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Posted 6/2/2012 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone, it's me again! :P

I just got back from my latest neurosurgeon appointment and had an EMG study done. Basically, my doctor said that my EMG and Myleogram don't really show that I have any currently pinched nerves anymore. As in, I might not have herniated discs anymore. So he wants me to get a new MRI to make sure, and if it is still herniated then he thinks he can do a discectomy on it. If it isn't herniated, then he wants me to start on Lyrica because he thinks it could be that my nerve root is basically reacting from the past trauma.

So its sort of goodish news because it gives me hope that maybe I can find a way to deal with this pain. The doctor said that if it is basically nerve pain from the trauma, then that would be why my current pain meds don't help me. He said basically that narcotics and anti-inflammatories do nothing for that kind of pain, so that is why he'd wanna try me on the Lyrica. I know it isn't 100% that a discectomy or Lyrica/nerve medication will help me, it still helps to know my options and that there actually ARE options at all.

I still need to schedule the MRI, so I'm still sorta in limbo and hurting because I am not on the Lyrica yet or anything, so that sorta sucks...but at least I feel like I am making progress.
Posted 6/2/2012 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Patrick, good to hear from you. I am not surprised the EMG was normal, they have about a 75% accuracy rate. Back when I worked nearly all of our clients that were potential surgical candidates all had normal EMG studies and when the surgeon got in to do the actual surgery he saw the pinched nerve. Now, they do not do the EMG's that much because they are just not that reliable. I am glad to hear he wants to see a new MRI.

You know, I did not know you had not been tried on any of the meds for a pinched nerve, if Lyrica does not work for you, get him to try you on the other ones like Neurotin or Cymbalta. He is telling you the truth about narcotics not being that effective for nerve pain. So you do still have some options there too.

Keep us posted on how things are progressing. Take care...Susie
Posted 6/2/2012 4:03 AM (GMT 0)
Patrick,

As Susie said - it's good to hear an update... and, I agree, it's great to feel like there are options... and to make some progress! I'm happy for you.

In the meantime, I know you are still struggling w/ the pain... but hopefully you can get in and get that MRI and get moving on things.

Look forward to hearing how the MRI goes... and what you find out.

Hang in there....! --Tina
Posted 6/2/2012 12:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone, it really helps to have the support here and people to just talk to who can at least partly understand what you're going through.

It'll still be awhile before I can get the MRI. Also, Straydog, I had a test called a Myleogram done before too and the surgeon felt that that test didn't show a herniation either...so I'm not really sure what is going on yet. He did also say that he doesn't trust EMGs from any hospital by their own, so that made me think that it must be very easy to mess up. lol
Posted 6/2/2012 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
Patrick its not a matter of messing up an EMG, its just that they are not a reliable test. I sure did forget you had a myelogram. I hope you can get some better answers.....Susie
Posted 6/2/2012 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
I hope they can get better answers for you from the upcoming MRI, but even MRI's don't always show everything
but at least it is a starting point for you. Now my EMG do show nerve damage, but my doctor doesn't go by those alone
and don't trust any doctor that does rely on those tests...it should be the combination of tests they rely on...
and wanted to send wishes for you for low pain days, I can at least wish it for my friends...
For me a contrast MRI and the nerve testing did show damage, but the regular mri's didn't show much...
and google all you can on discectomies as if I'm correct then they are usually followed down the road
with fusions, so make sure to get a second opinion on that...Prayers to you...
Posted 6/2/2012 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Patrick, I popped in to say I'm glad you're going to have another MRI but are you waiting for that before you start lyrica? Only concerned because you mention the MRI could take awhile. Lyrica can be costly so ask for samples, I did try that before my surgery and it was just not for me. Let us know how you are doing.
Posted 6/3/2012 2:46 AM (GMT 0)

grandmaroses said...
Hi Patrick, I popped in to say I'm glad you're going to have another MRI but are you waiting for that before you start lyrica? Only concerned because you mention the MRI could take awhile. Lyrica can be costly so ask for samples, I did try that before my surgery and it was just not for me. Let us know how you are doing.

I'm not sure why they didn't just start me on the Lyrica while I am waiting. My other meds don't help, so I don't see the hard in trying the Lyrica right now. If I find out that I can't get the MRI for awhile yet, then I think I will call and ask about a script for Lyrica while I wait.

Also, in regards to my tests, Chartreux, even on my original MRIs from when this first started showed major herniation even though a nerve conduction test only showed mild irritation to a nerve root via the disc material. So idk, its sorta sounds like the opposite of what happened with you. So I am glad at least that my doctor is looking at the big picture and not just one specific test.
Posted 6/3/2012 6:28 AM (GMT 0)
Patrick,

I better be going to bed SOON, lol.... but I wanted to stop and tell you that I really appreciate you and the messages that you post! I know we all deal with some lousy thing each month... but I commend you on the positive tone of your posts. I know you have moments of frustration like we all do, lol..... But thanks for trying to encourage others by just keeping an upbeat attitude :)

Take care of yourself! --Tina
Posted 6/3/2012 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry about tht I do tend to forget things, it is very good that your
getting another mri, hope you can get in soon for you mri, do keep us
posted on that,prayers and well wishes I do hope this all points toward
you getting better pain mnagement and relief, keep positive
Posted 6/3/2012 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Patrick....I would definitely call the Dr. back and ask if you can start on the Lyrica in the meantime.

I would also make sure that if he says you need surgery after seeing the MRI...I would go and get a 2nd opinion...Making sure that it's with a Board Certified Neurosurgeon.

And for me, personally, I only would have surgery to prevent paralysis and any type of nerve damage and only after trying literally every modality possible to help. It's really not a good surgery to take away all the pain unless someone's primary pain is all nerve pain. I was lucky that it did take away this part for me.

Anyway...thanks for updating us....and hope he oks the Lyrica.....
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