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Posted 5/8/2013 12:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All

I had posted on the forum that I was having back pain.

I did get insurance & went to a Dr. & he prescibed Tramadol & perscription Motrin.

I went for a mri & found I have herniated disc L-4  -  L-5 & DDD.  I am going to PT.

I am also going to see a PM Dr.  which had helped me in the past.

Now I am having different symptoms.......the symptoms was usually on my left side(back pain,tingling,numbness in toe,burning, butt pain..........now it seems to be going to my right side, even my legs are burning & my knees.

Thanks for listening

Posted 5/8/2013 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for the update

least the mri found out a positive diagnosis

hope the PT helps, if it doesn't, will they consider surgery?

good luck, hope you get some relief

david
Posted 5/8/2013 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Minnie. Glad you got a DX and some help as well. Its so difficult with no medical coverage to get anything.

As for the change in symptoms its dependant on the extent of nerve involvement and sounds fairly normal based on your diagnosis.,

As you've seen many of us post over and over it takes the meds like neurontin and lyrica to really help by targeting the nerve pain itself.

Opiates and anti-inflams may help very little.

A pain management Dr will most likely help with that as pcp's are in general not up to par as PM and Neurologists.
Posted 5/8/2013 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
And the good news is that close to 85% of those with any type of herniation or spine issues can have things resolved non-surgically! As well as those who actually need surgery, it's a good 75% that do very well. My mom had her lumbar surgery back in 1985 and only started having some pain again a few years ago.

It's hard to tell this on a chronic pain board about the success stories..LOL....But many of us are the "other" percent that have had numerous surgeries that just didn't do the trick.

Also realize that pretty much anyone over the age of 25 starts to have "Degenerative Disc Disease"....as it's really not a "disease" per say...but changes in the spine. So try not to let that term worry you.

As mentioned, now that they have determined exactly where the issue is they can do injections, PT, traction, use a TENS unit, steroids, nerve pain meds, muscle relaxers, core strengthening, and learning good exercises, etc.

A PM Dr. is good for treating the pain but you should also be seeing a Board Certified and Fellowship trained Neurosurgeon to develop a plan WITH the PM Dr. about how to handle what they have found.

Even after my 3 surgeries I still have active herniations in my lumbar and lower cervical area, bone spurs, spondy, and stenosis for many years now. I mention that to tell you that working with my Neuro and PM we are doing everything we can to avoid anymore surgery. This is why we always recommend to get 2-3 BC Neurosurgeons opinions before going forward with any surgery if this is being suggested.

Thanks for updating us and let us know what your plans are from here..
Posted 5/9/2013 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies!

My friend suggested a neurosurgeon that has a very good reputation at the hospital where she works as a nurse.

I have a appointment with him but its a 2 month wait.

I am going to a pain management clinic in 2 weeks.  They helped me before to take the edge off.

Today I woke up at 4am I couldn't sleep due to sciatic pain on my left side (buttocks,calve & numb big toe & side of foot) Now just laying on the bed with legs elevated & on a ice pack.  Ice seems to releive it.

Best to all

Posted 5/9/2013 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
That is great that you have a referral to someone who is good, but it stinks that you have to wait so long. Not sure if you did this but I would call them and if your schedule is flexible, let them know that you would come in if there are any cancellations.

At least you are going to the PM clinic so they can at least get you set up with some treatments/meds to try and take the edge off.

Keep us posted..
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