I just found and registered for this forum
so I'm sure what I'm posting here is
probably covered somewhat under previous
posts which I will review over time.
However, I thought I'd start by posting my
entire back pain and treatment history as
I have questions on options from here
going forward.
I have been experiencing lower back pain
and symptoms for years. I have seen my
GP, a couple of neurosurgeons, and have
recently had several treatments at a pain
clinic. Everything I've tried, for the
most part, has given me results to some
degree. But, I'm recently at a point that
concerns me and I'm not sure how to
proceed given the options that may be put
before me.
First, x-rays showed nothing. Eventually,
I got an MRI and it was determined that I
have a degnenerative disc problem and 3
herniated discs in my lower back with 2 of
them being mild and 1 (the lowermost
damaged disc) most likely the culprit of
most of my pain issues. An appointment
was made for me with a neurosurgeon but it
was 6 weeks or more out. I was also given
a shot of cortizone. By the time my appt.
rolled around, the cortizone and/or time
had caused my pain to go away. I
consulted with the Neuro doc and he
discouraged me from pursuing surgical
options if other medications were helping.
Since that time, over the course of
several years, when back pain came back,
usually 6 or more months apart, I was able
to return to my GP for another cortizone
injection with very good results. Last
year, the injections seemed to stop
working as well as was expected
eventually, and I was referred to a pain
clinic. I had a single epidural steroid
injection and the relief was almost
instantaneous. However, it only last a
month and I went back for another. Again,
the results were immediate but this time
it only lasted 2 months. At my third
visit, the doctor told me that if a third
injection did not produce better, longer
lasting results, perhaps it was time to
look into surgical options. My symptoms
were different prior to the third visit
however. I had only mild pain at the same
point on the left lower side of my bike
but I had more severe pain in my leg
(which I had experienced many times
before) but also a significant loss of
mobilty in my left foot and toes which I
still have at this moment as well as
numbness in my foot. Most of my pain is
gone but I still cannot raise my left foot
as high as my right and my left toes
cannot be raised much higher than level no
matter how hard I try. It's not due to
pain, they just aren't responding. And
that scares me.
What I didn't add, above, is that about a
year ago I woke up with severe pain in my
left arm and some numbness in my left hand
and fingers. Long story short, I had
another MRI and it was discovered that I
also now have 3 herniated discs in my
upper back and 1 was causing this pain and
numbness. After some time, the arm pain
went away but, a year later, I still have
2 fingers on my left hand that still have
significant numbness in them. It was
explained to me that the numbness may
never go away or at least take a
considerable amount of time to go away.
So, as of today, I have an appt. with the
same Neurosurgeon I saw several years ago.
But, the appt. is over 6 weeks away. Is
surgery my next logical option? Is it
possible that the numbness and lack of
mobility in my foot and toes may be
permanent or at least long term with or
without surgery?
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 04-07-08 17:18pm
Hello Greg,
Welcome to this forum and the great people
who post and try to help others.
Thanks for all the detail you have shared
with us. It helps so much to have those
details.
You have sought medical advice, and that
is good. You have had the MRIs which has
helped your doctors better understand your
situation. You have seen a neurosurgeon
and have an appointment with him again.
A few thoughts if I may - Seek out the
best neurologist/spinal surgeon that you
can find in your area. Talk with those
you know and find out which ones they had
high regard for. Also find out which
spinal specialists they did not like. If
you live in an area with a professional
sports team call up their office and find
out which spinal surgeon they have for
their players.
Greg, then make an appointment to see the
doctor at the top of yiour list. Next,
make an appointment to see the next doctor
on your list. It is always a good idea to
get several opinions, especially in your
case of continuing pain.
I have seen a total of 6 spinal surgeons,
a neurolgist, and a pain management
doctor. About a year ago two of the
spinal surgeons recommended that I have
surgery. Thanks to my pain management doc
and the epidural injections I can function
and do many of the things I want to do.
Are there things I cannot do?
Definitely!!!! No standing in one place
but for a few minutes, no sitting in
uncomfortable chairs. The only bed I can
sleep in is on an air mattress.
Greg, it took me several months to decide
in which direction I should go - surgery
now, or keep the knife away as long as I
can. I have decided to keep the knife
away for as long as I can.
Greg, I am concerned about the pain and
loss of feelings in your arms and legs.
That is of very serious concern. Such
"signs" can indicate that there may be a
permanent loss of function. No I am no
doctor, that is just what I have read and
heard from doctors.
I know the above really hasn't answered
your question, but I hope it gives you
some food for thought.
RichT
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greg24fan
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 3
Posted: 04-07-08 21:14pm
Rich, thanks for the response. It was/is
my intention as well to stay away from the
knife as long as possible. I can handle a
lot of pain and back and leg pain have
been a big part of my life for several
years now and I've had good docs that have
managed it will with cortizone and steroid
injections. I still don't want to have
surgery if medications continue to work
while I only have to endure short periods
of pain now and then. However, I'm too
young and enjoy too many active things to
begin permanently losing mobility in my
extremeties. If surgery will correct
those issues or at least prevent them from
getting worse long term, I'm open to it as
an option. I've gone from hurting to
actually not being able to move parts of
my body and/or be able to do things with
parts of my body that I could and should
still be able to do in the past. It's a
scary thing.
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 04-07-08 22:41pm
Hello Greg,
You are analyzing your situation and
yourself very well. Yes, it is a very
scary thing.
That is why I sincerely hope you will get
the opions from several spine specialists
so that you can make the best decision for
yourself. I would suggest that you not
delay getting those opinions so that you
avoid/minimize any permanent damage. You
have too much to live for to sacrifice
that life by staying away from the knife
IF that is the best path to follow.
I wish you the best. Do let us know how
things go for you.