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Posted 3/5/2009 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Semi-quick question. Is it true if you had an MRI and the neuros and orthos say they see nothing outstanding, you should still be getting MRI's?

My last one is over 2 years old. I really don't know what to think. I have the report--it mentions disk bulging, mild-moderate stenosis, foraminal stenosis, low grade DDD--yet, the doctors look at it like it looks good--yet no one can say why I am in pain. I have a hard time accepting these non answers. So, anyway, is there a rule of thumb that one should get mri's every so often? My doctor is not like Dr House and looking for answers and I have a hard time because I think there should be answers. I've seen many doctors and they all say the same thing, they can't do anything. I was just curious. Thanks. 

 

Posted 3/5/2009 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
Denim,
If your last MRI is two years old, I would say that you need a new one. Around me, they won't even look at ones older than 6 months, they say they are irrevelent. If you have foraminal stenosis, they should order a new MRI, just to check on the status of the nerve compression. That's what foraminal stenosis is, nerve compression of the nerve rootlets.
Mild to moderate stenosis is a compression of the spinal canal.......I'm really surprised that they aren't ordering a new MRI for you.....
Posted 3/5/2009 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you sooooooooo much. I would worry about that too, but these doctors would just rush me out of their office. You have helped a lot. Thanks again. Bless you.

Posted 3/5/2009 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, let me tell ya, everything mrsm123 said is true, you do need a new mri and you might want to
consider a contrast ct scan. In my case only imflammation showed up on my first mri, then the doctor did
a contrast ct and called me as soon as he got the results (he sounded shocked as if to find anything) and said
I had moderate spinal stenosis (3 levels) with mild disc buldge and let me tell ya the spinal stenosis is quite painful!
it's nerve compression at it's worse and there are a few things they can do, but they'll probably refer you
out to PM Doc for injections and stuff and after all that fails then maybe a lanimectomy later followed by a fusion,
so for now and until your disc get worse then surgery will be held off...
Surgery is the last step as I've been told once you start with surgery then every 10 years or so more surgery, like
a cascading effect once surgery always surgery, so the hope is that procedures will help and sometimes they can..
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGZ}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Posted 3/5/2009 7:58 PM (GMT 0)

This is not new. This happened July 2005. I went for injections, pt..every doctor said they couldn't do a thing. I will ask for another mri, my feeling is that it won't be a huge difference.

I've heard various things. Some people having bulging disks and not even knowing it.

But each doctor agreed they would not cut me. And that is coming from many doctors. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Blessings to you.  

 

Posted 3/5/2009 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Denim,
I'm glad that I could help. When I had to have my first surgery, I hope that it helps them figure out what they can do to help ease the pain you are in. You'd be surprised at how fast things can change on an MRI. You might want to ask them for a CT scan and to do a with and without contrast on the MRI and CT scan as well. The CT scan highlights soft tissue problems, like a thickened ligament, or nerve compression....and the MRI deals with bony problems. That way, both areas are examined, and given a good look over. It is sad that they have let you suffer this long , without sending you for at least one more MRI or a CT scan since two years have passed and you are still suffering. Anyway, good luck and let us know what you find out.
Sandi
Posted 3/5/2009 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Sandy, thanks so much. It's a sad thing that doctors couldn't tell me this but I am grateful to you and this board very much. God bless you, be well.
Posted 3/5/2009 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Denim, since its been 2 yrs since your last scan yes you really do need a repeat for comparison views and to see if anything new has cropped up.

Its true we can have bulging disc and never know it until we have some sort of trauma that warrants a CT Scan or an MRI. These test will show any bulging disc. A plain film xrays will not show any bulging disc, only breakes, fractures, things of that nature.

