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Posted 8/12/2007 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
about two months ago I started with Cortisone steroids for my priformis syndrome in my right hip.  I finished off my last injection on july 25th. Two hours after that injection, my entire left leg is in severe pain.  From my knee to my toes (on the one side and on top), I have a numbness feeling. That numbness feeling is also in my right butt/hip.  Just four days ago I started having fluid around and above my knee. 

I asked my pain specialist why I am now feeling pain on my left side. He said I cant understand why, since I know I didn't hit a nerve when I gave you your last cortisone shot in your right hip.  He ordered an Xray even though I asked for a CAT Scan to be done.  Then he told me he belives that I have a herniated disc.  When the xrays came back, I was told I have minor arthritis and degenerative bone.  I go back to hom next week for a follow up.  Since he wasn't doing anything for me, I made an appointment to see my primary doctor.  I told him the pain I was having and the numbness (oh and the charlie horses that I get every night).  I asked if he could order me a PET Scan. Get this..he told me that there is nothing he can do for me.  I am so getting a new primary doctor. 

I can walk maybe 10-15 minutes without being in severe pain. The numbess feeling drives me nuts.  None of the medication I have been on really works. I do take Mobic before bed, as it sometimes gets me through the night. The charlie horses wake me up in the middle of the night.

I was also told since I had a bulging disc three years ago, more than likely this is what is wrong with me.  I just want a diagnoes (i cant spell).  Thanks for listening

Posted 8/12/2007 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
Oh wow, this sounds so familiar. My first diagnosis was obviously a different dr- was told DDD. Then he left the office a new dr took over and told me it was my weight. (imagine my reaction) & basically accused me of drug-seeking. I moved to FL & rolled the dice. I didn't tell my new dr about any diagnosis. So, he started from scratch. He referred me to a pain clinic who did multiple tests, MRI, EMG, etc... low & behold I have L4 & L5 bulging discs, both sitting on nerves in both legs (though the left is by far worse) and 2 other things that I can't pronounce. :) I cried for 10 minutes when I got the diagnosis because I had convinced myself I was imagining the pain. I had been to chiropracters, acupuncturists, etc. My normal physician has made it clear he can not treat me for the chronic pain- & I understand. When they start prescribing this heavy meds- it raises a flag. Plus, they don't specialize in what you need. I have done the cortisone shots (the ones you are under anesthesia) I have had nerve blocks, etc. Temporary relief. Though a lady in pre-op said she had a nerve block done & was pain free (no meds) for over a year. I know it hurts a lot. It takes some time to find the right meds. Everyone is different. You need a good PM you can have a close relationship with. There are a lot of people in here with bulging/herniated disc issues. Some have really been through it. I have been on so many meds- its really scary. It does sound like what I go through, pain in my lower spine, sometimes ice helps. (or a hot bath) I take it easy with walking/sitting and especially bending. Massage helps (but make sure they know what they are doing- they can really hurt you). I have to stay on my meds or I can't move in the morning. I also have the tingling down to my toes. And if I do too much, I pay dearly the next day. All I can say is good luck- and focus on getting a good pain mgmt (PM) dr to help with this. Let me know how it turns out. :) Shannon
Posted 8/17/2007 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
i'm a bit confused, b/c it seems like he telling you it looks like arthrirus and degenerative bone, and an appt. for the next week that he is trying to help you. Maybe the cortisone isn't the best option for you, but it doesn't sound like he's mistreating you. I see, sorry had to reread your post, this is a different problem.... at least he's open to saying it could be the spine. You want to start with x-rays first, then move to the bigger more expensive test like MRI. Maybe at the follow up he can help you out some.
Maybe a good anti-infamitory would help, like toradol. and a muscle relaxer like Flexeril may help with the muscle cramps. Make sure you are getting plenty of potassium.
Also, a PCP, doesn't really do a lot witht he spine, other than refer you to a Neuro/spine specialist. Also, a PET scan is of the brain correct?? I think an MRI would be a good option.
Posted 8/17/2007 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
Follow up: Today I went to my pain specialist and handed him a piece of paper with all my symptoms I have had since July 26th. Then asked him if I could possibly get a CAT Scan or MRI to make sure I get the correct diagnoses. He finally agreed on an MRI. Now I just have to wait for the authorization to go through (says it should be a few days). I also told him the pain medication he gave me (Dilaudid) waasn't working. So now I am on Neurontin 600mg (3x a day). I guess I will just have to wait now.
Posted 8/17/2007 5:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Keri, I can realte to the charlie horses. I am now getting mine in the upper thigh, you have not lived till you get one there. Its bad enough having them in the calves, but the upper thigh ones will make you a screaming meamie. I take potassium due to being on diurectics, eat bananas and baked potatoes are good sources too. Sure hope you can get some relief.

Susie
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