I'm new here! :)
I have a protrusion at T12 L1. I have been having a bear of a time with sleeping. I lay on my back and it feels like my ribs are in a vise grip. Same with laying on my sides. Not too keen on laying on my tummy either! Anybody else out there experiencing this??
I am waiting to see another neurosurgeon about what to do.(Surgery...?)I know they originally suggested a shot in the back with cortizone and steroids. I am not going through with it at this point until I get a second opinion. The first neuro that I saw scared me. He said that if the protrusion ruptured I'd be paralyzed. Needless to say, it scared the heck out of me. He was so vague about everything else in the appointment I'm not sure how serious this really is. (I am not on light duty, no weight restrictions etc.)

I am so very much done with the lack of sleep. I'm tired of being in constant pain.

Looking forward to hearing from anyone!:)

Welcome to the boards. I am sorry that you are suffering so much with pain. I doint have experience with exactly what you are talking about, but I have been deeling with back problems for several years now. For me, and many others, the insurance requires you to try the conservative treatments such as the injections/blocks and physical therapy before any type of surgery. It's for the right reason...surgery can end up being a lifetime of other issues. You'd really want to try the less invasive therapies before deciding to go for surgery.

You will find a wealth of information here on the boards as well as a great place to get support.

Keep us posted on your situation,
Lorie:angel:

Thanks for responding lfoster21. I am just starting this whole process of doctor's visits. At least for the back issues. This all started to manifest itself as a side ache. Very bizarre. I had exploratory surgery trying to find out why my side hurt and why I had this sensation of being kicked in the kidney. After the exploratory showed nothing out of the ordinary I got over the top excrutiating pain. My back hurts 24/7 anyway, but this is ridiculous! I had the mri done. I also have stenosis at c3/4, 4/5 and 5/6. The first doctor I saw mentioned it off handedly. I read some about it and it doesn't sound good and yet the doctor was so nonchalant about it. I am making a list of questions to ask the new neuro... Hopefully this next appointment will yeild more info.
I just don't get insurance sometimes. If I had a broken arm, they wouldn't fix it by giving a pain management shot and a box of bandaids. They'd set the bone and put a cast on it! If I had cancer they wouldn't prescribe pain meds and physical therapy...they'd treat the disease!
Therapy and shots don't get rid of protrusions...I have this fear that in the years to come, I'll be pain free and then fall over because this protrusion wasn't dealt with and it ruptures.

I am just scared...thank you for letting me vent for a few minutes:)

Hi and Welcome Ginabean, I believe you posted on my thread about the badder issues. I also have disc issue at the T12/L1 level. The only difference is my disc is not protruding, it is herniated, or blown out, as I have fragments from it pressing on the spinal cord as well, as shown on my MRI. I never suspected disc problem either. I went to the emergency room because of a reduced bladder sensation and difficulty with urination. They did the MRI and told me I had a large herniation at T12/L1 level, and I have no idea how it happened since I didn't fall, have an accident, lift anything heavy for my job as I work in an office setting. I am scheduled for a fusion Oct 4th and although I am nervous and I know recovery will be tough, I am so looking forward to feeling better after dealing with this 10 months. I want to be done with it. I am so sorry you are in such discomfort. Dealing with insurance issues on top of the constant pain can be such a strain. Now that you are begining to start the process of seeing back/spine doctors, many of your questions, concerns, and options will be answered. Second opinions are always wise and often encouraged by insurance companies, and there is a wealth of information and research you can do yourself right on your computer, and like lfoster said, right on this site. These will all help you in making an informed treatment choice that's right for you. The very best of luck to you. Please keep us posted.

I hope you feel better soon.

Lisa

HI Ginabean,
Welcome to the boards! I'm sure if you read enough on here you will be having the dr.'s ask you stuff, lol. I'm sorry you have to be here but if your gotta be anywhere with back problems this seems to be THE place.

I understand about the docs being nonchalant about things, get at least a second opinion and even a third won't hurt any. I have had 4 surgeries since 10/03, I have had two failed fusions, and the last two so far are working but very slow to grow. PLEASE dont' do surgery first if you can help it. many do very well with the more passive treatment. I know you see alot on here with surgery all the time, but I assure you we are a very few compared to the thousands that have successful treatments without surgery.

I have seen several people with bulging discs get better without surgery, it takes a lil longer but it is so much easier. My spine dr. told me point blank, if I have surgery I will never be like I was. I'm assuming your protrusion is a bulging disc, there is proof positive that a bulging disc can heal if left alone, your body will correct itself.

I do hope you find answers and more importantly find relief soon from your pain, I have had pain for more than 4 yrs everyday, I do truely know how you feel. I will be praying for you, please keep us posted.

God Bless

Carol

Thanks for all the responses! I also wish I wasn't here...not that I don't enjoy the company;)

I fell down. I knew I injured myself when it happened. Fell about 5 feet and landed on my tailbone on a boulder. I lost my eyesight for about 2 or three minutes as it felt like I was losing conscienceness. I ended up with a neck and headache that lasted four months.
It's been over six years. My back has hurt everyday. I guess this is something that I've just taken to be 'normal'.
What's strange is that when I've gone to the dr.s office I have stated, 'my back hurts.' They(doctors) automatically assume that its the lower back and that's where they focus on. My way of thinking is that If my lower back hurts, I'll tell ya! :) I am slowly learning that you have to be very specific.
Sarri3 I can't even begin to imagine the pain you are in! Good Grief! Here I am all crying like a school girl and I really don't have it that bad! I hope that your surgery goes well. That recovery goes quickly and that you get back to normal soon!:)