Damn it. (Sorry, could help myself.) I know nothing about your situation, but I'm wondering where you did your research regarding surgery and outcomes? Was it the neuro who showed you the x-rays the one who told you about the recovery? If this is the case, then I apologize.

I just wanted to say that if you've been researching via the internet, please try to wait until you see the new surgeon before getting too nervous. We're all too familiar with how dangerous it can be to do our own research before speaking with the specialist.

I'm sorry you're having yet another difficult situation to deal with but I know that with your tenacity and strength, and having Mike and the kids, you'll find the best solution to the problem and be confident with the road you choose.

I'm sending you a big hug today, gentle of course, and am thinking of you. Hang in there, my friend.

Cath

That sounds absolutely horrible. The surgery and recovery.........makes me shudder just thinking about it.

Hope things go well and the new doc can help you. Maybe there's something new that can be done. I agree with trying to not let the internet scare you. There is so much information that is inaccurate or the worst case scenarios and not necessarily the same as what you are dealing with.

Let us know what happens when you see the new doc.

Guilty! I am 100% guilty of obtaining information regarding coccyx surgery, off of the web.

You are absolutely right, Cath. I need to delete what information I have found and put it in the recycle bin. I didn't save any information, only stored it in my head. I'll press the big delete button on my forehead right now... lol.

*Sigh*...

My Neurosurgeon showed us the Xray and stated he doubted these segments could be "snapped back into place". He said he wasn't 100% positive, but I may need surgery to remove the segments and possibly my tailbone. His orders were to see an Orthopedic Surgeon.

Before I continue to babble, I need to give Beth a huge hug!

Where have you been, girl? It's so great to see you! You have been missed! I will be anxious to catch up with you and see how things are going.

So nice to see her, isn't it?

Yes, indeed.

Okay, where was I?

Mellow out damn it... I'm going to mellow out until I see this doctor tomorrow. No more looking up information online. I should have known to stop, when all I was reading was negative stuff. What would I do without you guys? I just can't imagine it.

I think the reason I am so uppity about this, is due to how much pain I am in when I sit. It's like I don't want to do anything to create more pain and I'm feeling skeptical about this doctor. Which, really isn't fair. I mean, the guy is probably really nice and will put my mind at ease. He probably makes balloon animals, too. (I have no clue to where that came from... must be the nerves talking).

I'm generally not a bundle of nerves. But, for whatever reason, I am. And hey, it's okay. That's why I am here and I am among such great friends.

Thank you for keeping me in line, Cath. I appreciate it more than you know. I am going to get ready for kick-off time and relax the rest of the day.

Beth... thank you for the well wishes and the big smile. Again, it's so good to see you back.

Ta ta for now,

Tammy

There is actually quite a bit of information on this topic right here on Spine-Health...

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/coccygectomy-surg...

I'm sending you some other stuff that I think you'll find interesting....

Gwennie

Ask him if he can cement it in place. I hope he's had successful cases also maybe he can let you talk to someone if they've had the tailbone fixed. Wishing you a solution for your pain and a prayer too. Take care. Charry

But I would prefer to have Tammy read this article about how rare surgery is and what treatments are used that are often effective.

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/treatment-coccydy...

In fact, I really like this particular paragraph:

Hey Girl..What are you doing? Taking on things like I do? For you and me it always has to be rare and difficult doesnt it?
Hey, I want you to think about this. My Eye socket tumor was so rare in Ia City where they are top 5 in the world for this type of tumors, and they only has seen one other...And look, I am just as good as new. I know how you worry, and I did too. But, I made it, and you will probably find that it isnt as bad as you have read. Just as I found out after surgery.
I am seriusly thinking of you, and hoping that tomm is a win for you! We both need a break, and I am hoping you get yours. We have been through too much to deserve all this crap. I have a good feeling though, that things will be good for you. I will be thinking of you and send you a great big but gentle hug ..Oh well..Heres another for good luck... Let me know how tomm comes out. I will be thinking of you. And probably be home cuz we are in another winter storm watch for 7-10 inches of that fluffy white crap! Love ya, Robin

I want to wish you a lot of luck tomorrow and I'll say a prayer and keep my fingers crossed for you. and remember, this guy isn't the only one in the world that does this And you can always get a 2 or 3 opinion.
Good luck,Jim

All I can say is I'll keep you in my prayers starting tonight! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow afternoon just waiting to hear how it went with the dr!