Hugs, Susie
Posted 3/6/2009 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
My chirop. said the mulit-level of bulging discs made it hurt worse, made sense, but he also said, I should be well in 2 months. Well, he took all my money and nothing changed. Never even called when I stopped going. The spine always wanted to pull to the left. I agree, think I am due for a new mri also. I heard the ones where you stand up are more accurate. I wish we spent our money helping our people in the US with pain. Seems like our money is being misused by corrupt leaders as it is by many people who hate us. I'm not in the best of moods--but I do feel that way.
Posted 3/6/2009 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
Denim allot o f Docs don't want to do surgery, because they know it can often make a bad situation even worse, I got allot of bad thorasic disc, the one at T12 is torn and herniated, my Doc told me as long as I can move around and he can keep me reasonably comfortable, he won't touch me! I have T3 and T8 also bad, L4 andL5 is herniated. I had the fusion at C6/7 in 85, and C5/6 is getting really bad, but I am careful, and I am trying to hold out awhile on that one. When I had C6/7 done I lost my voice and could barely swallow afterward, and that lasted for months. I get MRI's done pretty regularly, my Doctor at the Pain Clinic orders them and he keeps on top of everything for me! Even sent me to the neurosurgeon a couple of times for an opinion, but they wanted to wait awhile longer!

Now and this is just my personal oppinion, but I would be extremely careful about going to a Chirop. knowing I had bad discs. I thought I was going to die when an Osteopath manipulated me, before they found out I had a massive herniated disc at C6/7 with free floating fragments in my spinal canal! I won't ever have that type of thing ever done to me again! But that is just me! Anyway get your scans and MRI's done so they can keep on top of things, and hopefully thing will be OK!

Good Luck to You
White Beard
Posted 3/6/2009 8:28 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks White Beard. I appreciate you taking the time to read and reply. I am definitely going to ask to get the scans and mris done and hopefully change doctors. Everyone has been great and has taught or reinforced things I believed in. I wish you well. I see you have a lot to deal with and really appreciate it that you go out of your way to help others. May God bless you and I thank you.

Posted 3/6/2009 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Denim,
Hi I am new to this board as of Today,
I have had three MRI"S and they have found nothing in them!
But yet I am in chronic pain taking tons of meds daily,
I am not allowed to work.
Sometimes I had Dr. House I might be better by now!!!
Posted 3/6/2009 5:24 PM (GMT 0)

Hello,  I just found this site and was reading the posts.  I also am a long time sufferer of back pain.  I just had an MRI done about a month ago and found that I have spinal stenosis, central canal stenosis, disc height reduction, degeneration, disc buldging in every disc and arthritis in 4 different places in my back.  This is all in my lower back everything was worse on my left side, which I do have more pain on that side.  I did fall once and chip my tale bone about 2 or 3 years ago and when they took that x-ray they found 2 older fractures which I didn't know that I ever had.   I am just writing in because I feel alone in this and the pain is just so horrific. 

  The strange thing is that I am only 29 years old.  I am a mother of 4 and every once in a while I can't even walk or move.  Alot of times I walk very slowly and hunched over.   It's very embarrasing.  I have many times had to crawl on the floor trying to care for my children.  I am married but my husband works alot.  I was thinking I could discuss what I go through and maybe someone else can relate????    I love to excersice and jog but my doctor now is telling me I cannot jog anymore.  This is awful news to me.  I also suffer a GREAT deal at night.  I have many sleepless nights.  My back is just on fire at night and there is no position that can relieve the pain.  I do have vicodin that I only take if I cannot stand it anymore.  Which that doesn't totally take the  pain away.  I can't walk or stand for long periods of time or even sit in one position for very long.  Sometimes at the grocery store I have to ride on a ride cart.  Can you imagine what that feels like when you are in your 20's????  I notice if I have lifted much or excersiced at all I suffer greatly later for it.  I tried physical therapy which did nothing.  I've had an injection of an anti inflamatory in my back which did nothing.  My doctor wants to do an epideral block I think it's called which I refuse since I've heard how painful that is and usually doesn't work anyways.  I won't do surgery because I've had 4 surgerys in the past on my stomache and I do not do well with anestesia, I don't wake up and come out of it well.  It's horrifying for me.  So anyways I am just kinda at a loss.  All I can do is pray and trust that God will heal me.  He has to!!!!  

