Memer

Hi br,

Got my MRI and films yesterday. I don't see any bulge or herniation. The films aren't so good, but I think that's because I have this little cold with an uncontrollable cough when I lie down. I really tried not to cough, but I did. The tech said that was okay. My neck MRI films looked picture perfect, except for the 2 herniations. It's hard to tell anything on these LS films, but I really don't think there's a disk problem. I'll find out when I go back to see the NS.

We're close in age. You said that your problem is your thigh and knee, and that's where my numbness is, too. Like I said, that wasn't there until after surgery. I couldn't stand up straight for a while after surgery because if I did I would get shooting pains down my legs (mostly the left). Even keeping them bent I had a lot of pain. I looked like an old woman when I walked. It really scared me because I thought it was caused by the neck surgery. NS said absolutely not. My left leg is getting better. There is just numbness now and mild pain. I walk normally. I can't feel an ice cube on the areas of numbness, and it feels like leather when I shave. I now have a lot of pain in my low back, but I can deal with all of this. Everything is relative.

What symptoms do you still have now that you are about 3-1/2 months out (I think you said your surgery was the end of Jan)? Do you feel better than before surgery yet? Have they told you that you are more likely to herniate the disk(s) above and below the fusions? If I remember correctly, your surgery was basically the same as mine and the same levels.



[This message has been edited by Memer (edited 08-04-2003).]