This is a different situation than yours but I hope hearing the story might help ease your mind a little. One of my girlfriends was running her mower up an incline in her yard when she fell backward onto her tailbone and rolled down the entire hill. She broke her tailbone in 2 places. She had the "no sitting" restrictions to help it heal. She had a 3 yr old, 5 yr old and 12 yr old to get to school, etc...you know the routine and her husband was a district manager that traveled all the time so she had to do more than she should. She thought she could never lay that much with the kids,house, etc.and although she kept going and did more than she should, she said it wasn't that hard to lay down because the pain would make her give in to it. She spent afternoons laying on the couch while playing games,reading books with her kids! It did take months, you are right, maybe a year to heal. That was years ago, she's 57,her kids are grown with grandkids and she is fine, runs circles around her family! So there are good stories.

One more thing, I can feel your pain and want to send you a big hug because I know how you are living right now.I can't sit w/o pain! Excuse me, but it literally is a pain in the rear, isn't it??!! You can't be comfortable sitting long enough to go out to eat, no movies, visits are short and you stand, sit, lay down, rotating, it is so restricting! It really comprimises what you do, where you go, doesn't it? I rarely sit at home keeping my sitting times to meals, short visits and to go places.I have a bed centrally located to lay on while on the computer, tv, even visiting w/ family and friends. I stand, walk, sit, rotate, all that then give up and lay down! LOL! They are use to it now! LOL!

I had my fusion almost 16 months ago and my dr still has me on sitting restrictions. Like you, as soon as I can lay down it helps then I know I can make it!But this isn't about me...my point is...

I lost track of my point, sorry!Tammy,what I want to tell you is that you are such a strong woman bearing all the pain(you deal with so much already) with such courage.You are there for your husband and family through it al.I know you will do this but please go into your appt with your mind and eyes wide open for any and all treatment plans. Get more opinions if you need to before making decisions. The good news is at least you know what is causing your pain(sorry, not good news, but you know what I mean) to find a solution! And what if you did have sitting restrictions for a year, aren't you already on sitting restrictions because of the pain? I was living with sitting restrictions due to the pain before my fusion and here it is almost 16 months later with sitting restrictions. Tammy, good news...I can sit longer now! Maybe you can keep working on it and heal w/o surgery! Miracles happen! You are coping now and you will cope well with any decision you make! You take care of yourself and I look forward to reading your post tomorrow!

Kathy

Hi I m sorry for your troubles and have some idea off the pain and frustration.
I broke mine in a stupid accident and they tried to flip it bak into place numerous times,no success.
I had a good part of my tail bone removed 15 years ago and am now 37.I was a musician at the time so had to play on a rubber ring like they give people for piles or pregnant folk/kinda funny
It was such a relief to have the surgery,the only thing I would look out for is possible disk prolapse higher up,get clear mRi annually its worth lust to rule out no further damage.
Ad although my tail bone op was great,through the years I have 3 prolapes and await a 3 level fusion.
Goos luck,my thoughts are with you.

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to send a quick post to let you know that the appointment went okay today. He has seen a lot of tailbone fractures and doesn't believe in doing surgery, due to the infection risks associated with the procedure and how painful the recovery is. He has found that sacral blocks help, in addition to injections in the coccyx area. He is giving me some referrals, but I need to call my Pain Management team first and let them know what's going on. I have an appointment next week with my Pain Management group... so I might wait until my visit. I am absolutely exhausted, I am doing a heating treatment and will post to everyone first thing in the morning. Thank you all for your posts, they have helped me soooo very much. I am anxious to post messages back to each of you.

Wanted to mention... you guys must have REALLY been praying and sending out positive vibes as I was just about pain free on the ride over to see this guy. I didn't even use my walker, which was amazing.