 Another strange thing I have is lumps all over my lower back.  Just like big knots that I can feel. Some large and some small and they are painful.  Does anyone else have this???

Well thats pretty much my story if anyone can be of help I would really appriciate it.

Thank you

Posted 3/6/2009 9:07 PM (GMT 0)

Hi atticbat--u have bats in your attic?? I'm your first post, that's special, but I wish none of us were on these boards.

So, you had 3 MRI's and did you see the report? It shows everything is fine? I know you must be shaking your head, how could that be, since you are in pain.

Who said you are not allowed to work and what is the reason they give? Wouldn't that show up on the MRI?

I am ALWAYS saying I wish I had House as my doctor. Imagine a doctor that wouldn't give up until he found a cause. Boy that's my dream.

Thanks for stopping by and responding and welcome. It is too bad that it's not a welcome to a better setting though. Blessings to you.

 

Posted 3/6/2009 9:26 PM (GMT 0)

Dear Mama of 4, I am so sorry to hear of all that you are going through. It is a lot and it is tough that you are so young. I was an exercise nut for a very long time, but I am older than you and know how it feels to give something you love up.  With all that they found on your mri, what are their suggestions? You sound like you are going through a lot of pain. Is there a reason why you don't take more pain medication? It has to be so hard keeping up with little ones, esp. if you aren't sleeping at night.

I am not here telling anyone what to do, it's all your call. I just hate to hear of all your suffering. I guess we are all different. Some people won't take anything. If I was real bad, I would take something that agreed with me and helped me to sleep at night, but that's me. I never heard of the lumps. I think you should check it out. This is a nice board and I think everyone tries to be compassionate and are compassionate because we all suffer and understand. Feel free to come back more and let us know if you hear more. I would have a professional look at those lumps for sure though.  And let us know what they say about what you are souppose to do for all they found on your mri. Oh, before I forget--don't rule out the epidurals. I had some done and the doctor gave me something for the pain which was great. Some people have actually had their pain taken away, others (like me) it didn't help, but it has helped many. If they give you something for the pain while doing it, it is a good experience. One doctor didn't use it and oh boy, it was terrible, but it doesn't have to be--look into it.

Take care and bless you.   

Posted 3/7/2009 7:40 PM (GMT 0)

Denim,

 Thank you for your reply,  I will take the vicodin if I just can't take it anymore.  I think the reason why I am scarred to take it too much is because my dad and sister are addicted to pain medication which I think they just take it because they like how it makes them feel.  After watching especially my sister go through her addiction, she gets to where she slurs her words has her mouth hanging open and on occasion you can't wake her up.  She has 2 small children and I just think it's appauling!!  I just do not want to ever be like that ever!!  I am afraid that I could get used to being pain free while taking it then always needing it.  My dad and sister have even stold medication from me they are so bad.  Sometimes even though I only take maybe 2 or 3 vicodins a month I even feel guilty for that.  I know I shouldn't and I am FAR from addicted, I also know that I am taking it for a very good reason maybe since I have 4 small children of my own I feel somehow guilty as a mother.  I don't know those are just the thoughts that run through my head.  I did have an awful night last night.  I went shopping with my mom all day and I was in severe pain so I did take a pill last night. 

