relapse..any info appreciated - Back Problems Message Board

deb53 · 10-05-2007, 07:13 PM

update..work related injury June 2...L5-S1 herniation and piece of disc broken off and "free floating..laminectomy June 25 because of nerve pain, decreased reflexes, foot drop and weakness of right leg...improved for 4-5 weeks, then worse..MRI shows scar tissue..EMG shows permanent nerve damage...started Lyrica with some relief...ESI a little over 2 weeks ago with some relief after 4 days....felt much better until this afternoon when I laid on the sofa for a short nap..when I got up my back was hurting with increased nerve pain down the leg into the foot again. Has anyone else had this happen where you feel pretty good and all of a sudden have a relapse? I am scheduled for another ESI on Oct. 17th. I am still in PT. I saw the doc today (before the pain returned) and I am still on 4 hours of sedentary work. Is it possible I have re-herniated the disc somehow? Should I ask for another MRI or just wait it out and have the injection? I am very frustrated since I was starting to feel so much better. My daughter is getting married next week-end and I was so excited to think I might feel good for that, now this!! Any input is appreciated. Everyone have a nice week-end.

ms_west · 10-05-2007, 09:16 PM

Ughhhhhhhhhh.....I can't imagine how frustrated you are especially with that wedding coming up. I am praying for you and will continue to pray that you will be okay for next week for your daughters wedding.

I would take this weekend - like you have time for this with a wedding - and to nothing but nurse that back around the clock and hopefully it will settle down. If it doesn't I would definitely call your surgeon back first thing Monday or sooner if the pain becomes worse or unmanageable.

Take care and keep us posted. Congratulations on your daughters wedding and I pray that she has many years of happiness.

carol632 · 10-06-2007, 12:30 PM

Much as I hate to say this...yes, it's possible that you have a re-herniation. I think you should call your surgeon, explain what is happening, and ask to schedule another MRI.

I re-herniated at L5-S1 the day after a laminectomy! It can, and does happen more frequently than you would imagine. I sincerely hope I am wrong, but it should be checked out.

I hope that some rest will allow you to feel better on your daughters wedding day. Best wishes to her and her groom.

Carol

Moldova · 10-06-2007, 12:49 PM

Deb,
first of all - congradulation on your daughter's marriage, this is a happy news, is in it?
Second of all, I am so sorry about your pain...
Yes, replase is possible. I'm having them pretty often; interesting thing is that sometimes I do too much (for my situation) and I can handle it better than other days when I don't do much but pain elevates to a very high levels.

Try to rest before the wedding. I know how much work this is, but still: if you will be in a lot of pain you will miss the happiest day in your daugther's lifes. And you don't want this to happen.
Best of luck to you, hope tomorrow will bring you a better day...

deb53 · 10-08-2007, 02:59 PM

Thanks so much for the best wishes and info. I feel so much a part of the lives of all the 'regulars' on this board. It is such a support to me to be able to vent and follow all the info.
I did take it very easy this weekend and I'm feeling somewhat better. As usual ice has been my best friend.

I went to PT today and she worked on some of my muscles that are somewhat atrophied and locked up due to lack of use because I've "protected" that right side for so long. I'm having my 2nd ESI next week...I'm a little nervous after reading all the negative posts about injections and myleograms.

I leave for Blacksburg tomorrow for the wedding (about 3 1/2 hours). I've got the ice pack freezing and pain meds packed. I'll stop every 45 mins or so and make a lap around the car. I told my daughter I'll be the armchair coordinator and supervisor!
Thanks again for all the well wishes. I hope everyone has a relatively pain free week!