Wishing you all a good night's sleep,

Tammy

Good to hear no surgery is necessary. My first PM did an injection in my tailbone and I think it may've helped but I had pain there and not a fracture. I hope you're feeling better and yay power of prayer. I hope the PM team can help you with nerve blocks. Take care and a prayer. Charry

I do wish I had info on tail bones so I could reassure you just like you always do for me.
I know tomorrow when you hear your options you will make the right choice for you. Perhaps it will not be as bad as you think. Think posative dear Tammy.
Things always have a way of working out.
Will be thinking of you tomorrrow dear friend.
Sending a left arm hug and Pepper sends a tail wag and a lick on the hand.
Patsy W

I was diagnosed with coccydynia more than three years ago. I first noticed the pain when riding my bicycle. The pain gradually worsened to the point I saw an Orthopedic Dr, who gave me an injection into the tailbone area. This made my pain much worse for about a week and then I was right back to my normal pain. I continued seeing other drs, had mri's, x-rays, etc, which didn't show anything. It was very difficult finding a dr who would see me. No one wants to deal with this problem. There is a site online called coccyx.org and this is where I located a dr in Jacksonville, Fl, who treated this condition. After more injections and no pain relief, a coccygectomy was recommended. I had this surgery more than 2 years ago and my pain has only gotten much worse since. I've had about every kind of treatment, including injections, nerve ablation, PT, 2 trials for spinal cord stimulators, all of which provided absolutely no relief from my pain. It is a horrible condition and so very painful. I have other back issues as well, including a scoliosis and SI Joint pain. I hope you're able to find some relief from this pain. There are many who have successful coccygectomies... I just wasn't one of them, unfortunately. You will find a lot of info if you go to coccyx.org and there is also a group devoted just to t-bone issues...the t-bone group. You will find info on this on coccyx.org, also. Good luck.

Happy Wednesday...

Sorry for the delay in writing back. I was pretty sore yesterday.

Cath and Beth - Well, the visit went well. The doctor was nice and seemed to be knowledgeable about coccyx injuries and fractures. He doesn't believe in doing coccyx surgeries and he explained the reasons why. First, he feels there is a huge risk for infection, particularly with women. For example, we wipe from front to back and if we don't produce solid stools with each bowel movement... our hygienic upkeep becomes a worrisome chore. The other reasons were how painful the recovery is, the length of time it takes to recover and the majority of surgeries produce more pain. On a more positive note, he said there are pain patches which can help... in addition to specific nerve blocks and coccyx injections. Before I start any kind of injections, he recommended having a pelvic scan and a lumbar MRI. I might need to have these done on a yearly basis, to make sure my broken segments won't harm any nerves or surrounding tissues. He would like to follow-up with me, if I choose to go the route of having a nerve block and injections. In addition to my no BLT restrictions, I am to avoid sitting as much as possible and when I do sit... I need to use the coccyx cushion. I really appreciate your support and will probably be leaning on you guys, while I get through this mess and adjust. I talked to my SSD determination lady yesterday afternoon and I got all choked up during our call. She was so compassionate when I told her of my visit and I just couldn't hold back the tears. Everything is going to be okay... I have no doubts about it.

Hi Gwennie - Thank you for sending me the links. It was good to read more information and if you ever come across additional information, please let me know. You seem to always comes across informative reading material, which is always helpful.

Hi Charry - Thanks so much for your support and input. I was ready to ask him for patient referrals, but we didn't reach that point. I didn't get an opportunity to ask about cementing, as he is opposed to coccyx surgeries. Next week when I see my PM doctor, I will discuss my visit and see what they have to offer in regards to a pain patch and injections. The Ortho doctor didn't order a pelvic scan or lumbar MRI... so I'm not sure which doctor I need to have order these? I might need to go through my PCP for these orders, as he requested the last thoracic CT scan and the tailbone Xrays. I called my insurance company and I do not need any kind of prior authorization, so that was nice to hear. Thanks for your prayers, Charry.

Hi Robin - Hugs! Thank you for your ongoing support and for being so encouraging. I tell ya, if they happen to see an alien lurking around in my pelvic area... it won't surprise me one bit. LOL! In all honesty, I don't think anything comes close to your rare eye socket tumor. I am so glad that is behind us now and you are recuperating well from that surgery. That was so bizarre and really caused a great deal of concern. But look... everything turned out benign and what an answer to prayers that news was. I hope you are feeling better and stronger each day.

