or wheelchair

cpunk has made me love my disability and therefore love myself

[tired-cripple-punk]

Why are some doctors fucking useless

I was hoping that appointment would lead to something helpful, but I just got told to suck it up and go to physical therapy

I’ve had chronic lower back pain for almost 6 years, but the jackass didn’t bother to read the xray report so he didn’t see the notes

He was nice but didn’t listen to me, and dismissed my concerns

[stuckinsidemyheadtoomuch]

I feel like people only see my stick when they look at me.

Whether it is out of care or disgust, the stare is the same.

Whether it is my closest friend or a stranger, the stare is the same.

I just want to be normal

I just want to feel human.

[bbyelle12]

No you're correct, spinal fusion for spondylolisthesis are rarely ever done for the aim of straightening the spine. That's a by-product of wanting to decompress nerves as much as possible. Normally surgeries are approved above an age range of above 40 and it's unfortunate because there are younger patients who need it but doctors keep turning them away simply because of age not symptoms. But keeping aside that fact it's given to people who tried every possible alternative including opioids and injections but still either have spines that are on verge of collapsing - people who can feel the bones grinding, excessive wear and tear or they have started losing sensations and control due to nerves being compressed or even damaged like losing sensations in feet or legs or bladder or the pain is too debilitating - there are people who start legit getting blacked out due to the amount of pain or a mix of all the above.

You're also correct that the extent of straightening is also done while taking in mind how much strain the spine can take because it's already worn down and the screws would also be putting more pressure and considerations of further nerve damage that can possibly also happen.

And yes, most people do need maintenance surgeries down the line and also have a risk of developing Adjacent Segment Degeneration ( ASD ) that's a direct long term complication that can occur due to the stress of the fusion on the bones.

The media is just so evil but it's reflective of how disabled people and chronic pain patients are treated in real life, not just by strangers but family and friends too at times.

Jesus christ - thank you so much for your message and helping me learn more.

no matter how much money you have or how privileged you are, health truly is wealth. I can’t begin to imagine the impact it would have on my psyche if my body was breaking down to such a degree. the mind-body-spirit connection should never be underestimated and we should be grateful every day that our bodies can hold us up

[simonrileytaylorsversion]

I know this is a semi-old image but as someone with back issues this is just cruel. I’m almost 23 and I have bladder incontinence due to my spinal issues. Spinal disorders cause urinary ‘full signals’ to be sent less, and nerve damage to the bladder nerves causes less sensation until it’s too late. I have had friends who were protesting and were jailed before and were denied the toilet until they were about to pee themselves. So the fact that he has spinal issues and the police likely denied him toilet access until he lost bladder control is infuriating. Yay for police brutality I guess… taking a photo as well just to humiliate him is so insane.

[nearlydark]

I hate that like..people can only tolerate you when you’re being hopeful and positive and optimistic. My back is fucking broken plus a herniated disc. I am upset, I am scared. Especially hearing the doctor say it might not ever heal. You have no idea how the pain feels unless you’ve felt it yourself. I can’t live like this my whole life. I can’t. Not without painkillers at least. There is no look on the bright side with this. I am in pain every day. “It could be worse” yea it could be a whole lot better too. Can’t I be upset and frustrated for a bit?? Jesus Christ. Yea I’m going to get the injection. Maybe I’ll even get surgery. But fuck you for making me feel like my frustration and anger isn’t allowed. Is it helpful? Maybe not. But is blind optimism helpful? Also no. “At least it’s not ___” yea no shit. How does that help in any way.