On Nov 22, 11:47*pm, Cheryl > wrote:
> So it seems I will have to have back surgery. The second opinion
> diagnosis today by a neurosurgeon is spondylolisthesis. A dislocation at
> L5-S1. *And a cyst. And nerve compression and failure of lumbar disks
> and joints due to the instability of my spine. *No frickin wonder I'm in
> such pain. Just sort of venting and thinking and planning. I get an
> epidural on Friday and on a neuralpathic med for now until I can do the
> surgery. **heavy sigh*

I had lumbar fusion back surgery last January - for 3, 4, 5 and S1.
I had lots of arthritic growth, plus a cyst. It was easy surgery,
little pain, and recovery (back to work) was about a total of 4
weeks. The back brace was merely to remind me what not to do during
recovery, and it was so uncomfortable, the doctor tossed the rigid
part of it. Relax, it will be fine. ;-)

N.