Hi Jim - Thank you for the prayers. They were heard, loud and clear, as I didn't have any pain during my ride to the doctors office and even left my walker inside the truck! It was nice having a break from pain! I will absolutely be talking to my doctors about what this Ortho doctor said and if they feel I need another opinion, I have no problem with that. What this doctor said, made a lot of sense and you know... surgery in that area is something I could do without. Once I know my dislocated segments won't cause any future harm to surrounding tissues, I will try the blocks and injections. Thanks again, PJ man!

Hi Kathy - Your stories really hit home with me. It was wonderful to hear how well your friend is doing, since breaking her tailbone. She took quite the tumble and she is doing fantastic. Such good news! I'm not too keen on having surgery for this (I've pretty much ruled it out entirely), so it's good to hear how others manage with their tailbone fractures. I am able to do a lot more walking and exercising within my restriction limits and that always makes me feel good. The set-backs we get are the pits, but that's part of our chronic pain lives. I'm finally over my bladder infection and wow, does it feel good. I'm a lot more energetic, enjoy my walks again and can think more clearly. It's amazing how those infections just zap you down. I love where you have you bed strategically placed! That is great! Get this... Mike and Zach jacked up one of our couches in the family room. It's the right height for me to sit on and lay down on. Sometimes I have to sleep out there, as I need extra pressure against my back with my infrared heating pad. The fidgiting around, ups and downs, inability to stand still... is me to the tee! I have never been such a wiggle worm in my life, but we need to do all of this... in order to get comfortable. I am on the same restrictions as you are and need to keep my reaching to a minimum. I've been doing a lot of stair step core exercises and am noticing a great improvement with my tummy core muscles. Wish I could start working on my upper arms, but that's another no-no. I can do little up and down movements with my arms when I walk in the pool, but that's pretty much it. When we saw my Neurosurgeon I asked him about the upper arm exercises. He asked me how I felt after shampooing my hair in the shower. He received a really long pause from me.... lol! I got the picture, loud and clear. Isn't showering and getting ready such an exhausting chore? I hate it. It is getting better, but at turtle slow pace. Thank you so much for your reply, Kathy. Your posts always make me feel better and your sense of humor is like mine.

Hi TinaandCrow - Thank you for posting. It's nice to meet you. I'm glad your tailbone pain is under control and your surgery was a success. What instrument do you play? If it is the drums, I bet you banged away while sitting on the tushie pillow during your recovery! Thank you for the heads up about keeping an eye on other discs in the tailbone area. I definitely will be doing just that. When is your three level fusion scheduled? It would be great to hear more about your back troubles. I wish you complete success with your upcoming fusion. Thanks again for sharing. Your post was very insightful.

Hi Mark - You are such a kind person. I follow your posts, too. You are always so upbeat and positive! I appreciate your very kind words, your support and prayers. It means a lot to me. I hope you are doing okay and I wish you less pain, each and every day. Thanks again, Mark.

Hi Patsy and LittleSurfer - I will post to both of you, in a little bit. I need to lay down for a while. LittleSurfer... your post has helped me so very much. I'm logged into coccyx.net right now and will be reading through the posts. I found a doctor who does injections in my state and will be giving him a jingle.

Bye for now and a big thank-you to everyone!

Tammy

Make sure you go to coccyx.org (not coccyx.net). You will also get info there about the t-bone group. You will get tons of info there.

I broke my tailbone 30 years ago giving birth. It healed on it's own but still gives me some bad days.

jasro

Hi Patsy - Thanks a bunch for your post. Just knowing I have others around to help support me and get me through the rough stuff, helps so very much. One of these days, we're going to get all of our nagging pains under control. It's taking a while to get there, but we will. How are you feeling today? I hope you got some sleep last night. It seems that sleeping is hard to come by these days for a lot of us. Thanks again, Patsy and give Pepper a hug from me. That tail wag and little hand lick was too sweet.

Hi LittleSurfer - I had a typo earlier when I posted. I was at dot org versus dot net. Thank you very much for sharing your tailbone history with me. I am so sorry to hear that the surgery failed you, in addition to the other treatments you have tried. Tailbone pain is a very painful condition... it interferes with your quality of life, big time. I have found the coccyx site very informative and I am going to call one of the doctors listed, who gives injections. If I could just get a little bit of relief, it would be worth giving a block and injections a try. What is so surprising to me, is the lack of doctors who treat tailbone fractures and disorders. I don't understand it. When we were active and enjoying sports, we took many falls and landed on our tailbones. I think of the professional sports people and surely they have had tailbone injuries, so treating the tailbone has to be in demand? I just don't get it. Who knows, maybe somewhere down the road... someone will find a good solution for us. Until then, I wish you less pain each day and hope you have found some kind of relief through oral medications. Neurontin seems to help sometimes and also the strong pain killers. Best wishes to you.

