A few thoughts on current procedures.

I consider myself pretty literate on the spine. I've read over a thousand articles, forums, posts, testimonials, success and tragic stories, etc... I've also visited a bunch of doctors, all of which have completely different views on the subject. 

In new york, one of the top doctors in the US on the field, Dr. Frank Cammissa, recommended ALEVE and physical therapy. If that didn't work within 6 months, he wanted to cut me open for a micro-discectomy.

In costa rica, a well-known orthopedic surgeon recommended spinal decompression. I tried the DRX-9000 machine, which they had, with absolutely no change in pain levels or even MRI results.

In other countries, they recommended massages. They got rid of a few knots on my upper back. That's it.

Other people recommended that I just pray. Sure, this is a good idea, but I can't JUST pray. I have to pray AND try to do something about the problem and hope it works. (Recommendation for believers in miracles: stop telling people to pray and do nothing about a problem).

I've gotten to the point where I now believe more in myself then what people tell me. It's annoying when I mention my problem and immediately everyone around the room is suddenly an expert on the subject, and they criticize you because you don't want to take their advice. "TRY GARLIC WITH OLIVE OIL", "TRY THIS MASSAGE LADY, SHE DOES MIRACLES", "TRY DR. RETARD, HE CURED THIS ONE GUY THAT HAD NOTHING WRONG", "TRY THIS AND THIS AND THIS, DON'T DO THIS AND THIS AND THIS". Please....

Right now, I believe stem cells can help me. The science is there to help, and I have to take advantage of it as soon as I can. That is what I am doing, and that is where I am placing my money.

If stem cells don't work, I already know my next step: Artificial Disc Replacement. If I never reach the subject, it'll mean that I never had to take this step. 

UPDATE:
Btw, as of March 25th, i'm 2 days into my stem-cell re-injection. It seems that I have a couple of muscle spasms in my back (at least that's what I think).. I'm trying to calm them down before they cause any unnecessary pressure on my discs. 

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