Kicked to the curb again. Nurse says nothing wrong with me.

The myelogram didn't show anything dramatic:
Just disc bulges at most levels, mild "impression" (compression?) on a whole bunch of nerve roots, moderate foraminal narrowing in the entire lumbar area and one thoracic spot and in 2 areas of the neck where I'm having the worst symptoms, height loss on all the (6) vertebrae that were crushed, "underfilling" of a few nerve sheaths (dye didn't get in there), osteophytes (bone spurs), retrolisthesis, fusion across a couple of facet joints, a couple of places where disc material contacts the cord, a couple of places where the cord is flattened, Schmorl's nodes.

The nurse who called had no compassion whatsoever. She said I'm fine. She said the surgeon said there's nothing to do surgery on, which may be correct, but that doesn't mean nothing's wrong and there's no pain! She tried to convince me that all my pain is from central cord syndrome and I should just to go to another rehab doc and get phys. therapy and get a new pain doctor..

I've tried PT throughout the past year and it only helps a few parts, and insurance won't pay for any more. My pain doctors (2) have given me every treatment I know of, PT, all the "nerve" drugs, pain meds, injections and ablations.

Some of the pain is just from my crushed cord and is untreatable and will never go away. That's the burning, muscle spasming, aching that doesn't respond to drugs. OK. But some is what I call "real pain" and does respond to some of the therapies, narcotics, injections and ablations.

I think I need to find another surgeon for a second opinion. I would like to have been able to actually talk to the surgeon, but he's moved. I'd believe him. I don't ever want to talk to that nurse again.

Alcie...Try not to let this get you down.  I agree with jpjr50.  Your experience sounds similar to mine, so I can FEEL your pain and frustration. 

It may help you to read my posts detailing my efforts to get relief. (long post ENDOMETRIOSIS, but includes spine/joint specialists)  I was ultimately referred to PM for not only my spine/joint issues, but also for stage 4 endometriosis. 

I, too was told by NEURO and ORTHO that although the images indicate serious problems, surgery is not the answer.  The GYNs told me that abdominal/pelvic pain is probably adhesions, but again, surgery is not the answer. I feel so defeated because I "wanted" the source of pain to be "fixed".  Instead, I was forced to seek PM, which thus far has given LITTLE relief.  Instead, PM has caused relentless stress.

We HAVE to keep trying, Alcie.  We're here for each other.

Hugs~~Dixie 

Thanks guys. This isn't the first time. I can't quit, much as I'd like to. Grandkids, cat and hubby still need me. Even with level 8 pain all/every day, with pain meds, it's not right to give up. Seriously, Central pain syndrome is that bad! I am only trying to fix what can be fixed, and I'm sure there is hope for the "real" pain.

jpjr, I'm the portrait of the Energizer Bunny. Going and going and going and ..... Just keep telling us. It really does help!

Dixie, I've been reading your posts with great interest. I cry with each new kick and get over it. I've recently gotten what may be adhesions. Hysterectomy at same time as repairing hernia and reversing a colostomy, also removal of a right-sided diverticulum. I'm going to get a colonoscopy to check for a problem like stricture or another inflamed diverticulum. Removal of adhesions will start new adhesions, but maybe not as bad as what I've got after a bunch (I lost count) of abdominal surgeries and procedures. Probably the worst one was having 3 super-long needles stuck alongside my tailbone into my abdomen to drain some mesenteric lymph nodes. Tailbone still hurts.

PM is about the only answer for bad non-surgical chronic pain. At least I've got a pair of docs who consider all the types of treatment. If worst comes to worst, and it is right now, a second opinion helps with believing that we've done all we can do.

BTL, just keep the batteries recharged. I read your threads and am right there with you. After a while it gets to be just one more kick when we're already down. I go to a breast cancer group for what I consider PTSD, although it's now 5 years and I ought to be leaving. Some hospitals have groups for pain, just not near me.

I'm so sorry that you didn't get any helpful results. I hate if for you, and everyone else who has to fight and fight to be heard, and get relief. I'm "lucky" in that my issues are visible and testable. It's just not right to allow people to suffer just because the Dr might have to dig deeper for answers.

Can you get a copy of the report to see for yourself?

My hospitals have the patient portals as well. Makes things so much easier. I've always emailed and texted with my Drs, but the portals make it easier for everyone to have contact with their Drs.

Dec is a long time away. Definitely call if things get to difficult. The holiday season is hard enough without the added pressure of pain.