Hi Jas - Wow... I haven't talked to you in a while! How are you doing? Any developments with getting your teeth taken care of? Thank you for sharing your story about your tailbone. So sorry to hear that happened to you, but it's good to know the fractures can heal on their own. That's the direction I am heading, but hoping to get some kind of relief from a nerve block or injections. When I lay flat on my back, the tailbone pain is starting to radiate into my lower back and my hips. I'm not liking that too much. Any hoo... hope you're doing okay. Great to see you and thanks again for your post. Hang on a second... my hubby wants to know how big the baby was at birth? Did you have any pain meds or an epidural during delivery?

Tammy

It sounds like you have made the right choice for you dear friend. Oh how I wish I could find that magic wand to wave that would take away all our pain.
Yes Tammy, sleep is very hard to come by!! I am up and down like a yoyo.
One of these days things will be better!!
Cheers
Patsy W

I'm glad you found a dr willing to talk to you openly and take time to explain his proceures and why he believes in them. Thank goodness prayers worked to get you there and home w/o too much pain! Get some rest and and don't forget not to sit too often or too long! I know your body screams at you to give you the hint, just take that hint before your body screams, if you can! Do you have a laptop? We have a laptop and one of those $30.00 adjustable(top angles w/computer or book-great) bed trays so I'm not sitting when I'm on the computer. It helps in more than one respect. Of course to keep my sitting restrictions in check but also keeps me busy and my mind off pain! I'm anxious to hear how your appt with your pain dr goes....keep us informed! Go walk or rest for awhile and I'll check in with you later!

Kathy

Thank you for your message. I think I'm heading in the right direction now and hope the nerve block and injections give me a little bit of relief. If they don't, at least I gave them a try. I'm also going to ask about the pain patches. Any kind of relief would feel so nice.

I managed to get 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep last night... woo hoo! The rest of the night, I was able to get an hour here... an hour there. I really feel rested this morning, which is wonderful. I'm getting ready to take a walk with Mike.

Hope you have a good day with Pepper...

Tammy

Yes indeed... when it's time for me to stop sitting, my tailbone certainly let's me know. I'm doing my best to keep pressure off that area, as much as I can.

I do have a laptop and it's what I use every day. Mike is in the process of making me a special bed type of tray, so I can type laying down. Right now, I have my laptop set up on a wooden TV tray, next to my bed, which works really well. I have another wooden TV tray right beside it, with all of my goodies on it. Stool softeners, lip balm, back scratcher, etc. I don't have any Geritol yet... lol!

Getting ready for my early morning walk... yay! It's 45 degrees out with clear skies.

Wishing you a good day today...

Tammy

Well, I can't tell you how happy I am that there's an easier road to take than surgery. You've already been through so much and to add this on top of it is just plain cruel. It sounds like you've found a great doctor that's very knowledgeable about the coccyx area and what options are available.

I also have to say that Mike is such a great husband - he always takes care of you and although I'm sure you know how important that is, it's not as common as it should be and there are too many people out there that have to fight this stuff on their own. He's definitely a keeper.

You can lean on me any time you want to. I'm just a PM away and I'm going to PM you my phone number and personal email address. You're a great lady and I wish you nothing but the best. You've always done such a good job at finding what you need to do to take care of your problems. Being a proactive patient is so important and you're one of the best.

Take care my friend. You're going to be just fine and it helps me relax knowing that.

