I've had 4 lumb laminectomies on the left. L4 thru S1. It was after my 3rd that I woke up with CRPS, left foot, in 1979. I was diagnosed immediately but told, at that time it was causalgia - no treatment. I spent 35ish years, my adult life on crutches. Initial injury lifting a patient at work. I am/was an RN.

But back then, work comp was work comp. Paid for everything for 6ish years. Even psychotherapy, 3 years in a halfway house after multiple suicide attempts. One successful, left me with some brain issues after being DOA but brought back.

Anyway, out of remission with a knee replacement, spread to other foot. Covid spread to waste down.

So I fell, and found out yesterday that I am bone on bone at L5-S1 but right side. Disk 100% gone. MRI getting scheduled to check for occult spinal fracture, HNP from fall or just bad arthritis from surgeries. He talked fusion as I have disk issues and terrible back pain before the fall. I've been in long term PT for months. Its mostly massage for muscle spasms.

So scared. I'm 69. Never needed a fusion before in the other surgeries. I live alone. Vant afford help as I've been on SSDI since 1980. Now officially retired but run my own graphic design biz from home. (Went back to school at 30 in the mid 80s.) I'm still productive and do some work nationally with clients and very grateful. I see a psychotherapist who specializes in chronic pain and trauma.

So, thanks for this thread, will follow. Trying to think good thoughts for the MRI. I also had 3 fingers injected yesterday for trigger fingers! Not the best week to be on deadline. Can't tell clients for sure. Thanks for reading. Kinda scared...but trying not to focus on it. Just get mri scheduled for now. Hands sore today which makes crutching hard. I am also allergic to opioids which I have considered a blessing in my life but my kidneys are showing some damage from OTC pain meds for 45 years. I am also allowed to give myself a shot of toridol like 4 times a year when it that or worse when the pain is at 15. I get 24 hours of zero pain. Helps reset my body. And my mind to get back on an even keel.

Its a life and I'm grateful for it. Gratitude is the only way to make it through. Find the small things to make it a life worth living. Betty