need feedback on herniated/degenerative disc

Just found out I have 2 herniated disc in my lower back. I saw a specialist but I think I am going to get a second opinion . He didn't seem too concerned. But its disc L4 and L5. Its causing serious pain. Hurts to sneeze or cough. Sends shooting pain down back through butt cheeks into legs. Part of leg feels numb at times. I even think its causing some change in bladder control because of all the pressure. He suggested simple physical therapy and an anti inflammatory shot. However my rheumotologist says there are no signs of significant inflammation. I can't sit or stand for long and the most comfortable position is laying on my side with a heating pad on my back. But I can't do that all day cause I do have to go to work for 9 hours a day. I am unsure what to do. My mom has always had awful issues with her back. She has had over 7 surgeries on it. Does anyone have any suggestions or info.

Its very hard isnt it ...and frustrating. I have the same thing. Most of my pain shoots down the left leg..nerve pain (which can be totally random and painful)...my left leg has been sort of numb for the last 5 years and I cant handle anyone or sheets or pants touching it (i did have some physio and gave it sensitivity training but it didnt last). I had a scan. My choices were surgery or medicine. I chose the medicine as Im a single mum.

I have been put on Lyrica ...it blocks the nerve messages...this drug is contentious. At first I was on a very low dose 2x 25mg (to test it out for a month...by x2 I mean 2 a day) and that cut the numb feeling by half Id say and ive had no bad nerve pain in my leg at all (i still feel the ache in my back though...but it doesnt feel like its going to go at any moment...but i have been taking it easy too. I am just taking panamax at times to deal with this). Please note the medicines not really for my back just the pain it causes pinching nerves. I will be going to physio for awhile.

Today after a month of 25mg x2 Im on 50g a day times 2. I did get sleepy after an hour and euphoric later but my leg feels normal...its been along time. Im supposed to go on 75mgx2 after a week of 50mg x2 but if all stays like this Ill keep my dose down. I dont think I could drive on more of a dosage...about an hour after taking it it seems to hit me. Mine is a very low dose from my own research on it.

Like you my Dad has the same thing and has had surgery which has never lasted for long. I will be talking to an exercise physio soon and let you know how it goes what they think about improving our stuffed lower backs.

I also..although its near impossible probably...strongly suggest you rest your back as much as you can. I found walking the best for a stretch...avoid picking up anything heavier than a large milk bottle...dont be shy to ask for some help from those who love you or get a second opinion. Doctors are the ones to ask...but make the choice yourself as I did.

And have a grumble if you need to (if Im on Ill read it)...I totally understand your frustration. I have tenosynosivitis too...it takes awhile to adjust to chronic pain dont give up.

Hi,

I feel for you!  I also had a ruptured disc at L4-5.  That is awful pain.  Like you said, it was agony to cough or sneeze, go to the bathroom, sit at the computer...pretty much everything.  But instead of heat, which I usually love, I craved ice on that area.  It was January, and it didn't even make me cold!  I took a course of Prednisone and had 2 steroid shots, to no avail.

An MRI showed a ruptured disc fragment lodged in the Sciatic Nerve - it actually turned out to be a bunch of them. There was a lot of nerve damage.

The surgery gave me my life back....I still can't get down on the ground without causing more pain, but at least I'm getting out and about, which was impossible before.

Especially since you're feeling that you might be having bladder control issues, I'd definitely get a 2nd opinion. That can be a medical emergency. I forget what they call it, but it's serious. You've got to find someone who will take a true interest in helping you here.

Please keep us posted - we do care!

Debbie

I did have an MRI and thats how we found this in the first place. The guy I saw was a neurosurgeon. I currently am not on ANY pain meds for ANYTHING. And my doctors haven't suggested any. The neurosurgeon I saw never even asked how much pain  Iwas in. I was really dissappointed with the visit so I am looking to get a second opinion.

Not that I want to be on any kind of drug but just wish I had something for when the pain is unbearable to help ease it. Instead of being bed ridden for a day or two at a time. But do I ask the doctor for some pain pills? Should I ask my primary or a specialist? I have stressed to my primary that with the fibro and back problems and hemroids that If its not one thing its the other.

I really try to avoid any over or extra use. My boyfriend is wonderful, he pretty much does everthing that involves lifting a finger. It helps except for that I feel useless all the time, and when I am at work I have to make due.

Thanks for all the feedback, it does help to just here different and similar situations.

Loss of bladder or bowel function with low back pain is called cauda equina syndrome and is very serious. If not taken care of, it can cause permanent damage and you could be incontinent the rest of your life.

Well I spoke to my GP about my visit to the neurosurgeon and is referring me to a different medical group and new doctor to get a second opinion. I also asked about just some kind of pain reliever stronger than IB profen and tylenol. She finally agreed to a small script of hydrocodene. Which is fine with me. Just to have a couple in the house when it becomes unbearable. I also stressed the loss of bladder to her. She is great but too bad she is just my GP and not every kind of doctor I need haha.

I am just so worried. I am only 21 and already can barely handle everyday things on my own. If it wasn't for my boyfriend I think Id quit my job and move back to my parents house and beg them to take care of me.

Trying to stay positive until I get some kind of treatment or better insight from a doc. It just so easy to see any normalcy in my life suddenly dissappearing.

My L4/L5 is also ruptured. Over the course of my life I have really been disabled by it. The 2 things that have helped me most were acupuncture and water aerobics.

With a flareup, water walking, not aerobics.

I'm sorry you're in pain and I hope you find help very soon.