Cath

Hi Tammy-I just wanted to tell you I have had 2 coccyx injections,about 3 months apart,and so far they have helped.This was about 7 months ago.I hope you get some relief,I know how painful it is!Jeannie

Glad to see you keeping your spirits up so well. I havnt been the best about it, need to give myself a little kick. Are you talking about Lioderm patches? I tried those, for my back, but that was before surgery and didnt help for the torn discs. I hope that they work for you, if that is indeed what you are talking about.
I hope that they can do some nerve blocks and injections to help you. I landed on my butt when I was a tween during a bike collision. I did something to it, but it healed and never felt that bad. I was knocked unconsiuos, and woke up in the hospital with a Huge goose egg on my head. That was much worse than the tailbone.
Your hubby sounds like mine. Wouldnt trade him for the world. They are so understanding, so helpful and so creative in making things to make us comforable. I have a laptop and found a 25.00 laptop stand at wallgreens that tilts and rolls. Who knew I was gonna need it this long. Definently gotten my money out of it!
I hope you can rest. It is hard enough for me with my back, I dont know how I would handle both things like you are. Take care, my friend. Love, Robin

9 lb baby but i was teeny. :-o

10lb 7oz, maybe that is why mom doesn't like me

How are you feeling today? I've been thinking of you and thought I'd check in.

I have a table next to the bed with all my special needs on it too! Seems like everything but geritol on it so far...LOL! Every once in awhile I'll drop something and my husband will hear it(we have hardwood floors)and come in to pick it up for me! It sounds like your husband is handy! Your bed table will be useful and special! Better than anything you can find at the store! My husband use to do alot of woodwork.Several years back he made me the best bread box ever! I love it and to this day everyone that sees it loves it and wants to know where I got it! I love homemade things and the love put into the extra craftsmanship!

I seem to get off track alot...LOL! How are you feeling? I miss quite a few posts so I probably missed this: But have you had any shots yet? If so, I hope you feel like they helped!

Take care!
Kathy

Thank you so much for your post. Talk about getting off track... I could have sworn I posted a reply back to Cath and everyone else, but I don't see it here. I probably posted it under some other thread by mistake! It's all Jim Howie's fault... don't know why, but I felt the need to blame him. LOL.

I haven't had my coffee yet, so I'll do my best to catch up.

Somewhere after the 11th of February, I received a call from a Physiatrist's office. My Orthopedic Surgeon called them directly and they, in turn, called me to schedule a consult visit. I have an appointment on March 15th, to see this Physiatrist. My PM doctor and PCP both have heard great things about this particular Physiatrist, so that's really good to hear. (My PM doctor does not do injections).

My Orthopedic Surgeon ordered a CT scan of my pelvis, I guess for good measure. (I had only had Xrays done on my tailbone, prior to this). I took Valium before the CT scan and it worked like a charm. I was a limp noodle, flung myself onto the table and the scan only took about 20 minutes. The results of the CT scan are more detailed than the Xrays. It was discovered that all three coccygeal segments are fractured and out of place. I also have a fracture at the sacrococcygeal junction. (Try typing that out with no coffee... lol). There is also some slippage in the upper vertebral body of the sacrococcygeal junction. The treatment for all of this is the same as before... no surgery, but to have nerve blocks and coccyx injections for the pain.

Nikki's 10th birthday was February 17th. I kept her home from school (I always do that with her and Zach... even when I worked) and we had a ball throughout the day. Her big present was a nice karaoke machine, so she sang and danced the whole day. We also made bracelets and necklaces with the new bead set we got her... and I gave her a french pedicure and manicure. We met my folks at a popular pizza place for dinner and the kids played a lot of games for a couple of hours. Everyone had a great time (me included!), but I wound up learning the hard way that I overdid things when we got home. I thought the pain would subside once I layed down, but the nausea waves got the best of me. I hurt really bad the next day from throwing up. Any time I get sick to my stomach, it aggravates my ribs really bad (thoracic related). I had taken my phenergan once we got home, but the pain got the best of me.

I'm looking forward to my consult on the 15th. I hope they can schedule the nerve block and injections, as soon as possible. I am so ready for relief in my tailbone area, as it is truly preventing me from doing a lot of things these days. Not that I can go and run a marathon, but it interferes with my daily walks and I don't like that.

I need to log off and get some coffee. I'll write more in a little bit, if I think of anything I have missed.

Thank you all for your ongoing support, well wishes and prayers.

I love you all!

