Thank you Alfred for your heartfelt post. I sincerely empathize with you. I was unable to obtain proper healthcare at the time due to the shutdown from the pandemic. I had an Orthopedic Spine Specialist I had seen before, but appointments were 3-4 months out. I saw several specialists and physical therapists during that time, with appointments spaced out two to three months at a time.
I had a 42 year banking career which I spent the last 20 years as a Commercial Lender, Business Development Officer and Commercial Credit Analyst. I retired early as I could no longer take the front loading of my body due to the extensive typing and deadlines. Unfortunately I was moved to a new office that was not ergonomically appropriate for me. It took more than 6 months to have my desk and seating situation adjusted. By that point, I was like you unable to sleep. Constant pain. I sought treatment with PRP injections to the facet joints that helped me return to a sense of normalcy along with my early retirement. However, I was only 50% of what I normally felt. Was very difficult for my loved ones as well.
It was a difficult decision, but I did end up choosing surgery. It was only after I was referred to this Neurosurgeon from a close friend that had undergone two successful spine surgeries.
Don’t ever give up that there will be a solution and continue to pursue it. I thank you for your kind thoughts and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas.