[scook]

I had a really bad one several years ago and it hung on so long that I decided to consult a surgeon. When I met him, he said that looking at the CT scan he was thinking "clear the operating room and get this guy in here". Then he did some physical tests - had me try to lift my leg up,while he held it down and almost lifted him off his stool. No surgery needed - more press ups, ice and reasonable moving around to keep pumping fluids through the joints and it got better.

Two really hard things about where you are right now are that with that kind of pain, you can't imagine your back isn't broken in six places and it's an empty feeling not thinking there's anyone competent to figure it out and get you fixed up.

Do your homework to find a good doc and hang in there - you'll beat it.