Tammy

Wow you are such a great mom to your kids. It sounds like your daughter had a real princess day! All of this while you ae not up to it. You go girl. Your posts are always a bright spot in my day.
I hope you can get your injections scheduled soon. I hope that they give you some releif. I found out yesteday I have to have a discogram. Ortho thinks other disc that was iffy is now the problem. I hope it is! Not to go through another fusion, just to get something done and see something is going right. I dont remember if u posted on my post or not.
Anyway, you are always so positive, and it inspires me to be that way and I love that. You take care of you, and try to not overdo it. It is hard when it comes to those you love, I know. Love, Robin

Thanks so much for the update, but OMG, what the heck happened to your tailbone? Man, just when you think that things are settling down, here comes something else. I'm sorry to hear about the additional problems, but it sounds like you've got a great plan to get it taken care of.

Congrats to your daughter on turning 10. I'm proud of you for doing so much to make it a special day for her at the risk of making you hurt so much. (You say you learned the hard way, but something tells me you probably knew you were overdoing it, but wanted to make her day special at any cost. That's what we choose to do sometimes.) You're a great mom and it's great to hear about the special day you all had.

Take care of yourself, my friend. We all know how it feels to have more stuff crop up, overdo it and all that good stuff. I'm anxious to hear about the injections and your upcoming meeting with the Physio.

Cath

Aww... thank you so much, Mark. I really appreciate your uplifting words and the sincerity behind them. I tell ya... when it comes to maintaining a positive attitude and outlook on what life throws our way... you've got it going on. I love the way you close your posts... they always have a cheery note at the end. Leaves a person with such a good feeling inside.

Hi Robin! Thanks for the message. (For the life of me, I cannot find the reply I made a couple of weeks ago to everyone). Nikki and I really did have a great time on her birthday. I'm ready to get the show on the road with the nerve blocks and injections. The weather is gorgeous these days and I'm going nuts having to lay down all of the time. I can feel my thoracic area starting to heal and I want to increase my walks, being in the pool, my stair steps, etc. I am very happy your appointment went well with your doctor. I sure hate to hear that you have to undergo another discogram. From what I have read here on the boards, those are very painful. But, I guess it's what you need to do... in order to find out what is going on with the disc. Have you had any luck with finding a new medication? I'll be keeping an eye out for how things go with your discogram. Hope you have a good weekend!

Hey Cath! Thanks for the message. Yes, you are right. The adrenaline of anything to do with the kids, kind of takes over, the majority of times. We had a wonderful day and night! I hope you had a nice week and I wish you a good weekend, too.

Regarding the fractures to my tailbone segments, I think my doozy fall off of Nikki's playhouse... was just more than it could take. I have taken other falls to my tailbone throughout life doing outdoor activites, just not to this degree. I had been diagnosed with a stress fracture to my tailbone when I was about 12 years old. At that time, I was in figure skating, rode horses and played piano. All of those put stress on the tailbone, so I eventually switched to playing volleyball and would go ice skating just for fun. That helped to reduce the stress on my tailbone, I was happy with no complaints. I continued to snow ski, went horseback riding, rode quads, etc. Over the years, I would have occasional flare-up pain to my tailbone... but nothing worth seeking medical attention for. I would take Advil and be fine. It wasn't until this past August, to where I started to notice that familiar tailbone pain, but it was quite a bit sharper. My PM doctor thought it was due to wearing the hardshell brace for so long, so I entertained that thought for a couple of months. It wasn't getting better with time, exercise or stretching... it was progressively getting much worse, so I knew something was wrong. When my doctors wanted a scan of my thoracic area in January, I asked if they could check on my tailbone. They did the Xrays and followed-up with the CT pelvis scan, which revealed all of the dislocated fractures and the additionial fracture to my sacrococcygeal joint.

My parents and my boss have been a little bit "up in arms" over this... wanting to know why this wasn't discovered when I was initially taken to the hospital. The CT lady has also asked me why this wasn't discovered at the time of my initial examination. I think I would be questioning this too, if instead of me... it was a family member or friend of mine? But since it's "me", I can honestly say that I don't have any problems with this not being discovered until recently. My main complaints in the ambulance were the pains in my head (slight concussion), my back (of course) and my left foot (which I thought I broke, too). I had several MRI's and CT's of my spine and these tailbone fractures never showed up. (My left foot was not broken, I just sprained it really good). The only thing that might have changed during my recovery, is having relief earlier on through injections. It has taken a good while for different nerves and muscles to come alive, and this tailbone pain wasn't pronounced until last August. Since then, it has become very alive and it's screaming for relief.

