third L5S1 herniation… possible fusion needed
hello, i was in a car accident that caused a 3mm herniation. had a microdiscectomy. 4 months later, it re-herniated to 6mm, opposite side. another microdiscectomy. now 3 months later, another 6mm herniation. i was told if this happens, i will likely need a fusion. i am in my very early twenties and am terrified. i was supposed to go to school for nursing. i was starting my prereqs next month. i don’t know what to do. with this most recent herniation, i can walk which is better than the last one. but im still in immense pain and am miserable.
i used to boulder, do hikes, etc. i’m so scared for my future. i want to have a kid here in the next few years but am now even more scared of labor pains being extra intense due to the fusion. i’m honestly spiraling. what if something happens to my kid when they weigh more than 40lbs and lifting them to help them causes damage to the equipment? id do it in a heartbeat but oh my god am i scared.
help?