Update - New MRI Results - So Depressing~

So I posted a rather long vent several weeks ago. As a recap,

 

My issues go back to when I was 1997 when I was 19 and I fell down some stairs. I landed on my tail bone. Although I was in more pain then I had ever really experienced - I shook it off and went back to life as usual. I experienced low back pain intermittently for a few years after, but nothing I couldn't deal with. I was thin, young, and athletic, so it didn't really slow me down.

 

In 2001 I woke up in the worst pain ever. The muscle spasms were so bad I couldn't move anything without screaming in pain. 2003 - I started having weird smptoms I didn't understand that quite frankly scared the crap out of me. Weird pain down my legs, my booty joint hurting, and then the weirdest was when I thought a hair or

I have since been diagnosed with 2 herniated discs and an anular tear - all 3 in my lower back. L3-L4; L4-L5, L5-S1.  

 

I have basically been on a pain management plan ever since - and have had several injections in my lumbar area. The pain has been progressively worse - especially in my neck and upper back. So, finally I had an MRI of my neck - and got the results yesterday. The results were worse than I expected and as soon as I got out of the dr. office and into my car I broke down sobbing all the way home - I even had to call my mom. I have never freaked out like this after an appointment. but my back is basicaly so messed up from neck to tail and I can't believe it is all from that fall when I was a teenager. This is insanely depressing. I am only 35, and I don't know how much longer I will even be able to work - as it is now, despite all the pain medication, by the end of the work day I can barely even hold up my head. Right now as I sit and type this my back is throbbing, even though I have already taken oxycodone, tramadol, ibuprofen, and a muscle relaxer. I feel so helpless.

Here are the results:

C3-4 Broad disc protrusion measuring 3mm right 1mm centrally, 3mm left with moderate right and mild left foraminal narrowing

C4-5 Broad 1mm disc bulge with moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing

C5-6 Broad 2mm disc protrusion with 3mm right posteriorlateral component causing mild thecal sac stenosis and moderate to severe bilateral foraminal narrowing

C6-7 Broad 1mm disc protrusion with 3mm right posterolateral componant causing borderline thecal sac stenosis moderate right neural foraminal narrowing, and mild left foraminal narrowing

So I have 3 known disc issues in my lumbar, sciatica, and now confirmed my neck is a complete mess.    At least now I know that all this pain is not all in my head.

Post Edited (Sore2theCore) : 12/18/2012 3:06:34 PM (GMT-7)

That does indeed suck, especially if you have all those other things going on. I remember sitting in the Hetrz rental car lot at an airport because work had screwed up my flight assignment, and had an 8 hour drive after a 5 hour flight, and not being able to take meds the whole time. I sat in that parking lot and cried for half an hour.

Sometimes, it just gets to you. You just have to keep going. Stay strong. Sometimes it's one minute at a time. Just keep doing it.

Sorry to hear that things have been so rough for you lately.

That is the thing about spines....pretty much starting at the age of mid 20's.....people can develop everything from herniations, bone spurs, and degenerative changes.

The good news is that close to 85% of people with issues can be helped non-surgically! I know that it's scary right now and it seems overwhelming....but just try to take things one day at a time.

So now that they have all the MRI information...You need to make sure you are seeing a Board Certified Neurosurgeon (Fellowship trained as well). This will be the most highly trained Dr. that handles the cervical region of the spine as well as the lumbar.

They can start you on the best comprehensive plan that can help with these issues. This may include things like physical therapy, traction, injections, nerve ablation, ultrasound massage, acupuncture, TENS unit, steroid treatment, ice, heat, etc.

One type of medication that I don't see you list is an actual nerve pain medication. This is one of the major types of pain from disc issues. This is either Lyrica, Neurontin, or Cymbalta. And some people have even had luck with Nucynta helping this type of pain. So that is something that I hope your Dr. decides to add now that they know more about what is going on.

Surgery is really the last resort after all other things have been tried and aren't working or there is immediate need to relieve the disc pressure off the nerves or spinal cord. And as mentioned, if that is mentioned, then it's important to get 2, even 3 opinions from BC Neurosurgeons that do not know one another. Then if they all are suggesting the same thing, you can take heart that it's the way to go.

The other good news that is most people who have these types of surgeries have good success with them. You will get a bit of a skewed view about it on the internet as most people who are doing great are not online posting about it! LOL. My mom had a lumbar fusion back in the mid 80's and only started having issues again the last 5-7 years.

Also, there have been many advancements in the types of spine surgery so it all depends on what type they may suggest.

We are here for you no matter what happens and what treatment you need. I've had 3, two-level, cervical fusions and for the last 6 years I have lived with 3, severe herniations (two in lumbar and one in lower cervical/upper thoracic), bone spurs, Stenosis, and Spondy. My Neuro, PM, and I all agree that we will continue to treat non-surgically if and until it's absolutely needed.

So we empathize with you and know it can all be scary....we will support you!

Hello and welcome to HW. I have been in my own set of struggles lately, but I'm trying to catch a few people who may need some support.

First and foremost.....never believe exactly what is on the MRI report. Get your disc from the imaging center or hospital. Take the disc to a board certified neurosurgeon and have them do a full review. I promise this will give you more accurate information. I have honestly NEVER had an MRI report that was completely correct. My last one was so bad they said that I had a t12 meningioma when I only had a hemangioma.... Big difference...

So I have not had the exact things you have had but I have had the similar ultra scarred results from MRI reports. Try to remain calm and go for the follow-up....soon... If nothing else, it may help you relieve your worries and help to have a solid plan from here.

I hope things work out well from here.

Welcome to our forum.... So sorry to read that you are having pain and back problems. You were given great suggestions. Take one minute at a time.

Please keep us up to date on your health. We are all pulling for you.

Have a nice holiday.

Betsey