Re: I need help please! 2 MRI's, something isn't right...
No problem - hope you're feeling better soon.
There IS an alternative to another operation if the pain radiates from lumbar nerve roots. Pain management can help with most sources using feedback, meditation, and the like, but using nerve stimulation can help significantly. Electrodes are placed next to the nerve in question and given an electrical current. This fools the nerve into thinking the pain is actually something else. The intensity of the impulse is supposed to be the same, but it becomes more of a tingle than pain. The procedure has a decent success rate, but may or may not deal with all the pain. Thi is an option after surgical options are pretty much ruled out.
Re: I need help please! 2 MRI's, something isn't right...
I think it is important to first get an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a treatment option. I would not want to have a neurostimulator implanted if there was a surgery that might resolve the issues. Spinal cord stimulators used to be considered a "last resort" reserved when all other options had been tried and failed. SCS seems to be used more often now. I suppose that is due to the increase in numbers in the pain management specialty.
It is not without significant risks...but obviously is a wonderful option if there are no other choices for nerve pain relief.
I just wanted to mention that a radiology report almost cost me the opportunity to have my recent fusion surgery. I had a positional MRI at a private facility. The radiology report was obviously inaccurate, and probably was not even connected to my actual MRI. For example, it stated there was no sign of any disc herniation at L4-5 when in reality I do not have a disc at L4-5. I had it removed and a cage was placed to hold the space in 2008.
When the insurance company requested records prior to approving my surgery, the surgeon's secretary sent along this report as it was in my file, even though the doctor knew it to be incorrect. He didn't realize it had ended up in my file. The insurance company took one look at it and sited it as proof that my surgery was not "medically necessary," and they denied it.
I eventually got it straightened out, but it ended up postponing my surgery by three months, and I never got a response from that MRI facility!!
Re: I need help please! 2 MRI's, something isn't right...
Wow that is terrible, I have had a cervcial fusion ,you are in a lot of pain, it is scary to think that someone could screw up something like that all the while there is more damage going on. I did have the electrodes next to the nerve that jazzdaddy spoke of , I was diagnosed before the doctor ordered it , sad to say it didnot worrk for me Hope it all works out for you