  I got a new back brace to help support my back so I am hoping that will help me to be on my feet more.  All the doctor would say about the lumps on my back are that they are probably fat depos***.  He never really checked them out or anything though.  That was also before my MRI results.  I don't like my doctor he is the kind that just hurrys up and gets you out of the office.  I don't think he gets what I'm going through.  I think with my age doctors just look at me like I'm young and full of energy so I can't possibly feel this kind of pain.  Thats why I wrote in here, I thought that people going through the things that I am could relate and understand.  My only hope is in Jesus and I know that he will heal me.  That is the only thing that keeps me from just breaking down and crying all the time knowing that there is hope.  Being this yound with this much wrong with me I do get scarred of when I get older and my body really starts falling apart!!!  Besides the back issues I also have Intersticialcystitic which is a bladder disease and a skin disease which makes my hands crack really bad.  I also just went to the cardiologist since I have high blood pressure on and off as high as, 170 over 110 and a pulse of 152.  I have been on blood pressure meds for a while.  I had some tests done and am going in for a stress test so I will just be awaiting the results.  I know I probably sound like a hypochondriach but really I'm not.  To every one else I am a strong person and don't show my pain.  I just felt here on this site I could let it all out.  I don't want my family to worry about me ya know?  Sorry if I seem to have gone on and on.  I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to reply.

God Bless tongue Lindy 

Posted 3/7/2009 8:47 PM (GMT 0)

Oh Lindy, I could just hug you, you actually made my day. Yes. There are nice, kind and sweet people in the world that have morals, and it's you. I hate taking pills but I hate hurting too. I hate seeing anyone high too. It must hurt you so much that your family is going through that. I don't believe you ever would. That is so sad for your sister. I am a believer also and I will pray right now and add you to my list. My heart goes out to the many people on here and elswhere that sincerely want help and go through various pains. I am sure you are a good Mom and would never let anthing hurt your kids. I never take that much to get high where I'm slurring, I will pray for her too.. You don't sound like a hypochondriac at all. You have real issues that need to be addressed and have met up with too many doctors giving stupid answers, no answers, wrong answers and out the door you go. Your pulse is extremely high. I'm not a doctor, but I though normal was about 80 or so. You will never get addicted and don't feel guilty for taking a pill that can make you feel better. I know the feeling. I would have my husband tell me to take more because I would feel guilty and shouldn't--like he said, you are a patient not an addict, looking for a buzz. If someone was to see me they wouldn't think I was in pain, so I can relate to not being taken seriously too. I am still very flexible, which is mind boggling. I really wish they would spend more money here then us giving countries that hate us or have corrupt leaders not even using our money properly. I don't think we have much of a choice in pain killers and I would love to see non addictive ones. In my opinion and it's just that, only an opinion, you will never be like your sister and if a pill could improve the quality if your life, maybe use them more--just a suggestion. If it works that well for you, I think I would.

Can you get another doctor? I'm thinking of it. This guy doesn't know much but would send me for a referral if I asked. I am just tired of playing doctor. He has given my husband 2 assinine answers and when I asked him if he had any ideas about me, he shrugged his shoulders. Is that what we have come to expect? We're lucky to get pain meds, b/c I hear some don't even do that, which to me is sadistic. I don't know what I'm going to do. I know now, from this board, I am suppose to have more mris. My doctor seems to know little, yet, would go along with me (I believe) for another mri and possibly a ct scan.

Don't ever feel like you are going on and on. You can let it all out with me. I have no one really except my husband and my brother and son and cousin. I don't want to talk a lot about this. My husband on top of things has many things not right and our hope is in Jesus too.

I just prayed for you and your dad and sis. I will write your name to continue to pray. I got a praise report last night and just cried in joy for someone and their family. I want to be able to cry over a praise report for you.

God bless you. With my sincerest thoughts.