Yesterday I had an appointment with my psychiatrist. I haven't seen her since the beginning of December. I updated her with the tailbone stuff and she asked if the tailbone could be manipulated back into place. I told her I wish it could be, but due to the way the fractures have settled... I have been told this can't be done. She then shared that she broke one segment of her coccyx a couple of years ago and they were able to put it back in place. I told her that was great... I was happy to hear that. She then pulled out her chair that she sits on. All be darned if it isn't the greatest thing I've seen! She had me sit on it and I tell you what... it really took the pressure off my tailbone and it somehow throws your shoulders back for good posture? It's a kneeling chair with rollers on the botton. You put your knees on the knee rests and by doing that, it takes the pressure off of your tailbone. The seat felt great and it doesn't cause your legs or feet to fall asleep. I think it would help you Cath and anyone else with lower lumbar pain. She purchased it from Staples (hope I can put that in here... if not, please edit) and Mike and I are going to get one this weekend. She also sits on the excercise ball during work, too. I was so thankful she had me try her chair out... I can zoom around the house now! The family room has steps down to it, but the remaining living areas are either wood flooring or tile. I can use it on our porch, where Mike just planted our spring flowers and be outside... comfortably! As you can tell, I'm a bit excited about this chair. I'm also anxious to try out the lidoderm patches. I have my PM appointment on the 10th and will be asking for those.

I'm getting ready to take my afternoon walk. It is gorgeous outside... 71 degrees and sunny. We have had a beautiful weather week. I want to send it Jim Howie's way, so he can enjoy some nice weather.

Thanks again... I wish everyone a great weekend with less pain!

Hugs to all...

Tammy

I'm glad you found a chair that you are obviously so excited about...but I couldn't get past the ..."where Mike just planted our Spring flowers..." Now I'm not only jealous of people who are having surgery this week, but now I have to add on people who are planting flowers. We still have at least 10" of packed together, crusty snow on the ground.

Dear Gwennie,

It would be a pleasure to send our weather your way, but unfortunately... I can't get my facial cheeks to blow up that big! It is now the month of March, so I hope the snow starts to dissipate and your weather becomes much nicer during April. Believe it or not, two and a half hours away from where I live...the city of Flagstaff recently reported having the most snowfall this year, out of the whole United States. We have had our fair share of rollercoaster barometric pressure days here in the valley, which always cause more aches and pain. Winter is almost over, so hang in there!

My heart truly goes out to you, regarding your postponement of surgery. I would feel as devastated as you do. All of the unnecessary ropes you now have to jump through to get some action, makes me ill. You did not need this additional stress right now and I know the stress is going to cause you more pain physically.

You are a very strong lady, Gwennie. I know it doesn't feel like you are due to the recent hardships, but you will get through this. It's hard to turn the page and move on to another chapter in our lives, when it feels as though the previous chapter isn't finished. But, sometimes we have to turn that page and start anew.

Grab onto your strength and let it guide you through each day. Have faith that this will be resolved, when the time is right. You will get your surgery, we just don't have a date set yet. The coping skills you have always used, are going to get you through this very rough time. We will do our very best to support you and give any advice we think might help you along the way.

The curtain call will come for you and your surgery. The snow will melt and you will soon be viewing beautiful flowers and lots of sunshine. Patience... oh boy, it is so hard to come by at times like this. But, dig deep and you will be reassured that relief is truly just around the corner for you.

Keep the faith, Gwennie, and please know we all love you and wish the very best for you. I say this with true sincerity.

Hang tight, kiddo... okay?

Wishing you many blessings in the very near future,

Tammy

Your always so up beat! How do you do it? Your always so attentive to others needs when you have your own bag to deal with. Hey, it's not fair to blame stuff on me before you've had your morning coffee. LOL. Cause it's probably the fact that you haven't had any caffeine yet. Now, if after the coffee you still want to blame me. Then go ahead. I'm a big boy with big shoulders. And I can shoulder it.But you HAVE TO HAVE your coffee first!
I think the good weather you were trying to send my way. May be coming soon. I think the last snow came and went!
Some say attitude is 90% of the battle and I've also heard that confidence is 90% of the battle. And having a loving caring family for support is right up there too. And to top it all off you have many, many friends behind you.
Girl that's way more than enough to battle this thing and come out a winner!
Good luck, Jim