I am 28 years old. I am a union carpenter in new york. i used to be bery overweight( 5’8” 300lbs) and one day last year lightning went through my spine and everything changed. First MD in August failed, and I had a second one in October because I had cauda equina syndrone where my whole lower body was going numb and they performed emergency MD on me. Slower recovery the second time, took my time, all was well and went back to work as a carpenter. I have been doing an extra hard detail at work and wondering why they had the guy who had back surgery 6 months ago do it. I digress…every day things have been feeling worse and worse. My penis is numb and groin has been tingling, and I have sciatica in my left leg now. I am losing hope, and I know that I have to quit my excellent career that I love of being a carpenter and the money that comes with it. I am getting married in 2024 and want to buy a house :( I am feeling very low right now and I guess this is just to vent? I called my surgeon and go to see him next thursday, but I might end up in the hospital before then because I am terrified of cauda equina syndrome.