        

Posted 3/7/2009 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
Mama of 4 I agree completely with Denim you should be seeing a Pain specialist at a pain clinic, you really need to have your pain issues addressed. You know I also hate taking pain meds, and I hate the drugged drunk feeling that some pain med give you, I have that feeling with Vicodin. But there are others that the Doc can give that doesn't have that affect. It must be so difficult for you being in so much pain and having your children o take care of. I am gled you found this site, there are allot of very caring compassionate people here that can help and support you. May I suggest that you start an brand new post introducing your self as an new member of this forum. Most of us have started that way, it give as much information as you feel comfortable with about your self and your pain issues, I guarantee that everyone will post a welcome and you will then have a chance to meet every one. I my self am an ew member I just started posting a week or two ago! Everyone make you feel so at home it is just like becoming a member of a family. let me be the second one after Denim to welcome you.
Good Luck to You
White Beard
Posted 3/7/2009 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
atticbat
I aslo want to welcome you! You know MRI's don't show Pain, just what might be causing some typs of pain. Just because there is nothing on the MRI's doesn't mean you shouldn't have pain! I know that some Doctors might make you feel that way. But they can't feel what you feel, Anyway have you ever beento a pain specialist? or a pain clinic? you might want to try and ask your Doctor about referring you to one, I personnally think they are a great place to go to get proper treatment for pain. again Welcome,

Good Luck to You
White Beard
Posted 3/7/2009 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Denim I hope everything works out well for you! You will be in my Prayers

white Beard
Posted 3/7/2009 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
Dear White Beard, I never introduced myself to you. I have to admit, I'm not always on here and maybe should be more. We all can use each other's compassion, knowledge, etc. So far, from reading your posts you are all those things. It is true, when you go through something you have a greater understanding and compassion. I really didn't know I was suppose to be getting more MRIs, and thanks to you and this board I know now. It's too bad the doctors or many, seem to know less. Anyway welcome to you. I wish we weren't here for the reasons we are but it is a wonderful board and I am grateful for it. God bless you and all here.

Posted 3/7/2009 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thank You Denim for your kind words!, You know in just the short time I have come to this forum I have learned so much! I am also some what humbled, as there are so many here, that really are, allot worse off than me, as far as injuries, conditions, and pain.. It really does put things more in prespective for me! I will admit, it is nice to communicate with others that understand, what you are feeling, as they say misery loves company, and what better company to have than ones that really do understand, and care and show so much compassion! and Denim your definitely one of them! Thank-You!

White Beard

Posted 3/7/2009 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
I figured it was routine to get MRI's when you have something chronic. Heck, I have a tumor, and I go for my millionth (ok maybe not that many lol) MRI on monday cuz Im gonna start radiation. Ever since I had unusual inflamation lets MRI this or this or this lets CAT Scan this this this lets xray this this this liets do this bloood work. omg it get soo tireing. I out msarted them, i signed medical releases for all drs to communicate to each other...best thing I did. I dont get over medicated, and if one dr needs blood work while another does, i just do it at one spot and get blood for all tests at once!
Posted 3/8/2009 3:15 AM (GMT 0)

White Beard, thank you so much for your kind words. I am so serious, I really needed them. It seems I'll tell myself, I have to get out of the house to cheer up and wind up, somehow having my feelings hurt. This has been 2 days in a row and it's happened before. So to come here and to be shown kindness goes a long way, thank you so very much. I always believed in, tried to bring up my son and tried to live the gplden rule..do unto others. I've failed, I've even gone back and aplogized but I do try to put myself in someone elses place. Some days it's hard to be understanding to mean people...anyway, sorry for going off but really thanks. I have to continue to not retaliate and show some light the best as I can. If I can encourage anyone, it makes me very happy.

Smurfy, I think the combo of not taking my case serious and a bad doctor, it hasn't been pushed.  I'm sorry that you have had that many, but it sounds like you did the right thing for yourself. You really have to look out for yourself. I wish you well.  

Posted 3/8/2009 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Ah Denim, you've touched my soul! the Golden Rule, I too, try to live my life by those words! " Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!" but like you,...I often fail! Such simple eloquent words, with such deep profound meaning, but so unbearably difficult to completely live ones life by! But I will never quit trying! And obviously Denim you haven't either. Your son will benefit greatly from your up bringing, and do not feel sorry if you think you are venting, everyone needs to be able to do that once in awhile. And what better place than right here? I do wish You well!

White Beard
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