![понятия не имею :ne_vi_del:](./images/smilies/bn.gif)
I am really curious now because I have this injury too - but from riding horses, not skating. It's not uncommon in older people who have always lifted heavy loads or are athletic and active, but Plushy is only 29 and the force of all those magnificent jumps has caught up to him early in life, unfortunately.
![Грусть :-(](./images/smilies/ac.gif)
![господи,ну пожалуйста! :plush47:](./images/smilies/plush47.gif)
Still, Evgeni and his doctors must be confident they can help him or they wouldn't risk an operation. I'm sure Plushy will be fine and come through it OK because he is young and otherwise very healthy. Plus, he has chosen good doctors who are experts in this procedure. So I will wish him well, say prayers for him, and be optimistic.
![Улыбка :-):](./images/smilies/ab.gif)
The worst case would probably be that the surgery will make no difference for him one way or the other. My surgeons advised me that, for many people with badly herniated disks, surgery brings little or no improvement and there is still pain afterward. He told me not to set my expectations too high. But every case is unique, of course - and I am no Plushenko!
![Победа! :plush45:](./images/smilies/plush45.gif)